Cucumber Falls
Pennsylvania • 30 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
2.4 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
350 ft
About Cucumber Falls
Cucumber Falls is a picturesque 30-foot waterfall located in Ohiopyle State Park, Pennsylvania. It is a popular destination for visitors due to its easy accessibility and scenic beauty, featuring a cascading flow over a sandstone ledge surrounded by lush forest.
The Setting
Cucumber Falls sits at 1,230 feet within Ohiopyle State Park, fed by the Youghiogheny River, in the foothills of Pennsylvania. The falls drop 30 feet.
Height: 30 feet
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate 2.4-mile out-and-back trail gains 350 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The trail to Cucumber Falls is short and easy, with a well-maintained path leading from the parking area to the waterfall. There are a few steps to navigate, but the trail is suitable for most visitors.
What to Expect
The falls drop 30 feet. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Cucumber Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Cucumber Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the waterfall is typically at its fullest due to seasonal rainfall.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
The rocks around the falls can be slippery, so exercise caution when walking near the water. Avoid climbing on the rocks or getting too close to the edge.
Current Water Conditions
1,650 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Higher than usual for this time of year
Based on 17 years of record
2.72 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
The water is flowing higher than usual for this time of year.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge Youghiogheny River at Ohiopyle, PA (1 km away).
Today
Strong
1650 cfs
10/10Tomorrow
Strong
1650 cfs
10/10Wed
Strong
1782 cfs
8/10Thu
Roaring
1848 cfs
6/10Fri
Roaring
1848 cfs
6/10Sat
Roaring
1848 cfs
6/10Sun
Roaring
1947 cfs
6/10Best window: Today — strong flow, sunny (trip score 10/10).
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Ohiopyle hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
1-meter lidar shows the creek losing roughly 98 feet through Cucumber Falls over a long run of ledges. Only part of that is the waterfall, which is listed at 30 feet; the rest is the canyon carrying on downstream. Elevation at the pin is about 1,229 feet.
The ground changes about 32 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 54 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northeast and stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,229 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 98 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northeast
- Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northeast).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Cucumber Falls is located within Ohiopyle State Park. From the town of Ohiopyle, follow Kentuck Road for about 1 mile to the well-marked parking area for the falls.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a small parking lot near the falls, which can fill up quickly during peak seasons. Arrive early to secure a spot.
Elevation
1,230 feet above sea level
Coordinates
39.862853° N, -79.503094° W
Land Management
Managed by SPR
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit early in the morning or on weekdays to avoid crowds. Wear sturdy shoes as the area around the falls can be slippery, especially after rain. Bring a camera to capture the scenic beauty.
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With 2.4 miles and 350 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof
Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.
TrailBuddy Trekking Poles
Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.
Where to Stay
Stay In Ohiopyle near everything including the trail, Ohiopyle PA
Comfort Inn Connellsville Riverview
Lodge at Chalk Hill
Comfort Suites Uniontown
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby Campground
OUTFLOW CAMPING
8.3 miles away · 96 sites
Overview The Outflow Camping Area is located on Youghiogheny River Lake in the heart of the Laurel Highlands. The lake spans the Mason-Dixon Line between Pennsylvania and Maryland. Clean waters, forested mountains and steep-sided valleys provide an unsurpassed setting for recreational opportunities.Recreation Camping, fishing, boating, water skiing, hiking, biking, picnicking and sightseeing are the area's most popular activities. Boaters consider Youghiogheny River Lake, with its 16-mile length
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Other attractions in Ohiopyle State Park include Ohiopyle Falls, the Youghiogheny River for whitewater rafting, and the Great Allegheny Passage trail for hiking and biking.
Wildlife
The area is home to various wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals. Keep an eye out for native flora and fauna.
Cities near Cucumber Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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