Ohiopyle State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ohiopyle State Park |
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IUCN Category III (Natural Monument)
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Jonathan Run Falls
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 Ohiopyle State Park
Location in Pennsylvania
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| Location | Fayette, Pennsylvania, United States |
| Area | 19,052 acres (77.10 km2) |
| Elevation | 2,259 ft (689 m) |
| Established | 1965 |
| Named for | ahi opihəle 'it turns very white' |
| Governing body | Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources |
| Website | Ohiopyle State Park |
Ohiopyle State Park is a huge park in Pennsylvania. It covers over 19,000 acres in Fayette County. The most important part of the park is the Youghiogheny River Gorge. This river runs for more than 14 miles through the park.
The Youghiogheny River is famous for its exciting whitewater boating. It's considered some of the best in the Eastern United States. The park opened in 1965 and was officially dedicated in 1971. It's a "Must-See Pennsylvania State Park" according to the state's Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
Contents
Nature and Waterfalls
Ohiopyle State Park is located in a special forest area. This area is known as the Appalachian mixed mesophytic forests region. It has a mix of different tree types.
Amazing Waterfalls
The park is home to several beautiful waterfalls.
- Ohiopyle Falls is a 20-foot tall waterfall. It stretches across the Youghiogheny River. You can find it in the middle of the park.
- Cucumber Falls is a 30-foot "bridal veil" waterfall. It's on Cucumber Run, a small creek. You can reach it from the Meadow Run Trail.
- Cascades is a pretty woodland waterfall. It's close to the park office. Many people who like to fish enjoy this spot.
- Jonathan Run Falls is a series of waterfalls. They are surrounded by beautiful rhododendron plants. You can see them by hiking on the Jonathan Run Trail.
- Sugar Run Falls is another waterfall on Sugar Run. You can get to it from a walking path off the Great Allegheny Passage.
- Meadow Run Waterslides are unique natural slides. Years of strong currents have carved ripples and potholes into the rocks. Visitors can actually slide down these natural waterslides!
Ferncliff Peninsula: A Special Place
The Ferncliff Peninsula is a 100-acre piece of land. It's surrounded by the Youghiogheny River. This area has a warmer climate than other parts of the park. Because of this, seeds carried by the river from the south can grow here. It was named a National Natural Landmark in 1973. It became a State Park Natural Area in 1992.
Park History
The first people known to live in the Ohiopyle area were the Monongahela. They were a group of mound builders. These Native Americans disappeared before Europeans arrived. Later, other tribes like the Shawnee, Lenni Lenape, and Seneca people lived here. They were moved out after the French and Indian War.
The name "Ohiopyle" comes from the Lenape language. It means 'it turns very white'. This describes the foamy waterfalls in the area.
Early Settlers and Industries
The first European settlers were farmers, trappers, and hunters. More people came after the National Road was built in 1811. This road made it easier to reach Ohiopyle. Lumbering became the main business. Other small industries included making barrels, tanning leather, and coal mining.
The arrival of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad and the Western Maryland Railroad helped the lumber business grow even faster. Both railroads had stations in Ohiopyle. Smaller railroads were built into the mountains. These helped transport lumber to the sawmills and train stations.
From Resorts to State Park
The railroads also brought tourists to Ohiopyle. A round trip from Pittsburgh cost only one dollar. Tourists came to see the waterfalls and stay at resorts. These resorts had boardwalks, dance halls, bowling alleys, and hiking trails.
However, when cars became popular, the resorts closed down. The buildings were removed, and the forests grew back. The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy bought the land. Then they sold it to the state of Pennsylvania. This led to the creation of Ohiopyle State Park. It opened to the public in 1965.
Fun Activities
Ohiopyle State Park is a great place for rafting, kayaking, and canoeing. It also has over 100 miles of trails. These trails are perfect for hiking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, mountain bikes, and snowmobiles. The trails lead to waterfalls and scenic mountain views.
Whitewater Adventures
The Youghiogheny River is one of the busiest whitewater rivers in the eastern United States.
- The Lower Yough is a 7-mile section. It starts at Ohiopyle Falls. This part of the river is rated Class III to Class IV. This means it has exciting rapids that can be challenging.
- The Middle Yough is an easier section. It's rated Class II, which means it has smaller rapids.
Once a year, there's a special race and festival at Ohiopyle Falls. During this time, paddlers are allowed to go over the falls. Only rubber rafts, closed canoes, and kayaks are allowed on the river. Everyone must wear a life jacket approved by the United States Coast Guard. If you're new to whitewater, it's a good idea to go with a guided trip from one of the park's outfitters.
Explore the Trails
Ohiopyle State Park is connected to the Great Allegheny Passage. This is a huge trail system, over 300 miles long! It's great for hiking and biking. This trail connects Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Washington, D.C..
The trail follows the river through the park. It even crosses over the "Loop" near the falls on a tall bridge. The park also has its own network of hiking and horseback riding trails. The Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail starts here.
Hunting and Fishing
Hunting is allowed in a large part of Ohiopyle State Park. Hunters must follow the rules of the Pennsylvania Game Commission. You might see ruffed grouse, eastern gray squirrels, wild turkeys, black bears, white-tailed deer, and rabbits. Fishing is also popular. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission adds trout to the Youghiogheny River. Fishermen must follow the rules of the fish commission.
Camping and Picnics
You can stay overnight at Ohiopyle State Park's Kentuck Campground. There are 226 campsites. Each site has a picnic table and a fire ring. The campground has modern restrooms with hot showers and flush toilets. There are also four playgrounds. You can also rent rustic cottages. These have electricity but no running water.
The park has two picnic areas. Both have tables, grills, restrooms, and covered areas. Cucumber Run Picnic Area is near Cucumber Run. Tharp Knob Picnic Area has a large ballfield, volleyball court, and playground.
Nearby State Parks
Here are some other state parks close to Ohiopyle State Park:
- Big Run State Park (Maryland)
- Casselman River Bridge State Park (Maryland)
- Deep Creek Lake State Park (Maryland)
- Herrington Manor State Park (Maryland)
- Laurel Hill State Park (Somerset County)
- Laurel Mountain State Park (Westmoreland County)
- Laurel Ridge State Park (Cambria, Fayette, Somerset, and Westmoreland Counties)
- Laurel Summit State Park (Westmoreland County)
- Linn Run State Park (Westmoreland County)
- New Germany State Park (Maryland)
- Swallow Falls State Park (Maryland, also on the Youghiogheny River)
Geographic data related to Ohiopyle State Park at OpenStreetMap (3.38 MB)
Images for kids
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Cucumber Falls during the autumn season.
