Last week, as summer drew to a close, my kids wanted one last exciting outing—and one of them cheerfully suggested a day trip to Ohiopyle. A quick check on Google Maps revealed it was just about an hour and twenty minutes from Pittsburgh, so we packed lunches, grabbed towels, filled the tank, and hit the road.
Easy Drive, Full of Anticipation
The drive was smooth and scenic. We followed directions to the “Ohiopyle natural waterslides,” arriving at a clearly marked parking area for the Meadow Run natural waterslides. From there, a wooden staircase led directly to the carved sandstone channels, where clear water blasted through twisting chute-like grooves into a refreshing pool—this natural waterslide is carved by Meadow Run and offers both geology and adventure wrapped in one experience.
|  Plenty of great fishing spots! |
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|  Enjoying the small waterfalls |
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Natural Waterslides: Nature’s Waterpark
Kids and adults alike were sliding, jumping off rocks into pools, and casting lines along the edges. The water sliding was thrilling, though a bit bumpy—scrapes and bruises are common—but many visitors ride again and again. Still, caution is key: water flow varies seasonally and during heavy rain it can become dangerous, whereas low flow during dry spells makes sliding harder. Read more about Meadow Run Natural Waterslides Area here - https://ohiopyle.org/meadow-run-natural-waterslides-area
Picnic and Learning Break
After a few hours of water fun, we paused for our picnic. It was the perfect time to relax, refuel, and enjoy the peaceful forest at the stream’s edge. Later, we stopped by the Ohiopyle Visitor Center, situated in a historic circa-1912 train station adjacent to the falls—now a LEED Gold–certified, ADA-accessible facility filled with interpretive exhibits, a gift shop, water-bottle refilling station, viewing platforms, and bathrooms . It’s not only a practical stop but educational too—or at least a good restroom break after the drive!
While there, we also learned that the park offers a variety of environmental programs and includes an EV charging station in the parking lot.
Ending with Ice Cream in Town
We capped off our visit with ice cream in the sleepy town, a simple moment that delighted the kids. It was the perfect cherry on top of a spontaneous and memorable summer adventure.
|  Smiles for days with ice cream! |
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Why Ohiopyle Makes a Great Last-Minute Family Escape
- Close to Pittsburgh: Under 90 minutes—ideal for a spontaneous day trip.
- Unique Natural Attraction: The Meadow Run waterslides are an adrenaline rush and a geology lesson in one.
- Visitor-Friendly Amenities: A welcoming visitor center with exhibits, restrooms, and a charging station.
- Plenty of Options: Hike the Meadow Run Trail (2.9-mile loop to waterfalls like The Cascades), bike the Great Allegheny Passage, or check out Cucumber Falls nearby .
Handy Tips for Visiting Ohiopyle with Kids
| Tip | Why It Matters |
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| Arrive early | Parking fills fast at Meadow Run; early arrival helps beat the crowds. |
| Bring water shoes or yoga mats | Rocks can be slippery, and mats can cushion the ride down the slide. |
| Check water conditions | Avoid sliding in high or very low water. |
| Pack lunch | Picnic by the waters or forest makes it a full-day outing. |
| Swing by Visitor Center | Grab trail maps, enjoy exhibits, use restrooms, and learn some history. |
| Consider nearby hikes | Explore Meadow Run Trail for waterfalls or wander to Cucumber Falls for more nature time. |
|  That face though! |
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