Ohiopyle sounds like it is in Ohio doesn’t it? It is actually in the Laurel Highlands a beautiful region of Southwestern Pennsylvania. We booked a campsite in Ohiopyle State Park to stay when visiting nearby Fallingwater but when we arrived we realized this is the place to get an outdoors overload. With Class 1 to Class 5 rapids, the Youghiogheny River provides challenges for rafters and kayakers of all levels. There is also extensive trail and mountain biking, hiking, and rock climbing.
The Great Allegheny Passage (known as the GAP trail) a popular rail-trail spans 150 miles, beginning in Pittsburgh ending in Washington D.C. and it cuts right through Ohiopyle. We pedaled through the town and forests along the relatively level trail and were amazed by the trees, rock formations and rhododendrons in bloom. From the High Bridge we experienced the river from above and listened to people having a blast while rafting.
The Visitors Center in Ohiopyle is also impressive for a town with less than 50 residents. It offers an excellent view of the main falls area. Here we dove into interactive educational exhibits topographic maps, and adventure theme displays.
Down the road from the main town, Meadow Run is a little creek that flows into the Youghiogheny River. The water has carved natural slides into the sandstone rock bed. The idea of it seems like it is more fun than it is. Most people we saw slid down once and told us that it was enough. However, Meadow Run is great dipping your feet in the water picnicking or hiking to the Cascades, a waterfall.
For architecture enthusiasts this region has a few Frank Lloyd Wright homes. In addition to Fallingwater Kentuck Knob, across from Ohiopyle State Park is a Wright house that is "one with this hills" and has an impressive sculpture garden. Polymath Park is also close by.
