Whitewater and Endless Family Fun

The greatest highlights here would be enjoying whitewater rafting, as our family accomplished our fears.

The areas attractions are endless, whether it be exploring the Laurel Caverns or visiting Fallingwaters. A side trip to Fort Necessity is not to be missed. There are several tour agencies, which may assist in your whitewater adventures. The greatest enjoyments of whitewater rafting brings thousands each year to this state park and Youghiogheny (spelled correctly) river. The name relates to the three areas where Indian tribes used the land for hunting. They were the Iroquois, Delaware and Shawnee tribes. The name is translated as foamy white water.

Quick Tips:

Spend the weekend around here, as it is only 70 miles from Pittsburgh, and not too far even from Washington D.C. As with all safety concerns considered, those traveling within the park, should be aware of two venomous snake species. The eastern copperhead and the timber rattlesnake are native to the park. Be aware that state law protects snakes.

Be assured that snakes are not slivering all around the park to create fear for visitors. They may be encountered along the Yough streams.

There are several area hiking trails and bike trails too. Some area accommodations are Yough Plaza Motel, Fisherman's Hideaway and Meadow Run Cabin.

Best Way To Get Around:

A car is a must whether owned or rented. Don't even consider other forms of transportion.

The Inn has many different package deals. They have prices starting at about a hundred dollars a night per double occupancy. And starting at around fifty dollars more it would include breakfast and dinner. They have a swimming pool, exercise center and lit tennis courts. They also have a nine hole golf course. The rooms are great and the omelets are outstanding. Breakfast begins at seven.

Cucumber Falls is easily accessible from Sugarloaf road and less than a mile from the borough of Ohiopyle. The falls and ravine are a popular place for park visitors. Cucumber Run Ravine is covered with wildflowers.

The park contains the Cucumber Run Picnic Area and the Tharp Knob Picnic Area. Both areas have picnic tables, restrooms, grills, charcoal disposal units, pavilions that may be rented, playfields, and trailheads that connect to the park’s trail system. Tharp Knob also has a softball field, a volleyball court, and a scenic overlook that provides a panoramic view of the lower gorge and surrounding area.

Baughmans' Rock, a popular overlook in Ohiopyle State Park with a magnificent view of the Youghiogheny River Gorge cutting through Laurel Ridge. Baughmans' Rock is accessible by SR 2012 (Sugarloaf Road) and just minutes from the borough of Ohiopyle.

This visit to Fallingwater was pretty unique. A famous Architect, Frank Lloyd Wright, designed the house for a large department owner of Kaufmann's. The house is actually built over a waterfall.

Upon entry, there is a small type of guard box, for the collection of tour monies. Seasonal tours starts April 1st.

The price of entry is ten dollars per adult, Monday through Friday and fifteen dollars per adult on weekends for the 45-minute tour. There is also a longer tour of a couple hours available for more money, but the basic tour is fine in its own, for seeing the house and its surroundings.

I went there before they opened to the public since I already was at the Yough, and gained entry to see the house (but not inside), though could view the highlights of all except the second floor. The first floor has very large walls of glass, and the gates were up in the surrounding balcony, which would have permitted a more detailed view. The falls running under the house could be viewed along the vegetation. When you enter, the parking area is extremely large and you walk not far to see the house. The vegetation is abundant as it is throughout the areas of Youghiogheny.

When their tours are full, one can visit the surrounding areas for less than ten dollars. HOURS: April 1 to mid-November and Christmas Day to New Years Day Tuesday-Sunday 10am-4pm for the 45-minute tour; weekends only the rest of the year. The 2 hour in-depth tour begins at 8:30 am. Reservations are required to guarantee admission. To locate the area from Pittsburgh, PA Turnpike Exit 9 south Left on Route 31 East, then right onto Route 381 South. Fallingwater is located midway between Mill Run and Ohiopyle.

From Washington D.C., go on Interstate 68 Exit 14 onto Route 40 West to Farmington. Turn right onto Route 381 North.

They do require that all children less than nine, remain in a supervised Child Care area, playing games etc. There are foreign language prerecorded tours also available for renting if you are not familiar with English.

And lastly, after your tour you may visit the Visitors Pavilion, which has that cup of coffee and souvenirs. One final note is that pets are not permitted.

This fort was terrific. There were uniformed guides. One dressed as an Englishman named "Redcoat" was standing there in full military dress from the late 1700's.

The stockade fort was originally built to repel the British from invasions in the area. George Washington fought his first battle here, in which would later be known for the beginning of the French and Indian War. The epic in our country was with France at war with England for control of North America. The National Park is located near the city of Uniontown along Route 40 in a shallow valley with surrounding trees. The meadow that the guide showed us was amazing. It showed us where the troops would have simply had the cover of the trees to their advantage. There is a very long rectangular parking lot upon entry and a small gift visitors center adjacent to the parking lot. Inside the gift center is where you buy your tickets to have a guided tour.

If in the area, it is well worth the visit also to see Mt. Washington Tavern located along Route40 West directly adjacent to the Fort entrance. You may also the gravesite for General Braddock, a English General whom was mortally wounded from a battle in the mid 1700's. You will see the headstone area just about a mile from the park entrance along Route 40, so don't travel to fast to miss the entrance.

This is Pennsylvania's largest cave. They have guided tours which start as early as 9 in the morning for about an hour, and a new tour starts every twenty minutes. For women, high heels are not recommended. Our family enjoyed the tour and was very exciting. The large formations of the cavern inside are remarkable. They are open seven days a week from May 1st to October 31st. During March, April and November, weekends are available. The tours start at 9am and end at five in the afternoon for visiting. They have a small souvenir area too. Admission prices are $9.00 for adults, $8.00 for Seniors and $7.00 for children. There are repelling seminars available on weekends. For those Boy Scouts wanting to earn their Ecology merit badge, they have a three hour session available, and for scout troops, there is camping as well accessible.

They may be contacted toll free at (800) 515-4150. Or, you can send them a fax at (724) 437-1925.

They just got done making a miniature gold course inside the cavern. Pretty cool concept. Five dollars to play.

This large Pennsylvania park located on the border of Fayette County and the State of Maryland.

The park possesses two parts of the Youghiogheny River, used for whitewater rafting.

The famous lower Yough starts after the Ohiopyle Falls. It has an abundant quantity of class III and IV rapids were rubber rafts and kayaks traverse the rapids. It is not recommended for children under the age of twelve.

The upper part of the park has Class II whitewater rapids. This is where our family learned to "ride the rapids", during a stay at a nearby area resort. There are a few of guided river tours on the lower part of the Youghiogheny.

And, for the most thrill seekers to endure are the Class V rapids in the upper Yough. It is in the vicinity of Friendsville, Maryland. Be so advised that the river drops 100 feet every mile traveled. This is the choice of the strong-minded or possibly the weak minded. LOL

Nearby, you may choose the Middle Yough for its Class II rapids that offer a more scenic view of the area vegetations as one passes along the mountains. The rapids are more peaceful and a good start to learn rafting. At this location, it is not recommended for children under the age of five years old.

Now that our family has learned to white water it allowed us to conquer the first basic fear.