West Newton, PA - Yough River and Beach

This beautiful area is tucked away on the banks of the Yough River.  Many thanks to my dear friend for sharing all of this green space with me.

Ohiopyle, PA - Ohiopyle State Park and Falls

Ohiopyle State Park is at the southern end of the Laurel Ridge.  The Falls are on the Youghiogheny [yaw-ki-gay-nee] River Gorge and are the centerpiece for Ohiopyle.  The "Yough" [yawk] has some of the best white water boating in the eastern United States.  The Park offers bicycling, mountain biking, rock climbing, horseback riding, fishing, hunting, picnicking, white water boating, and wildlife watching.  Sledding and snowmobiling are also available, weather permitting.

This is a panoramic of the Falls area.  There are multiple deck layers providing great viewing areas. 

Ohiopyle Falls, Ohiopyle State Park, PA - 2014

 I saw this sign in the planter. It explains that The Yough flows north and carries seeds from the south.  The area has conditions that allow the seeds to take hold, and you will see plants in this area that you cannot see around other areas in PA. 

 Little cones.  Mom said that this has already been in bloom.

 She also recognized this tree. She had seen only one or two others in the backyard of the Donaldson family in Newell, PA.  The fruit looks like little apples.  The fruit is editable.  She knew them as "Red Haw" but isn't sure if this is an official name or one that the neighborhood gave to Donaldson's trees.

 The area is accessible so don't shy away from going here if you are concerned about the access.