PA Fairs and Festivals

Winterfest at Ohiopyle State Park

A two-horse open sleigh takes passengers for a ride at Winterfest.

Winterfest at Ohiopyle State Park is a celebration of outdoor winter activities in one of the most picturesque locations in the Laurel Highlands of Western PA.

Cucumber Falls at Ohiopyle State Park during Winterfest in 2022.

I’ve attended several times with my daughter, so I thought I’d put together some helpful tips of what to expect, as well as ideas for additional winter activities you might enjoy while you’re in Ohiopyle.

The High Bridge over the Youghiogheny River during Winterfest at Ohiopyle State Park in 2022.

Winterfest FAQ’s

When is Winterfest at Ohiopyle State Park?

Winterfest will be held Saturday, February 4, 2023 from 11:00am to 4:00pm.
Downtown Ohiopyle during Winterfest in 2022.

Where is Winterfest at Ohiopyle State Park

The activities take place at the Sugarloaf Recreational Area along Sugarloaf Road, 4 miles southeast of the town of Ohiopyle. A map showing the location of Winterfest at Ohiopyle State Park along Sugarloaf Road.

Can I use my navigation system to find the Sugarloaf sledding area?

Yes – use GPS coordinates 39.832044, -79.458148.

Are there restrooms available at Winterfest?

Yes – there are restrooms at the Sugarloaf sledding area, as well as at the Visitors Center in Ohiopyle itself.
The Warming Hut and picnic pavilion at the Sugarloaf sledding area at Ohiopyle State Park during a prior Winterfest.

Are food and drinks available at Winterfest?

Yes – there will be a food truck near the warming hut at the Sugarloaf sledding area.
Park Rangers at Ohiopyle State Park during Winterfest in 2022.

What activities are available at Winterfest?

Sled riding, sleigh riding, snow shoeing, cross-country skiing, and self-guided hiking/sightseeing.
The Sugarloaf sledding area at Ohiopyle State Park during Winterfest in 2022.

What does Winterfest cost?

Sled riding: free (bring your own sled).
Sleigh rides: donation
Snow shoeing: bring your own or free loaners available.
Cross-country skiing: bring your own or free loaners available.

Where do I go if I want to try cross country skiing or snowshoeing at Winterfest?

Cross country skiing and snowshoeing demonstrations are being held at the Sugarloaf Recreational Area in 2023, according to the park’s official calendar of events.
Cross-country skiing on the Great Allegheny Passage at Ohiopyle State Park during Winterfest in 2022.

Sled Riding at Winterfest

The most popular activity at Winterfest at Ohiopyle State Park always seems to be sled riding.

An adult sled rider tests his luck on the Sugarloaf sledding hill at Winterfest.

Young and old alike take their turns flying down Sugarloaf Knob.

A sled rider displaying the head-first technique at Winterfest.

As with auto racing, the most exciting part as a spectator is some of the spectacular wipeouts!

There is no cost to sled ride, and you can take as many turns as you like. You do need to bring your own sled though.

My daughter after a successful run down the Sugarloaf sledding hill at Winterfest. — My daughter after a successful run down the Sugarloaf sledding hill.

Sleigh Riding at Winterfest

Sleigh rides are another popular draw at Winterfest at Ohiopyle State Park.

The sleigh gets ready to depart from near the base of the Sugarloaf sledding hill.

The rides depart from and return to the parking area at the Sugarloaf sledding area.

The view from a sleigh ride at Winterfest at Ohiopyle State Park.

And if you have a horse lover in your family, it’s a chance to get a close-up look at the majestic Percherons that pull the sleigh.

Haille getting to know one of the Percherons at Winterfest. — Getting to know one of the Percherons.

Sightseeing at Winterfest

While not “official” Winterfest events, this is an excellent opportunity to see some of Ohiopyle State Park’s most magnificent sights in snowy conditions.

The snow covered Great Allegheny Passage as it passes over the High Bridge at Ohiopyle State Park — The High Bridge along the Great Allegheny Passage at Ohiopyle State Park.

Baughman Rock Overlook is just down the road from the Sugarloaf sledding area

Taking in the view from Baughman Rock Vista during Winterfest. — Taking in the view from Baughman Rock Overlook.

Cucumber Falls is another close-by attraction that looks particularly stunning in the winter.

Checking out Cucumber Falls during Winterfest at Ohiopyle State Park. — Visiting Cucumber Falls.

And of course the namesake Ohiopyle Falls are a worthwhile stop at Winterfest.

Hiking to Ohiopyle Falls along the Ferncliff Trail while attending Winterfest at Ohiopyle State Park. — Hiking to Ohiopyle Falls along the Ferncliff Trail.

Finally, I’d suggest a quick drive up Route 381 to tour the grounds at Fallingwater, especially if you’ve never been there in the winter.

Fallingwater as seen from the "Classic View" on the Visitor Center map. — Fallingwater in Fayette County.

Final Thoughts about Winterfest

I’ve never NOT great time at Winterfest at Ohiopyle State Park.

Percherons pulling a sleigh at WInterfest at Ohiopyle State Park. — Percherons pulling a sleigh at Winterfest at Ohiopyle State Park.

Surrounded by fellow outdoor enthusiasts in one of the grandest of all Pennsylvania state parks, it’s hard to imagine a better way to spend a winter afternoon!

The author and daughter at Baughman Rock Overlook during Winterfest. — The author and daughter at Baughman Rock Overlook.

So round up your friends and family and head out to Winterfest at Ohiopyle State Park – you’ll be glad you did!

Rusty Glessner at Cucumber Falls in winter. — The author at Cucumber Falls after fresh snowfall.

10 Must-See Winter Attractions in the PA Laurel Highlands is your guide to some of the best winter attractions in western Pennsylvania!

The author at Beam Rocks Overlook on a snowy day. — The author at Beam Rocks Overlook on a snowy day in the Laurel Highlands.

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