Great Gorge trail to Beech Trail:
This loop can be accessed via the Bike path from the town of Ohiopyle. The bike path serves as a great connector for many of the trails in the park that are deeper and more tiresome to access via foot.
I warm up by running along the bike bath from Wilderness Voyageurs' Outfitter Store to the trailhead after the high bridge above Railroad rapid on the Lower Yough. However, this is tricky. Just after you cross the bridge there is a sign on the left to enter Great Gorge Trail. This will take you in the OPPOSITE direction. Instead, continue along the bike path another 30 yards and take the next trail off to the left. This is just an unmarked way to enter the Great Gorge Trail. If you see signs to the campground you have gone too far. This trail begins by winding through the woods, growing steeper. The last bit of trail is the steepest of the entire run so just think about getting it over with early. The trail hits Kentuck Trail where you will turn Right. This trail leads up to the campground access road which you will cross and reenter the trail off the road onto the right. This will take you past the Ampitheater. After passing this you will follow signs for Beech Trail, taking a Left when the trail hits a Y. Another 40 yards follow Beech trail to the Right.
From here, enjoy a long stretch of winding through the woods with minimal change in gradient. Soon the trail will begin to slowly go downhill, meeting up with a creek near a large rock face on the left hand side. The trail eventually bends to the right (no need to turn off trail) where it somewhat follows the bike path with a few hills thrown in for good measure. The trail eventually leads to the Campground access trail (gravel) where you will go left to hit the bike path again, or right to head to the campground.
This is one of my favorites because it starts off with a bang and turns into a mellower run for the 2nd half. It usually takes me about an hour to run.
Another great loop is the Great Gorge to Meadow Run Trail Loop:
This loop can also be accessed via the bike path, turning Left just after the High Bridge over Railroad rapid (the trail is marked Great Gorge here). This part of Great gorge is a much wider, flat trail that follows the Lower Youghiogheny's loop section. The trail eventually leads to the beautiful Cucumber Falls where you can cool off by walking behind or even under the falls.
You can stop here as Rt 381 passes just over the trail, or continue the trail under 381 where it leads to the Natural Water Slides. The trail turns into Meadow Run Trail here as it follows the creek known as Meadow. During high water, this creek is frequented by local kayakers. Fishermen also enjoy these waters all year long. The trail remains relatively flat with the occasional hill and winds through much denser wooded areas. Often times the trail is only wide enough for me with thick rhododendron on either side.
Be sure to follow sings up the Cascades. This is a slide/waterfall that drops around 20 feet overall. Another great place to stop and take a dip in the river.
Here you can either turn around or continue along the trail as it bends to the right and loops back upon itself. Sometimes I find myself ending up in the top Meadow Run parking lot, but no worries...there is a trail that leads back down to the creek.
For a full trail map of Ohiopyle State Park click here
The Laurel Highlands and Ohiopyle State Park are excellent locations for hiking and exploring Pennsylvania's natural beauty. Amazing rock formations with the occasional cave, forest floors covered with brilliantly green ferns or hidden waterfalls are all common on any of the hikes.
Ever need a trail recommendation? Stop by Wilderness Voyageurs' Outfitter store and we'll be happy to point you toward a trail that will fit your needs for that day!
See you out there!
-Zan
