If you’re looking for directions to Cucumber Falls at Ohiopyle State Park, you’re in the right place!
Cucumber Falls is arguably the most photogenic and most photographed waterfall in western Pennsylvania, a graceful 30-foot cascade that looks magnificent in every season.
Framed by mossy rock walls and lush forest, Cucumber Falls creates a mesmerizing curtain of water as it plunges into the rocky basin below.
Directions to Cucumber Falls
Cucumber Falls is locted just off of Ohiopyle Road, at GPS coordinates 39.86304, -79.50283.
Look for the large parking area pictured below, right along Ohiopyle Road.
Exploring the Falls
A staircase leading to an upper observation area, and then on down to the base of the falls, is located just a few steps from the the gravel parking lot.
On the back of the large Cucumber Falls sign near the stairs is a smaller sign indicating that Cucumber Falls was once part of Keister Park, a privately owned parcel of land.
History of Keister Park and Ohiopyle State Park
In 1961 Mrs. Albert F. Keister gifted Cucumber Falls and 589 acres of surrounding land to the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy.
In addition, Pittsburgh businessman and department store mogul Edgar Kauffman donated the 100 acre Ferncliff Peninsula to the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy in 1962.
These two parcels were the beginnings of Ohiopyle State Park in 1965.
Viewing Cucumber Falls From Above
Despite being referred to as a “roadside waterfalls” in many publications, it should be noted that Cucumber Falls is not wheelchair accessible. A handful of stair steps separates the parking lot from the upper observation area.
From this upper observation are you catch your first glimpse of the falls.
In the winter, when the falls sometimes freeze solid, you can be sure that the remaining steps down to the base of the falls are equally icy.
So either come prepared with microspike on your boots, or don’t go beyond this point!
Viewing Cucumber Falls From Below
After a drenching rain the falls can cover nearly the entire amphitheatre of rock as the water plunges 30 feet to the pool below.
In late summer / early fall when the area is usually at its driest, Cucumber Falls more closely resembles a silver needle piercing the air.
Not every autumn is dry in the Laurel Highlands – sometimes you get lucky and the water levels are up when the foliage is changing.
When conditions are perfect in the winter, a thin layer of hoar frost turns Cucumber Falls into something out of a “Frozen” fairytale.
Standing behind the falls gives you another visual and auditory perspective.
The runoff after a heavy rain turns Cucumber Run into something resembling the river in Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory.
And the roar from behind the falls can be deafening!
Winter is, by far, my favorite season to visit Cucumber Falls.
Seeing the waterfalls grind to a frozen halt is a sight you won’t soon forget!
Final Thoughts
If you could visit only one waterfall in western Pennsylvania, THIS is the one I would recommend!
With its easy access, timeless beauty, and setting in Ohiopyle State Park, it’s easy to see why Cucumber Falls continues to be one of Pennsylvania’s most beloved waterfalls.
Related Attractions
20 Must See Pennsylvania Waterfalls highlights twenty of the most picturesque waterfalls in Pennsylvania, all personally visited and photographed during my travels across the Keystone State.
Nearby Attractions
10 Must-See Waterfalls at Ohiopyle State Park, is your guide to 10 of the best waterfall spots at Ohiopyle State Park!
If you’re looking to get some hiking in while visiting Cucumber Falls, be sure to check out 10 of the Best Hiking Trails at Ohiopyle State Park.
If you’re visiting in October, be sure to check out The 12 Best Places to View Fall Foliage at Ohiopyle State Park.
If you’re visiting in the winter, be sure to check out 10 Amazing Winter Scenes at Ohiopyle State Park.
22 Must-See Attractions in Fayette County showcases more remarkable sights and experiences near Cucumber Falls.
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.
Did you enjoy this article?
If so, be sure to like and follow PA Bucket List on Facebook, Instagram, and/or Pinterest to learn more about the best things to see and do in Pennsylvania!
Click on any of the icons below to get connected to PA Bucket List on social media.
