This Quiet Pennsylvania Town Is An Underrated Gem For 2026

With the New Year quickly approaching, you are likely feeling one of two things: excitement for what lies ahead, or stress over how to make the year count. No matter which camp you fall into, this article points you toward an easy travel idea for the coming year, and it begins in a small Pennsylvania town called Ohiopyle. Boasting a population of just over 30 residents (yes, that is not a typo), this town is easy to overlook compared to the destinations you usually hear about. However, its natural surroundings are going to have you wondering why you haven’t visited sooner. Surrounded by Ohiopyle State Park, thousands of acres of wilderness await, filled with waterfalls, gorges, and white water rivers. And at just about an hour and 20 minutes from Pittsburgh, it makes a refreshingly easy road trip. So lace up your hiking shoes and get ready to explore one of Pennsylvania’s most underrated destinations.

Outdoor Recreation At Ohiopyle State Park

Ohiopyle serves as the ultimate basecamp for exploring Ohiopyle State Park, a 20,500-acre area of rugged wilderness. The Youghiogheny River Gorge cuts right through the heart of the park, and there are over 79 miles of hiking trails to explore, meaning that you will definitely stay busy! Some of the most popular trails in the park include the Meadow Run Trail, Ferncliff Trail, and portions of the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail, each of which ranges in terrain and difficulty. There are several waterfalls to visit throughout the park as well, such as Cucumber Falls, Ohiopyle Falls, and the Jonathan Run Falls. In addition to hiking, the area offers excellent opportunities for biking, fishing, picnicking, and rock climbing, allowing you to plan your outdoor adventure just the way you like.

Whitewater Rafting On The Youghiogheny River

Thanks to the Youghiogheny River that runs right by town, Ohiopyle delivers some of the region’s most thrilling whitewater rafting. To make things even better, the town has its own trusted outfitter that offers whitewater excursions: White Water Adventurers. Operating between March and October, this local guide provides trips on three different sections of the river. The Lower Yough excursions are among the most popular, featuring Class III rapids, which are great for teens, beginners, or fairly experienced rafters who are looking for a little thrill. Families or first-time rafters might prefer to book an excursion on the Middle Yough, which has Class I and II rapids, keeping the ride more gentle and calm. If your group considers itself to be more seasoned rafters, you can also opt for a trip on the Upper Yough, which has adrenaline-provoking rapids of Class IV and V, giving you a true, exciting challenge.

Annual Festivals

Despite its small size, Ohiopyle has a surprisingly lively calendar of events. Many of their festivals are fundraisers for the community, as well, meaning that you can feel good about your spending! Each May, for example, it hosts the Spirit of the River, Wine & Arts Festival, a fundraiser that brings in over 40 arts and crafts vendors, accompanied by plenty of live music and wine and spirits tastings. You might also enjoy planning your visit for the fall, during the beloved Youghtoberfest. Supporting the Ohiopyle Borough, activities throughout the event include live music, crafts, and a kids’ zone, and, of course, plenty of brews, ciders, and cocktails. Breakfast lovers, meanwhile, can visit town in October for the Ohiopyle Buckwheat Festival. Taking place for nearly eight decades, attendees can enjoy mouthwatering buckwheat pancakes throughout the weekend, along with family-friendly entertainment and local vendors.

Dining And Shopping

Even if most of your time is spent on the river or in the state park, Ohiopyle’s downtown has a few lovely gems that you’ll want to check out. If you’re the type of traveler to start your morning with a coffee, you’ll appreciate a visit to Ohiopyle Coffee Company, a local coffee house that serves brewed coffee, espresso, matcha, chai, frappes, and much more.

For lunch or dinner, don’t miss out on the chance to dine at Falls City Pub, which is right down the road from the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail, offering all kinds of pub fare, burgers, and sandwiches. In the summer, it's known for its vibrant live music schedule as well! If you’re looking to do some souvenir shopping before leaving town, stop by Oddly Enough, a seasonal shop that sells jewelry, clothing, and gifts.

Extending Your Trip

With a few extra days to spare, you can easily explore several nearby destinations to stretch your southwestern Pennsylvania adventure a little longer. Somerset, for example, is just a 45-minute drive from Ohiopyle and is another wonderful destination for outdoor recreation. Located in the Laurel Highlands, you’ll find natural areas here like Laurel Hill State Park, which offers 4,000 acres for skiing, swimming, or hiking, or Kooser State Park, which is renowned for its trout stream and pristine forest. Just 45 minutes from Ohiopyle, Ligonier is a treat for history fans, featuring Fort Ligonier, a French and Indian War-era landmark. Both of these towns are also just a little over an hour away from Pittsburgh, making it easy to get to the city after!

A Memorable Trip Awaits This Year

If you are the kind of traveler who enjoys finding destinations off the beaten path, Ohiopyle is the place for you. Not only is it surrounded by rugged beauty, but it also has a thrilling rushing river that winds right along the edge of town. It also knows how to throw a successful festival, offering some amazing events throughout the year! As a cherry on top, you won’t be far from other travel destinations, making it easy to plan a trip as short or long as you’d like. You’re about to have one of the most memorable trips yet in 2026!