Philadelphia, PA - There are several must-see waterfalls at Ohiopyle State Park, Pennsylvania, located in Henry Clay, Stewart, and Dunbar Townships in Fayette County. The park is the centerpiece of the Youghiogheny River Gorge. To experience the park's waterfalls, hike through the Laurel Highlands Trail and explore the gorge's scenic cliffs.
3 Must-See Waterfalls at Ohiopyle State Park
Cucumber Falls
Cucumber Falls is a 30-foot waterfall in Pennsylvania's Ohiopyle State Park. You can hike to it from a trailhead on Chalk Hill Road. The trailhead offers an observation area and the ability to explore the waterfall from ground level. The falls are beautiful and offer great photo opportunities. In addition to the waterfall, the park has more than half a dozen other beautiful waterfalls.
Depending on your time, you can hike to the top or bottom of Cucumber Falls. There is a trail to the waterfall that is about two minutes away. There are several steps down to the bottom viewpoint. It is accessible year-round and can be enjoyed in any season. This is a great family outing. But it is important to note that the trail can be slippery.
Upper Jonathan Falls
Hiking in Upper Jonathan Falls at Ohiopyle State Recreation Area is one of the best ways to experience the stunning landscape of the state park. The park features a variety of hiking trails, from easy to difficult. The Youghiogheny River Trail, which stretches 3.7 miles, leads to the Jonathan Run Falls. Another favorite hiking trail is the Great Gorge Trail, a 4.9-mile out-and-back trail that features a gorgeous waterfall. The Great Gorge Trail is best taken between March and October to fully experience the beauty of this waterfall. Backpacking and hiking are also popular activities in the park, including the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail.
Another popular attraction in Ohiopyle State Park is the Upper Jonathan Run Trail. You can hike this trail to the waterfall and back in a few hours. Another option is the McConnells Mill State Park, about two hours from Ohiopyle. There, you'll find several waterfalls along the way. But the best place to visit Upper Jonathan Falls is off the beaten path, so be prepared to get lost.
Ferncliff Falls
If you're in the mood for a waterfall hike, visit the Ferncliff Waterfalls at Ohiopyle State Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This twenty-foot waterfall is fed by the Youghiogheny River and is located near town. Although construction will occur during the summer of 2013, viewing platforms will be available. To reach the viewing platforms, park visitors should cross a small bridge from the GAP trail and go down a short set of stairs.
The Ferncliff Waterfalls at Ohiopyles State Park can be reached by following the trail. A short section of the trail will take you to the Ferncliff Overlook, from where you can watch kayakers or snap some selfies. The rest of the trail will lead you to numerous smaller cascades and waterfalls, with a U-shaped loop back to the Great Allegheny Passage.
Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail
The Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail is a great way to get your heart rate up on a gorgeous day hike in Pennsylvania's state park. The gorge is the focal point of this park and stretches through Stewart, Henry Clay, and Dunbar Townships. The trail follows the Youghiogheny River, a beautiful stream that winds its way through the park.
The Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail is a seventy-mile footpath winds from Ohiopyle, PA, to Rt. 56 near Johnstown. The trail is mostly on Laurel Mountain and tops out at nearly two thousand feet, but there are some sections that drop a thousand feet below the gorge floor. Whether you hike one way or back, there are markers at every mile along the trail to help you keep track of your progress.
The trail has a rocky terrain, with occasional rock formations. Early July is a good time to hike the LHHT because rhododendrons and mountain laurels bloom in the area. The trail passes through a few short stretches through an evergreen forest and snake-like creeks, making it ideal for hiking in the fall. The trail is a wonderful hike in any season.
