Winter Adventures in Ohiopyle, PA
Ohiopyle Falls with a frosting
Boating, rafting, hiking, climbing and biking are some of the main draws to our little gem of a town, Ohiopyle, PA. Winter brings a different flavor of adventure! It offers visitors a different feel, from a quiet place to get away or a chance to meet and make friends with the locals at Falls City Restaurant and Pub.
Yesterday, I was looking for a quite place to get away. I put on my long johns, prAna Halle pants, a Polartec Fleece from Mountain Hard Wear, and a beanie from Lole! There is no such thing as bad weather, just bad gear! Thanks to our shop at Wilderness Voyageurs I was prepared for anything! I grabbed my skis and borrowed a friends’ dog. We took off to explore Ferncliff Peninsula.
Erin enjoying a Ferncliff ski
Starting on the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) we headed north. Shortly after, we took a left on to the Ferncliff Peninsula, meeting up with Oakwoods Trail. I was lucky enough to be the first to pass through since last nights’ snowfall. With the pup leading the way, she helped to break tracks, making it slightly easier to “kick and glide” my way through the woods.
At the end of Oakwoods trail we dropped down to the right on Buffalo Nut, then continued on Ferncliff towards the famous 20 foot Ohiopyle Falls. I wouldn’t recommend skiing this route if you are just getting started. However you can easily kick off your skis and hike the rest of the way! A few challenges I encountered were dodging and ducking under rhododendron bushes, making turns to avoid the steep downhill/cliff leading down to the Youghiogheny River and a narrow trail.
It’s the obstacles along the way that make for some of the best memories and moments. Bundle up, get outside and enjoy winter!
This post was written by Erin G. Director of bike tours and a year round Ohiopyle Resident.
Wilderness Voyageurs, 103 Garrett Street, Ohiopyle PA 15470
800-272-4141
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