When you visit Ohiopyle State Park, you might come across some Geology Stop markers. They are part of a self-guided tour describing the geology of the park and how the geology has influenced both the natural and cultural history of this area.
There are self guided driving, walking, and biking tours.
You can download and/or print these PDFs ahead of time to guide you on your tours. You can also pick up a copy at the Visitor’s Center.
The tour descriptions I’m providing below are directly from a brochure that is currently not available online, but available at the Visitor’s Center.
Driving Tour
Homewood Bound Driving Tour (1-1.5 hour tour time): This 5 stop driving tour begins at Ohiopyle Falls and takes a look at the large landscape of the park at several scenic views.
Walking Tours
Formation of Ferncliff Walking Tour (1.5-2 hour walk time): This easy 2 mile hike explores the evidence that Geologists have used to determine the formation of the Ferncliff Peninsula.
The Conflict of Water vs Rock Walking Tour (2-2.5 hour walk time): This moderate 3 mile walking tour explores the war being waged between two of natures most formidable foes: water and rock. Included on this hike are the formation and migration of two of the park’s most famous waterfalls (Ohiopyle and Cucumber Falls) and the erosive power that formed the slides.
Biking Tours
The Large Landscape Biking Tour Ohiopyle to Confluence (2 hour bike time): On this easy 8 mile (one way, 16 round trip or 11 to Confluence) biking tour you will bike through the fold structure of the Laurel Hill Anticline. Explore what this word means and see it for yourself.
Geology and Man Biking Tour Ohiopyle to Bruner Run (2 hour bike time): This easy 6.5 mile bike tour (one way, 13 miles round trip or 17 to Connellsville) explores how the Geology of this area influenced the cultural history of Ohiopyle.
Leave a comment to share your adventures or tag your adventures on Instagram (@adventureswkelly). I want to see or hear about your adventures on the Ohiopyle Geology Tour.
Nearby Attractions
- Check out a guide to downtown Uniontown, PA
- Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater and Kentuck Knob
- Fort Necessity National Battlefield and Jumonville Glen
References:
Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. (2021). The Geology of Ohiopyle State Park [Brochure].
