Ohiopyle Falls
Pennsylvania • 20 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.4 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
50 ft
About Ohiopyle Falls
Ohiopyle Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in Ohiopyle State Park, Pennsylvania. It is a wide, cascading waterfall on the Youghiogheny River, known for its scenic beauty and accessibility. The falls are a popular destination for visitors to the park and serve as a centerpiece for outdoor activities in the area.
The Setting
Ohiopyle Falls sits at 1,175 feet within Ohiopyle State Park, fed by the Youghiogheny River, in the foothills of Pennsylvania. The falls drop 20 feet.
Height: 20 feet
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy 0.4-mile out-and-back trail gains 50 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The trail to Ohiopyle Falls is extremely short and primarily consists of a paved path leading to a viewing platform. It is suitable for all visitors, including those with limited mobility.
What to Expect
The falls drop a gentle 20 feet. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Ohiopyle Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Ohiopyle Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the water flow is typically at its peak. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter provides a unique view of the falls surrounded by snow and ice.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Safety Information
Stay on designated paths and viewing platforms, as the rocks near the falls can be slippery and dangerous. Swimming or wading near the falls is prohibited due to strong currents. Be cautious during wet or icy conditions.
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 (0 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.
The ground through the falls loses about 104 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The falls are listed at 20 feet; the extra comes from the ravine that continues below the base. The ground at the falls is roughly 1,176 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 144 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 50 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face southeast and catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,176 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 104 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southeast
- Catches soft morning light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southeast).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Ohiopyle Falls is located within Ohiopyle State Park in southwestern Pennsylvania. The falls are easily accessible from the town of Ohiopyle, with clear signage directing visitors to the viewing area.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is ample parking available near the falls, including a designated parking lot at the Ohiopyle Falls Day Use Area.
Elevation
1,175 feet above sea level
Coordinates
39.867853° N, -79.495594° W
Land Management
Managed by SPR
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit early in the morning or on weekdays to avoid crowds, especially during peak seasons. Bring a camera to capture the scenic beauty of the falls. Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to explore other trails in the park.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
For this easy 0.4 miles trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
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.
Kahtoola MICROspikes
Cult-favorite traction cleats that grip ice and wet rock — essential for winter waterfall hikes.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
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
8.1 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 Cucumber Falls, the Ferncliff Peninsula, and the Great Allegheny Passage trail. Whitewater rafting on the Youghiogheny River is also a popular activity.
Wildlife
The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals. Keep an eye out for bald eagles and other bird species near the river.
Cities near Ohiopyle Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Writing about Ohiopyle Falls? Embed this waterfall on your site for free.