A historic borough in the remote reaches of southwestern Pennsylvania, the tiny community of Ohiopyle serves as the gateway to some of the most spectacular outdoor adventure opportunities available in the entire commonwealth. A truly spectacular destination for whitewater rafting, nearby Ohiopyle State Park has earned national acclaim for its abundance of churning rapids, suitable for newbies and experienced river runners alike. For those less inclined toward high-octane adventure, the 150-mile Great Allegheny Passage runs parallel to Ohiopyle’s Youghiogheny River, providing visitors with 27 verdant miles of hiking and biking trails to explore throughout the year. Adventure isn’t the only game in town. Ohiopyle and the surrounding area also pack in a surprising amount of cultural attractions worth exploring, including structures by an iconic American architect and a 1750s-era battlefield trod on by a young George Washington.

The spectacular natural beauty of Ohiopyle makes it worth visiting year-round, but certain activities are best suited for a specific time of year. Whitewater rafting tends to be more popular in the spring and summer thanks to the favorable temperatures, while hiking is also more common during the warmer months. Winter may be full of short days and frigid weather, but there’s still a wealth of exciting activities to engage in after a fresh blanket of snow, and is a great time to cozy up in one of the area’s vacation rentals. Ohiopyle’s nearby Pressley Ridge Trail is streaked with snowmobile trails that span almost 16 miles, and the Sproul Trails are the perfect destination for snowshoeing as well as cross-country skiing. For those visiting during autumn, Pennsylvania’s famous fall foliage is a sight to savor.

Kentuck Knob

A treat for architecture fans, this one-story residence and National Historic Landmark was completed in 1956. Crafted out of sandstone and red cypress, the stunning abode was designed to blend seamlessly into the hillside. Want to double-down on your architectural tour? Head to Kentuck Knob in the morning and then make the ten-minute trip north to the Laurel Highlands to tour Fallingwater, the most famous creation in this architect’s portfolio.

Fort Necessity National Battlefield

Fort Necessity was the site of George Washington’s first prominent military skirmish. It also marked his only surrender. On July 3, 1754, the battle pitted British forces against French and Indigenous troops in one of the many military engagements during the French and Indian War. Immerse yourself in the exhibits at the 1830s-era Mount Washington Tavern, then head to Fort Necessity itself, a small reconstructed wooden stockade that serves as a faithful re-creation of the original 18th-century bastion.

Cucumber Falls

Cucumber Falls is one of half a dozen waterfalls within Ohiopyle State Park — but it’s hands-down the most breathtaking. The cascade drops a thin curtain of water 30 feet into a shallow pool rimmed with smooth boulders. To access it, simply follow the staircase from the parking lot to an observation deck above the falls. It’s also possible to hike to the bottom of the falls, but be mindful as the rocks can get slippery.