Discover Ohiopyle, PA
Welcome to Ohiopyle, PA! The name “Ohiopyle” is from a Lenape Indian phrase ahi ohipele which means “it turns very white”, referring to the frothy waterfalls on the Youghiogheny River running through the town. Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania is a tiny town and outdoor recreation mecca within the Laurel Highlands region in southwestern Pennsylvania. It is located in Fayette County, approximately one hour south of downtown Pittsburgh, PA. What is not “tiny” is our adventurous spirit. Ohiopyle has it all, including rafting, biking, fly fishing, SUPing, kayaking, and much more. Wilderness Voyageurs started running adventures in 1964, and was the first outfitter to run trips on the Youghiogheny River. Let’s discover Ohiopyle!
See our sample Ohiopyle itineraries from one-day stays to a full weekend stay in the Adventure Center of Ohiopyle.
What Is There To Do In Ohiopyle?
Just an hour from downtown Pittsburgh and just a few hours from Cleveland or Cincinnati is an outdoor playground. Ohiopyle was featured as One of the 22 Smallest Towns in America Worth Visiting. In Ohiopyle you’ll find lots of fun things to do outdoors on the Youghiogheny River, the Great Allegheny Passage Trail, and in Ohiopyle State Park. The State Park encompasses more than 20,000 acres of rugged natural beauty and serves as the gateway to the Laurel Highlands Mountains. The area’s crown jewel is the 14-mile section of the Youghiogheny [yawk-eh-GAY-nee] River that passes through the heart of the park. The “Yough” (rhymes with “rock”) provides some of the best whitewater boating in the eastern U.S., as well as spectacular scenery. No matter your flavor of adventure, you can find an activity sure to thrill you in Ohiopyle…
Visit Ohiopyle State Park
Did you know that a little over an hour from downtown Pittsburgh, and just a few hours from Cleveland or Cincinnati, is a mountain paradise called Ohiopyle State Park? Surrounding the town of Ohiopyle, Ohiopyle State Park is a hidden gem hub for whitewater rafting, mountain biking, kayaking, SUP’ing, and world-class fly fishing. Nestled in the heart of this small river town is the oldest outfitter on the East Coast, Wilderness Voyageurs (that’s us!), with over 50 years of experience leading outdoor adventures on area rivers, trails and roads.
About Ohiopyle State Park
Ohiopyle State Park encompasses over 20,000 acres of rugged natural beauty and is the gateway to the Laurel Highlands Mountains. The area’s crown jewel is the 14-mile section of the Youghiogheny [yawk-eh-GAY-nee] River that winds its way through the park. The “Yough” (rhymes with “rock”) provides some of the best whitewater boating in the eastern U.S., as well as spectacular scenery. Start with a visit to the magnificent 18-foot waterfall in the middle of town.
What are you waiting for? Grab some friends, escape the city, and enjoy the largest state park in Pennsylvania!
Best Ohiopyle State Park Activities
Ohiopyle State Park is a wonderland for outdoor enthusiasts with endless biking, rafting, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and hiking options. With several lodging and camping options nearby, you can enjoy multiple days of fun in Ohiopyle State Park.
Ohiopyle State Park Camping
Several campsites within minutes of Ohiopyle State Park are well worth a visit. Thanks to the location of this park, you have simple and picturesque camping options in Ohiopyle, Albright, WV, and Deep Creek, MD. If you crave a night under the stars, here are some fantastic campsites near Ohiopyle State Park.
Ohiopyle State Park Cabin Rentals
While lodging can be limited near Ohiopyle state park, the cabins, inns, and B&Bs found within the area are comfortable and unique. You can even relax in a nearby luxury tree house! To plan your visit, check this comprehensive list of lodging and cabins near Ohiopyle state park.
Where to Go in Ohiopyle State Park
There are several trailheads and picnic areas that are a 5-minute drive from town. Head to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain and hike out on McCune Trail or head to the Jonathan Run trailhead on the Bruner Run take-out road. You will be rewarded with an empty parking lot and plenty of space on the trail or in the creek.
For more info, refer to the Ohiopyle State Park Map, or reach out to our team to plan your day in Ohiopyle!
When to Visit Ohiopyle State Park
Here’s a hot tip — visit in May, September or October. May is a wonderful time to visit, because the river is pumping and full of exciting rapids to navigate. We also love Ohiopyle in the early fall because the weather is still mild enough for comfortable outdoor fun, and the biggest crowds are gone. You can enjoy the changing leaves on empty trails for the ultimate nature experience!
Ohiopyle State Park Area Maps
- Middle Yough River Map Courtesy of Pennsylvania DCNR
- Middle Yough River Find the best places to fish and enjoy family-friendly rafting along the gentle section of the Middle Yough River.
- Ohiopyle State Park Map The Lower Yough is full of thrilling rapids! Learn the names of all 23 rapids you could take on rafting this exciting section of the river.
- The Great Allegheny Passage Bike Trail Map Explore the 20 miles of the GAP trail that are within the boundaries of Ohiopyle State Park.
Ohiopyle State Park Maps are available at Wilderness Voyageurs Outfitter Store, located next to the railroad tracks at the north entrance to town. Our staff knows the park like the back of their hand and are happy to provide detailed descriptions and great suggestions for day hikes.
Ohiopyle Rafting
For 50 years, Wilderness Voyageurs has been providing an exciting and fun rafting experience for our guests. Our river rafting trips span through Read More…
Ohiopyle Biking
See the world from a whole different perspective. If you want to experience the sights, sounds, culture and geography of a place, or get GAP Bike Shuttles, Read More…
Ohiopyle Fly Fishing
Wilderness Voyageurs is serious about fly fishing. We offer expert instruction, clinics and guided trips for all experience levels. We also have the only full service fly shop Read More…
Stand Up Paddle Boarding
Stand-up Paddle (SUP) boarding is quickly become an incredibly popular way to enjoy the water. Take a stable surfboard, add a large canoe paddle, and you end up with a recreational watercraft Read More…
Ohiopyle Kayaking
Come discover the adventure of kayaking through Ohiopyle’s premier instructional kayak program. With sections of river ranging from Class I to Class V on our very own Yough Read More…
Ohiopyle Hiking
The Ohiopyle State Park hosts 79 miles of trails for you to enjoy, showcasing the beauty of the Laurel Highlands. From short cruising day hikes to more difficult backpacking trails, Ohiopyle State Park holds many hiking gems for you to discover. Read More…
Let’s Plan Your Perfect Ohiopyle Visit
Ready to start planning your ideal Ohiopyle vacation? We’ve created a combination of a one-day to a multi-day stay in Ohiopyle, PA. For more itinerary ideas, see all our Ohiopyle Microcations for a perfect Ohiopyle Getaway!
SEE OHIOPYLE IN A DAY
Let's Make A Day Of It
Start the day exploring Ohiopyle State Park, just an hour from downtown Pittsburgh. Trails spanning the 14 miles of the scenic river where you can kayak, SUP, rent a road bike and enjoy mountain bike trails, the choices are limitless!
Where To Eat:
Take a pit stop for lunch at Falls City Pub where you can find tasty meals and microbrews.
Wildwater Thrills:
Ready for a thrill? Adventure awaits with an afternoon of rafting with Wilderness Voyageurs, Ohiopyle’s longest-running raft company. From the Upper, Middle, and Lower Yough, plus the Cheat River Canyon we’ve got it all!
Afternoon Pick-Me-Up:
Need a pick me up? Stop by Rapid Java for a fair trade organic coffee before hitting the road back home. Don’t forget to grab a souvenir from the Ohiopyle Outfitter Store.
MAKE IT AN OHIOPYLE WEEKEND
YOU NEED AT LEAST THE WEEKEND TO SEE IT ALL
DAY 1:
Where To Stay:
We’ve got you a whole weekend, let’s Discover Ohiopyle! You’ve got plenty of places to stay for the weekend: Tall Oaks Campground for the camper in you, Ohiopyle Cabins & Rentals, Hotels and Resorts, Bed & Breakfasts, and more!
Get Your Adventure Gear:
Stop by the Ohiopyle Outfitter to get all your necessary gear for the weekend. The perfect fly, a better bike seat, camping equipment? The Wilderness Outfitter Store has everything you need for your adventure of choice.
Coffee & Food Break:
Get your caffeine fix at Rapid Java, right before the trailhead.
Bike Ohiopyle State Park:
Starting with the Adventure Center of Ohiopyle, Wilderness Voyageurs there is no better way to see a new city than from the views of a bike. Cruise through Ohiopyle State Park, 27 miles of the Great Allegheny Passage rail-trail within the park, as well as over 20 miles of mountain bike singletrack, plus miles of quiet mountain roads for keen road riders and gravel enthusiasts. Take your pick! Read more about bike rentals in Ohiopyle.
Lunch Break:
Lunch break at Falls City Restaurant and Pub, great food, extensive beer list, and more.
Explore Ohiopyle:
Enjoy the rest of the afternoon exploring one of the 22 Smallest Towns in America Ohiopyle!
DAY 2:
Adventure Is Waiting:
Treat yourself to a day of guided rock climbing in Ohiopyle State Park. Depending on your experience level, you can go to a number of different climbing areas. Steep sport climbing is the norm around here, with some bouldering opportunities as well. When you get to the rocks, your guide will set up a top rope over the route. Expect a few hours of climbing, a break for lunch, and then hit the wall again. It’ll be a memorable day!
Ready to Kayak:
For something totally different, try learning a new skill! We offer Beginner Kayak Instruction classes. You can book private instruction for you and a small group of friends, which can be anywhere from one to five days.
Whitewater Rafting In Ohiopyle:
Get a real thrill with a whitewater rafting trip on the Upper Yough! This is our premier rafting trip on the southernmost stretch of whitewater on the Youghiogheny. The Upper is a fun, fast-paced stretch of Class IV-V whitewater — full of big rocks, drops, and tight moves in a small raft. (This trip is for experienced rafters only!) It’s sure to leave a big smile on your face.
All Ohiopyle Microcations:
See all our perfect Ohiopyle Microcations for a perfect Ohiopyle Getaway!
Brews & Eats
Right near the river or trailhead, you’ll find the Falls City Pub in the heart of Ohiopyle! Located at the north entrance to town (just off Rt 381 on Garrett St.) at the terminus of the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail, the pub is easy to access and always a fun time. Great food, extensive beer list, and more. Come visit us year-round! If you’re seeking caffeine, Rapid Java is also nearby, with fair trade organic coffee, sweet treats, and more. Learn More.
Outfitter Store
Need new gear? The perfect fly, a better bike seat, camping equipment? The Wilderness Outfitter Store has everything you need for your adventure of choice. We’re located at the north entrance of Ohiopyle. Stop in here to check in for trips, grab a coffee, get online or rent a bike. Learn more.
