Southwestern Pennsylvania Guide's

Top Things to Do in Fayette County, PA

The Best Attractions & Points of Interest from Uniontown to Perryopolis to Ohiopyle!

Looking for things to do around Fayette County? Here is a list of the top attractions from Uniontown to Perryopolis, Connellsville to Ohiopyle. The attractions are family oriented and include amusements, museums, cultural things to do, parks, hiking and biking trails, historical sites and other points of interest. Many of the places to visit are free of charge and geared for kids. This list also contains urban legends and haunted places located in Fayette County, since they seem to be very popular.

Fayette County has been divided into 4 regions to make the attractions easier to find. This page contains things to do in all of the areas. Links to pages about the individual regions can be found below. These local pages contain more attractions, many of which may be lesser known or of a smaller scale.

This is just one page of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Guide, and more attractions and events can be found by accessing the main page and searching by location. If you feel that something is missing from the list, please email me. I am always looking for new attractions, places and folklore to include.




1. Masontown, Republic, Brownsville, Fayette City
2. Perryopolis, Grindstone, Linden Hall
3. Uniontown, Fairchance, Point Marion, Connellsville
4. Laurel Highlands, Jumonville, Ohiopyle, Farmington
 


1.  Quaker Church (Providence Meetinghouse)
  Local Flavor & Folklore > Hauntings
 
County:   Fayette
Region:   North Central Fayette
City / Town:    Perryopolis / Fayette City
Situated on a scenic hilltop near Perryopolis, the Quaker Church was originally the Meetinghouse for members of the Society of Friends in the area. The site was originally used for such purpose since 1789. There is no door on the building, so visitors can walk right in. The church and surrounding cemetery have been the subject of numerous paranormal accounts for decades. Tales of voices being heard, devil worship, ghostly oppression and even a "hound from hell" abound. Some will not even turn their car off when visiting at night in fear that is will not start again! But the main legend involves a particular gravestone, that of William Lynch, with a scary inscription (at least by today's standards). Supposedly you will be cursed if you read it aloud, causing bad luck to you and your companions. On a personal note, I have experienced this firsthand, and is something that I cannot explain. My tale is described in detail in my friend, Tom White's, book - please check it out! I have been to this site numerous times, and have said that if there ever was a haunted site, this would be it! In recent years I discussed the matter with William Lynch's great-granddaughter, who lives in the area and is a local historian. Her opinion is that, if the site is haunted, it is not by Billy Lynch. She has heard many family accounts that he was a caring and gentle man, and believes he would not haunt anyone. He did die a tragic death, however, in a story that involves Jacob Cross, his son-in-law, who happens to be buried only a few feet away. Perhaps folklore has the wrong tombstone!
 
2.  Wilderness Voyagers
  Attractions > Outdoors
 
County:   Fayette
Region:   Chestnut / Laurel
City / Town:   

 
3.  White Water Adventures
  Attractions > Outdoors
 
County:   Fayette
Region:   Chestnut / Laurel
City / Town:   

 
4.  Warrior Trail
  Attractions > Outdoors
 
County:   Fayette
Region:   Chestnut / Laurel
City / Town:   

 
5.  Casparis Cave and Scenic Area
  Attractions > Outdoors
 
County:   Fayette
Region:   Chestnut / Laurel
City / Town:   

 
6.  Fallingwater
  Attractions > Unique Points of Intrest
 
County:   Fayette
Region:   Chestnut / Laurel
City / Town:    Ohiopyle / Mill Run
In 1937, construction was completed on Fallingwater, designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The brilliant design fused nature and function like no other - complete with a stream running through the house. This much celebrated vacation home in the Laurel Highlands of Edgar & Liliane Kaufman is now open to the public and under direction of the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. Plan to visit during all four seasons, as each season brings its own unique beauty.
 
7.  Kentuck Knob (Frank Lloyd Wright)
  Historic & Heritage Sites > Buildings & Structures
 
County:   Fayette
Region:   Chestnut / Laurel
City / Town:    Farmington
As a friend and business acquaintance of Edgar Kaufmann, I. N. Hagen visited Fallingwater often and hired Frank Lloyd Wright to design a similar home for him nearby. Kentuck Knob is near Chalk Hill, on the other side of Ohiopyle from Fallingwater, and now offers private and public tours as well. The homestead features a unique “Usonian” design, with a single floor plan with no attic or basement.
 
8.  Laurel Caverns
  Attractions > Unique Points of Intrest
 
County:   Fayette
Region:   Chestnut / Laurel
City / Town:    Hopwood, Fayette County
Laurel Caverns is located on top of (and within) Chestnut Ridge, covering 435 acres and boasting Pennsylvania’s largest cave. Two miles of passageway await the caver looking for an adventure, most of which remains undeveloped. This is a great place for aspiring spelunkers to begin because the park enforces safety measures that are usually absent in wild caves. It also offers reasonably priced “family guided” tours all day long through the “developed” part of the cave. These tours are about an hour long and are both fun and educational.
 
9.  Fort Necessity
  Historic & Heritage Sites > Forts
 
County:   Fayette
Region:   Chestnut / Laurel
City / Town:    Farmington
On July 3, 1754, Col. George Washington led the first battle on the French and Indian War at this site. Although he lost the battle, the British eventually won the war, paving the way for the Revolutionary War and America’s independence. The fort has been recreated, and the history of site well presented by the National Park Service to the public. A must for history buffs!
 
10.  Nemacolin Woodlands Resort
  Attractions > Resorts
 
County:   Fayette
Region:   Chestnut / Laurel
City / Town:    Farmington
Nemacolin is known as one of the area’s premier resorts, with luxury and recreational opportunities for all. Golf is a major focus, with two fantastic courses, Mystic Rock and The Links, to choose from. Pamper yourself at the Woodlands Spa and enjoy dining at one of the casual or fine locations. During the winter, skiing at Mystic Mountain is also in operation.
 
11.  Ohiopyle State Park
  Attractions > Parks
 
County:   Fayette
Region:   Chestnut / Laurel
City / Town:    Ohiopyle
Situated on 19,000 acres as a gateway to the Laurel Highlands, Ohiopyle features all the outdoor opportunities of a state park. It is best known for the 14 mile river gorge of the Youghiogheny, home to some of the best white water rapids in the eastern United States! Take advantage of one of the many guided rafting tours, or tour privately. Ohiopyle is also known for its natural waterslides and biking / walking trail.
 
12.  Friendship Hill National Historic Site
  Historic & Heritage Sites > Buildings & Structures
 
County:   Fayette
Region:   Foothills
City / Town:    Point Marion
Friendship Hill was the country estate of Albert Gallatin, well known especially for his service as Secretary of the Treasury for the Jefferson and Madison administration. His name is still prominent in areas across Fayette County. The 661-acre estate is now maintained and run by the National Park Service. An audio self-tour is available, as well as ranger tours. The grounds surrounding the homestead contain many nature trails that are open to the public. Check the website for additional activities and special events.
 
13.  Hazelbaker's Canoes & Recreation
  Attractions > Outdoors
 
County:   Fayette
Region:   North Central Fayette
City / Town:    Layton
The Youghiogheny River is a secret gem in the Pittsburgh region. Explore the river via canoe or kayak at Hazelbaker's, located in Layton, PA, between Perryopolis and Linden Hall Resort. Hazelbaker's has been providing this service, along with fishing trips, for over 30 years. This portion of the Yough River is designated as Class 1 - smooth and perfect for beginners and families. It does not have the rapids that are found upstream at Ohipyle. So bring the entire family, and finish the day off with a picnic at one of the onsite pavillions.
 
14.  Nemacolin Castle
  Historic & Heritage Sites > Buildings & Structures
 
County:   Fayette
Region:   Lower Monongahela Valley
City / Town:   
In Brownsville, situated high above the Monongahela River, sits this historic castle. Guided tours are offered along with many other events throughout the year. The Ghost Tours are particularly popular!
 
15.  Bear Run Nature Reserve
  Attractions > Outdoors
 
County:   Fayette
Region:   Chestnut / Laurel
City / Town:    Mill Run
In the heart of the beautiful Laurel Highlands lies Bear Run Nature Reserve. This property, owned by the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, is actively managed to preserve the native plants, animals and surroundings. Bear Run features trails and campsites throughout the dense woods, along with 4 protected clear & crisp streams.
 
16.  Touchstone Center for Crafts
  Attractions > Cultural
 
County:   Fayette
Region:   Chestnut / Laurel
City / Town:    Farmington
If you love art and nature, be sure to visit Touchstone! Celebrating 40 years in 2012, Touchstone has been keeping the tradition of mountain crafts alive for decades. The school features both traditional and contemporary artistic work in an array of disciplines, including photography, blacksmithing, metals, textiles, glass, oil and watercolor painting, printmaking and sculpture.
 
17.  Jumonville Glen Historical Site
  Historic & Heritage Sites > Historical Location
 
County:   Fayette
Region:   Chestnut / Laurel
City / Town:    Jumonville
In these woods in 1754, a young George Washington fell into a skirmish with French troops that would ultimately lead to the French and Indian War. The peaceful glen, with its rock outcrops, stands today much as it did back then. If you are a nature lover and history buff, you won’t want to miss this one.
 
18.  Washington Grist Mill
  Historic & Heritage Sites > Buildings & Structures
 
County:   Fayette
Region:   North Central Fayette
City / Town:    Perryopolis / Layton
Reconstructed in 1999, the Grist Mill is a close replica to the original that was owned by George Washington. Washington had the mill constructed in 1774-1776 on land that he owned as an investment. Although he didn’t run the day to day operations (he was busy being the first president), he frequented the site and inspected it. The Perryopolis Historical Society offers tours of the Mill, as well as a Distillery, “Bake Shop” and other attractions on the site.
 
19.  Quebec Run Wild Area (Hiking)
  Attractions > Outdoors
 
County:   Fayette
Region:   Chestnut / Laurel
City / Town:    Chestnut Ridge
With development these days, it can be difficult for outdoor enthusiasts to find a place of undisturbed nature. This area of 7,500 acres on Chestnut Ridge has been designated as “wild”, meaning no permanent development will be allowed on it. It is an area reserved for hiking, fishing and backpack camping, or just for enjoying the peace of nature. The Quebec Run Wild Area maintains several hiking trails, and some of the streams are stocked with trout. The remote nature of this area also helps to keep the crowds away!
 




Looking for more things to do? There are more attractions on the local pages:
Attractions in Brownsville, PA
Attractions in Perryopolis, PA
Attractions in Uniontown & Connellsville, PA
Attractions in Fayette's Laurel Highlands

Also, find attractions and things to do across the entire region:
Southwestern Pennsylvania Guide Home Page
Top 75 Things To Do in Southwestern Pennsylvania
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