Nature’s Best Water Park & Amusement Park
Where would you rather be this summer?
Get outdoors into the fresh air…
If you’re looking to get your family out of the house this summer, get this. Just down the road from Kennywood Park and Idlewild is nature’s amusement park and water park — Ohiopyle! Get away from long lines and crowds of people. Take a long bike ride on the GAP trail, immerse yourself in a whitewater rafting trip, explore the natural waterslides or wander into the woods for an afternoon hike in Ohiopyle State Park.
Lots of room, fresh air, plenty of immunity-boosting sunshine – make your playtime with friends and family healthy and special with lots of activity options in Ohiopyle.
Did you know?
We are the oldest and most experienced outfitter on the East Coast (established 1964), and we know how to make your outing the best it can be on the rivers and trails of western Pennsylvania.
We can’t wait to take you on a fun, outdoor adventure!
Amusement Parks vs. State Parks
It’s summer. It’s hot, and everyone wants to get out of the house. Should you spend a summer day seeking out an amusement park, a water park, or a state park? But water parks and amusement parks aren’t exactly cheap, especially for a family with kids. There are lines to wait in with lots of people, and no healthy food for miles. You might crave the adrenaline rush from a roller coaster, but have you ever been whitewater rafting? Rafting is a fun adventure for all ages, and we promise you’ll get a thrill!
Also, we’d be doing you a disservice if we looked past the huge difference in scenery. Instead of spending the day on acres of hot concrete (or asphalt), imagine several hours spent riverside or hiking through a lush hardwood forest to a gorgeous overlook of the Youghiogheny River. Visiting Ohiopyle State Park is free, you can pack your own lunch, and you can easily hike or bike away from crowds!
Ultimately, both a state park and an amusement park are great options. We’re obviously biased in saying that we recommend the state park, but that’s because we love being outside!
Have You Experienced a River Rollercoaster?
You don’t need to wait in line for a man-made rollercoaster ride, to experience a fun adventure in Ohiopyle. Here’s our short list of our favorite free adventures. Ready for a mother nature’s favorite rollercoaster? Let’s go rafting on the Lower Yough. Want something more mellow? The Middle Yough Guided Rafting or DIY Middle Yough Rentals is ready for you, no lines. We promise!
Free activities in Ohiopyle:
- Stroll or bike along the Great Allegheny Passage
- Hike around the Ferncliff trail to see historic sites and rare plants
- Go mountain biking on the Sugarloaf trail system
- Sit by the river and enjoy the view
- Hunt for waterfalls after a rain shower
- Pack a picnic to enjoy by the creek at Cucumber picnic area
Family Adventures Await!
Lazy days on the river, swapping stories by the fire, catching amazing sunsets over the Yough River Valley…
Our unique and small town may be remote, but doesn’t lack in entertainment or character.
Family Rafting
The classic Ohiopyle “water park” adventure! Cool off with an easy trip on the Middle Yough or splash down the Lower Yough for a great day of fun!
Biking the GAP Trail
No need to bring bikes. We have you covered! Rent a bike for a few hours and explore the Great Allegheny Passage—or any of the fun trails right off our doorstep.
Solo Adventures
Stand-up paddle boarding is perfect for social distancing! Rent a SUP board for the day and head to Yough Lake to get away from it all.
We wanted to go on a white water rafting trip with our teenage children and nieces and nephew. Steve was our Captain and Taylor led our group of two rafts. Both were top notch! Steve was a brilliant tactician and made the trip really enjoyable. We stopped for a healthy lunch about 1/3 of the way in. You all run a first rate outfit!. Everyone in our group had a great experience. One of the best experiences we have had! Definitely the highlight of our vacation.
Rating: Excellent *****
Lou Morelli
Fairview, TX
Three dads took our three daughters on the Lower Yough on August 10. We could not ask for better weather! What a fantastic time. I had done this trip 25 years ago when I was graduating from Penn State. I don’t recall the rapids back then being this intense. This was a wonderful bonding trip for the dads and our girls. The guides were great. The trip was more than we hoped for! Thanks!
Rating: Excellent *****
Stephen Huang
Herndon, Virginia
