Ohiopyle State Park Is The Single Best State Park In Pennsylvania And It's Just Waiting To Be Explored
By Beth Price-Williams|Published June 19, 2021
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.
With 121 state parks dotted across the state, identifying the best one in Pennsylvania might be a bit tricky. However, Travel & Leisure recently came out with its list of the best state park in each state, and you probably won’t be too surprised to learn that Ohiopyle State Park came out on top for Pennsylvania. If you’ve been there, you understand why it earned a nod. If you haven’t, you’ll definitely want to plan a visit.
Ohiopyle State Park in Western Pennsylvania sprawls across 20,500 acres, and its many natural features – from hiking trails to a natural waterslide – caught the attention of the editors at Travel & Leisure, earning it the title of the best state park in Pennsylvania.
The whole family’s sure to find something fun to do and to love at Ohiopyle State Park, which boasts several gorgeous waterfalls. A short stroll will lead you to Ohiopyle Falls and Cucumber Falls.
However, if you want to see Jonathan Run Falls, lace up your hiking boots and follow the Youghiogheny River Trail to Jonathan Run Falls. At just 3.7 miles, the easy trail promises a ton of natural scenery.
On a hot summer day, bring or wear your swim gear for a slide down Meadow Run Natural Waterslide. Just be careful as there are no lifeguards in the area.
Nestled along the Youghiogheny River, Ohiopyle State Park offers quite a few water activities – whitewater rafting, kayaking, and fishing, for example.
If you prefer staying on land, you’ve come to the right place. Biking, rock climbing, mountain biking, and horseback riding are all popular at Ohiopyle. You might even want to explore some of the 79 miles of hiking trails.
Ohiopyle State Park is a popular destination, even in the wintertime. Snowfall transforms the state park into a winter wonderland, beckoning adventurers who want to ride sleds, go cross-country skiing, or ride snowmobiles.
Do you agree that Ohiopyle State Park is the best state park in Pennsylvania? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments! If you’re looking for more fun, plan a hike along the Keystone College Trail near Dalton. It features a gorgeous suspension bridge.
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