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Ohiopyle, PA: Guide to the #1 Small Town in the Northeast
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items Ohiopyle, located in the Laurel Highlands region of the Pennsylvania has been regarded as the #1 small town in the Northeast. It's an absolutely fantastic destination for those who love the outdoors and adventure seeking. You can hike trails for days, head down the river on a raft, or explore the rock climbing routes. We hope you love this area just as much as we do!
Sections
4
Hikes & Outdoor Exploring
History & Art
Where to Eat Near Ohiopyle
Where to Stay Near Ohiopyle
Hikes & Outdoor Exploring
We'd recommend visiting during the spring for peak waterfalls, the summer for the best weather to enjoy the water, or the fall for the foliage views. There isn't really a bad time to visit, though.
Ohiopyle is one of the best places to go whitewater rafting in Pennsylvania. You'll definitely have some thrills headed down the Yough on those rafts!
Lower Yough Classic White Water Tour
Ohiopyle is one of our favorite parks/places to explore the outdoors. With unique waterfalls, varied hikes, even rock climbing and whitewater rafting, exploring the area is quite exciting.
Things to do in Ohiopyle State Park: The Ultimate Adventure Guide
Some of the waterfalls are so easy to get to, and some can be found along really fun hikes. We've explored to all of these, and we want to help you get to the best ones, too!
Ohiopyle Waterfall Guide: How to See the Waterfalls in Ohiopyle State Park
This rafting experience is much more mellow but is great for families or those looking for a leisurely day on the Yough.
Middle Yough Guided Rafting Tour
The Jonathan Run Trail is really beautiful and away from some of the hustle and bustle of town and the easier hikes. You'll definitely want to check these out if you're up for a hike!
How to Explore the Jonathan Run Trail at Ohiopyle State Park
This is an overview of where you can explore around Ohiopyle on two wheels. The GAP Trail is fantastic, and you can go for days!
Ohiopyle Bike Trail Rides
E bikes are a great way to see more of the GAP trail! The trail doesn't have a lot of hills or challenges, but you can ride to the next town over for lunch and a great adventure.
Electric Bicycle Rental
Pennsylvania has a few different caves you can explore, but the Laurel Caverns experience will keep the younger members of your group entertained.
Laurel Caverns: Tours
History & Art
Not far from Ohiopyle are some extremely unique stops you'll definitly want to have on your itinerary. From George Washington history to a UNESCO site and well-known architecture, these are the stops you need to make.
This place is so impressive! The best way down to see the house is heading down the steeper path, with plenty of steps. We visited for the first tour time on a Saturday morning in early March, and we were the only 2 people on the grounds. It was almost a private tour, and it was fantastic.
Fallingwater
This is the second Frank Lloyd Wright house in the area, and it's built right into the hillside. This one is a little more difficult to see, so if you get the chance, take it!
Kentuck Knob
We visited here for a few hours and learned so much about young George Washington and the beginning of the French & Indian War! The visitor center exhibits are very well done, and will help you visualize more of what went on here.
Fort Necessity National Battlefield
Just a short drive from Fort Necessity, you can make this quick stop and see the location of the highest ranking British officer buried on American soil.
Braddock's Grave - Fort Necessity
The location of the first shots of the French & Indian war, you can explore a ½ mile hiking trail here. It's only open during the warmer months, so take that into account when visiting.
Jumonville Glen
Did you know you can explore or spend the night in a Frank Lloyd Wright house in the Laurel Highlands? We haven't done this yet, but it looks so cool.
Polymath Park - Frank Lloyd Wright Overnight
Where to Eat Near Ohiopyle
Even though Ohiopyle is definitely a small town, there are still great places to eat in town and in the nearby areas. These are our favorite stops!
We loved hanging out outside, enjoying a cold brew by the river after a long day of hiking. We only had appetizers, but they certainly hit the spot, too!
Falls City Pub & Restaurant
This will be your go to for a delicious morning coffee.
Bittersweet Café at the Falls
This place makes delicious homestyle cooking. You won't regret the chicken fried steak.
Braddock's Restaurant and Tavern
You can't get much more convenient. This one is right on the corner in town, just across from the huge Ohiopyle Falls parking lot. It can be busy, though, so plan accordingly.
Falls Market Restaurant & Inn
A little further back, but you can't go wrong with pizza after a day on the river.
Paddlers Pizza
Where to Stay Near Ohiopyle
You can find everything from backcountry primitive campsites to full on luxury. You should definitely look at these options for your visit.
This place is stunning! Plenty of room for evening campfires, and lots of room indoors in the event of some rain.
Paddler's Lane
This is a great 3 bedroom stone house right on the river, just down the road in Confluence. It's easy to get to Ohiopyle from here!
Stone House in Confluence
This place is absolutely stunning! It's pricey, but even if you just drive by in the evening when it's all lit up, it looks like a castle on the side of the hill. We stayed in one of the condos in the back, and it was fantastic. We watched deer off our back patio while enjoying our morning coffee.
Nemacolin Resort
We haven't stayed here quite yet, but have friends that make a point to stay here at least once every summer and absolutely love it. Certainly busy, but you can't beat the location.
Ohiopyle State Park Kentuck Campground