The Pennsylvania State Park With Natural Waterslides, Whitewater Rafting, And Endless Trails

Waterslides are a thrill, aren't they? Especially on a hot day when all you want to do is splash around and cool off. If you've hurled yourself down one (or more) of those twisting plastic tubes, crashing into a final pool, you know what a rush they can be. No waterpark is complete without these slides and fans will shiver in line for as long as it takes to have a turn.

But what if a waterslide was neither plastic nor tubular, but a natural channel between rocks? What if you could slide your way down this narrow trough as if geologic forces had designed it that way? This is what you'll find at Ohiopyle State Park, one of the most revered summer destinations in Pennsylvania. Covering more than 22,500 acres, Ohiopyle is a vast playground for swimmers, paddlers, hikers, and campers — and one of its best parts is Meadow Run, officially known as the park's "natural water slide." Seriously, there's a sign that says so. Pennsylvania is full of road trips for adventure seekers, and Ohiopyle could divert outdoorsy travelers for days.

Stretching for about 100 feet, the waterslide is just one segment of the longer Meadow Run, a 14-mile-long stream with riffled waters, pleasant little cascades, and decent fishing. Meadow Run is a tributary to the Youghiogheny River, whose famous rapids cut right through the park and are the setting for epic whitewater rafting. Ohiopyle doesn't charge an entry fee, so you can hike right up to the Meadow Run waterslide and dive right in.

For the waterslide itself, the best time to visit is in the summer. Pennsylvania summers get hot and muggy, and Meadow Run is a great excuse to soak yourself to beat the heat. The water levels rise and fall considerably, and too much water can actually be dangerous, so you should ask locals whether the stream's conditions seem safe since there is no lifeguard or staff member posted here. You don't have to be a skilled swimmer to successfully slide down, but the rocky surface has some texture, so wear something durable and protective. There are also a few bouldery turns, so always ride down feet-first. It's probably best to come with company so you can securely set down your valuables while you slip down the course.

Pennsylvania is very much a four-season state, and the park remains open all year. The Meadow Run Trail is a roughly 3-mile loop that takes you along this attractive waterway, and each season brings its own enchantments: spring buds, fall colors, and winter ice. The trail is easy and accessible to most hikers, and the full circuit takes an average of 90 minutes.

The Youghiogheny is the lifeblood of Ohiopyle, and at least four different rafting companies lead trips through its frothing rapids. Ohiopyle is also home to at least 10 significant waterfalls, and while they're best enjoyed as scenery — or photographic subjects — you're generally welcome to wade into these waters, as long as you're careful. Few outside the Keystone State have heard of Ohiopyle (and plenty of people assume it's actually in Ohio), but an abundance of beauty and local activities have labeled it one of the most underrated state parks on the East Coast.

Ohiopyle is located about 90 minutes southeast of Pittsburgh, and Pittsburgh International is by far the most convenient airport to fly into. Most visitors drive into the park, but you can also ride a bicycle here, thanks to the 150-mile Great Allegheny Passage, one of the most beautiful bike trails in the U.S. to add to your bucket list. The trail not only runs right through the middle of Ohiopyle, but a scenic trestle bridge provides one of the best views of the Youghiogheny River. The park has a handful of inns and guesthouses, starting at around $100 per night. A more economical option is to set up a tent or RV since Kentuck Campground has 200 tent sites as well as several rustic cottages and fully equipped yurts.

Plenty of travelers will show up in Ohiopyle, have their fun, and leave. But the park stands on the edge of the Laurel Highlands, a vast tract of Appalachian hills and forest that cover 3,000 square miles of Southwestern Pennsylvania. This region is beautiful to drive through, and it's dotted with striking destinations. Fallingwater, a modernist house with a waterfall that pours beneath it, was completed in 1936 and is widely considered architect Frank Lloyd Wright's most impressive design. Visitors can take an illuminating tour through this one-of-a-kind domicile as well. The highlands are replete with hiking trails, along with breweries, theaters, museums, historic sites, and many other attractions. If you're looking for other ways to be on the water, you'll find canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddle board options as well.