Ohiopyle State Park in Fayette County is home to nearly 80 miles of “official” hiking trails.
From rugged mountain ridges to smooth riverside rail trails, there’s an exciting trail for hikers of any skill level at Ohiopyle State Park.
What I wish to share with you here are 10 of my personal favorite hiking trails at Ohiopyle State Park, accompanied by a brief description of the highlights of each trail.
All 10 trails are featured on the official Ohiopyle State Park map, which you can pick up for free at various kiosks around the park, or you can download the free digital version HERE.
1. Jonathan Run Trail
The 1.7 mile-long Jonathan Run Trail is one of the finest waterfall hikes in western Pennsylvania.
The trail head / parking area for this hike is located along Holland Hill Road, and the opposite end of the trail connects to the Great Allegheny Passage (more on that trail in a bit).
This trail closely follows the edge of Jonathan Run, so during wet weather Jonathan Run Trail can be quite muddy in places – dress appropriately for current conditions.
The payoff is close-up views at two of Fayette County’s most captivating waterfalls.
You can read a much more in-depth description of the Jonathan Run Trail hike in my write-up about it HERE.
2. Ferncliff Trail
The Ferncliff Trail is a 1.8 mile loop hike that takes explorers on a journey around the perimeter of the Ferncliff Peninsula, an ecological wonder and a Registered Natural Landmark.
Along the way you’ll pass the namesake Ohiopyle Falls along the Youghiogheny River, as well as observe numerous plant species normally found much further south.
You can check out a much more detailed write-up I published about the Ferncliff Trail HERE.
3. Meadow Run Trail
The Meadow Run Trail is a 1.85 mile loop hike that features up-close views of the Cascades on Meadow Run.
Meadow Run Trail also takes you through a massive boulder outcropping enjoyed by rock climbers.
You can read a more detailed write-up on the Mitchel Trail HERE.
4. Mitchell Trail
The Mitchell Trail is a 1.2 mile path connecting the Mitchell Field to the Great Allegheny Passage.
Mitchell Trail will take you past the base of Sugar Run Falls, one of the many impressive waterfalls at Ohiopyle State Park.
You can find parking directions and a turn-by-turn description of the Mitchell Trail hike HERE.
5. Baughman Trail
Baughman Trail is a challenging 3.4 mile excursion that passes Baughman Rock, one of the premier scenic overlooks in the Laurel Highlands.
6. Kentuck Trail
Kentuck Trail is an undulating 2.5 mile path that connects the Tharp Knob Picnic Area to the Jonathan Run Trail, passing the outstanding Tharp Knob Overlook in the process.
7. Great Gorge Trail
The Great Gorge Trail spans 2.6 miles, and connects the Cucumber Picnic Area to the Great Allegheny Passage, passing world-famous Cucumber Falls in the process.
8. Sugar Run Trail
Sugar Run Trail is a 1.6 mile trail connecting the Old Mitchell Place to the Jonathan Run Trail, passing Fechter Run Falls in the process.
9. Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail
The Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail is a 70 mile-long trail that stretches along the Laurel Ridge from Ohiopyle to Johnstown, and 6.3 miles of the trail passes through Ohiopyle State Park and past the Youghiogheny River Overlook.
10. Great Allegheny Passage
The Great Allegheny Passage is a 150 mile-long rail trail stretching from Cumberland, Maryland to Pittsburgh, PA.
27 miles of the Great Allegheny Passage is contained within the boundaries of Ohiopyle State Park, where it crosses two historic, repurposed railroad bridges.
So there you have it – 10 of the best hiking trails at Ohiopyle State Park!
And while this is not a COMPLETE list of all the trails at the park, it’s a great starting point for those of you new to Ohiopyle State Park, with hiking trails of varying degrees of difficulty represented.
From streamside views to soaring vistas to miles of forested pathways in between – there’s a hiking trail for every interest and skill level at Ohiopyle State Park!
Nearby Attractions
If scenic overlooks are your thing, be sure to check out The 11 Best Scenic Overlooks in the Laurel Highlands.
If waterfalls are more your speed, be sure to check out 22 Must-See Waterfalls in the Laurel Highlands of PA.
Pennsylvania’s most famous private residence, Fallingwater, is just minutes from Ohiopyle State Park.
In 1991, an American Institute of Architects poll voted it “the best all-time work of American architecture”!
Did you enjoy this article?
If so, be sure to like and follow PA Bucket List on Facebook, Instagram, and/or Pinterest to stay up-to-date on my latest write-ups.
Click on any of the icons below to get connected to PA Bucket List on social media!
