Book directly for any two non-holiday weeknights in January, February or March and receive a 10% discount.
Book a 7-day house rental on our Website or by phone (Sunday to Sunday) in May, June, July or August and receive a 10% discount.
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood - Ohiopyle State Park
We want everyone to know about a very special neighbor of Paddler’s Lane Retreat. Ohiopyle State Park is an amazing place to spend time not only in the gorgeous summer months but is one of my favorite places in the winter as well. With 22,000 acres of wilderness, hiking, skiing, and snowshoeing trails, pristine streams, waterfalls, and the world-class Youghiogheny River, Ohiopyle State Park is known as the “Gem of Pennsylvania” and for good reason. If you’re looking for someplace that’s exciting, memorable, easily accessible, family-friendly and free, this park nestled in the Laurel Highlands may be just the place for you.
When I was young my brothers and sisters and I would all bundle up for snowy days and head out to the closest sled riding hill. We were free-range kids (most were back then) and our wooden Flyers with metal runners were the coolest thing going in December. We’d arrange ourselves sitting on a sled with our legs tucked around the waist of the person in front of us and the front person would steer with their feet. Other times we would lie down, face first and steering with our hands while another sibling sprawled out to piggyback on top, along for the ride. These were always especially exciting rides because the person doing the steering had so much snow flying into their faces that they could barely see where they were going!
Today, when I want to go sledding I think of Ohiopyle State Park as we share a border. On the top of the tallest peak in the park, on Sugarloaf Road, you’ll find what my grandfather would have proclaimed “the best sledding hill in nine counties.” It’s wide and fast and has a long run-out. On any day in the winter, you are apt to find a few families building memories on its slope, flying downhill on any manner of a toboggan, sled or inflatable tube or sipping cocoa from a warm thermos in the warming hut.
So choose your favorite method of relaxation or adventure, whether it’s outside enjoying the crisp air and snow, or inside warming your toes by the fire, book and warm beverage in hand. Enjoy the warmth and fun of the interactive visitors center to learn about your surroundings. Grab a map of the park. Tour the waterfalls. Go sledding or skiing. Sign out those free snowshoes from the park and hit the trails. Have lunch at Falls Market, or Mitch’s. Whatever you choose you are sure to make memories to cherish for years to come.