Ferncliff Peninsula Pictures

At the center of Ohiopyle State Park, Pennsylvania lies Ferncliff Peninsula, a 100 acre botanical reserve that is sheltered by a dramatic bend in the Youghiogheny River at the bottom of a steep sided gorge. Ferncliff Peninsula contains many plants that washed down river from the warmer southern areas of Maryland and West Virginia and found protection here thanks to the river and low elevation from the surrounding colder terrain. The aptly named peninsula was once a popular resort for Pittsburgher's to escape to on weekends, it now is completely devoid of any man made structures other than some rough footed trails that circumvent its terrain of moss covered rocks, cliffs, ferns, Eastern Hemlocks, and moisture loving vegetation that is surrounded by the thunderous roar of the Youghiogheny River's category four and five rapids. Walking on the trails that crisscross Ferncliff Peninsula is pleasing to all the senses: the sweet smell of the forest's vegetation and loud sounds of water are everywhere and the beauty of the terrain can be most enjoyed early or late in the day when an even light pervades the forest floor. The serenity found here is only pierced occasionally by the utter screams exhibited by folks challenging the fierce Youghiogheny River rapids that surround this place.