Ohiopyle (Pittsburgh, Johnstown, Uniontown: restaurant, rail, food)

[neurodistortion]

Anyone been there? What was it like through your experience?

[BrianTH]

Several times. Assuming you are talking about whitewater rafting, it is pretty fun--most of it isn't too bad but there is some excitement, and then there is one terrifying and difficult part.

[neurodistortion]

Are there any scenic overlooks in that area, where you can peek out for miles around?

[TechieTransplant]

Originally Posted by neurodistortion

Anyone been there? What was it like through your experience?

It's beautiful. Most known for it's white water rafting, but just as popular for biking the Great Allegheny Passage trail that travels through it. Lots of interesting stops along the bike trail, great fly fishing for Trout.

We have eaten at the Ohiopyle restaurant twice, and all I can say is beware. They always seem to hire terribly inexperienced waiters/waitresses......I don't think I've ever got my food in less than 45 minutes.

[BrianTH]

Originally Posted by neurodistortion

Are there any scenic overlooks in that area, where you can peek out for miles around?

I don't know if this counts as in the area, but on the way to or from Ohiopyle you can visit Laurel Caverns, which has an amazing overlook (it is on Chestnut Ridge, which is the last ridge before the plateau on which Pittsburgh sits, and on a clear day you can see USX). The caverns themselves are pretty cool too.

http://www.laurelcaverns.com/index.html (broken link)

Edit: This picture doesn't quite do it justice, but you can get the idea:

http://www.laurelcaverns.com/083.JPG (broken link)

[ki0eh]

The Laurel Highlands hiking trail extends from Ohiopyle north to near Johnstown (except, hopefully temporarily, for the Turnpike crossing). There are a lot of dirt hiking trails in the south side of Ohiopyle State Park, beyond just the rail trail.

Not too far from Ohiopyle but closer to Uniontown is a tract of Forbes State Forest with a grand see-off-the-edge overlook - if you take US 40 east out of Hopwood stop at the Lick Hollow picnic area (in summer daylight hours when it's open), then start hiking up the back and you get to the overlook in a mile. Or I guess you could drive some back roads to the overlook.

Near the WV border is Quebec Run Wild Area with several trail loops - I spent several enjoyable evenings around there when I was on business that took me to Fayette County.

I must say that though I've had no problems so far, it's evident from the trash and tracks left behind that some parts of this area, near roads passable at least with 4wd, attract local numbskulls.

[neurodistortion]

Originally Posted by BrianTH

I don't know if this counts as in the area, but on the way to or from Ohiopyle you can visit Laurel Caverns, which has an amazing overlook (it is on Chestnut Ridge, which is the last ridge before the plateau on which Pittsburgh sits, and on a clear day you can see USX). The caverns themselves are pretty cool too.

Laurel Caverns (http://www.laurelcaverns.com/index.html - broken link)

Edit: This picture doesn't quite do it justice, but you can get the idea:

Yeah, I've been up there before, the view is breathtaking. Another area with a similar view is along US Route 40 east of Uniontown, you drive up the mountain and at the top, you can see out for miles around.

[hempfield mania]

There are also natural water slides at Ohiopyle that you can take advantage of when the weather is warm in July and August. It is best to use them on those 90+ degree days as the water is still pretty chilly. Lots of fun though.

[neurodistortion]

Originally Posted by scottrpriester

It's beautiful. Most known for it's white water rafting, but just as popular for biking the Great Allegheny Passage trail that travels through it. Lots of interesting stops along the bike trail, great fly fishing for Trout.

We have eaten at the Ohiopyle restaurant twice, and all I can say is beware. They always seem to hire terribly inexperienced waiters/waitresses......I don't think I've ever got my food in less than 45 minutes.

What is the name of the restaurant? Does it get terribly busy or is it simply the lack of experience with the staff? I'll definitely keep that in mind if I decide on dining out there.

[Johnny C]

Ohiopyle State Park, PA - Overlooks

The Baughman Rock overlook is just up at the top of the hill from Ohiopyle.