{{Short description|State park in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, United States}} {{Use mdy dates|date=August 2023}} {{Infobox park | name = Ohiopyle State Park | image = Jonathan's Run Falls.jpg | image_caption = Jonathan Run Falls | image_alt = Falls | image_size = 280 | location = [[Fayette County, Pennsylvania]], United States | coordinates = {{coord|39.86813|-79.4943|format=dms|display=inline,title}} | coords_ref = <ref name="osp"/> | area = {{convert|20,500|acre|abbr=on}}<ref name="osp"/> | elevation = {{convert|2259|ft}} | established = 1965 | administrator = [[Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources]] | free_label = | free_data = | visitation_num = | visitation_year = | visitation_ref = | website = {{Official website}} | module = {{Infobox protected area | map = USA Pennsylvania#USA | label = Ohiopyle State Park | label_position = top | map_caption = Location in Pennsylvania | relief = 1 | module = [[List of Pennsylvania state parks|Pennsylvania State Parks]] }} }} '''Ohiopyle State Park''' is a [[List of Pennsylvania state parks|Pennsylvania state park]] situated on 20,500 acres (8,300 ha) between [[Chestnut Ridge (Laurel Highlands)|Chestnut Ridge]] and [[Laurel Hill (Pennsylvania)|Laurel Hill]] in [[Dunbar Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania|Dunbar]], [[Henry Clay Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania|Henry Clay]], and [[Stewart Township, Pennsylvania|Stewart Townships]], [[Fayette County, Pennsylvania|Fayette County]], [[Pennsylvania]], in the United States. The focal point of the park is the more than 14 miles (23 km) of the [[Youghiogheny River]] gorge that passes through the park. The river provides [[Whitewater rafting|whitewater boating]], [[recreational fishing]], and [[kayaking]]. Ohiopyle State Park is bisected by [[Pennsylvania Route 381]] south of the [[Pennsylvania Turnpike]]. The park opened to the public in 1965 but was not officially dedicated until 1971.
Ohiopyle State Park was chosen by the [[Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources]] (DCNR) and its Bureau of Parks as one of "25 Must-See Pennsylvania State Parks".<ref name=mustsee>{{cite web |url=https://maps.dcnr.pa.gov/storymaps/mustseeparks/# |title=25 Must-see Parks |publisher=Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources |access-date=2026-01-12}}</ref>
==History== [[Image:Ohiopyle falls.JPG|thumb|Ohiopyle Falls on the [[Youghiogheny River]]]] The park lies in the [[Appalachian mixed mesophytic forests]] [[ecoregion]].<ref name="Ecoregions">{{cite journal|author=Olson, D. M, E. Dinerstein |title=Terrestrial Ecoregions of the World: A New Map of Life on Earth |journal=[[BioScience]] |year=2001 |volume=51 |issue=11 |pages=933–938 |doi=10.1641/0006-3568(2001)051[0933:TEOTWA]2.0.CO;2 |display-authors=etal |doi-access=free }}</ref>
=== Waterfalls === Ohiopyle State Park features several waterfalls. * '''Ohiopyle Falls''' is a {{convert|20|ft|adj=on}} waterfall that spans the [[Youghiogheny River]] and is surrounded by the Falls Day Use Area located at the center of the park.<ref name="osp">{{cite web |url=https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/recreation/where-to-go/state-parks/find-a-park/ohiopyle-state-park |title=Ohiopyle State Park |publisher=Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources |access-date=2026-01-12}}</ref> * '''Cucumber Falls''' is a 36-foot (11 m) bridal veil waterfall on [[Cucumber Run (Youghiogheny River tributary)|Cucumber Run]], a small creek that flows into the Youghiogheny River. It can be reached from Meadow Run Trail.<ref name="osp"/> * '''Cascades''' is a woodland waterfall that is near the park office and is very popular with anglers.<ref name="osp"/> * '''Jonathan Run Falls''' is a series of [[rhododendron]]-lined waterfalls on [[Jonathan Run (Youghiogheny River tributary)|Jonathan Run]] that can be seen by hiking on Jonathan Run Trail.<ref name="osp"/> * '''Sugar Run Falls''' is a waterfall on [[Sugar Run (Youghiogheny River tributary)|Sugar Run]] that is accessible from a walking trail that spurs off of the [[Great Allegheny Passage]]. * '''Meadow Run Waterslides''' has unique geologic formations for exploration. There are ripples and potholes that have been carved into the stone by years and years of powerful currents and spinning rocks. Visitors to the park are permitted to ride these natural waterslides.<ref name="osp"/>
=== Ferncliff Peninsula National Natural Landmark === {{main|Ferncliff Peninsula Natural Area}} [[Image:Cucumber Falls in Ohiopyle State Park.jpg|thumb|Cucumber Falls]] Ferncliff Peninsula is a {{convert|100|acre|adj=on}} [[peninsula]] in the Youghiogheny River inside the park. Due to the warmer [[microclimate]] inside the gorge, seeds carried by the river from the south survive. It was declared a [[National Natural Landmark]] in November 1973 and was named a State Park Natural Area in 1992.<ref name="osp"/><ref name="nnl">{{cite web|url=http://www.nature.nps.gov/nnl/Registry/USA_Map/States/Pennsylvania/NNL/FP/index.cfm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061007055703/http://www.nature.nps.gov/nnl/Registry/USA_Map/States/Pennsylvania/nnl/fp/index.cfm|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 7, 2006|title=National Natural Landmark summary|date=February 5, 2004|publisher=National Park Service|access-date=2009-05-09}}</ref>
The first known group of people to inhabit the Ohiopyle area were the [[Monongahela tribe|Monongahela]], a clan of the [[Mound builder (people)|mound builders]]. These [[Native Americans in the United States|Native Americans]] disappeared from the scene just as European colonists began to arrive in North America. As the east coast was being settled, Native Americans who had lived closer to the [[Atlantic Ocean]] were exterminated or forced to flee to the west.
Various tribes, including the [[Shawnee]], [[Lenni Lenape]], and [[Seneca people]], inhabited the Ohiopyle area during the 18th century but were ultimately removed after the [[French and Indian War]]. One of the few remnants of American Indian culture in the area is the name. "Ohiopyle" is derived from the [[Unami language|Lenape]] phrase ''ahi opihəle'', which means 'it turns very white',<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.talk-lenape.org/detail.php?id=58 |title=ahi |work=Lenape Talking Dictionary |access-date=2011-10-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120425083509/http://www.talk-lenape.org/detail.php?id=58 |archive-date=2012-04-25 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.talk-lenape.org/detail.php?id=8009 |title=òpihële |work=Lenape Talking Dictionary |access-date=2011-10-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120425083516/http://www.talk-lenape.org/detail.php?id=8009 |archive-date=2012-04-25 |url-status=dead }}</ref> referring to the frothy waterfalls.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Russell |first=Erret |year=1885 |title=Indian Geographical Names |journal=The Magazine of Western History |volume=2 |issue=1 |pages=53–59 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=p2oKAQAAMAAJ |access-date=2011-10-21 }}</ref><ref name="guide">{{cite web | url = http://www.fay-west.com/ohiopyle/guide/history.php | title = Ohiopyle State Park Park Guide | access-date = 2007-01-27 | author = Michael D. McCumber | publisher = FayWest.com}}</ref>
[[File:Baughman's Rock Overlook.ogv|thumb|Baughman's Rock Overlook timelapse]] The earliest European settlers to the Ohiopyle area were farmers, trappers, and hunters. The population of the area expanded after the building of the [[National Road]] in 1811 that passed near Ohiopyle. This road made the area more accessible and connected it to the eastern markets. [[Lumbering]] became the dominant industry. Smaller industries in the area included [[Cooper (profession)|cooperages]], [[tanneries]], [[salt mining]], and [[coal mining]].<ref name="guide"/>
The construction of the [[Baltimore and Ohio Railroad]] and the [[Western Maryland Railroad]] greatly accelerated the progress of the lumbering operations in [[Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania|Ohiopyle]]. Both railroads had stations in the [[borough]]. Several [[Narrow gauge railway|narrow-gauge railroads]] were built up into the surrounding mountains. These smaller railways were able to efficiently transport the lumber to the [[sawmill]]s and rail stations of Ohiopyle.<ref name="guide"/>
The railroads also brought tourists to Ohiopyle. The round trip ride from Pittsburgh to Ohiopyle was one dollar. Tourists flocked to the area to see the waterfalls and stay at the resorts that quickly sprouted up along the Youghiogheny River. The resorts had boardwalks, dancing pavilions, bowling alleys, fountains, tennis courts, and hiking trails. The rise of the automobile caused the end of the resorts at Ohiopyle. The buildings were torn down, and the forests were allowed to regrow. The [[Western Pennsylvania Conservancy]] purchased the land and then sold it to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It was the first and largest park acquired under the [[Project 70 Land Acquisition and Borrowing Act]], with the governor approving the acquisition on August 8, 1964. Ohiopyle State Park was opened to the public in 1965 and was formally dedicated on May 28, 1971.<ref name="guide"/><ref name="forrey">{{cite book| title = History of Pennsylvania's State Parks | last = Forrey |first = William C. | year = 1984 |publisher = Bureau of State Parks, Office of Resources Management, Department of Environmental Resources, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania |location = Harrisburg, Pennsylvania | pages = 43–44, 60 |oclc = 17824084}}</ref>
==Recreation== [[Image:Meadow Run waterslide.jpg|thumb|A visitor rides a natural [[waterslide]] at Meadow Run]] [[Image:Lower Yough Rafting.jpg|thumb|A group of visitors prepare to run the Lower Yough just below Ohiopyle Falls]] Ohiopyle State Park is a popular destination for rafting, kayaking, and canoeing, but it also has over 100 miles (160 km) of trails that are open to [[hiking]], [[horseback riding]], [[cross-country skiing]], [[mountain bike]]s, and [[snowmobile]]s. The trails pass by several of the park's waterfalls and ascend the mountains to scenic overlooks.
===Whitewater paddling=== The [[Youghiogheny River]] is the busiest section of [[whitewater]] east of the [[Mississippi River]]. The Lower Yough, a 7-mile (11 km) run, begins at Ohiopyle Falls and ends at the Bruner Run take-out. The Middle Yough begins at the Ramcat put-in near [[Confluence, Pennsylvania|Confluence]] and ends just above the falls in [[Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania|Ohiopyle]]. One weekend per year or so, there is a race and festival devoted to the falls, and the state park permits paddlers to run the falls. Only rubber rafts, closed-top [[canoes]], and [[kayaks]] are permitted in the river. All visitors must wear [[life jacket]]s certified by the [[United States Coast Guard]]. The Lower Yough River is rated Class III to Class IV on the [[International Scale of River Difficulty]], depending on water conditions; the easier Middle Yough is rated II, and Ohiopyle Falls is rated IV. Boating must be in accordance with the Safety Code of American Whitewater. Inexperienced visitors are encouraged to hire one of the several private outfitters that offer guided trips down the rapids.<ref name="osp"/>
===Trails=== [[Image:Ohiopylebridge.jpg|thumb|Ohiopyle Trestle, part of the [[Great Allegheny Passage]]]] Ohiopyle State Park is connected end-to-end by the [[Youghiogheny River Trail]] South section of the [[Great Allegheny Passage]], part of a 318-mile (512 km) system of off-road [[long-distance trail]]s for hiking and biking between [[Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania]], and [[Washington, D.C.]]
This [[rail-trail]] parallels the rapids from Ramcat to the [[Bruner Run]] take-out on either end of the park and crosses over the "Loop" near the falls at Ohiopyle on a high trestle.<ref>[http://bikewashington.org/trails/gap/yough.htm The Great Allegheny Passage - Youghiogheny River Section]. Bike Washington. Retrieved 2009-12-04.</ref> The trail system connects to a wide network of rustic [[Hiking trail|hiking]] and [[Equestrianism|equestrian]] trails, including the [[Appalachian Trail]] in Maryland. A network of hiking trails exists within the park itself. The [[Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail]], part of the larger [[Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail]], has its southern terminus at Ohiopyle State Park.<ref name="osp"/>
===Hunting and fishing=== Hunting is permitted on 18,000 acres (7,300 ha) of Ohiopyle State Park. Hunters are expected to follow the rules and regulations of the [[Pennsylvania Game Commission]]. The common game species are [[ruffed grouse]], [[eastern gray squirrel]], [[wild turkey]], [[American black bear]], [[white-tailed deer]], and [[eastern cottontail]] rabbits. Hunting of [[groundhog]]s is prohibited. Loaded firearms are not permitted within 50 feet (15 m) of the river. The [[Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission]] assures that anglers will have plenty of chances to catch fish by [[Fish stocking|stocking]] [[trout]] in the waters of the Youghiogheny River. All fishermen are required to follow the rules and regulations of the fish commission.<ref name="osp"/>
===Camping and picnicking=== [[File:CucumberFalls.jpg|thumb|Cucumber Falls during autumn]] Visitors can stay overnight at Ohiopyle State Park's Kentuck Campground or rent a cottage. The campground has 226 campsites, with 27 of them being walk-in, tent-only sites. All campsites have a picnic table and fire ring, modern restrooms with hot showers and flush toilets, and four playgrounds. The rustic cottages have electricity but lack running water. Each cottage can sleep five people in single or double bunks.<ref name="osp"/>
There are two picnic areas at Ohiopyle State Park. Both have tables, grills, restrooms, and pavilions. Cucumber Run Picnic Area is near [[Cucumber Run (Youghiogheny River tributary)|Cucumber Run]]. Tharp Knob Picnic Area is near the Tharp Knob Overlook. It has a large ballfield, volleyball court, playground, and two pavilions.<ref name="osp"/>
==References== {{reflist}}
==External links== {{commons category|Ohiopyle State Park}} {{portal|Pennsylvania}} *[https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/recreation/where-to-go/state-parks/find-a-park/ohiopyle-state-park Ohiopyle State Park] Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Pennsylvania * {{cite web |url=http://elibrary.dcnr.pa.gov/GetDocument?docId=1737407&DocName=OHIO_ParkMap.pdf |title='''Ohiopyle State Park''' — official map }} {{small|(3.38 MB)}} * [https://ohiopyle.co Ohiopyle Resources & Information] * [http://www.americanwhitewater.org/rivers/id/1687/ National Whitewater River Inventory: Lower Yough] * [http://www.americanwhitewater.org/rivers/id/1686/ National Whitewater River Inventory: Middle Yough] * [http://www.americanwhitewater.org/rivers/id/3192/ National Whitewater River Inventory: Ohiopyle Falls] * {{osmrelation|189029}}
{{Protected areas of Pennsylvania}} {{authority control}}
[[Category:Articles containing video clips]] [[Category:Laurel Highlands]] [[Category:Parks in Fayette County, Pennsylvania]] [[Category:Protected areas of Fayette County, Pennsylvania]] [[Category:State parks of Pennsylvania]] [[Category:Protected areas established in 1965]] [[Category:1965 establishments in Pennsylvania]]