Youghiogheny River Gorge, Ohiopyle State Park

Located in Fayette County, Ohiopyle State Park encompasses about 19,052 acres of rugged natural beauty and serves as the gateway to the Laurel Mountains. Between 1961 and 1968, the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy acquired, through gifts and purchases, 10,000 acres of land in the Youghiogheny River gorge. This land was conveyed to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 1968 for creation of the park which is centered around 40-foot Ohiopyle Falls and now comprises over 18,500 acres. As a result of these efforts, the recreational, natural, and scientific values of the region have been preserved for generations to come.

The focal point of the Ohiopyle area is the more than 14 miles of the Youghiogheny [yaw-ki-gay-nee] River Gorge that passes through the heart of the park. The “Yough” [yawk] provides some of the best whitewater boating in the Eastern U.S. as well as spectacular scenery. Surrounding Ohiopyle Falls is the Falls Day Use Area, the central point for the casual visitor. This area provides parking, modern restrooms, gift shop/snack bar, and overlook platforms with magnificent scenery.

The Youghiogheny River has exciting whitewater boating for all experience levels. Only sturdily constructed rubber rafts, kayaks and closed-deck canoes may be used in the river. River levels can change the difficulty of rapids. Check at the launch area or contact the park office for current water levels. The famous Lower Yough begins after the Ohiopyle Falls and flows seven miles downstream to the Bruner Run Take-out. This is the busiest section of whitewater east of the Mississippi River. The numerous class III and IV rapids make for exciting rafting that should only be attempted by experienced whitewater boaters. Inexperienced whitewater boaters should run this section of the river on a guided raft trip with an authorized concessionaire. The natural river environment contains undercut rocks, ledges and swift currents.

As seen in the inset, running alongside the gorge is the Youghiogheny River Trail. There are 27 miles of trail in the park, which is part of the Great Allegheny Passage that connects Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Cumberland, Maryland. The flat, crushed limestone trail was once the rail bed for the Western Maryland Railroad. This trail is suitable for all ages and accessible to people with disabilities. Rental bicycles are available. The trail is excellent for hiking, jogging and cross-country skiing and can be used to combine a bike ride or hike with some excellent wilderness trout fishing or hunting. All motorized vehicles and equestrians are prohibited.

For more information and directions, go to the Pennsylvania Department of Parks and Recreation (DCNR) web site, or call Manager: John Hallas at 724-329-8591.

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