Storms force closure of popular spots at Ohiopyle State Park

A popular waterfall at Ohiopyle State Park is off limits after damage from storms Sunday left some trails impassable and dangerous, according to park officials.

The Cucumber Falls area and Great Gorge Trail are closed for the foreseeable future, according to a post on the park’s social media. Downed trees and other debris are blocking the paths.

“Please give our crews a chance to assess the damage and clean up,” the post said.

Straight line winds caused the damage, according to the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh.

Park manager Chris Houck said damage from the Sunday afternoon storm was concentrated on the area of Cucumber Falls, the natural waterslides and parking lots, locations that were all busy with visitors. Trees fell onto vehicles and there are a lot of downed limbs and tops of trees.

“We’re really grateful that nobody was injured,” he said.

The natural waterslides were closed temporarily as staff assessed the damage, but they’ve since reopened. It’ll take at least a few days to assess the Cucumber Falls area, he said.

Staff from neighboring parks were being sent to help with the clean up. Officials asked visitors to stay away from the affected areas.

The Great Gorge Trail is connected to the Great Allegheny Passage and runs along the western side of the Youghiogheny River, leading to Cucumber Falls, which is off Ohiopyle Road.