Christine Posted on July 2025 in Weekend Getaways
Looking for an adventurous family weekend getaway close to Ohio? Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania is the perfect destination for families who love hiking, biking, waterfalls, and camping. Nestled in the Laurel Highlands, this charming small town sits in the heart of Ohiopyle State Park, one of Pennsylvania’s most beautiful natural areas. From white-water rafting and scenic trails to waterfalls and natural slides, Ohiopyle is a hidden gem for family fun.
How to Get There
- Distance from Cleveland: ~200 miles
- Driving time: ~3 hours
- When we visited: July, 2 weekend nights
- Tip: Pack for both hiking and water play—many trails lead to rivers, falls, or slides!
Where to Stay
Benners Meadow Run Campground
We stayed at Benners Meadow Run, a fantastic family-friendly campground offering cabins, RV sites, and tent camping.
- Amenities: pool, mini golf, fishing ponds, game room, golf cart rentals
- Clean facilities, friendly staff, and great on-site store (ice, bait, ice cream, camping supplies)
- Centrally located—only 20 minutes from all major Ohiopyle attractions
This campground is perfect for families and groups with a mix of camping styles. We loved relaxing by the campfire after busy days of adventure!
Weekend Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Camp Setup
We left Cleveland on Friday afternoon and arrived around 5 p.m.—just in time to set up camp, grill dinner, and enjoy s’mores under the stars. It was the perfect way to ease into the weekend.
Day 2: Hiking, Sliding, and Exploring Ohiopyle
Morning: Cucumber Falls & Meadow Run Trail
We started our morning with a visit to Cucumber Falls, one of Ohiopyle’s most famous spots.
- Short 0.3-mile hike from the upper parking lot or take the Meadow Run Trail for a longer, scenic route.
- The Meadow Run Trail was one of our favorites—family-friendly, shaded, and full of river views, rocks to climb, and the beautiful waterfall.
- There’s even a path behind the falls—the kids loved getting a little wet!
Late Morning: Meadow Run Natural Waterslides
Just a short trek from Cucumber Falls, you’ll find the Meadow Run Natural Waterslides—a thrilling adventure awaits! These smooth rock chutes transform into natural water slides, leading into shallow, splash-friendly pools. Perfect for all ages, there are gentle areas for little ones and exciting slides for the older kids to enjoy. It’s a place your kids will never want to leave—a summer must-do!
Lunch: Twisted Spoke Café
We headed into town for lunch at the Twisted Spoke Café, a laid-back, outdoor restaurant with shaded seating and a toy box for kids. The menu had something for everyone—including great local beer for adults.
Afternoon: Biking the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) Trail
After lunch (and some much-needed iced coffee from Ohiopyle Coffee Company), we rented bikes at Ohiopyle Trading Post.
- The GAP Trail is mostly flat, scenic, and great for all skill levels.
- We rode for about an hour and a half, crossing bridges and stopping for river views.
- The kids loved the mix of adventure and independence on their bikes.
Evening: Ice Cream and Campfire
We ended the day with ice cream at Falls Market Restaurant and a walk along the Youghiogheny River. The kids waded in the water before we returned to camp for an evening swim and campfire.
Day 3: Fort Necessity National Battlefield
On our final morning, we made a short 13-minute drive to Fort Necessity National Battlefield in Farmington, PA.
- Free entry and perfect for a quick, educational stop
- Includes a museum, kids’ play area, and short walking trail to the battlefield
- We caught the ranger talk and musket demo, which the kids loved
The visit took about 1.5 hours—just enough time before heading home.
Other Family-Friendly Things to Do in Ohiopyle
If you have more time, consider adding these activities:
- White Water Rafting – Multiple guided options for all experience levels
- Additional Hiking Trails – Variety of lengths and difficulty levels
- Fallingwater – Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural masterpiece (kid tours available!)
- Dining Options: The Stone House Inn, Summit Inn Resort, and Bittersweet Café
- Laurel Caverns – Pennsylvania’s largest cave system
- Seven Springs Mountain Resort – Year-round adventure and scenic chairlifts
Quick Trip Highlights
- 🚗 Drive from Cleveland: ~3 hours
- ⛺ Stay: Benners Meadow Run Campground
- 🥾 Top Hikes: Meadow Run Trail, Cucumber Falls
- 💦 Must-Do: Natural Waterslides
- 🚴 Adventure: Biking the GAP Trail
- 🍦 Food & Fun: Twisted Spoke Café, Falls Market Ice Cream
- 🏰 Bonus Stop: Fort Necessity Battlefield
Why Visit Ohiopyle
From natural water slides and scenic trails to campfires and history, Ohiopyle delivers the perfect mix of outdoor fun and family adventure—all within an easy drive from Cleveland. Whether you’re camping, hiking, or simply relaxing by the river, it’s a summer weekend you’ll remember forever.
