Recreational Opportunities Stay the Night A Recreational Guide for Located primarily in Fayette County, The park is open from sunrise to sunset Adjacent state game lands 51 and 111 provide Camping: modern sites, some with electricity has washhouses with hot water and flush toilets, Ohiopyle State Park Ohiopyle State Park encompasses about ËBicycling: 27 miles of additional hunting and recreational opportunities. Kentuck Campground is open from the begin- four children’s play areas, and a 19,052 acres of rugged natural beauty and The has 27 miles of Hunting woodchucks, also known as groundhogs, is ning of March to late December. There are about sanitary dumping station. There are three platform serves as the gateway to the Laurel Mountains. trail in the park and is part of the Great Allegheny prohibited. Dog training is only permitted from the 200 campsites, 27 of which are walk-ins that have tents. These pre-pitched tents have electric hook- The focal point of the area is the more Passage that connects , and day following Labor Day through March 31 in more privacy but require a short hike from the ups, dining canopy, mattresses, picnic tables, and Cumberland, . The flat, crushed limestone than 14 miles of the Youghiogheny [yaw-ki- designated hunting areas. The Department of vehicle to the campsite. Many campsites have fire ring. trail was once the rail bed for the Western Maryland Conservation and Natural Resources and the Advance reservations are required to insure gay-nee] River Gorge that passes through the Railroad. This trail is suitable for all ages and Pennsylvania Game Commission rules and regula- electric hookups. All campsites have a picnic table, heart of the park. The “Yough” [yawk] accessible to people with disabilities. Rental bicycles tions apply. Contact the park office for accessible fire ring and parking space, and the campground campsite availability. Go online to provides some of the best boating are available. The trail is excellent for , jogging hunting information. www.visitPAparks.com or call toll-free 888-PA- in the Eastern U. S. as well as spectacular and cross-country skiing and can be used to com- Use extreme caution with firearms at all times. PARKS. scenery. bine a bike ride or hike with some excellent wilder- Other visitors use the park during hunting seasons. Camping Cottages: These rustic, wooden Surrounding Ohiopyle Falls is the Falls Day ness trout fishing or hunting. All motorized vehicles and Firearms and archery equipment may be uncased structures have electric lights and outlets, windows, Use Area, the central point for the casual equestrians are prohibited. and ready for use only in authorized hunting areas a screened porch and heater. A cottage sleeps five visitor. This area provides parking, modern From the Ramcat Launch Area and Trailhead during hunting seasons. In areas not open to people in a single bunk and a single/double bunk. restrooms, gift shop/snack bar, and overlook Parking Area in the east side of the park, the trail hunting or during non-hunting seasons, firearms Organized Group Tenting: Qualified adult and platforms with magnificent scenery. descends at a 1% downhill grade to the Train and archery equipment must be kept in the owner’s youth groups may use this area which is equipped Station/Visitor’s Center parking lot in the town of car, trailer or camp. with picnic tables, water and flush toilets. Groups Ohiopyle. Bikers/hikers can enjoy this 10-mile trail ËWaterslides: Directions Sit in the creek bed and ride the may use a 20-person area or multiple sites for larger section and watch canoers and rafters travel through water through two natural waterslides in Meadow From the West: From the PA Turnpike, take Exit gatherings. The area is open from May to mid- 91, Donegal. Turn left onto PA 31 east. Travel the class I and II rapids. Run. Parking is available adjacent to the SR 381 From the Train Station/Visitor’s Center parking bridge crossing Meadow Run. Follow the signs to December. Advance reservations are recom- about two miles, turn right onto PA 711 and PA mended. 381 south. Travel ten miles to Normalville, turn lot in the town of Ohiopyle, the 17 miles of trail Meadow Run Trail or follow the path at the back of crosses the river twice and descends at a 3% grade the parking lot. An ADA accessible observation left onto PA 381 south for 11 miles to Ohiopyle. Whitewater Boating From the East: From the PA Turnpike, take Exit to the western park border. Visitors can also park in deck is easily reached from the parking area. 110, Somerset. Take PA 281 south 25 miles to Ferncliff Peninsula Parking Area. Bikes are not Picnicking: Two picnic areas provide picnic tables, The Youghiogheny River has exciting whitewater available in the town of Ohiopyle. There is a fee to Confluence. Continue three miles up hill and at permitted on the trails of the Ferncliff Peninsula. grills, restrooms, charcoal disposal areas and boating for all experience levels. Only sturdily launch boats on weekends and holidays on the Department of Conservation Drop-in DCNR Along the trail are mile markers and posts with the reservable pavilions. The secluded Cucumber Run constructed rubber rafts, kayaks and closed-deck Lower Yough. During the week, boaters must sign- & Natural Resources the church, turn right onto Sugarloaf Road, SR Michael DiBerardinis, Secretary logo F. P. O. 2012. Continue nine miles to Ohiopyle. initials of the famous rapids in the river. There is Picnic Area is adjacent to Cucumber Run, a beautiful may be used in the river. River levels can in at the launch area. plentiful parking in the town of Connellsville in From the South (DC, MD, VA): Take I-270 creek lined with rhododendron bushes and large change the difficulty of rapids. Check at the launch Inexperienced boaters should not attempt the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania parking lots on Third Street and in the Edward G. Rendell, Governor north to Frederick, then I-70 west to Hancock, trees. The scenic Great Gorge Trail begins in this area or contact the park office for current water Youghiogheny River without qualified guides. Youghiogheny Riverfront Park. then Rt. 40 and I-68 through Cumberland. Take picnic area. Tharp Knob Picnic Area is adjacent to levels. Mountain Biking: Guided Trips: Outfitted trips are available from Exit 14 (Keysers Ridge) to Rt. 40 west to 13.2 miles of trails the Tharp Knob Overlook that provides a panoramic The famous Lower Yough begins after the The Sugarloaf Snowmobile and Mountain Bike view of the Youghiogheny River Gorge and the town Ohiopyle Falls and flows seven miles downstream licensed commercial outfitters that provide rafts, Farmington, PA. Turn right onto PA 381 north guides, all necessary safety equipment, and transpor- for eight miles to Ohiopyle. Area has 9.4 miles of mountain bike/equestrian of Ohiopyle. The picnic area has a large ball field, to the Take-out. This is the busiest trails. Sugarloaf Trail stretches 3.8 miles from the tation to and from the river. The following is a list From the South (WV): Take I-79 North to I-68 volleyball court, playground, two pavilions and access section of whitewater east of the . edge of the Sugarloaf Snowmobile and Mountain of licensed, commercial outfitters currently operat- east. Take Bruceton Mills Exit to Rt. 26 north. At to the Kentuck Trail and loop hiking trails. The numerous class III and IV rapids make for Bike Area to the Middle Take-out Parking Area in exciting rafting that should only be attempted by ing on the Youghiogheny River. Drop-in LOC the PA border it becomes PA 281 north. Turn left Winter Activities onto PA 40 west, to Farmington, turn right onto the town of Ohiopyle. experienced whitewater boaters. Inexperienced River Tours map F. P. O. Horseback Riding: PA 381 north to Ohiopyle. 9.4 miles of trails Ohiopyle State Park is exceptionally beautiful whitewater boaters should run this section of the P. O. Box 107, Ohiopyle, PA 15470 The Sugarloaf Snowmobile and Mountain Bike during the winter, and offers many winter activities. river on a guided raft trip with an authorized 800-4-RAFTIN (800-472-3846) Special Directions for Large RVs to Area has 9.4 miles of mountain bike/equestrian Be sure to dress appropriately for the weather and concessionaire. The natural river environment www.laurelhighlands.com trails. A separate parking area is off of Grover Road to follow all trail signs and markings to have a safe Kentuck Campground: SR 2019 is very steep. contains undercut rocks, ledges and swift currents. Ohiopyle Trading Post and has a fenced paddock and nearby water. and enjoyable experience. Large RVs should avoid this road and take PA All whitewater boaters on the Youghiogheny P. O. Box 94, Ohiopyle, PA 15470 Fishing: The Youghiogheny River provides good Snowmobiling: The 3.8 miles of Sugarloaf Trail 40 to SR 2010 (Chalk Hill-Ohiopyle Rd.) Follow must learn to recognize natural dangers and 888-OHIOPYLE (888-644-6795) For More Information Contact: wilderness trout fishing. In cooperation with the and the 9.4 miles of trails in the Sugarloaf Snow- it for eight miles to a stop sign. Go straight to understand that injury and death are a possibil- www.ohiopyletradingpost.com Ohiopyle State Park Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, fingerling mobile and Mountain Biking Area are available with the campground. A bridge just north of the park ity when boating the Lower Youghiogheny. P.O. Box 105 trout are stocked throughout the entire section of proper snow cover. The Sugarloaf snowmobile area The Middle Yough begins at the Ramcat Put-in White Water Adventurers on PA 381 has a maximum clearance of 12’ 7”. Ohiopyle, PA 15470-0105 river within the park. An all-tackle trophy trout has a parking area with an unloading ramp. near Confluence, and ends near the town of P. O. Box 31, Ohiopyle, PA 15470 724-329-8591 Access for People with Disabilities program exists on a 3.5-mile section of the river Cross-country Skiing: There are 33.9 miles of Ohiopyle. This section contains class I and II rapids 800-WWA-RAFT (800-992-7238) from Ramcat downstream to the SR 381 Bridge in trails. The Sproul Trails and a section of the and is ideal for beginning kayakers or experienced www.wwaraft.com e-mail: [email protected] ËThis symbol indicates facilities and activities Ohiopyle. Meadow Run also provides fine trout Kentuck Trail were created for cross-country skiing. canoers. Families often raft this section because it An Equal Opportunity Employer that are accessible. This publication text is avail- Wilderness Voyageurs fishing for anglers who prefer smaller stream With deep snowfall, the Youghiogheny River Trail is provides thrilling rapids at normal river levels. P. O. Box 97, Ohiopyle, PA 15470 able in alternative formats. fishing. A delayed harvest artificial lures only section good for cross-country skiing. Private Trips: Go online to www.visitPAparks.com If you need an accommodation to participate in 800-272-4141 is on a 2.2-mile section of Laurel Run from Sledding/Tobogganing: A hill is maintained for www.visitPAparks.com or call 888-PA-PARKS or www.wilderness-voyageurs.com Information and Reservations park activities due to a disability, please contact the Dinnerbell Road downstream to the mouth of the sledding in the Sugarloaf Snowmobile and Moun- the Ohiopyle State Park office at 724-329-8591 to Make online reservations at: Pennsylvania Bureau of State Parks: river. See the PA Fish and Boat Commission’s tain Bike Area, adjacent to the parking area. schedule a launch time. Equipment rentals are www.visitPApaks.com or call toll-free 888-PA- 888-PA-PARKS (voice) Summary of Fishing Regulations and Laws for more PARKS, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday, for 888-537-7294 (TTY) International Scale of River Difficulty Class II: Novice - Straightforward rapids with wide, around ledges is often required. Strong eddies and details on these special regulations areas. state park information and reservations. 711 (AT&T Relay Services) ËHunting and Firearms: Over 18,000 acres are The classes below are the American version of the clear channels which are evident without scouting. powerful current effects can occur. open to hunting, trapping and the training of dogs rating system used throughout the world. This system is Occasional maneuvering may be required, but rocks and Class IV: Advanced - Intense, powerful but predictable Nearby Attractions during established seasons. Common game species not exact. Rivers do not always fit easily into one medium-sized waves are easily missed by trained rapids requiring precise boat handling in turbulent For information on nearby attractions, contact: are deer, turkey, grouse, rabbit, squirrel and other category and there may be regional interpretations. This paddlers. water. May be large, unavoidable waves and holes or the Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau, 800-333- small game. Loaded firearms are not permitted information is from American Whitewater. Class III: Intermediate - Rapids with moderate, irregular constricted passages demanding fast maneuvers under Class I: pressure. Rapids require “must” moves above dangerous 5661, www.laurelhighlands.org. within 50’ of the Youghiogheny River Trail. Easy - Fast moving water with riffles and waves which may be difficult to avoid and which can small waves. Few obstructions, all obvious and easily swamp an open . Complex maneuvers in fast hazards. Self-rescue is difficult. 6000-mp-dcnr1/216 7/06 Printed on recycled paper Natural Treasures missed with little training. Self-rescue is easy. current and good boat control in tight passages or Ferncliff Peninsula National Natural Landmark The best viewing is from the observation deck in the History Reservations Created by a meander in the Youghiogheny River, Falls Day Use Area, in the heart of Ohiopyle. Make online reservations at: When Europeans first reached North America, the Pennsylvania and Virginia both claimed the territory and hotels in the area, and Ferncliff Peninsula had a board- this 100-acre peninsula is a unique habitat that contains Cucumber Falls: This 30-foot bridal veil waterfall on www.visitPAparks.com or call toll-free 888-PA- many rare and interesting plants. The northern-flowing Cucumber Run (pictured below) is easily reached from mysterious Monogahela People inhabited the Mississippi the dispute continued through the American Revolution walk, dance pavilion, bowling alley, walking paths, tennis PARKS, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday, for River and its tributaries, including the Youghiogheny and was not settled until 1784. courts, ball fields, fountains and the Ferncliff Hotel. Youghiogeny River picks up seeds in Maryland and Meadow Run Trail and has parking on SR 2019. state park information and reservations. West Virginia and deposits them at Ferncliff, north of River. For unknown reasons, this powerful tribe disap- Centered in Western Pennsylvania, the Whiskey The freedom afforded by the automobile was the end their usual growing range. The deep gorge is slightly peared just as Europeans arrived, leaving few traces Rebellion tested the resolve of the new United States. A of the resort. The buildings eventually were removed, warmer than the surrounding area, which allows these behind. Other tribes of American Indians migrated tax on whiskey was viewed as extreme and in 1794, allowing the forests to regrow. Foundations of these Environmental Education and southern refugees to survive. through the area as the increasing European population citizens attacked tax collectors. George Washington and buildings can still be seen in the Ferncliff Peninsula. Interpretation Recognized for its botanical diversity for over a pushed them out of their lands. The name Ohiopyle is 15,000 militiamen marched through the Ohiopyle area to Recognizing the natural beauty of the area, the Western The park offers a wide variety of environmental century, in 1973 the 100-acre peninsula was declared a believed to be derived from the American Indian word put down the revolt. Pennsylvania Conservancy purchased much of the education and interpretive programs. Through hands- National Natural Landmark. “ohiopehhla” which means “white, frothy water.” The land around Ohiopyle was slowly settled, and property and sold it to the Commonwealth in the mid- on activities, guided walks and evening programs, In 1992, Ferncliff Peninsula was declared a State Park In the mid-1750s, the Iroquois Nation, the French and eventually the rugged land near the river was settled. The 1960s. participants gain appreciation, understanding and Natural Area which will protect it in a natural state. the British vied for the Valley. Employed by early settlers were farmers, hunters and develop a sense of stewardship toward natural and Waterfalls and Scenic Water Attractions the British, George Washington traveled through the trappers. In 1811, the passed cultural resources. Programs focus on the Cascades: This beautiful woodland waterfall in Ohiopyle area to talk to the French in 1753. near Ohiopyle, making the area more accessible Youghiogheny River, its gorge, and the natural, Meadow Run is near the park office. The cool, clean A year later Washington returned with sixty soldiers to to settlers and to markets. Lumbering became a cultural and recreational resources of the Ohiopyle waters of this stream make it a favorite haunt of evict the French. Washington arrived at Confluence and major industry. The production of barrels and area. Curriculum-based environmental education programs are available to schools and youth groups. anglers. tried to find an easier travel route by the river, but the other wood products, tanning, salt mining and Teacher workshops are available. Group programs Jonathan Run Falls: Several small waterfalls can be falls were impassable. Washington continued towards the coal mining were small industries. must be arranged in advance and may be scheduled seen from Jonathan Run Trail. Just before the trail future site of Pittsburgh and surprised a small party of In 1871, railroads reached Ohiopyle. The by calling the Train Station/Visitor’s Center at 724- meets the Youghiogheny River Trail, the largest French soldiers. One French soldier escaped and sought Baltimore and Ohio Railroad and eventually 329-0986. Programs are offered from March through waterfall tumbles over rocks between rhododendron- reinforcements. Washington built Fort Necessity to await the Western Maryland Railroad had stations in November. lined banks. the French retaliation. Overwhelming French forces Ohiopyle. At the turn of the century, lumber- Meadow Run Waterslides: The cascading beauty of caused Washington to surrender. The French and Indian ing became a major industry with narrow gauge In an Emergency this unique geologic formation attracts photographers, War had begun. Two British armies cut roads through the railroads snaking around the hills hauling Contact a park employee or dial 911. For directions geologists and recreation enthusiasts. Explore Meadow area, eventually defeating the French and securing the lumber to the mills in town and the larger to the nearest hospital, look on bulletin boards or at Run’s ancient streambed to find ripples carved in stone important Ohio River Valley. railroad lines. A large mill was erected near the park office. and potholes scoured by spinning rocks and powerful The recently acquired land was declared Indian Ohiopyle Falls. Nearest Hospital: currents. territory by the King of England and European settlers The railroads brought tourists to Ohiopyle. Uniontown Hospital ËOhiopyle Falls: The power and beauty of this 20- were asked to leave but did not. In 1768, King George It cost $1 to ride from Pittsburgh to Ohiopyle 500 West Berkeley Street, Uniontown, PA 15401 foot waterfall make it a central attraction to the park. III purchased the land from the Iroquois. and back. By the 1880s, there were numerous 724-430-5000 Hiking: 79 miles of trails Ferncliff Peninsula Trails wildflowers. The next trail section follows an old the Old Mitchell Trail. and meadow and is excellent for birding in the spring. Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail Ferncliff Trail: 1.7-mile, easy - All other Ferncliff tramway used to transport coal to the railroad. A McCune Trail: 1.2-mile, easy - This trail passes Sproul Trails: 3.7 miles, easy - These five intercon- Always bring a map, water and wear sturdy Peninsula trails branch off of this loop trail which spur of this trail leads up a steep incline to the through various habitats and by an old spring house necting loops are just north of the Kentuck Camp- This 70-mile, very difficult, year-round back- shoes when hiking. Specific trail maps are available circles the peninsula. The trailhead is near the Kentuck Campground. and pond which are all that remain from the ground, near the second overflow parking area packing trail has its southern end in Ohiopyle and at the park office and the Train Station/Visitor Ferncliff Parking Lot. Jonathan Run Trail: 1.7-mile, easy - The trailhead is McCune Farm. outside of the campground. it’s northern end near Johnstown. The trail Center. Buffalo Nut Trail: 0.1-mile, easy - This short trail is along the Holland Hill Road. The trail crisscrosses Meadow Run Trail: 3 miles, easy - There are Sugarloaf Trail: 3.8 miles, difficult - This hiking/ traverses state parks, state forests, state game lands, Baughman Trail: 3.4 miles, difficult - This trail has the first branch off of Ferncliff Trail and is a Jonathan Run and passes by small waterfalls, trailheads near the park office, at the waterslides on biking/snowmobiling trail begins near the Train other public lands and private lands. An overnight trailheads at the back of the Middle Yough Take- shortcut to Oakwoods Trail. including Jonathan Run Falls. The trail connects to SR 2011 and at Cucumber Falls on SR 2019. From Station/Visitor Center. The trailhead is at the back shelter area is located every 8-10 miles along the out Parking Area adjacent to the Train Station/ Fernwood Trail: 0.5-mile, easy - This trail features the Youghiogheny River Trail. the waterslides parking lot take the left trail under of the Middle Youghiogheny Take-out Parking trail and has five adirondack-type shelters with Visitor Center in Downtown Ohiopyle and at the beautiful ferns and the remnants of the old Ferncliff Kentuck Trail: 2.5 miles, moderately difficult - This the SR 381 bridge for 0.7-mile to Cucumber Falls. Area, to the right of the Youghiogheny River Trail. fireplaces, non-flush toilets, a water supply and Mountain Biking Trail parking lot. This steep, rocky Hotel. series of trails begins at the Tharp Knob Picnic Take the trail to the right, which leads to a loop trail The trail climbs 800 feet in elevation in two steep spaces for 30 tents. trail passes Baughman Rock, a spectacular over- Oakwoods Trail: 0.5-mile, easy - This trail passes Area. A short one-mile loop includes the Tharp and the Cascades. This trail is intersected by a path sections. The trail connects to the main trail bike The Ohiopyle section of the trail is 6.3 miles of look of the Youghiogheny River Gorge. through a mature hardwood forest. Knob Overlook. The trail continues to the Kentuck leading to the SR 2011 trailhead. area near Sugarloaf Knob. very strenuous and rocky hiking. There are beauti- Beech Trails: 2.7 miles total, moderately difficult - Great Gorge Trail: 2.6 miles, moderate - This trail Campground contact station, briefly follows the Old Mitchell Trail Loop: 1.8-mile, moderate - This Sugar Run Trail: 1.6-mile moderate, - This trail ful overlooks and creeks along the way. Reserva- The Beech Loop begins at the Kentuck Camp- begins at the Cucumber Picnic Area and crosses road, then descends to meet Jonathan Run Trail. loop trail begins at the Old Mitchell Place Parking connects Old Mitchell Trail to Jonathan Run Trail. tions for backpack camping are required and must ground Amphitheater and connects to the Beech several bridges and roads. The trail follows Cucum- The trail then leads to the Youghiogheny River Trail, Area in the west side of the park. The trail mean- ËYoughiogheny River Trail: 27 miles, easy - See be made by contacting: , Trail and Sproul Trails. The 2.1-mile Beech Trail ber Run and past an area known for its spring and finally splits off and climbs the gorge to meet ders through a variety of habitats including forest the Biking section on the text side. 1117 Jim Mountain Road, Rockwood, PA 15557, passes through a forest of towering American 724-455-3744. beech trees and leads to the Great Gorge Trail.