Ohiopyle Meadow Run Swimming Hole
Swimming hole in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania · Other
Ohiopyle Meadow Run Swimming Hole is a meadow run swimming hole. It is near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Access is free. Best season: Summer is a strong choice for warm weather and lively crowds, while autumn offers quiet visits with stunning fall foliage.
Typical season: Summer is a strong choice for warm weather and lively crowds, while autumn offers quiet visits with stunning fall foliage
About Ohiopyle Meadow Run Swimming Hole
Ohiopyle Meadow Run Swimming Hole lies in Pennsylvania. Visitors trade crowds for a quieter bank access.
Fed by the cold, clear waters of Meadow Run, this semi-official spot has earned a devoted following among families, hikers, and anyone who has ever wanted to ride a waterslide carved entirely by nature. There are no admission gates or ticket booths. Just smooth sandstone, rushing water, and the sound of laughter echoing off the canyon walls.
The rock is worn glassy-smooth by millennia of water and stone, and the creek pools that collect at the base of each slide shimmer with a striking emerald and azure clarity. Lush forest crowds the banks on either side, filtering the light into shifting green patterns across the water's surface. In summer, the whole scene hums with energy. Dragonflies hover, herons pick their way along the shallows, and the air smells of cool creek water and sun-warmed rock. Come autumn, the surrounding hardwoods explode into color, and you may find yourself nearly alone in a corridor of red, gold, and orange, the water running swift and cold below.
No lifeguards patrol Ohiopyle Meadow Run Swimming Hole. Facilities are limited, so judge depth, current, and weather when you arrive.
Key facts
Structured details for trip planning — verify access and fees with the land manager before you visit.
- Water type
- Meadow Run
- Water body
- Meadow Run
- Fee
- Free
- Nearest town
- Pittsburgh
- State
- Pennsylvania
- Best season
- Summer is a strong choice for warm weather and lively crowds, while autumn offers quiet visits with stunning fall foliage. Spring showcases powerful water flow, and winter provides serene frozen landscapes.
- Access difficulty
- Moderate. Easy access from the parking area, but sliding on rocks requires caution and appropriate footwear.
- Parking
- Designated area
- Restrooms
- Yes
- Lifeguard
- Present (seasonal)
- Camping
- At Ohiopyle S.P. Nearby. Get reservations if it is rafting season.
- Land manager
- State park / recreation agency
- Activities
- Swimming, Sliding
- Facilities
- Picnic tables and restrooms are available near the parking area. Camping facilities are nearby within Ohiopyle State Park, especially during rafting season.
- Last verified
- May 12, 2026
The experience
- Best time to visit Summer is a strong choice for warm weather and lively crowds, while autumn offers quiet visits with stunning fall foliage. Spring showcases powerful water flow, and winter provides serene frozen landscapes.
- Access Moderate. Easy access from the parking area, but sliding on rocks requires caution and appropriate footwear.
- Facilities Picnic tables and restrooms are available near the parking area. Camping facilities are nearby within Ohiopyle State Park, especially during rafting season.
- Camping nearby At Ohiopyle S.P. Nearby. Get reservations if it is rafting season.
Highlights & features
- Natural waterslides carved by Meadow Run
- Emerald and azure water clarity
- Surrounding lush forest and wildlife
- Nearby picnic and restroom facilities
- Exciting yet family-friendly experience
- Natural sandstone water slides
- Refreshing creek pools
- Vibrant fall foliage in autumn
How to get there
Ohiopyle Meadow Run Swimming Hole lies in Pennsylvania near Pittsburgh, Connellsville, and Ohiopyle. Use these driving notes as a starting point and confirm road conditions before you go. Bring water, sunscreen, and gear for a primitive swim day. Weekends and holidays can draw more visitors. Check local updates on access and water levels before you leave home.
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Location: Ohiopyle Meadow Run State: Pennsylvania (PA) Nearby Towns
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Pittsburgh, Connellsville, Ohiopyle turn-by-turn Directions
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From I-68 in Western Maryland
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Head northwest on Route 40 (National Pike).
Continue on Route 40 until you reach Route 381. From Route 40:
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Turn northeast onto Route 381 and follow signs toward Ohiopyle.
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Entering Ohiopyle
As you approach Ohiopyle from the south on Route 381, look for a large gravel parking area on the right-hand side of the road. This parking area lies just before you cross the major concrete bridge where Meadow Run meets the Youghiogheny River. Landmark Reference: On the left side of the road, you will see a sign listing various attractions. Look for the bottom entry on the sign labeled "Natural Waterslides."
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Parking Details
Park in the gravel lot mentioned above. It is free and provides easy access to the . Trailhead and Approach: From the parking area, follow the trail leading to the Meadow Run Natural Waterslides. The trail is well-marked and takes you directly to the .
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The natural waterslides consist of smooth boulders that allow you to slide into a small pool below. Additional Tips
Wear sturdy water shoes for safety, as the rocks can be slippery. Bring towels and any necessary supplies, as there are no facilities directly at the . The area can get busy during peak times, so plan to arrive early for parking and a quieter experience. Have a safe visit to the Ohiopyle Meadow Run !
Plan your visit
Ohiopyle Meadow Run Swimming Hole works well as a day trip from Pittsburgh or Connellsville. Stock up in town, then head to the water with food, water, and sun protection. Combine the swim with camping at Blue Hole Barronvale or browse more Pennsylvania other spots in our directory. For the full list in Pennsylvania, see our state directory.
Access & fees
Access is via a well-marked trail from a free gravel parking lot on Route 381. The site is semi-official with signage but no lifeguards or on-site facilities. It can be crowded on summer weekends.
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What to pack for Ohiopyle Meadow Run Swimming Hole
Gear we compare side by side for other swims like this one — water access, sun, and the hike in.
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Frequently asked questions
Can you swim at Ohiopyle Meadow Run Swimming Hole?
Yes. Ohiopyle Meadow Run Swimming Hole near Pittsburgh, Connellsville, and Ohiopyle in PA is a meadow run swimming spot on Meadow Run. Scout depth and current before entering — no lifeguards at most natural access points.
Is Ohiopyle Meadow Run Swimming Hole free?
Access is generally free (fee listed as “No”). Confirm any parking or day-use rules on site, and pack out trash.
How do you get to Ohiopyle Meadow Run Swimming Hole?
Ohiopyle Meadow Run Swimming Hole is in PA within day-trip range of Pittsburgh, Connellsville, and Ohiopyle. Use a current map for the put-in or park entrance; cell service can be limited at remote spots.
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Culture & history
Ohiopyle State Park is a cornerstone of Pennsylvania’s outdoor heritage, while nearby towns like Connellsville and Pittsburgh offer rich historical and cultural significance.
Conservation
Follow Leave No Trace principles. Protect wildlife habitats, avoid littering, and stick to designated trails to minimize environmental impact.
Sources & updates
Official land managers cited on this page
Always confirm current rules, closures, and fees on the agency site before visiting.
Spotted outdated access, fees, or safety info? Send a correction with the page URL — we review every submission.