With its breathtaking natural falls, this park is the perfect place for whitewater rafting.

by Contributor

The Scene
Covering an area of more than 19,000 acres, Cucumber Falls and Cucumber Run Ravine are your destinations if you want to see seasonal wildflowers, particularly the flowering rhododendron. Ferncliff Peninsula offers an interesting variety of native floral delights as well. The 2.6-mile Great Gorge Trail is a moderate hiking route that will take you through Cucumber Run. Spring is the recommended time of year for seeing wildflowers.

Features
You can raft the Lower Yough, which is quite challenging, or the Middle Yough, classified as Level One and Two whitewater. Plenty of local outfitters are available for boating and equipment supplies. Guides are recommended for inexperienced boaters. The Youghiogheny River Bike-Hike trail is a true joy in the fall, when foliage is at its peak. Despite the mountainous terrain, the trail isn't very steep and even a novice could attempt it.

05/02/03

Excellent for outdoor enthusiasts

by doke88

truly beautiful surroundings. You can swim, bike, hike, and go kayaking. You will never want to leave. Plus, it's 15 minutes from the Youghiogheny River Dam where you can boat and water ski, and very close to the legendary Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece, Fallingwater.

• Pros: beauty, outdoor activities