Ohiopyle State Park

Hiking   -  Biking   -  Mountain Biking   -  Horseback Riding   -  Picnicking   -  Fishing   -  Hunting   -  Waterslides   -  Education   -  Cross-country Skiing   -  Sledding   -  Snowmobiling   -  Organized Group Tenting   -  Camping Cottages   -  Yurts   -  Camping

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Picnicking: Both picnic areas in the park provide picnic tables, grills, restrooms and 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.

Make a reservation.

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Waterslides: Sit in the creek bed and ride the water through two natural waterslides in Meadow Run. Caution must be used at all times as natural hazards exist. Parking is available adjacent to the SR 381 bridge crossing Meadow Run. Follow the signs to Meadow Run Trail or follow the path at the back of the parking lot. An ADA accessible observation deck is easily reached from the parking area.

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Whitewater Boating: The Youghiogheny River is one of the most popular whitewater boating destinations on the east coast. Explore Whitewater Boating for more information.

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Fishing: 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 9-mile section of the river from Ramcat downstream to the SR 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. Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission rules and regulations apply.

Complete information on fishing rules and regulations in Pennsylvania is available from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Web site.

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Hunting and Firearms: Over 18,000 acres are open to hunting, trapping and the training of dogs during established seasons. Common game species are deer, turkey, grouse, rabbit, squirrel and other small game. Loaded firearms are not permitted within 50 feet of the Great Allegheny Passage. Adjacent State game lands 51 and 111 provide additional hunting and recreational opportunities.

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. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Pennsylvania Game Commission rules and regulations apply. Contact the park office for ADA accessible hunting information.

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 car, trailer or leased campsite. The only exception is that law enforcement officers and individuals with a valid Pennsylvania License to Carry Firearms may carry said firearm concealed on their person while they are within the park.

Complete information on hunting rules and regulations in Pennsylvania is available from the Pennsylvania Game Commission Web site.

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Rock Climbing: 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.

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Hiking: 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, most difficult hiking, red blazes
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 Trails: 2.7 miles total, more difficult hiking, white blazes
The Beech Loop begins at the Kentuck Campground Amphitheater and connects to the Beech Trail and Sproul Trails. The 2.1-mile Beech Trail passes through a forest of towering American beech trees and leads to the Great Gorge Trail.

Campground Connector: 0.5 mile, more difficult hiking, unblazed
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 (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.

Great Gorge Trail: 2.6 miles, more difficult hiking, green blazes
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 mile, easiest hiking, blue blazes
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, more difficult hiking, pink blazes
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, more difficult hiking, purple blazes
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, easiest hiking, yellow blazes
There are trailheads near the park office, 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, more difficult hiking, red blazes
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, more difficult hiking, orange blazes
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, easiest hiking, purple blazes
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, most difficult hiking, orange blazes
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, more difficult hiking, orange blazes
This trail connects Old Mitchell Trail to Jonathan Run Trail.

Youghiogheny River Trail: 27 miles, easiest hiking
Explore the Biking section for more information.

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 8-10 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 and must be made by contacting: Laurel Ridge State Park

Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail: The Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail is a segment of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail. 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. www.nps.gov/pohe

 

Biking: 27 miles of trails
The Great Allegheny Passage has 27 miles of trail in the park and connects Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Cumberland, Maryland. The flat, crushed limestone trail was once the rail bed for the Western Maryland Railroad. This trail is suitable for all ages and 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’s Center parking lot in the town of Ohiopyle. From the Train Station/Visitor’s 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 marked side trail just north of Ohiopyle High Bridge near mile post 73 at GPS coordinate 39 o 52' 29.6" 79 o 29' 33.2". Bikers should continue through the campground to the contact station for registration.

Explore the Great Allegheny Passage: www.atatrail.org

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Mountain Biking: 25.2 miles of trails
Trails currently open to mountain biking include the Sugarloaf Trail System, Pressley Ridge Trail, McCune Trail, Baughman Trail, Jonathan Run Trail and Sugar Run Trail. These trails are shared with other users; bikers are urged to use proper trail etiquette.

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Horseback Riding: 11.6 miles of trails
There is a designated horse trailer parking area located on Grover Road that has a fenced paddock and nearby water. Sections of the Sugarloaf Trail System, as well as the Pressley Ridge Trail, are open to horseback riding. These are shared-use trails; please use caution when riding. Trail-Side Stables offers trail rides in Ohiopyle State Park.

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Stay the Night

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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 a picnic table, fire ring and parking space, and the campground has a sanitary dumping station and shower houses. Many campsites have electric hookups. Pets are permitted on designated sites.

Explore the campground map.

Explore camping for more information.

Make a reservation.

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Free Camping for Campground Hosts: 1 host position
The campground host site has amenities that include 20, 30 or 50-amp electric service, water and sewer hookup. Host is required to assist park personnel for 40 hours per week with a two-week minimum stay. Contact the park office for additional information and availability.

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Camping Cottages: These rustic, wooden structures have electric lights, heat and outlets, windows and a small table and chairs. A cottage sleeps five people in a single bunk and a single/double bunk. One cottage is ADA accessible.

Make a reservation.

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Yurts: These round, Mongolian-style tents are on a wooden deck and sleep five people in two bunk beds. Yurts have a cooking stove, refrigerator, countertop, table, chairs, electric heat and outlets, fire ring, and picnic table. Located in the center of Kentuck campground, the yurts offer convenient accommodations for weekly rentals. Shorter stays are available during the spring and fall seasons. One yurt is ADA accessible.

Make a reservation.

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Organized Group Tenting: Qualified adult and youth groups may use this area which is equipped with picnic tables and grill, and access to a shower house. Groups may use a 20- or 40-person area or multiple sites for larger gatherings.

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Winter Activities

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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.

Explore the Winter Report for the current snow and ice depths.

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Cross-country Skiing: There are 33.9 miles of trails recommended for cross-country skiing. The Sproul Trails and a section of the Kentuck Trail were created for cross-country skiing. With deep snowfall, the Great Allegheny Passage is good for cross-country skiing.

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Sledding: A hill is maintained for sledding in the Sugarloaf Snowmobile and Mountain Bike Area, adjacent to the parking area.

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Snowmobiling: 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.

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Environmental Education and Interpretation

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The park offers a wide variety of environmental education and interpretive programs. Through hands-on activities, guided walks and evening programs, participants gain appreciation, understanding and develop a sense of stewardship toward natural and cultural resources. Programs focus on the Youghiogheny River, its gorge, and the natural, cultural and recreational resources of the Ohiopyle area. Curriculum-based environmental education programs are available to schools and youth groups. Teacher workshops are available. Group programs must be arranged in advance and may be scheduled by calling the Train Station/Visitor’s Center at 724-329-0986.

Explore the Calendar of Events for a listing of events from today forward.

Explore environmental education and interpretation for more information.

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Access for People with Disabilities

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If you need an accommodation to participate in park activities due to a disability, please contact the park you plan to visit.

 

Wildlife Watching: 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 or 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 and an occasional bald eagle. Visitors should also be on the lookout for a variety of snakes including copperheads and timber rattlesnakes.

Ferncliff Peninsula National Natural Landmark: Created by a meander in the Youghiogheny River, this 100-acre peninsula is a unique habitat that contains many rare and interesting plants. The Youghiogeny River flows north, picking up seeds in Maryland and West Virginia and depositing them at Ferncliff, north of their usual growing range. The deep gorge is slightly warmer than the surrounding area, which allows these southern refugees to survive.

Recognized for its botanical diversity for over a century, in 1973 the 100-acre peninsula was declared a National Natural Landmark. In 1992, Ferncliff Peninsula was declared a State Park Natural Area which will protect it in its natural state.

Explore Natural Areas for more information.

Waterfalls and Scenic Water Attractions

Cascades: This beautiful woodland waterfall in Meadow Run is near the park office. The cool, clean waters of this stream make it a favorite haunt of anglers.

Cucumber Falls: This 30-foot bridal veil waterfall on Cucumber Run is easily reached from Meadow Run Trail and has parking on SR 2019.

Jonathan Run Falls: Several small waterfalls can be seen from Jonathan Run Trail. Just before the trail meets the Great Allegheny Passage, the largest waterfall tumbles over rocks between rhododendron-lined banks.

 Meadow Run Waterslides: The cascading beauty of this unique geologic formation attracts photographers, geologists and recreation enthusiasts. Explore Meadow Run’s ancient streambed to find ripples carved in stone and potholes scoured by spinning rocks and powerful currents. An ADA accessible observation deck is easily reached from the parking area.

 Ohiopyle Falls: The power and beauty of this 20-foot waterfall make it a central attraction to the park. The best viewing is from the observation deck in the Falls Day Use Area, in the heart of Ohiopyle.

Discover Fall - Scenic Driving Tour

Welcome to the beautiful Laurel Highlands, filled with scenic byways, picturesque overlooks, and unique, quaint communities. This area spans a four county region including Westmoreland, Fayette, Cambria and Somerset counties. Beginning in October the ridges and valleys come to life with color, with the peak near mid October. The Discover Fall tour provides two distinct driving routes through the Laurel Highlands linking state forest and state park lands, small town community events and programs with scenic drives of fall color.

Southern Loop: This approximately 70- mile loop offers meandering drives through the valleys between the ridges of the highlands. Highlights include stops within three state parks and views of the deepest gorge in Pennsylvania from both on top of the ridge and from the Youghiogheny River. Allow a minimum of 2½ hours to complete the tour. Laurel Hill, Laurel Ridge and Ohiopyle state parks.
Southern Loop (123 kb, 8/12)

Discover Birds and Blossoms - Scenic Driving Tour

The return of our feathered friends coupled with the bloom of spring flowers provides the perfect opportunity to explore the Laurel Highlands. This tour will guide you to some of our area’s best birding spots from a mountaintop bog to the deepest gorge in Pennsylvania. The tour visits Laurel Hill, Linn Run and Ohiopyle state parks.
Birds and Blooms (830 kb, 4/13)

Discover Rocks, Ridges ad Ravines - Scenic Driving Tour

Experience Pennsylvania’s geologic extremes. Visit PA’s deepest gorge, longest cave, highest point and some of the hardest rocks while you visit our state’s highest vineyard, one of its most famous houses and largest state park.
Rocks, Ridges and Ravines (1,000 kb, 4/13)

 

Many important pieces of early American history which tell the story of our nation are tied to Ohiopyle. This area, which provides rest and recreation, once held a past with many conflicts.

Native Americans

When Europeans first reached North America, the mysterious Monogahela people inhabited the Mississippi River and its tributaries, including the Youghiogheny River. For unknown reasons, this powerful nation disappeared just as Europeans arrived, leaving few traces behind. Other nations of American Indians migrated through the area as the increasing European population pushed them out of their lands. The name Ohiopyle is believed to be derived from the American Indian word “ohiopehhla” which means “white, frothy water.”

French and Indian War

In the mid-1750s, the French and the British vied for the Ohio River Valley. Employed by the British, George Washington traveled through the Ohiopyle area to talk to the French in 1753.

A year later, Washington returned with 150 soldiers to evict the French. Washington arrived at Confluence and tried to find an easier travel route by the river. However, the falls were impassable. Washington continued towards the future site of Pittsburgh and encountered a small party of French soldiers. One French soldier escaped and sought reinforcements. Washington built Fort Necessity to await the French retaliation. Overwhelming French forces caused Washington to surrender. The French and Indian War had begun. Two British armies cut roads through the area, eventually defeating the French and securing the important Ohio River Valley.

Whiskey Rebellion

Even as the new United States was formed, the area surrounding Ohiopyle continued to see conflicts. The new nation placed a tax on whiskey in 1791, which angered farmers in western Pennsylvania. The farmers united to attack tax collectors and their movement became known as the Whiskey Rebellion. When a federal marshal was attacked in 1794, George Washington and 6,000 militiamen marched the Braddock Road near Ohiopyle to put down the revolt.

Trees, Trains and a Growing Nation

The land around Ohiopyle was slowly settled and eventually the rugged land near the river was settled. The early settlers were farmers, hunters and trappers. In 1811, the National Road passed near Ohiopyle, making the area more accessible to settlers and to markets. Lumbering became a major industry. The production of barrels and other wood products, tanning, salt mining and coal mining were small industries.

In 1871, railroads reached Ohiopyle. The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad and eventually the Western Maryland Railroad had stations in Ohiopyle. At the turn of the century, lumbering became a major industry with narrow gauge railroads snaking around the hills, hauling lumber to mills in town and larger railroad lines. A large mill was erected near Ohiopyle Falls. The lumber of the surrounding Laurel Highlands was integral to the nation’s Industrial Revolution by providing fuel to the escalating steel, coal and iron industries.

The railroads brought tourists to Ohiopyle. It cost one dollar to ride from Pittsburgh to Ohiopyle and back. By the 1880s, there were numerous hotels in the area and Ferncliff Peninsula had a boardwalk, dance pavilion, bowling alley, walking paths, tennis courts, ball fields, fountains and the Ferncliff Hotel.

Changing Landscapes

The freedom afforded by the automobile decreased the tourists coming to Ohiopyle by train. The decline in visitors was eventually the end of the Ferncliff resort. In time, the buildings were removed, allowing the forests to regenerate. Foundations of these buildings can still be seen in the Ferncliff Peninsula. Recognizing the natural beauty of the area, the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy purchased much of the property and sold it to the Commonwealth in the mid-1960s.

Keep in Touch

Add yourself to the DCNR's online community to receive info on this park, or parks in general.

Volunteering

Like to spend time in the outdoors, meet friendly people and help make Pennsylvania State Parks great? Volunteering at a park might be for you.

Becoming a Conservation Volunteer is easy.

• Sign up to be a Conservation Volunteer
  OR
• Contact your local state park directly and ask for the Conservation Volunteer coordinator - you'll be hooked up with an interesting and appropriate project in Pennsylvania's natural resources.
   

Scouts and organized groups can earn free camping by completing service projects.

Volunteers Needed

Several volunteer opportunities exist at Ohiopyle State Park. From being a campground host to trail, river, and road cleanups, volunteers play a vital role in maintaining the park’s facilities. Volunteers also assist environmental education staff with research projects and planning events. Ohiopyle State Park is always looking for new and motivated individuals to take part in our monthly trail days organized by the Friends of Ohiopyle (FOO). Dates can be found on their Web site friendsofohiopyle.info. Individuals and groups are also welcome to organize projects of their own with the guidance of park staff. Applications are available at the park office to become a conservation volunteer.

Join a Friends Group

The Friends of Ohiopyle (FOO) is a chapter of the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation and qualifies as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The mission of the FOO is to preserve, protect and enhance the natural and recreational resources of Ohiopyle State Park for present and future generations. friendsofohiopyle.info

Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation

Believing that each generation is responsible for leaving behind a better legacy of good conservation, the Pennsylvania Parks & Forests Foundation (PPFF) was created in 1999 to give supporters and users of Pennsylvania's parks and forests a positive way to contribute to the conservation of our publicly-owned properties. The Pennsylvania Parks & Forests Foundation welcomes the support of individuals and businesses who share a commitment to conserving, protecting, and enhancing the natural, scenic, and recreational areas of this commonwealth. www.paparksandforests.org

Make a Donation

To a park - find this park's address below

To a park's friends group - see above

To a park or the Bureau of State Parks - Pennsylvania Parks and Forestry Foundation www.paparksandforests.org

Through a purchase at a park gift shop

Thank you for your support!

Education Programs

We love when young people ask us how to get involved!

DiscoverE has programs for young people ages 4 to 17, provided by Pennsylvania State Park educators. By combining recreation and education, we hope to motivate children to learn more and return often, leading to a lifetime of outdoor enjoyment and conservation leadership. 

In Watershed Education, teachers and students assess water quality of a local stream on a quarterly basis and develop strategies to solve local water quality problems. 

ECO Camp - Exploring Careers Outdoors - is a week-long residential camp for a cross-section of high school youth from across Pennsylvania, sponsored by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). Participate in action-packed, hands on activities and recreational adventures in Pennsylvania’s state parks and forests that expose youth to conservation, recreation and careers in natural resources. Learn how people make a living working in the outdoors.

Explore education for more information on these and other programs.

Explore the Calendar of Events to find a program near you.

iConservePA

Do you take conservation personally? iConservePA is a Web site managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources whose vision is to inspire citizens to value their natural resources, engage in conservation practices and experience the outdoors. Take conservation personally.

Come Work with Us

Pennsylvania State Parks and the Department of Conservation and Natrual Resources offer a wide range of civil service and non-civil service jobs, from foresters, to rangers, to engineers, to educators, to botanists and so much more. Learn what is currently available.

Tell us What You Think

Contact this park with compliments, concerns and issues about the park.

Ohiopyle State Park

Nearby Attractions

Information on nearby attractions is available from the Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau. www.laurelhighlands.org

Fort Necessity National Battlefield www.nps.gov/fone and the Youghiogheny River Reservoir are nearby.

The Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail is a segment of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail. 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. www.nps.gov/pohe

Maps and Downloadables

Below are many of the maps and publications for this park. You can read them or download them and might need special software (all free) to view the publications.

You must have the free Adobe Reader to view the maps and brochures that are in pdf format (.pdf).

Alternate versions of the text of the brochures are in rich text and text formats. Click on the files to view them. To download (.rtf) files:
For Windows users, right click on the link then left click on "Save target as" to download the file to your computer. For Mac users, hold down the "Options" button and click on the link, then select "Save" to download the file to your computer.

Recreational Guide

Ohiopyle State Park Map (.pdf) (3,463 kb, 3/11)
Ohiopyle State Park Recreational Guide (.pdf) (588 kb, 3/11)
    large print version of the guide text (.rtf)

Interactive GIS Map

The Interactive GIS Map uses Geographic Information Systems to create a map that does not need to be downloaded and features driving directions, searchable park amenities and customizable maps. Please note that the background maps are maintained by a variety of public sources and driving directions usually go to the nearest large road.

Campground Map

Ohiopyle State Park Campground Map (.pdf)  (1,227 kb, 2/13)
    large print version of the brochure (.rtf)

Rapids Maps

Lower Rapids Map (.pdf) (440 kb, 3/11)
Middle Rapids Map (.pdf) (143 kb, 3/11)

Southern Yough Water Trail Map

Southern Yough Water Trail Map (.pdf) (6,142 kb, 3/12)
This map is courtesy of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.