Visiting Ohiopyle State Park
This fall my family and I rented a cabin near Ohiopyle State Park in Pennsylvania. The cabin was located near the town of Farmington. The location was perfect, 15 minutes in any direction got us somewhere worth seeing. Best of all, there was no cell service! Sweet, sweet silence.
Cucumber Falls
Cucumber falls was certainly the star of the trip, for me anyway. This 30 foot waterfall has been on my list for a few years now and it did not disappoint. Best of all, the waterfall was only a stone’s throw from the parking lot (39.862803, -79.502713). The path down is very well maintained and has a few switch backs. My 5-year-old son made it down with no problems. In fact, we had to ask him to slow down for us to catch up. Ahh, to be young.
Ohiopyle Falls
Ohiopyle falls is located near the Ohiopyle State Park Visitor Center, (39.868156, -79.494286). This is a 20 foot water fall which covers the full width of the Youghiogheny River. On the park visitor center side there are 3 very nice observation decks overlooking Ohiopyle falls. There are 2 more view points on the opposite side of the river but time did not allow us to visit them.
Baughman Rock Overlook
Baughman Rock Overlook is one of the most impressive vistas I have visited. Just like most of the attractions in the Ohiopyle area this overlook is very accessible. You can literally see the overlook from the parking lot, (39.844912, -79.473838) which is only about 50 yards from the parking lot. Unfortunately, the night we visited; the conditions were not the best. I was hoping the sky would light up from the setting sun, but it never happened. Baughman overlook is more of a sunrise location since it looks to the east. I certainly want to revisit during sunrise.
Falling Waters
Falling Waters is a very famous home that is built into a mountain side with water falls at the base. The design for this home was made by the architect Frank Lloyd Wright, who is known for blending buildings with natural surroundings. The home was originally occupied by the Kaufman family and was later donated to the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. Now Falling Waters is open for tours, both guided and free roam.
Natural Water Slides
While eating at a restaurant in the town of Ohiopyle a local asked us if we had been to the “Natural Water Slides” (39.861998, -79.494880). Of course, being new to the area we said “No”. They explained the area and told us that during the summers the locals go to these water slides and go for a ride. After visiting, and almost falling in, I can see how they got the name natural water slides. Of course my kids still heckle me about falling and almost losing my camera in the creek.
Final Thoughts
Ohiopyle State Park is a wonderful place to visit with your family. Whether you’re a landscape photographer or not there is plenty to do and see. There are some nice restaurants and gift shops in the town of Ohiopyle. If you have the chance, go to the Ohiopyle House Café, they have excellent food.