Where to Stop When Driving Through Ohiopyle State Park in the Winter.

It was below 32°F when we drove through Ohiopyle State Park in Pennsylvania on New Year’s Day.

We came from Pittsburgh on our way to Babcock State Park in West Virginia, after spending Christmas with family.

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The drive from Pittsburgh to Ohiopyle State Park in the winter was around 1.5 hours via US-30 E and US-119 S. Then, PA-381 S took us straight to the park. We didn’t take a toll road.

We passed Fallingwater in Mill Run. Unfortunately, they closed on New Year’s Day.

There were two spots in Ohiopyle that I wanted to see when driving through the park. We could do it, but unfortunately, we couldn’t do our first-day hike there.

Here are stops that you can do when driving through Ohiopyle State Park in the winter.

Best Stops When Driving Through Ohiopyle State Park in the Winter.

View the Ohiopyle Falls.

There is no doubt that the Ohiopyle Falls is a must-visit in Ohiopyle State Park. It is the most visited and the most photographed tourist attraction in the Laurel Highlands.

Ohiopyle Falls is roughly 15-20 feet in height, where the Youghiogheny (yawki-gay-nee) River transforms into a thundering cascade.

When I stood on the observation deck and listened to its thundering sound, I understood why it is called the Niagara Falls of Western Pennsylvania.

The falls span the entire width of the Youghiogheny River.

There are two observation platforms built at different elevations:

1. The Ohiopyle Visitor Center Observation Deck in front of the Visitor Center. It is where you can see the entire falls from the front and is wheelchair accessible.

2. The Ohiopyle Falls Observation Deck. It offers a closer view of the falls. It is a 3-tiered deck. The uppermost deck is wheelchair accessible, while the other two tiers require steps to view the falls.

Both observation decks are just a few yards from the parking. They are easy to get to.

You can also see the falls from inside the Visitor Center. Unfortunately, the Visitor Center was closed during our visit.

Another spot to view the falls is from the Ferncliff Trail. It is across the river. I planned to do it as my first day hike of the year, but we canceled it.

Actually, I only needed to hike down 1/3 of a mile of the Ferncliff Trail. But there was snow on the ground, and we didn’t know whether it was icy. Remember that we still had to go to Babcock State Park in West Virginia.

Watch your step and look for icy spots during your visit.

Visit Cucumber Falls.

Cucumber Falls is a 36-foot waterfall on Cucumber Run in Ohiopyle State Park.

It is a popular tourist destination, and I read that visitors can walk behind the falls.

The falls can also freeze in the winter. Unfortunately, it wasn’t cold enough for the falls to freeze during our visit. 

We didn’t walk behind the falls either. Our dry clothes were at the bottom of the pile in the trunk of the car. If we got wet, it was a work to take them out. Haha.

If you plan to walk behind the falls, prepare your change of clothes within easy reach.

The trail to Cucumber Falls is short and easy. But still, be cautious when it’s wet.

It begins at the Cucumber Falls parking area and follows Cucumber Run upstream. The trail is well-marked and easy to follow.

You will reach the overlook for Cucumber Falls after about a 0.3-mile walk.

If you want to get closer to Cucumber Falls, continue on the trail to the base of the falls. This was what we did.

However, part of this trail is a bit challenging as it is rocky and steep. But it is worth the effort.

How to get to Cucumber Falls.

The Cucumber Falls location is less than a mile from the Ohiopyle Visitor Center.

Go south on Main St. for 0.3 miles. Turn right onto Ohiopyle Rd.

After 0.4 miles, you will see a parking lot on the right.

That’s where you park and start the hike to Cucumber Falls.

Stop at Falls Market Restaurant & Inn.

Depending on how long you can stay at the park, you should stop at the Falls Market for souvenirs or ice cream.

It was a bummer we couldn’t do it because we wanted to visit the Grist Mill at Babcock State Park in WV before it got dark.

I couldn’t just stop at the store for a few minutes. It would take me a while to browse the entire store. Lol.

Address: 69 Main Street, Ohiopyle. Open Monday to Sunday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Tips for Enjoying Your Quick Stop When Driving Through Ohiopyle State Park in Winter.

– Dress in layers.

– Wear appropriate shoes.

– Check weather and road conditions.

About Ohiopyle State Park.

Ohiopyle State Park encompasses approximately 20,500 acres of rugged natural beauty and serves as the gateway to the Laurel Highlands.

The Youghiogheny (yawki-gay-nee) River Gorge is the centerpiece of Ohiopyle.

The Yough (yawk) offers some of the best whitewater rafting in the eastern United States and spectacular scenery.

A two-plug, electric-vehicle charging station is available for public use in the train station parking lot. It’s not too far from the Ohiopyle Visitor Center. You’ll need to move the car once it is charged.

If you decide to stay longer, here are some of the winter activities in the park: cross-country skiing, sledding, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing.

Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., is Winterfest at Ohiopyle State Park. You may want to avoid driving through the park on this day. Or, it will make you want to stay longer and enjoy the festival.

Street address: 124 Main Street, Ohiopyle, PA 15470. Phone: 724-329-8591.