Located on the southern reaches of the Laurel Ridge, Ohiopyle State Park encompasses approximately 20,500 acres of rugged natural beauty and serves as the gateway to the Laurel Highlands. Close to major metropolitan areas and offering vast choices of activities, Ohiopyle State Park attracts millions of visitors annually.
Passing through the heart of the park, the rushing waters of the Youghiogheny [yawki-gay-nee] River Gorge are the centerpiece for Ohiopyle. The “Yough” [yawk] provides some of the best whitewater boating in the eastern United States, as well as spectacular scenery.
Ohiopyle is the southern gateway into the Laurel Highlands and represents the beautiful natural resources and unique sense of community that visitors can find throughout the region.
Hiking at Ohiopyle State Park
79 miles of trails
The hiking trails at Ohiopyle showcase the spectacular scenery of the Laurel Highlands. There is a wide variety of hiking trails from short day hikes to challenging backpacking.
Always bring a map and water and wear sturdy shoes when hiking.
Baughman Trail
3.4 miles, red blazes, most difficult hiking
This trail has trailheads at the back of the Middle Yough Take-out Parking Area adjacent to the Train Station/Visitor Center in downtown Ohiopyle and at the Mountain Biking Trail parking lot. This steep, rocky trail passes Baughman Rock, a spectacular overlook of the Youghiogheny River Gorge.
Beech Trail
2.7 miles total, white blazes, more difficult hiking
The Beech Loop begins at the Kentuck Campground Amphitheater and connects to the Beech Trail and Sproul Trail. The 2.1-mile Beech Trail passes through a forest of towering American beech trees and leads to the Great Gorge Trail.
Great Gorge Trail
2.6 miles, green blazes, more difficult hiking
This trail begins at the Cucumber Picnic Area and crosses several bridges and roads. The trail follows Cucumber Run and passes an area known for its spring wildflowers. The next trail section follows an old tramway used to transport coal to the railroad.
A spur of this trail leads up a steep incline to the Kentuck Campground.
Jonathan Run Trail
1.7 miles, blue blazes, easiest hiking
The trailhead is along the Holland Hill Road. The trail crisscrosses Jonathan Run and passes by small waterfalls, including Jonathan Run Falls. The trail connects to the Great Allegheny Passage.
Kentuck Trail
2.5 miles, pink blazes, more difficult hiking
This series of trails begins at the Tharp Knob Picnic Area. A short, one-mile loop includes the Tharp Knob Overlook. The trail continues to the Kentuck Campground contact station, briefly follows the road, then descends to meet Jonathan Run Trail.
McCune Trail
3.5 miles, purple blazes, more difficult hiking
This trail passes through various habitats and by evidence of the McCune Farm. Hikers can see an old spring house and pond as remnants of this working farm. The trail runs along the highest ridge in the park.
Meadow Run Trail
3 miles, yellow blazes, easiest hiking
There are trailheads near the ranger station, at the waterslides on SR 2011 and at Cucumber Falls on SR 2019. From the waterslides parking lot, take the left trail under the SR 381 bridge for 0.7 mile to Cucumber Falls. Take the trail to the right, which leads to a loop trail and the Cascades.
This trail is intersected by a path leading to the SR 2011 trailhead.
Old Mitchell Trail Loop
2.9 miles, red blazes, more difficult hiking
This loop trail begins at the Old Mitchell Place Parking Area in the west side of the park. The trail meanders through a variety of habitats including forest and meadow and is excellent for birding in the spring.
A connector trail splits off at the back of the loop connecting to the Great Allegheny Passage.
Pressley Ridge Trail
5.5 miles, orange blazes, more difficult hiking
A continuation of the Sugarloaf Trail System, this trail follows the ridge line, providing several loop options. A small connector trail leads to Lytle Road.
Sproul Trails
3.7 miles, purple blazes, easiest hiking
These five interconnecting loops are just north of the Kentuck Campground, near the second overflow parking area outside of the campground.
Sugarloaf Trail System
10.4 miles, orange blazes, most difficult hiking
This hiking, biking, and snowmobiling trail begins near the Train Station/Visitor Center. The trailhead is at the back of the Middle Youghiogheny Take-out Parking Area, to the right of the Great Allegheny Passage. The trail climbs 800 feet in elevation in two steep sections.
The trail connects to the main bike trail area near Sugarloaf Knob.
Sugar Run Trail
1.6 miles, orange blazes, more difficult hiking
This trail connects Old Mitchell Trail to Jonathan Run Trail.
Campground Connector
0.5 mile, unblazed, more difficult hiking
This emergency access road begins off the Great Allegheny Passage paralleling Beech Trail and then uphill to connect with the back of Fir Road in the campground.
Bicyclists traveling between the campground and the Great Allegheny Passage should walk their bicycles up and down this hill due to the steep grade.
Ferncliff Peninsula Trails
All trails have black blazes.
Ferncliff Trail
1.7 miles, easiest hiking
All other Ferncliff Peninsula trails branch off of this loop trail which circles the peninsula. The trailhead is near the Ferncliff Parking Lot.
Buffalo Nut Trail
0.1 mile, easiest hiking
This short trail is the first branch off of Ferncliff Trail and is a shortcut to Oakwoods Trail.
Fernwood Trail
0.5 mile, easiest hiking
This trail features beautiful ferns and the remnants of the old Ferncliff Hotel.
Oakwoods Trail
0.5 mile, easiest hiking
This trail passes through a mature hardwood forest.
Youghiogheny River Trail
27 miles, easiest hiking
The Yougiogheny River Trail is a portion of the Great Allegheny PassageOpens In A New Window which connects Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Cumberland, Maryland. The flat, crushed limestone trail was once the rail bed for the Western Maryland Railroad.
This activity or structure is ADA accessible. This trail is suitable for all ages and is ADA accessible.
The trail is excellent for hiking, jogging, and cross-country skiing, and can be used to combine a bike ride or hike with some excellent wilderness trout fishing or hunting.
All motorized vehicles and equestrians are prohibited.
From the Ramcat Launch Area and Trailhead Parking Area on the east side of the park, the trail descends at a one percent downhill grade to the Train Station/Visitor Center parking lot in the town of Ohiopyle.
From the Train Station/Visitor Center in the town of Ohiopyle, the 17 miles of trail crosses the river twice and descends at a three percent grade to Connellsville. Parking is available in Connellsville in lots on Third Street and in the Yough River Park.
Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail
The Youghiogheny River Trail is a segment of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic TrailOpens In A New Window. An enterprise of many partners, the evolving trail network celebrates the heritage of the Potomac and upper Ohio river basins and offers opportunities for hiking, bicycling, boating, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing.
National Park Service Passport Stamps for the trail are available at the Laurel Ridge State Park Office and at the visitor center in Ohiopyle.
Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail
Ohiopyle serves as the southern terminus for the 70-mile Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail. This trail traverses the Laurel Ridge from Ohiopyle to the northern end near Johnstown.
The trail is open for year-round hiking and backpacking. An overnight shelter area is located every eight to 10 miles along the trail.
The portion of the trail within Ohiopyle State Park is 6.3 miles of very strenuous and rocky hiking. Hikers are rewarded for their effort as they pass beautiful overlooks and creeks on this section.
Reservations for backpack camping are required. Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance by calling 888-PA-PARKS or online. Same day reservation can be made by contacting the Laurel Hill State Park office at 724-455-3744.
Picnicking at Ohiopyle State Park
This activity or structure is ADA accessible.
Both picnic areas in the park provide:
Picnic tables
Grills
Vault restrooms
Charcoal disposal areas
The secluded Cucumber Run Picnic Area is adjacent to Cucumber Run, a beautiful creek lined with rhododendron bushes and large trees. The scenic Great Gorge Trail begins in this picnic area. Two pavilions are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Tharp Knob Picnic Area is adjacent to the Tharp Knob Overlook that provides a panoramic view of the Youghiogheny River Gorge and the town of Ohiopyle. The picnic area has a large ball field, volleyball court, playground, and two pavilions available for reservation up to 11 months in advance for a fee.
Tharp Knob Picnic Area has access to the Kentuck Trail.
Stay the Night at Ohiopyle State Park
Camping
flush toilets, warm showers, some electric hook-ups
Kentuck Campground has about 200 campsites and is open from April to mid-December.
The campground has 27 walk-in sites that require a short hike from the vehicle to the campsite.
Kentuck Campground also has three sites with walled tents and three multi-sites.
All campsites have:
Picnic table
Fire ring
Parking space
Many campsites have electric hookups.
The campground has a sanitary dumping station and shower houses.
Advance reservations are required to ensure campsite availability.
Wildlife Watching at Ohiopyle State Park
Ohiopyle State Park is a designated Important Mammal Area as well as an Important Bird Area. Visitors to Ohiopyle may be lucky enough to see:
White-tailed deer
Black bear
Bobcats
Fishers
River otters
Ohiopyle is excellent for bird watching, with a variety of habitats. Visitors can hear the eastern towhee call “drink your tea” in the summer or spot the brilliant red flash of a northern cardinal. The Youghiogheny River provides habitat perfect for water-loving birds such as:
Osprey
Mergansers
Kingfishers
Occasional bald eagle
Visitors should also be on the lookout for a variety of snakes including copperheads and timber rattlesnakes.
Whitewater Boating at Ohiopyle State Park
The Youghiogheny River has exciting whitewater boating for all experience levels. Only sturdily constructed rafts, kayaks, and closed-deck canoes intended for whitewater use may be used in the river. River levels can change the difficulty of rapids. Check at the launch area or contact the park office for current water levels.
The famous Lower Yough begins after the Ohiopyle Falls and flows seven miles downstream to the Bruner Run Take-out. This is the busiest section of whitewater east of the Mississippi River.
The numerous class III and IV rapids make for exciting rafting that should only be attempted by experienced whitewater boaters.
Inexperienced whitewater boaters should run this section of the river on a guided raft trip with an authorized concessionaire.
The natural river environment contains undercut rocks, ledges, and swift currents.
All whitewater boaters on the Youghiogheny must learn to recognize natural dangers and understand that injury and death are a possibility when boating the Lower Youghiogheny.
The Middle Yough begins at the Ramcat Put-in near Confluence and ends near the town of Ohiopyle. This section contains class I and II rapids and is ideal for beginning whitewater kayakers or experienced canoeists. Families often raft this section because it provides thrilling rapids at normal river levels.
Fishing at Ohiopyle State Park
The Youghiogheny River provides good wilderness trout fishing.
In cooperation with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, fingerling trout are stocked throughout the entire section of river within the park.
An all-tackle trophy trout program exists on a nine-mile section of the river from Ramcat downstream to the PA 381 bridge in Ohiopyle.
Meadow Run also provides fine trout fishing for anglers who prefer smaller stream fishing.
A 2.2-mile section of Meadow Run, from Dinnerbell Road downstream to the mouth of the river, is designated for delayed harvest, artificial lures only.
Hunting at Ohiopyle State Park
During established seasons, more than 18,000 acres are open to:
Hunting
Trapping
Training of dogs
Loaded firearms are prohibited within 50 feet of the Great Allegheny Passage.
Common game species are:
Deer
Turkey
Grouse
Rabbit
Squirrel
Small game
Hunting woodchucks, also known as groundhogs, is prohibited. Dog training is only permitted from the day following Labor Day through March 31 in designated hunting areas.
DCNR and the Pennsylvania Game Commission rules and regulations apply. Complete information about hunting rules and regulations in Pennsylvania is available from the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
This activity or structure is ADA accessible. Contact the park office for ADA accessible hunting information.
Adjacent state game lands 51 and 111 provide additional hunting and recreational opportunities.
Firearms Safety
Use extreme caution with firearms at all times. Other visitors use the park during hunting seasons.
Firearms and archery equipment used for hunting may be uncased and ready for use only in authorized hunting areas during hunting seasons.
In areas not open to hunting or during non-hunting seasons, firearms and archery equipment shall be kept in the owner's vehicle or enclosed trailer. Exceptions include law enforcement officers and individuals with a valid Pennsylvania License to Carry Firearms are authorized to carry a firearm concealed on their person while they are within a state park.
Biking at Ohiopyle State Park
27 miles of trails
The Yougiogheny River Trail is a portion of the Great Allegheny Passage which connects Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Cumberland, Maryland. The flat, crushed limestone trail was once the rail bed for the Western Maryland Railroad.
This activity or structure is ADA accessible. This trail is suitable for all ages and is ADA accessible.
Rental bicycles are available.
The trail is excellent for hiking, jogging, and cross-country skiing, and can be used to combine a bike ride or hike with some excellent wilderness trout fishing or hunting.
All motorized vehicles and equestrians are prohibited.
From the Ramcat Launch Area and Trailhead Parking Area on the east side of the park, the trail descends at a one percent downhill grade to the Train Station/Visitor Center parking lot in the town of Ohiopyle.
From the Train Station/Visitor Center in the town of Ohiopyle, the 17 miles of trail crosses the river twice and descends at a three percent grade to Connellsville. Parking is available in Connellsville in lots on Third Street and in the Yough River Park.
For bike riders who wish to camp, the trail connecting the Great Allegheny Passage to the Ohiopyle State Park Kentuck Campground is 0.43 miles in length (2249 ft) and has a change in elevation of roughly 300 feet.
Trail users should walk their bikes while on the connector trail. Bikers should avoid using the roadways to get to the campground. Take the marked side trail just north of Ohiopyle High Bridge near mile post 73 at GPS DD Lat. 39.875 Long. -79.4926.
Bikers should continue through the campground to the contact station for registration.
Mountain Biking at Ohiopyle State Park
25.2 miles of trails
Trails currently open to mountain biking are:
Sugarloaf Trail System
Pressley Ridge Trail
McCune Trail
Baughman Trail
Jonathan Run Trail
Sugar Run Trail
These trails are shared with other users. Bikers are urged to use proper trail etiquette.
Horseback Riding at Ohiopyle State Park
11.6 miles of trails
Sections of the Sugarloaf Trail System, as well as the Pressley Ridge Trail, are open to horseback riding. There is a designated horse trailer parking area located on Grover Road that has a fenced paddock and nearby water.
These are shared-use trails. Please use caution when riding.
Rock Climbing at Ohiopyle State Park
Numerous climbing opportunities exist in Ohiopyle State Park. Meadow Run Climbing Area, Bruner Run Climbing Area, and a series of four walls along the Lower Youghiogheny section of the Great Allegheny Passage have a combination of top-roping and sport routes for climbers of all abilities.
The short entrance trails leading to the rock faces are blazed in blue.
Inexperienced climbers should consider a guided trip with one of the outfitters in Ohiopyle.
Sledding at Ohiopyle State Park
A hill is maintained for sledding in the Sugarloaf Snowmobile and Mountain Bike Area, adjacent to the parking area.
Ohiopyle State Park is exceptionally beautiful during the winter, and offers many winter activities. Be sure to dress appropriately for the weather and to follow all trail signs and markings to have a safe and enjoyable experience.
Cross-country Skiing at Ohiopyle State Park
There are 33.9 miles of trails recommended for cross-country skiing.
The Sproul Trails and a section of Kentuck Trail were created for cross-country skiing.
With deep snowfall, the Great Allegheny Passage also is good for cross-country skiing.
Ohiopyle State Park is exceptionally beautiful during the winter, and offers many winter activities. Be sure to dress appropriately for the weather and to follow all trail signs and markings to have a safe and enjoyable experience.
Snowmobiling at Ohiopyle State Park
The 15.9 miles of the Sugarloaf Trail System and Pressley Ridge Trail are open to snowmobiles.
The Sugarloaf snowmobile area has a parking area with an unloading ramp.
Ohiopyle State Park is exceptionally beautiful during the winter, and offers many winter activities. Be sure to dress appropriately for the weather and to follow all trail signs and markings to have a safe and enjoyable experience.
