Two picnic areas provide picnic tables, grills, restrooms, charcoal disposal areas and reservable pavilions. The secluded Cucumber Run Picnic Area is adjacent to Cucumber Run, a beautiful creek lined with rhododendron bushes and large trees. The scenic Great Gorge Trail begins in this picnic area. Tharp Knob Picnic Area is adjacent to the Tharp Knob Overlook that provides a panoramic view of the Youghiogheny River Gorge and the town of Ohiopyle. The picnic area has a large ball field, volleyball court, playground, two pavilions and access to the Kentuck Trail and loop hiking trails.

Snowmobiling: The 3.8 miles of Sugarloaf Trail and the 9.4 miles of trails in the Sugarloaf Snowmobile and Mountain Biking Area are available with proper snow cover. The Sugarloaf snowmobile area has a parking area with an unloading ramp.

Cross-country Skiing: There are 33.9 miles of trails. The Sproul Trails and a section of the Kentuck Trail were created for cross-country skiing. With deep snowfall, the Youghiogheny River Trail is good for cross-country skiing.

Sledding/Tobogganing: A hill is maintained for sledding in the Surgarloaf Snowmobile and Mountain Bike Area. The hill is adjacent to the parking area.

The park offers a wide variety of environmental education and interpretive programs. Through hands-on activities, guided walks and evening programs, participants gain appreciation, understanding and develop a sense of stewardship toward natural and cultural resources. Programs focus on the Youghiogheny River, its gorge, and the natural, cultural and recreational resources of the Ohiopyle area. Curriculum-based environmental education programs are available to schools and youth groups. Teacher workshops are available. Group programs must be arranged in advance and may be scheduled by calling the Train Station/Visitor's Center at 724-329-0986. Programs are offered from March through November.

Special Directions for Large RVs to Kentuck Campground: SR 2019 is very steep. Large RVs should avoid this road and take PA 40 to SR 2010 (Chalk Hill-Ohiopyle Rd.) Follow it for eight miles to a stop sign. Go straight to the campground.

From the West: From the PA Turnpike, take Exit 91, Donegal. Turn left onto PA 31 east. Travel about two miles, turn right onto PA 711 and PA 381 south. Travel ten miles to Normalville (first stop sign), turn left onto PA 381 south for 11 miles to Ohiopyle.

From the East: From the PA Turnpike, take Exit 110, Somerset. Take PA 281 south 25 miles to Confluence. Continue three miles up hill and at the church, turn right onto Sugarloaf Road, SR 2012. Continue nine miles to Ohiopyle.

From the South (DC, MD, VA): Take I-270 north to Frederick, then I-70 west to Hancock, then Rt. 40 and I-68 through Cumberland. Take Exit 14 (Keysers Ridge) to Rt. 40 west to Farmington, PA. Turn right onto PA 381 north for eight miles to Ohiopyle.

From the South (WV): Take I-79 North to I-68 east. Take Bruceton Mills Exit to Rt. 26 north. At the PA border it becomes PA 281 north. Turn left onto PA 40 west, to Farmington, turn right onto PA 381 north to Ohiopyle.