WHY WE LOVE IT
There’s no better way to celebrate this beautiful country than by donning your red, white, and blue and getting outdoors, and there’s no better place to do it than Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania. Celebrating the 4th of July in the mountains of the Laurel Highlands may look a little different than in a bigger city with parades and massive firework displays, but in our opinion, it’s even better. When you head to the Laurel Highlands for the 4th of July weekend, you get to truly appreciate this beautiful land we have the honor of living on by hitting the hiking and biking trails within Ohiopyle State Park or taking to the blue waters of the Youghiogheny River for some good old-fashioned whitewater rafting.
We know that planning a holiday weekend can be a daunting task, so we have come up with a list of places to stay, must-see and must-do activities, Places to eat and where to shop for food to ensure your holiday weekend is easy and one to remember.
Acommodations
The Ohiopyle Suites is the only hotel within the borough of Ohiopyle. As an OVR guest, you gain access to perks including discounts on rafting and bike rentals with White Water Adventurers, as well as discounts on food at Stonehouse Inn and Restaurant and Braddock’s Restaurant and Tavern.
If you’re looking for larger accommodations, we recommend booking one of our Ohiopyle Vacation Rentals, which also enjoy these perks.
Hiking
Ohiopyle boasts over 20,500 acres of state park land with no shortage of amazing hiking trails. Some of our favorites include Ferncliff Trail, Great Gorge Trail, Meadow Run Trail, and Cucumber Falls. For an easy walk, be sure to hit the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) Trail. The 4th of July weekend is bound to be busy within the Ohiopyle Borough and the state park, so for a less populated hike, we recommend checking out the Bear Run Trail System.
Biking
What’s better than walking the GAP Trail? E-biking the GAP Trail! White Water Adventurers rents awesome e-bikes that will have you cruising the GAP trail. We even have kids’ carts so the little ones can tag along too (kids’ carts are first come, first served). OVR guests also get a discount on bike rentals! If mountain biking is your thing, we recommend bringing your bike and hitting the awesome new trail system on Sugarloaf Mountain. For more information, check out Ohiopyle Biking Club.
Raft the Yough
Our favorite way to celebrate the 4th of July is by taking to the river. Head over to White Water Adventurers to plan a mellow tubing or middle Yough trip. For an adrenaline rush, conquer the whitewater of the lower and upper Yough. Be sure to mention that you are an OVR guest to receive a discount! Our other recommendations include basking on the beach at Spillway Recreation Area Beach in Confluence, PA, hanging out on the banks of the Youghiogheny River, or checking out the Meadow Run Natural Water Slides.
Provisions
When planning your grocery list for your trip to the Laurel Highlands, you can leave the meat at home. Our local butcher, Stone House Butcher, carries everything you need to plan an epic menu, please be aware that they are closed on the 4th of July.
We have compiled a list of local cafes and restaurants. Don’t forget, we live in a small mountainous town, which can limit food options and hours. We recommend calling ahead to ensure the restaurant is open!
Restaurants in Ohiopyle:
- Falls City Pub
- The Twisted Spoke (formerly Ohiopyle House Cafe)
- Falls Market
- Ohiopyle Coffee Company
- Ohiopyle Bakery
- Paddlers Pizza
- Bittersweet at the Falls
Restaurants Outside of Town:
- Braddock’s Tavern and Restaurant (OVR guests enjoy a discount here)
- Stone House Restaurant and Inn (OVR guests enjoy a discount here)
- Stone House has features Thursday-Saturday which can be seen each Tuesday on their Facebook Page.
- Braddocks has features Friday-Sunday which can be seen each Friday on their Facebook Page.
- Lucky Dog Cafe
- Fuel Cafe
- Bittersweet Cafe
- Paint Room Pizza
- Uncle Joe’s Sweet and Savory
Beer Distributors on the Mountain:
- RAM Cat
- Beer Necessities
Groceries on the mountain
We recommend doing the majority of your food shopping before heading up the mountain, however the following establishments do provide staples.
- G & D Market
- Dollar General
- May’s County Store
- Stone House Butcher
Tips
- Alcohol and fireworks are prohibited within Ohiopyle State Park
- Fireworks are prohibited at any of our Ohiopyle Vacation Rentals
- Let’s keep this land beautiful – always clean up after yourself on the trails and ensure to completely extinguish campfires.
- Parking in within the borough of Ohiopyle is limited, especially during the busy season. The state park offers overflow parking, however be prepared for a 5-10 minute walk to get to your destination.
Local 4th of July Happenings
While Ohiopyle itself does not host any 4th of July celebrations, the following locations around the Laurel Highlands do.
Bikes, Bands, and BBQ at Braddock’s Restaurant and Tavern
- Date: July 4th
- What to Expect: BBQ and music from Fret Buzz outside of Braddock’s from 6-9pm
Braddock’s Flea Market
- Date: July 6th and July 7th
- What to Expect: All things flea market from 8am-4pm, rain or shine!
Indian Creek Baptist Church July 4th Homecoming Picnic
- Date: July 4th
- Location: Indian Creek Baptist Church – Mill Run, PA
- What to Expect: The day will kick off with a parade at 12:30pm which will end in a flag raising ceremony at the VFW at the Normalville Post 12019 and Ohiopyle post at 1 pm. There will be fun games for all ages beginning at 2pm and evening entertainment by the gospel group, The Richters at 7pm. Sandwiches, baked goods, ice cream, and fried dough will be available at the concession stand and a traditional cake walk will commence at 8pm. The festivities will conclude with fireworks at 9:30pm!
Seven Springs Independence Day Fireworks
- Date: July 5th
- What to Expect: Live music from Riley and Ty Duo goes from 6-9pm with DJ Perfect Effect from 9-12. Fireworks will begin at 9:30pm.
Roaring Knob Motorsport Complex
- Date: July 5th
- What to Expect: Fireworks begin at 7:30pm
Connellsville Red, White, and Boom
- Date: July 6th
- What to Expect: Event begins at 3pm with vendors, music, food, entertainment, fireworks.
Greendance – The Winery at Sand Hill in Mount Pleasant
- Date: July 4th – July 7th
- What to Expect: Music, food, and drinks.
Anniversary of the Battle of Fort Necessity
- Date: July 3rd
- What to Expect: Exhibition/show, living history, talking, walking
Celebrating the 4th of July in Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania, offers a unique and unforgettable experience. So come embrace the spirit of independence by exploring our beautiful landscapes, thrilling outdoor adventures, and inviting accommodations. We look forward to welcoming you!