12 Things to do in Ohiopyle to have a Wonderful Weekend

Things to do in Ohiopyle #1 – Ohiopyle State Park

The number one thing to do in Ohiopyle is the most obvious: Enjoy Ohiopyle State Park and all it has to offer! And it has a lot to offer for a relatively small state park in a part of the nation not many people visit.

Ohiopyle State Park isn’t particularly grand. It isn’t even really that impressive, if I’m being honest, but it’s simplicity and solitude is what makes it such a special place. Maybe that’ll change with Ohiopyle being named the USA Today’s best small town in the northeast, but I still expect it to maintain at least some of what makes it unique.

You have plenty of things to do at Ohiopyle State Park, including whitewater rafting, hiking, viewing waterfalls, or just relaxing along or in the Youghiogheny River. I’ve done some of all these things in the many hours I’ve spent in Ohiopyle, but my favorite is just to wade out to a rock and camp out for a day. The scenery is just spectacular and it’s so relaxing.

After you’re done exploring, make sure to grab a meal from one of the town’s several cafes. My favorite is Falls Market Restaurant & General Store for a sandwich and then ice cream outside with a view of the bridge.

Things to do in Ohiopyle #2 – Fallingwater

One of America’s most important homes is found near Ohiopyle. If you drive only 10 minutes away from town, you’ll come to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater, an architectural wonder designed for the Kaufman family in 1935.

Fallingwater is often listed as one of the top architectural marvels in the world by various publications. Most importantly, it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019.

When you visit, it’s quickly obvious why critics consider this a masterpiece of what Wright called organic architecture. The home perfectly utilizes the surrounding woods and the Bear Run river to accentuate its design. I’m personally not much for modern art or architecture, but there is no denying how stunning Fallingwater is.

Guests can choose from three different tours ranging from just the grounds to a detailed tour of the grounds and Fallingwater’s interior. You can also opt to just purchase a pass to explore the grounds on your own. That’s what I did, and even though I’ve heard the inside is nice, I think it’s well worth visiting just to wander around the grounds in your own time taking in the views.

Things to do in Ohiopyle #3 – Kentuck Knob

It may come as a surprise to many that the mountains around Ohiopyle are home to not just one but two Frank Lloyd Wright homes. Kentuck Knob, while not as famous as Fallingwater, is still another work of Wright’s that attracts thousands of visitors yearly.

Kentuck Knob is an interesting visit in its own right, especially if you have an interest in architecture. The home was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2000 and is on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Kentuck Knob is also notable in that it’s one of Wright’s last constructions.

It’s not as dramatic as Fallingwater. Where Fallingwater looks like a home built into the landscape, Kentuck Knob looks like it is part of the landscape.

You can purchase one of two different tours to visit Kentuck Knob’s interior or a cheaper pass to explore the exterior and grounds.

Things to do in Ohiopyle #4 – Fort Necessity

American history afficionados will want to head across Route 40 from Ohiopyle to visit Fort Necessity National Battlefield. A serene meadow today, this field played host to a confrontation of French and Virginian forces in 1754. This battle would lead to the French and Indian War in the colonies and more globally the Seven Years’ War.

Visitors have a few different things to do while here. The main thing to see is the battlefield where a reconstructed Fort Necessity stands. Rangers offer tours throughout the year or you can do a self-guided tour with your phone put together by the park.

In addition to the battlefield, you can also visit Mount Washington Tavern, hike on several miles of trails around the battlefield, or see Braddock’s Grave.

Things to do in Ohiopyle #5 – Laurel Caverns

Pennsylvania’s largest cave system is located just a short drive away from Ohiopyle. With four miles of caverns to explore, Laurel Caverns can be a fascinating experience to discover the area’s underground features.

Laurel Caverns has several different caving experiences ranging in difficulty depending on what you’re looking for. The easiest is option is the only one I’ve done before. It takes you through some of the cave system’s more popular features while a guide gives its history. Most people should be able to do this option so long as you are able to climb stairs.

Laurel Caverns also offers some more challenging caving for the intrepid visitor. It may not be the most difficult cave system, but it should offer some excitement for those looking for it.

Things to do in Ohiopyle #6 – Nemacolin

Nemacolin has a dizzying variety of activities to choose from. In fact, it has over 90 different things for visitors to enjoy. Make sure to check what’s available ahead of time as many of these require advance reservations.

Perhaps one of Nemacolin’s more popular activities is its two popular golf courses. One of these, Mystic Rock, even played host to the former PGA Tour 84 Lumber Classic in the mid-2000s. Don’t miss your chance to play a round if you’re visiting Ohiopyle from out of town!

If you’re not too tired from all your outdoor adventures throughout the day around Ohiopyle, The Casino at Nemacolin offers some late-night excitement for you. With 26 table games and 500 video slots, you’re sure to find something to enjoy. Whether or not you actually win is a different question.

Unfortunately, with the exception of the casino, most of these activities come with one expensive caveat. You need to be a guest at the resort to enjoy them, and a stay here isn’t cheap. Depending on the time of year and day of the week, you can expect to spend at least $500 for one night. Nemacolin’s good for a relaxing splurge, but it probably isn’t worth it if you’re also exploring the region.

Things to do in Ohiopyle #7 – The Great Allegheny Passage

The 150-mile long Great Allegheny Passage passes right through Ohiopyle. In fact, this popular trail had its start here and now covers 27 miles as it connects Cumberland, Maryland to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. From Cumberland, the C&O Canal Towpath can be added for an additional 185 miles all the way to Washington D.C.

The trail through here is relatively easy and flat. Renting a bike in town and taking it out onto the Great Allegheny Passage can be a good way to see a big chunk of Ohiopyle State Park and the surrounding area.

Conversely, you could also make your way into Ohiopyle via the Great Allegheny Passage. Ohiopyle is a great spot to stop as you make your way along the whole length of the trail.

Things to do in Ohiopyle #8 – Seven Springs Mountain Resort

Like Nemacolin, Seven Springs Mountain Resort offers a range of things for visitors to Ohiopyle to enjoy. While Seven Springs may not have nearly as much to do as Nemacolin, it one ups its closest competitor in one significant regard.

Seven Springs Mountain Resort is one of the best ski resorts in the area and should be on your list of things to do if visiting Ohiopyle in the winter. With 33 different slopes and trails, Seven Springs should be able to accommodate whatever you’re looking for during your winter excursion.

But don’t sleep on Seven Springs Mountain Resort in summer. It still has plenty to do from alpline slides to hiking and many things in between. It’s a bit farther from Ohiopyle than Nemacolin but till worth a stop if you have time.

Things to do in Ohiopyle #9 – Flight 93 National Memorial

The region around Ohiopyle played a hand in one of the most somber days in American history. It was about an hour east from here that United Airlines Flight 93 crashed into the ground while passengers attempted to take back control of the plane from Islamic terrorists on 9/11.

Today, in what was once just an open field, visitors can pay their respects at the Flight 93 National Memorial. Various programs are offered by park rangers throughout the year. Check their calendar for any events on the day of your visit.

Things to do in Ohiopyle #10 – Jumonville Camp & Retreat Center

Jumonville Camp & Retreat Center is a Christian retreat that offers various programs throughout the year for kids of all ages. But Jumonville has plenty to do for day visitors, too.

The highlight for most is the 0.5-mile hike up to the 60′ cross that you may have seen crowning the mountain depending on which direction you arrived at Ohiopyle from. Once at the cross, you can read signs explaining the cross’s history and take in the views of the surrounding area. You may even be able to see all the way to the U.S. Steel Building in Pittsburgh.

In addition to the cross, Jumonville offers several different hiking trails, a playground for kids, tennis courts, basketball courts, and more.

Jumonville also has a connection with Fort Necessity. Jumonville Glen, an area located via the Yellow Trail of the Kingwood section of Jumonville, is where a young George Washington along with his Virginian troops and Native Americans attacked a small force of French Canadians in 1754. This skirmish led to the Battle of Fort Necessity about a month later.

Things to do in Ohiopyle #11 – The National Road Pike Days Festival

Once a year around mid-May a weekend-long event is held along Route 40 called The National Road Pike Days Festival. This festival celebrates the importance of Route 40 in shaping both the region and the nation.

The festival takes place along 300 miles of The National Road, with 90 of those miles being in southwest Pennsylvania around Ohiopyle. Events typically feature vendors in period clothing riding horsedrawn carriages along the route demonstrating what life was like for early Americans venturing along the road.

It’s an entertaining event if you happen to be in the area when the festival is taking place. Kids should have fun seeing the horses and old timey carriages while adults can enjoy the different vendors and historical aspects of the festival.

Unfortunately, information on exact locations of different events online is scarce. My good friend Kelly at Adventures with Kelly shares content about things to do in the area. Check her out for potential updates on the Pike Days Festival and other things to do during your visit to Ohiopyle.

Things to do in Ohiopyle #12 – Christian Klay Winery

In nearby Chalk Hill is the family-owned Christian Klay Winery. This winery is worth a visit, even if it’s just for a quick tasting. The winery is located in a turn-of-the-century farm spread over 200 acres.

Visitors can pop into the main building for tastings of Christian Klay Winery’s wines. They offer a variety of reds and whites ranging from dry to sweet. You can also sample some of their craft spirits. My personal favorites are Washington Tavern White and Fort Necessity.

If the weather is nice, you can pick up a bottle to enjoy in some of the winery’s outdoor seating. Check their calendar to see if they have any live music or other events going on during your stay at Ohiopyle.

My Weekend Itinerary for Ohiopyle

Those are the 12 best things you can do over a weekend in Ohiopyle, but I wouldn’t encourage you to do all of them in a single weekend. It’s possible, but you’d be so busy you wouldn’t get to enjoy anything.

Here is roughly how I would spend my weekend. This itinerary assumes you get into Ohiopyle early or midafternoon Friday and then leave around the same time Sunday.

• Friday afternoon
  • Fallingwater
  • Christian Klay Winery
  • Explore a bit of Ohiopyle
  • Dinner at Stonehouse
• Saturday
  • Spend the whole day at Ohiopyle State Park
  • Hike or bike along the Great Allegheny Passage
• Sunday morning
  • Fort Necessity
  • Laurel Caverns

The only change I would make to this would be to add the Flight 93 Memorial if you’re coming into Ohiopyle from eastern Pennsylvania. You can stop here for a few minutes to pay your respects before moving on. Otherwise, it’s just a little too far from Ohiopyle to visit if you are trying to maximize your time over one weekend.

The good news is with this rough itinerary, you can easily move things around to fit your schedule. With one exception, everything is within a 15-minute drive of Ohiopyle. Laurel Caverns is the only stop that takes a bit longer but is still only 25 minutes away from Ohiopyle.

How to Get to Ohiopyle

There are two ways to get into Ohiopyle depending on where you’re coming from. Coming from Pittsburgh, take the Pennsylvania Turnpike east toward Harrisburg for 50 miles till Pennsylvania Route 31. From here, head towards Mt Pleasant and Uniontown for another 10 miles till you arrive at Ohiopyle.

If you’re coming from southern Pennsylvania, West Virginia or Maryland, simply take Route 40 till you see signs for Ohiopyle State Park. You could also take this route from Pittsburgh for a more scenic but slightly longer drive.

Book Your Trip to Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania

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