Ohiopyle State Park: Ferncliff Botany and Scenic Trails

Date & Time: Saturday, August 22, 8:30am

Leader: Alex Busato, busatoalex67@gmail.com, 724-963-6612

Directions: From the PA Turnpike in Donegal, drive east on Rt. 31 to Rt. 381 south, then about 14 miles to Ohiopyle. Turn right into the parking lot just after crossing the railroad tracks and before crossing the bridge into town. Trails lead from the parking lot to the peninsula.

Description: The Ferncliff Peninsula Natural Area of Ohiopyle State Park is known for its botany, both living and fossilized, as well as its great views of the scenic Youghiogheny River. We will walk the Ferncliff Trail in search of some of the many regionally-rare flora that call this river scour habitat home. Plant highlights could include Beautiful Barbara’s Buttons, Pencilflower, Carolina Tasselrue, and more. This area is also host to a variety of bird species and a healthy population of (secretive) Copperheads.  Time permitting, there are also other trails of interest. Please note, sections of this trail are somewhat steep and involve several steps on bare rock that may be slick depending on river conditions.