Cucumber Falls: The Instagram Stop vs. The Actual Hike

Quick Facts

• Distance: 0.2 miles (Instagram stop) or 2.8 miles (Great Gorge Loop)
• Difficulty: Easy (stairs) or Moderate (loop)
• Falls Height: 30 feet (plunge waterfall)
• Unique Feature: Walk behind the waterfall
• Parking: Small lot (nightmare) or Cucumber Run Picnic Area (backup)
• Best For: Photographers, families, and hikers wanting a loop

Cucumber Falls has a parking lot that holds maybe 15 cars. On summer weekends, it’s full by 9 AM. Most people do the 0.2-mile stairs down, take a photo, and leave. But if you park at the Cucumber Run Picnic Area and do the Great Gorge Trail loop (2.8 miles), you’ll see the falls, walk behind the waterfall, and hit the Youghiogheny River - all without the parking chaos. This is how to do both.

Located in Ohiopyle State Park, Cucumber Falls is one of the most photographed waterfalls in Western Pennsylvania. For current trail conditions and user reviews, check AllTrails.

The Two Routes (Instagram Stop vs. Actual Hike)

Route 1: The Instagram Stop (0.2 miles)

• Distance: 0.2 miles round-trip.
• Time: 15-20 minutes.
• Route: Parking lot → stairs down → falls overlook → walk behind falls → river edge → return.
• Crowds: Packed on weekends.
• Accessibility: Upper viewing area is accessible with guardrails. Stairs to base are steep and slippery.
• Verdict: Perfect for a quick photo op or if you’re mobility-limited. Not much of a hike.

Route 2: The Great Gorge Trail Loop (2.8 miles)

• Distance: 2.8 miles.
• Time: 1.5-2 hours.
• Route: Cucumber Run Picnic Area → Great Gorge Trail → Cucumber Falls → river edge → return via GAP connector.
• Highlights: Quieter trail, multiple small cascades on Cucumber Run, Youghiogheny River views.
• Verdict: This is the actual hike. You see the falls, walk behind them, and explore the gorge without the parking lot chaos.

The Falls (What to Expect)

The Waterfall

It’s a classic bridal veil-style plunge, dropping 30 feet over a sandstone ledge. The coolest feature? You can walk behind the water curtain. There’s a natural rock alcove that lets you stand directly behind the falls.

Cucumber Falls - 30 feet of plunge waterfall

⚠️ Warning: The rocks behind the falls are constantly wet and slimy. Watch your footing.

River Access

The trail continues past the falls for another 100 yards to the edge of the Youghiogheny River. It’s a great spot to skip stones, cool off, or get a photo of the rapids.

Parking & Logistics (How to Avoid the Chaos)

Main Parking Lot (The Nightmare)

The main lot right at the trailhead holds about 15 cars. On a Saturday between 10 AM and 4 PM, your chances of getting a spot here are near zero. Traffic often backs up onto the main road as people wait for spots.

Backup Parking: Cucumber Run Picnic Area

Drive past the main lot entrance and look for the “Cucumber Run Picnic Area” sign on your left (up the hill). This lot is much larger and rarely fills up. From here, you can hike down to the falls via the Great Gorge Trail.

Directions from Ohiopyle: Travel south on Route 381 and turn right onto Kentuck Road (may be labeled as Ohiopyle Road on some GPS systems). Drive approximately 1/3 mile. The main parking lot will be on your right.

GPS Coordinates: 39.862901, -79.502533

Expert Move: Hike In

Park at the Ohiopyle State Park Visitor Center or Ferncliff Natural Area lot. Hike the Great Gorge Trail or GAP to Cucumber Falls (~2 miles one way). It’s scenic, flat(ish), and you avoid the parking stress entirely.

Photography Tips (How to Get the Shot)

Best Time of Day

• Overcast is Best: Bright sun blows out the white water and casts harsh shadows in the gorge. A cloudy day acts like a giant softbox.
• Golden Hour: If it’s sunny, go early morning or late afternoon.

Composition Ideas

• Classic: From the river bank looking back up at the falls.
• Creative: From behind the water curtain (bring a microfiber cloth for your lens - it will get wet).
• Top-Down: From the overlook. Good for documenting, but rarely the best artistic shot.

FAQ

How long does it take to see Cucumber Falls? 15-20 minutes for the photo stop. 1.5-2 hours if you hike the loop.

Can you walk behind the waterfall? Yes. Just be careful on the slippery rocks.

Where should I park? Avoid the main lot on weekends. Use the Cucumber Run Picnic Area across the road.

Is the trail dog-friendly? Yes, dogs are allowed on leash.

Is it safe to swim? Swimming is not allowed in the falls or the pool at the base (though people often wade). The Youghiogheny River nearby has dangerous currents - stick to designated areas.

Explore More

• Check out the full Ohiopyle State Park guide.
• Explore the Laurel Highlands region.
• Visit Meadow Run Natural Waterslides (another Ohiopyle classic).