Ohiopyle State Park Travel Guide
Facts and practical information
Nestled in the heart of the Laurel Highlands, Ohiopyle State Park is a nature lover's paradise. With over 20,000 acres of rugged natural beauty, this park offers a wide range of outdoor activities and stunning scenery. The focal point of the park is the Youghiogheny River, which provides opportunities for whitewater rafting, kayaking, and fishing. The rushing waters also create picturesque waterfalls, including the iconic Ohiopyle Falls, which are a must-see for visitors.
For those looking to explore the park on foot, Ohiopyle offers an extensive network of hiking trails that wind through the lush forests and take hikers to breathtaking overlooks. The Great Allegheny Passage, a 150-mile long trail that stretches from Pittsburgh to Cumberland, Maryland, also passes through the park, making it a popular destination for cyclists and long-distance hikers.
In addition to its outdoor recreational opportunities, Ohiopyle State Park is also home to a diverse array of wildlife, including black bears, bald eagles, and wild turkeys. Birdwatchers will delight in the chance to spot some of these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
For those seeking a more leisurely experience, the park offers picnic areas and scenic spots for enjoying a relaxing day surrounded by nature. The nearby town of Ohiopyle also provides charming shops and restaurants for visitors to explore.
Ohiopyle State Park Attractions - What to See and Explore
Ohiopyle State Park offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Sugarloaf Knob. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.
Best Time To Visit Ohiopyle State Park
Learn when is the best time to travel to Ohiopyle State Park weather-wise and what to expect in each season.
Best Ways to Experience the Park
Wildlife
AnimalsSee what popular animal species you can meet in this location.
American black bear
The American black bear is a captivating and extensively dispersed bear species native to North America. As the smallest bear on the continent, these medium-sized omnivores adapt their diet based on seasonal availability and geographical location.
Mammals
White-tailed deer
The white-tailed deer, often referred to as the whitetail or Virginia deer, is a medium-sized species endemic to North America, Central America, and parts of South America, including Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. This adaptable species has also been introduced...
Mammals
Wild turkey
The wild turkey is a captivating bird native to North America, holding the distinction of being the heaviest member of the Galliformes order. It is closely related to the domestic turkey, and its name likely originated from the British importing domesticated turkeys...
Birds
Woodchuck
The groundhog, also known as a woodchuck, is a captivating member of the Sciuridae family. First documented by Carl Linnaeus in 1758, these creatures are also referred to as chuck, wood-shock, groundpig, whistlepig, and more.
Mammals
Eastern gray squirrel
The eastern gray squirrel, often referred to as the grey squirrel, is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America and a member of the genus Sciurus. It's renowned for its role in the regeneration of natural forests in its indigenous region.
Mammals
Pennsylvania