Visiting Ohiopyle State Park is a tradition that spans generations in my family...and I'm so happy to be able to keep the tradition alive. It's quite possibly one of the most beautiful State Parks in Pennsylvania. There's no doubt in my mind that it is probably the most unique of our State Parks. The beauty and uniqueness of Ohiopyle can be observed around every corner, between every rock, over every rapid, and on every trail.
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| After the riding up the most obnoxious hill ever...I took time to take in the view from just outside of Kentuck Campgrounds in Ohiopyle State Park -- June 15, 2017 |
Thursday morning I was relaxing on the banks of the Youghiogheny River when I decided to stretch my legs, take a walk, and check out the visitor center located near the main falls which makes up the heart of the town. As I toured the visitor center my attention drifted towards a t-shirt with the words ADVICE FROM OHIOPYLE followed by seven short sentences meant to help you experience and appreciate your time in Ohiopyle. I think these seven sentences are relevant, not just for Ohiopyle, but anywhere you are on the planet.
IMMERSE YOURSELF IN NATURE.
It's not hard to find nature in Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania. The state park contains more than 20,000 acres of rugged forest...with the Youghiogheny River running through the heart of the park.
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| Taking in the view at Baughman Rocks Overlook before morning mountain bike ride in the Sugarloaf area of the park -- June 13, 2017 |
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| Taking things literally...nothing is more refreshing than immersing yourself in the Youghiogheny River after a morning of mountain biking in Ohiopyle -- June 13, 2017 |
SPEND TIME NEAR THE WATER
The most relaxing part of my week in Ohiopyle came on Thursday. After breakfast, I packed up my chair, a cooler, and a good book and headed to the falls area. Two complete (and uninterrupted) hours of reading with nothing but the sound of the Youghiogheny raging just feet away.
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| Ohiopyle's name comes from "Ohiopehelle." A combination of Native American words which translate to: "white, frothy water." The main falls are all the indication you need that this translation is correct -- June 15, 2017 |
The spot I chose, just above the falls, to relax near the river and read -- June 15, 2017
CHERISH WILDERNESS
You don't have to be on a mountain bike or a raft to enjoy and cherish the wilderness that makes up Ohiopyle. Midway through our week, I took a nerdy hiking trip with Alex and Devin. We trekked through an obscure part of the Fort Necessity National Battlefield (just a few miles from Ohiopyle) to see the spot of George Washington's first military encounter...Jumonville Glen. It's remote, beautiful, and seemingly untouched since young Mr. Washington was there!
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| Pausing to take in some nerdy history at Jumonville Rocks...part of the Fort Necessity National Battlefield -- June 14, 2017 |
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| Alex and I took our first camping trip together back in 2009 when he was 10 years old. It's become an annual event. Last week, however, was the first time we had hiked down to Jumonville Rocks since that first trip -- June 14, 2017 |
BE AT HOME IN THE WOODS
After years of sleeping in tents and on the ground...I now opt for a little more creature comforts. The mini-cabins in the Hickory loop of Kentuck Campgrounds are a perfect home away from home!
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| Relaxing by the fire and reading a nerdy history book -- June 13, 2017 |
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| Alex and I have been camping together since he was ten years old. It's nice to get away and spend time with him -- June 13, 2017 |
STAY CURRENT
I've never been one to want to ride "rail trail"...but the mind blowing beauty of the Great Allegheny Passage just took me completely by surprise. So much so that I had Alex bring his new Go Pro and drone down to the river gorge to get some amazing video. I will, no doubt, ride this rail trail again. Can't wait to bring my wife, Robin, here!
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| Pausing on the Great Allegheny Passage directly above the Youghiogheny River -- June 13, 2017 |
FIND INSPIRATION AROUND EVERY TURN
Nothing says "finding inspiration around every turn" like a mountain bike trip down (and yes...up) Baughman Trail. I was able to get out on the trails twice last week. Riding Sugarloaf and Baughman Trail on Tuesday...and then back to Baughman on Thursday. The same rocks that line the river in the valley below can be found lining the trails up above.
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| Alex took this shot of me as I navigated the final section of Baughman Trail -- June 15, 2017 |
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| I'll admit that I was pretty proud of myself for navigating the nearly 800 foot descent of the 2 mile long Baughman Trail. Alex let me borrow his Go Pro and stabilizer for the ride. The video I managed to get is amazing. -- June 15, 2017 |
MAKE A SPLASH
It's impossible to go to Ohiopyle and not go white water rafting. I ALWAYS choose White Water Adventure to guide our trip. They are safe, reliable, and extremely friendly. Our trip down the lower Yough was super fun because (being the middle of the work week) it only included two rafts. Our guide, Seth, was great to hang with...and it was awesome to have my step-daughter, Mia, join us for the ride!
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| Rafting the lower Yough with White Water Adventures. Left to right: Alex Raymond, David Raymond, Mia Arnold-Scott, Devin Seiger, and "tour guide" Seth -- June 15, 2017 |
As I stated at the beginning of this post, these seven "observations" aren't my own creation. I really did get the inspiration from a t-shirt in hanging in the Ohiopyle Visitor Center. It doesn't matter what or who inspires you...it just matters that you are inspired to get out and enjoy the nature and beauty that surrounds all of us. I'm glad I saw the shirt.
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| The t-shirt design is credited to Your True Nature. Check out their website: yourtruenature.com |
Life is a journey...not a destination.
David A. Raymond June 21, 2017
Be sure to check out HIGHPEAKSHIKING.COM!
Be sure to check out HIGHPEAKSHIKING.COM!
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| My first trip down the lower Yough with White Water Adventures. OMG...no helmets in 1995! Front to back: Jason Cole, David Raymond, Sean Turner, Beau Henderson, Jacob Raymond |
Here are the GARMIN maps and stats from my rides and hikes featured in this post...
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