Beautiful Ohio Pyle State Park! The
Youghiogheny River Trail South takes you
through Ohio Pyle State Park following the Youghiogheny River. The
trail pushes through the woods of the area before coming to the town of
Ohio Pyle. It is here that you can exit the trail to witness the
majesty of the Ohio Pyle falls.
Along the way, the trail offers many views of the river and small waterfalls/streams that feed into the Yough. You may also be lucky enough to see some wildlife.
I can vividly remember the first overnight bike trip that I did, which I rode on this trail. In the morning, we came down off of the hill that our campground was on to link up to the trail. It was raining, but more of a mist due to the canopy the trail offered. All of a sudden, four deer started running along the side of the trail as we biked along. They were looking to cross the trail, but were trying to out gain our bicycles so their way would be unimpeded. It seemed like this went on for a minute at least, the whole time of which I was just amazed. Suddenly, they darted across the trail and disappeared into the brush. It was something you would have to experience to understand the beauty of.
In addition to the falls in Ohio Pyle, it almost makes for a great pit stop with its various restaurants and convenience stores. Also, if you exit the trail in Ohio Pyle, you can fully the view the bridge that brings you across the Yough River.
Back on the trail, it is another 10 miles to Confluence where this particular trail ends. In Confluence, you can explore the Youghiogheny Dam area, even being able to ride across the top of the Dam. Another spot I always try to visit in Confluence is the Rivers Edge Cafe, which is directly across the river from the trail. The Rivers Edge Campground is a quaint Restaurant in a restored Victorian style house. They also offer bed and breakfast accommodations. If you are there on a nice sunny, warm day, try to take advantage of their outside seating, which offers views of the Yough River.
The Youghiogheny River Trail South is a top notch trail. It offers the peace and tranquility of Ohio Pyle State Park, the must see falls in Ohio Pyle, and the unique towns of Ohio Pyle and Confluence. A must see trail in my book!!
Points of Interest: Yough River, Ohio Pyle State Park, Falls in Ohio Pyle, town of Ohio Pyle, two bridges crossing the Yough River, town of Confluence.
Trail Website- Pennsylvania State Parks - Ohiopyle - PA DCNR