Due to the warmer microclimate inside the gorge, seeds carried by the river from the south survive.

These Native Americans disappeared from the scene just as European colonists began to arrive in North America.

As the east coast was being settled, Native Americans who had lived closer to the Atlantic Ocean were exterminated or forced to flee to the west.

Various tribes, including the Shawnee, Lenni Lenape, and Seneca people, inhabited the Ohiopyle area during the 18th century, but were ultimately removed after the French and Indian War.

"Ohiopyle" is derived from the Lenape phrase ahi opihəle, which means 'it turns very white',[6][7] referring to the frothy waterfalls.

Tourists flocked to the area to see the waterfalls and stay at the resorts that quickly sprouted up along the Youghiogheny River.

The resorts had boardwalks, dancing pavilions, bowling alleys, fountains, tennis courts, and hiking trails.

[9][10] Ohiopyle State Park is a popular destination for rafting, kayaking, and canoeing, but it also has over 100 miles (160 km) of trails that are open to hiking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, mountain bikes and snowmobiles.

Inexperienced visitors are encouraged to hire one of the several private outfitters that offer guided trips down the rapids.

[4] Ohiopyle State Park is connected end-to-end by the Youghiogheny River Trail South section of the Great Allegheny Passage, part of a 318-mile system (512 km) of off-road long-distance trails for hiking and biking between Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C.

This rail-trail parallels the rapids from Ramcat to the Bruner Run take-out on either end of the park, and crosses over the "Loop" near the falls at Ohiopyle on a high trestle.

[4] Visitors can stay overnight at Ohiopyle State Park's Kentuck Campground, or rent a cottage.

All campsites have a picnic table and fire ring, modern restrooms with hot showers and flush toilets, and four playgrounds.