PA Scenic Overlooks

Exploring Baughman Rock Overlook at Ohiopyle State Park

The author photographing an autumn sunrise at Baughman Rock Overlook.

Baughman Rock Overlook is one of the most spectacular mountain vistas in the Laurel Highlands region of southwestern Pennsylvania!

Morning sun rays piercing the fog at Baughman Rock Overlook at Ohiopyle State Park. — Morning sun rays piercing the fog at the overlook.

Located at Ohiopyle State Park in Fayette County, this overlook offers tremendous bang for your buck – miles of views just a few yards from a roadside parking area.

Baughman Rock Overlook at Ohiopyle State Park on a September morning. — The overlook at Ohiopyle State Park on a September morning.

Directions to Baughman Rock Overlook

How to Find Baughman Rock Overlook at Ohiopyle State Park

From Route 381 in the town of Ohiopyle, turn onto Sugarloaf road and proceed 2 miles.
Navigate to the parking area on the left hand side of the road at GPS Coordinates 39.844912, -79.473838.
Look for this sign along the road indicating a photo opportunity area.
Park in the large gravel lot.
Walk from the back of the parking lot up the gravel and stone path approximately 75 yards to Baughman Rock Overlook.

Photographing the View from Baughman Rock Overlook

Baughman Rock Overlook is a magnet for sunrise photographers.

A photographer sets up to capture the sunrise at Baughman Rock Overlook, Ohiopyle State Park. — A photographer sets up to capture the overlook.

A wood-and-stone fence offers a spot to support your camera, but if you want to give yourself more options for composing your photos, bring a study tripod.

The fence at Baughman Rock Overlook. — The fence at the overlook.

Winter Views at Baughman Rock Overlook

Winter is a great time to visit Baughman Rock Overlook, where the close proximity of the overlook to the road means it is accessible virtually every day of the year, regardless of snowfall amounts.

A young hiker takes in the winter view at Baughman Rock Overlook, Ohiopyle State Park. — A young hiker takes in the winter view from the overlook.

Winter sunrises are truly majestic from this vista.

A winter sunrise at Baughman Rock Overlook, Ohiopyle State Park. — A winter sunrise.

But even if the sunrise is a bust and low clouds dominate, the view is still superb.

Low clouds on a snowy winter morning at Baughman Rock Overlook, Ohiopyle State Park. — Low clouds on a snowy winter morning.

Springtime Views at Baughman Rock Overlook

When the last snows of winter hang on into early spring, the contours of the mountains to the north become much more apparent.

A blue sky winter morning at Baughman Rock Overlook, Ohiopyle State Park. — A blue sky early spring morning.

The lack of foliage at this time of year doesn’t mean that sunrises here at Baughman Rock are any less stunning.

The author photographing a late winter sunrise at Baughman Rock Overlook. — The author photographing a late winter sunrise at the overlook.

Eventually the foliage emerges from its slumber, with the help of springtime showers.

Thick clouds and valley fog after a rain storm at Baughman Rock Overlook, Ohiopyle State Park. — Thick clouds and valley fog after a rain storm.

Summer Views at Baughman Rock Overlook

Summer ushers in the brunt of the tourist season at Ohiopyle State Park, although I’ve spent many solitary mornings photographing the sunrise at Baughman Rock even then.

The author capturing a sunrise photo at Baughman Rock Overlook. — The author capturing a sunrise photo at the overlook.

Foggy summer morning create perfect conditions for “God beams” to appear over Baughman Rock Overlook.

"God beams" on a foggy morning over Baughman Rock Overlook at Ohiopyle State Park. — “God beams” on a foggy morning at Ohiopyle State Park.

And if you’re a patient kind of person, watching the fog burn off at Baughman Rock Overlook can be rewarding as well.

Thick valley fog as viewed from Baughman Rock Overlook above Ohiopyle State Park. — Thick valley fog above Ohiopyle State Park.

Autumn Views

Autumn ushers in “leaf peeping” season, and Baughman Rock Overlook offers a tremendous vantage point to see brilliant fall foliage in the Laurel Highlands.

A sunny autumn afternoon at Baughman Rock Overlook. — A sunny autumn afternoon at the overlook.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Baughman Rock Overlook

Baughman Rock Overlook is a magnificent four-season destination in the Laurel Highlands, and its easy roadside access near several top Ohiopyle State Park attractions makes it a must-see.

The author and daughter Hailee at Baughman Rock Overlook, Ohiopyle State Park. — The author and daughter at the overlook.

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Nearby Attractions

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Collage of four seasonal outdoor scenes in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, showcasing a hiker photographing the autumn foliage, Fallingwater house surrounded by winter snow, a photographer capturing a frozen waterfall, and a person jogging on a wooden bridge amidst vibrant fall colors.

A Smarter Way to Explore Pennsylvania

Explore Pennsylvania like a pro with the interactive PA Bucket List Travel Map, showcasing over 1,000 memorable destinations I’ve personally visited across the Keystone State.

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