A low, wide falls on the Youghiogheny River in the heart of Ohiopyle borough that once blocked river travel through the gorge.
Ohiopyle Falls is a low, wide drop on the Youghiogheny River in the middle of Ohiopyle borough, within Ohiopyle State Park. Pennsylvania's Department of Conservation and Natural Resources notes the name likely comes from Native American words meaning "white, frothy water," and park history records that the falls blocked George Washington's attempt to find a river route through the area in 1754. Today the falls can be viewed on a walk through the borough or along the park's Ferncliff Trail, a 1.7-mile loop rated more difficult that also passes Washington's Overlook and Lovers Leap.
Pennsylvania state parks do not charge a general day-use entrance fee, though visitors should confirm any current parking or facility charges with the park office. At our review, the park's website listed no active alerts or closures affecting the falls or the Ferncliff Trail, but conditions along the Youghiogheny can change quickly after rain, and the park advises checking current notices before a visit.
Know before you go
Ohiopyle State Park, within Ohiopyle borough, Fayette County, on the Youghiogheny River.
Open year-round; river flow and conditions can change quickly after rain.
Viewable on a walk through the borough, or via the 1.7-mile Ferncliff Trail loop (rated more difficult), which also passes Washington's Overlook and Lovers Leap.
Pennsylvania state parks have no general day-use entrance fee; verify any parking/facility charges with the park.
Borough-area viewing is roadside; verify current accessible options with the park office.
2026-10-11. Conditions and requirements can change; confirm with the land manager before travelling.
Sources & further reading
- PA DCNR — Ohiopyle State Park ↗
- PA DCNR — Ohiopyle State Park Hiking Trails ↗
- USGS Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) ↗
This is a researched visitor guide, not a claim that our editors have personally visited. Trail conditions, permits, and access can change.
