A lot of people think of Ohiopyle as a summer destination, but there really is a lot to do here in the winter time. Let's check out the list of sweet outdoor activities:

1. Ice climbing. There are pitches scattered all over the Laurel Highlands, and many of them are here in the park. Good ice forms consistently on Meadow Run, Cucumber falls, and in the Lost Quarry up by the Ramcat putin. For the absolute best resource on local climbing, including condition reports and directions, check out Tim Anderson's climbing page. This link is broken sometimes, so contact the store at Wilderness Voyageurs as a backup.

2. Snowshoeing and cross country skiing. Don't let conditions in the tiny town of Ohiopyle fool you. There is usually a lot more snow up on Sugarloaf, and loads of great trails too. This time of year the visitors center is unmanned, so stop into the store, and we'll gladly give you a tour of the state park map.

3. Running and hiking. Even the trails down in and around town are still good for the hardcore trail runner or dayhiker with the right outdoor gear. Best thing about the cold: no crowds and no sweat. The two pictures up top are from my run up Great Gorge Trail this evening with the ever-lovable Sandy Psycho Pants.

4. Winter Boating. Yes, some of us are crazy enough to kayak this time of year. Actually, water levels are consistently excellent through the winter, and as long as it's mid 20s or warmer, there are people on the water. Click here for my favorite gauge to check. Just be mindful of recent weather trends; you don't want to come around that bend and find that your must-make eddy is covered in an inch of ice.

Did I leave anything out? Just click that comments button to tell me what I missed.

Lou