This Pennsylvania State Park Is Packed with Breathtaking Scenery and Outdoor Recreation

In the Laurel Highlands of southwestern Pennsylvania, the Youghiogheny River runs through a small town and state park known for outdoor recreation. The town of Ohiopyle, home to only 77 people based on the 2020 census, and the surrounding Ohiopyle State Park host more than a million visitors annually.

The stretch of the Youghiogheny River (or the “Yough” for short) near Ohiopyle is known as one of the best whitewater rafting and kayaking destinations in the United States. The Great Allegheny Passage also cuts through the park. This bike trail connects with the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal towpath trail to create a 335-mile bike trail from Pittsburgh, PA to Washington, D.C.

Ohiopyle State Park is also home to excellent hiking trails, forests, waterfalls, and scenic views perfect for nature photographers. I recently spent a few days in the area and wanted to share some of the highlights for those who might want to visit.

Overview of Ohiopyle

The name “Ohiopyle” originates from the Native American word “ohiopehhla,” which means “white frothy water,” recognizing the park’s fast-moving waters. This 20,000-acre park is a haven of biodiversity and changing landscapes.

Ohiopyle, the town, is very small and completely surrounded by the state park. Most of the town is dedicated to serving visitors, for example, rafting and kayaking tours and rentals. There are a few restaurants and a small inn, but that’s about the extent of it. The town is located across the street from Ohiopyle Falls, which makes the park’s most noteworthy feature extremely easy to access.

The park boasts a variety of natural features that make it a photographer’s paradise. From the iconic Youghiogheny River, with its incredible rapids, to the lush Ferncliff Peninsula, there’s plenty to explore and photograph.

Top Photo Subjects at Ohiopyle State Park

Here are some of the top spots photographers should know about.

The Majestic Ohiopyle Falls

The main attraction of the park, Ohiopyle Falls, is a photographer’s dream. With a 20-foot drop, this waterfall is picturesque year-round. You can easily photograph the falls from various viewpoints, including handicap-accessible platforms right across the street from the edge of town.

Aside from the platforms, you can also catch a nice view from the visitor’s center, just slightly downstream. The rapids and small cascades upstream of the waterfall can be seen and photographed from a paved trail. There are also a few spots where you can walk out onto the rocks, depending on the river’s water level, to get a closer view.

On the opposite side of the river, the Ferncliff Trail provides a different view. To get the best view, you can go off the trail and onto large rocks along the side of the river. Again, the river’s level will dictate how much of this area is accessible and how much is under water. During my recent trip, the water level was very low.

This side of the river provides an east-facing view, so it’s a good spot for sunrise photos. But be aware that the sun won’t peak above the mountains and trees until about an hour after the official sunrise time.

⚠️ When you’re exploring near Ohiopyle Falls, use extreme caution. The rapids are very strong and potentially dangerous. Don’t do anything that isn’t safe.

Enchanting Ferncliff Peninsula

After Ohiopyle Falls, the river makes a horseshoe bend and heads northwest toward Pittsburgh. The area of land that juts out is known as the Ferncliff Peninsula. The Ferncliff Trail runs along the outside of the peninsula, creating an easy 2-mile loop trail for exploring and photographing the area.

Upstream from Ohiopyle Falls, the trail is just above the water level (and when the water is high, parts of the trail will be covered in water), but it’s high above the river in other sections. You won’t have a great view of the river from most of the trail because of the trees, but this area has excellent biodiversity that provides plenty of other photo subjects.

Cascading Beauty of Cucumber Falls

Known for its striking 30-foot plunge, Cucumber Falls is a favorite among visitors and photographers. The falls can be viewed from above or explored at the base.

Cucumber Falls is extremely popular because of its beauty and location. It’s not exactly a roadside waterfall, but you only need to walk about 100 feet from the parking lot to see the falls from above. A long set of steps leads to the bottom of the falls. This rocky area can be explored, and when the water level is higher, you can photograph cascades below the falls.

Unfortunately, during my recent visit, Cucumber Falls was barely more than a trickle. Not great for photographs, but still a beautiful scene.

Hidden Gems on Jonathan Run Trail and Falls

The Jonathan Run Trail offers a quieter, more secluded experience. Although it’s fairly well known, most visitors skip it because of the location. Cucumber Falls is easy to access, just a short distance from Ohiopyle Falls.

To reach the Jonathan Run trailhead, you can drive a few miles down Holland Hill Road to the small parking lot for the trail. The trail winds through the beautiful forest, leading to Upper and Lower Jonathan Run Falls. These small waterfalls are normally quite picturesque, but unfortunately Jonathan Run was almost completely dry during my recent visit, so I photographed the forest along the trail instead.

This trail also connects with trails that lead to Sugar Run Falls and Fechter Falls, so you can extend the hike if you want to photograph them as well.

Natural Wonders at Meadow Run Cascades and Waterslides

For something truly unique, head to the Meadow Run Cascades and Natural Waterslides. The Natural Waterslides are popular during the summer, so it’s not an easy area to photograph when the park is busy. However, the cascades upstream are typically less crowded.

The Natural Waterslides are easy to access from a parking lot, not far from Cucumber Falls and Ohiopyle Falls. The best way to access the cascades is by trail from a large parking lot along Dinner Bell Road.

Breathtaking Views at Baughman Rock Overlook

The Baughman Rock Overlook offers one of the best views in the park. This east-facing view is ideal for sunrise photography, although some trees and branches partially obstruct the view. This spot is easy to access via a parking lot along State Route 26116.

Seasonal Impact

The changing seasons bring a new palette of colors and moods to Ohiopyle, offering diverse opportunities for photographers throughout the year. In spring, the park bursts with vibrant blooms and rushing waters. Summer brings the biggest crowds, and I would recommend avoiding a summer visit if photography is your main objective.

Fall transforms the landscape with beautiful autumn foliage. In winter, the park is often covered in snow and ice, including frozen waterfalls. It’s worth noting that some of the roads in and around the park are pretty steep, so a 4-wheel-drive vehicle would be ideal for a winter visit.

Explore More While You’re Here

While visiting Ohiopyle, take the time to explore nearby attractions that offer more photographic opportunities. Fallingwater, Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural masterpiece, is just a short drive away. Its stunning design blends seamlessly with the surrounding landscape, making it a captivating subject for both architectural and nature photographers.

Kentuck Knob, another Wright creation, offers unique architecture nestled in nature. Both of these architectural masterpieces are just outside of the park.

Finally, Laurel Hill State Park (about 20-25 miles away) provides additional trails and scenic views. The Hemlock Trail is my personal favorite in this park.