Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania

Seated amidst the scenic Laurel Highlands, Ohiopyle Pennsylvania seems to be a community dedicated almost exclusively to the outdoor enthusiast and adventurer. How does a town with scarcely a name on the map accomplish this feat? Let's just say that it's not the size of the property but the ideal location that puts Ohiopyle at the top of the adventure seeker's list for good times. Situated against Ohiopyle State Park, the town is a Mecca for whitewater adventurers and weekend thrill seekers.

To begin, visitors can enjoy the splendor of two gorgeous and very distinct waterfalls about a quarter-mile away from one another. The town's centerpiece, Ohiopyle Falls, located a mere few hundred feet from Route 381 are a roaring behemoth commanding awe and respect from all that view them. Two decks overlook the 60 foot wide, 20 foot tall falls that pour relentlessly into the Lower Youghiogheny River. The natural spectacle is a sight to behold as is Cucumber Falls, located just downstream.

Cucumber Falls is a narrow, single tier falls that spills 30 feet into crystal clear pools below. What gives this natural beauty its distinct character is the surrounding walls that rise up on three sides. Visitors can take steps down into the "cavern" and enjoy the mist and noise created by the water. Children and adults alike will delight in this organic playland. Echoes of happy visitors and delighted children reverberate throughout on busy weekends. The falls are the last feature of Cucumber Run, another tributary that spills into the mighty Youghiogheny River.

Almost directly across route 381 from Cucumber Falls sits the parking area to Meadow Run and the "Natural Waterslides." This geological playground is a deep cut groove into the surrounding stone by thousands of years of flowing water. Visitors can enter the slides and take the rough ride into a pool at the bottom. Of course, since Meadow Run is a class IV-V whitewater run for advanced boaters only, visitors should take caution when attempting the waterslides. At high water levels it is best to appreciate the slides from a distance!

One of the most refreshing aspects of the aforementioned features is their proximity. There's no need for a car in town. Get out your walking shoes and keep the kids on the sidewalk...Ohiopyle is very pedestrian friendly.

Both Cucumber Run and Meadow Run pour into the Lower Youghiogheny just downstream of Ohiopyle falls. The Lower "Yough" as it is called, is the busiest piece of whitewater real estate East of the Mississippi. It is so busy, in fact, that passes are needed to enjoy the river. These passes can be purchased at a shack at the put in site from the Penssylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. At a mere three dollars per pass, this seems a nominal cost in exchange for the seven miles of class III+ rapids that adorn this wild river. For the novice paddler or family units there are at least two different rafting companies that offer guided tours of the river. Don't forget to smile when rafting or hard-boating down the river. Cameras from Outdoor Adventure Photography (OAP) capture all the thrills and spills at Cucumber Rapid, a notorious class III+ water feature that dumps as many boaters as it lets through. All visitors can view their photo series at OAP's location near the put-in.

Not interested in whitewater? Try mountain biking or hiking in the vast 20,500 acre park. Trail systems and campsites dot the region and are a good way to get out and enjoy the wild! One can enjoy the Great Allegheny Passage by rock-climbing, hiking and/or biking!

While in town, don't forget to stop in at Falls Market to pick up those last minute or forgotten items. This little country store and restaurant always has the coffee on and the breakfast is served early, fast and cheap! If one wanders away from the riverfront, they'll find an array of quaint shops of all sorts. Enjoy it all, from ice cream to antiques.

Ohiopyle is a tiny but robust community, but how does it keep its vitality? Well, the Youghiogheny River is obviously its main ally in the economic struggle to stay afloat. The Yough flows 365 days a year thanks to constant maintenance by the dam. This keeps boaters coming in throughout the year, especially when natural water levels are low. Ohioipyle, too, is the center of activity. Every year there are art festivals, beer festivals and even "Falls Day" where Ohiopyle Falls are able to be legally run by kayakers and canoeists. Summer in Ohiopyle means adventure, activity and living life in its fullest capacity.

*Content originated from Author's personal experience.