60 Hikes Within 60 Miles Pittsburgh Including Allegheny and Surrounding Counties

Ohiopyle: Ferncliff Natural Area Loop Shortly after hiking about 1 mile, the long arms of an ancient hemlock extend over the trail, dwarfing those who pass underneath them. These and the large white pines were saved from being harvested in 1911 and 1947 by the steep slopes that border the river. At about 1.3 miles there is a short, steep path on the right that goes down to the river. If you take it, go to the left around the large boulder. If you have a dog with you, be sure to have it on a leash. If you have a young child with you, don't venture down. Anyone who enters the water here is not going to be able to escape being swept away in the rapids. The river is roaring in both sound and speed. If you've taken the path and likely a picture, return to the trail, and continue on to more rhododendrons, hemlocks, and the state flower, the Mountain Laurel. There are also Oak and other deciduous trees adding color and variety. Maple and Beech are common while the tall, straight Tulip Poplar provides the highest layer of the forest canopy.Ruff, Donna L. is the author of '60 Hikes Within 60 Miles Pittsburgh Including Allegheny and Surrounding Counties', published 2006 under ISBN 9780897325912 and ISBN 0897325915.