I happened across this disused old church on a backroad into Ohiopyle. I say "disused" because though it's clearly not in use, but nor is it abandoned. It apparently merged with a larger church in Uniontown and is now considered a "chapel" of the town church.
Christ Lutheran Church, in an area known as Chalk Hill, sits along the same road as Kentuck Knob, which is Frank Lloyd Wright's second most famous house in Fayette County. This is truly beautiful countryside with picture-perfect farms and grand, sweeping vistas out over distant mountains.
Ohiopyle State Park would take some time to thoroughly explore. It's large, and it's not the only expanse of public lands to enjoy down here. There are other state parks, and state forests, and even the state game lands are worth a hike. The Youghiogheny River runs wild and fast.
I do hate the way the wild grapevines overtake the forests, but it was so unfair to see so many clusters of delicious wild grapes hanging just out of reach. They were in real abundance along one of the trails. Do you remember the flavor of these seedy, thick-skinned fruits? There's not much flesh to them, but they're really delicious.
Ohiopyle State Park would take some time to thoroughly explore. It's large, and it's not the only expanse of public lands to enjoy down here. There are other state parks, and state forests, and even the state game lands are worth a hike. The Youghiogheny River runs wild and fast. 
I do hate the way the wild grapevines overtake the forests, but it was so unfair to see so many clusters of delicious wild grapes hanging just out of reach. They were in real abundance along one of the trails. Do you remember the flavor of these seedy, thick-skinned fruits? There's not much flesh to them, but they're really delicious.
Here's the entrance to Baughman Rock, which has one of the best overlooks in the park. Two other good overlooks can only be reached with a vigorous hike, but this one is relatively close to a forest road.
The view from Baughman Rock. All of the overlooks I visited in the park were being overtaken by trees, which obstruct the view. I hope the park service will do some cutting.
Another angle on top of Baughman Rock...
Again, the river wending its way through the valley is the Youghiogheny, affectionately (or lazily) known to locals as "The Yawk."
This pleasant spot in the forest can only be reached by hiking a few miles in. You'll think you're in deep wilderness until a noisy train passes right beneath view. This is the Paradise Overlook, and it's one of my favorite places at Ohiopyle. It's les grand than some views, but you're pretty sure to have it all to yourself. In my constant rush to flee to West Virginia, I'd forgotten how lovely the Laurel Highlands can be. I did see a nice little cabin for sale down here a few years ago. If only I'd known what a rare opportunity that was!
The view from Baughman Rock. All of the overlooks I visited in the park were being overtaken by trees, which obstruct the view. I hope the park service will do some cutting.
Another angle on top of Baughman Rock...
Again, the river wending its way through the valley is the Youghiogheny, affectionately (or lazily) known to locals as "The Yawk." 
This pleasant spot in the forest can only be reached by hiking a few miles in. You'll think you're in deep wilderness until a noisy train passes right beneath view. This is the Paradise Overlook, and it's one of my favorite places at Ohiopyle. It's les grand than some views, but you're pretty sure to have it all to yourself. In my constant rush to flee to West Virginia, I'd forgotten how lovely the Laurel Highlands can be. I did see a nice little cabin for sale down here a few years ago. If only I'd known what a rare opportunity that was! 
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