Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania, Offers Outdoor Adventure, Gateway to History

Each summer, we look forward to a long weekend trip to Ohiopyle, PA. Located in the Laurel Highlands of Western Pennsylvania, Ohiopyle offers whitewater rafting on the Youghuigheny (Yough) and Cheat Rivers, camping, hiking, caverns and two of Frank Lloyd Wright's designs. The Great Allegheny Passage bike trail runs through Ohiopyle, too.

If outdoor adventure or an architectural masterpiece isn't your cup of tea, a stay in Ohiopyle puts you within a short drive of the National Road - Route 40 - and many historical locations. General Braddock's Grave, Fort Necessity National Battlefield, Mt. Washington Tavern and Nemacolin Castle are all within a very easy distance of Ohiopyle. One of my favorite pastimes - craft wines - is available at Christian W. Klay Winery.

Ohiopyle, PA: How to Get There
From Uniontown, PA, Ohiopyle visitors should follow Route 40 (National Road) east to a left turn on Route 381. The road narrows and is rather curvy as it follows the river.

Ohiopyle, PA: Where to Stay
We love to camp! Our choice of camping locations when visiting Ohiopyle is Scarlett Knob Campgrounds.

Scarlett Knob offers a Family camping area with more restrictive "quiet" hours and no alcohol permitted. There is also a Group camping area (our choice) which can accommodate up to $60 people. The shower houses at Scarlett Knob were clean, but the Port-O-Johns in the Group area can get - um - a little icky. Scarlett Knob is just a 2-mile drive north of Ohiopyle on Route 381.

For those who prefer cushier sleeping arrangements, there are several housekeeping cottages near Ohiopyle as well as bed and breakfasts. There is one motel in Ohiopyle State Park.

Ohiopyle, PA: Where to Eat
When we are camping, we bring and cook our own food. If you are visiting Ohiopyle for a rafting trip or don't feel like cooking there are a few restaurants in town and nearby.

The Firefly Grill offers group catering and box lunches if you are just in Ohiopyle for a day as well as an eat-in menu. Barbecue fans can bring along their own beer to Highwaters Grill, BBQ and Pizza just north of town. The Ohiopyle House Café is adjacent to the Great Allegheny Passage and offers a children's menu, breakfast/lunch/dinner menus, carryout service the trails and a full bar.

Ohiopyle, PA: Whitewater Rafting
There are several rafting companies in the small town of Ohiopyle close to the river. Laurel River Highlands Tours, Wilderness Voyageurs, Whitewater Adventurers and Ohiopyle Trading Post all offer rafting trips on the various branches of the Yough and Cheat Rivers. Any range of rafting experience is welcome from novice to expert.

Ohiopyle, PA: Festivals and Events
There are several annual events in Ohiopyle to cover a wide range of tastes.

Wilderness Voyageurs sponsors the Beer & Gear Fest every June featuring great craft beers including Great Lakes Brewing Company and Dogfish Head Ales. August brings the Over the Falls Race including an upstream rafting competition. Also in August is the Lionheart 25-hour adventure race through Ohiopyle State Park.

I've enjoyed our visits to Ohiopyle, PA and all the places I was able to see around a nice, central location.

Sources: Our annual visits, Discover Ohiopyle ; National Road PA ; Fallingwater