Mar 9, 2024 By Melissa Gibson 3 min read

Whenever Pamela Cruz travels, she tells people she’s from Ohiopyle.

Without fail, she said, someone has been there and has a special memory of the borough, including Falls Market, a mainstay in Ohiopyle since 1913.

“There’s been a general store and restaurant since the mid-60’s and people remember getting something to eat, sitting on the curb outside with grandpa, eating an ice cream cone and then coming back to do the same thing with their kids,” said Cruz, who owns the market.

She, along with other business owners and municipal officials, want everyone to recognize just how special the little hamlet is, and they believe winning a national contest will help them do it.

USA Today’s 10Best editors recently announced their top 20 nominations for 2024 Best Small Town in the Northeast, and Ohiopyle is one of the contenders.

The borough has fewer than 40 year-round residents, but Ohiopyle State Park makes it a destination for about 2 million visitors each year.

The Youghiogheny River runs through the heart of town, with the 20-foot drop of Ohiopyle Falls visible from Main Street and four outfitter services offering rafting trips on the river, ranging from family-friendly floats to white-water outings. Kayaking, fishing and swimming are also popular activities in the Yough, which recently was nominated as Pennsylvania’s river of the year.

Conrad Hamather, Ohiopyle borough council vice president, called the nomination “a major feather in the cap of Southwestern Pennsylvania.”

“Ohiopyle has become a year-round recreational playground,” he said. “The Great Allegheny Passage (which runs through the borough) has become almost a bucket list goal for people.

Not only is it great to be noticed, but shining a light on the small town is a potential economic boost, noted Cruz.

“I think it’s huge for the area and a great honor. As a business owner, we’re hoping people will come and see what the area has to offer,” she said.

Joel Means, owner of the Trading Post and River Tours, agreed.

He’s seen more weddings alongside the waterfalls than he can count, and said the hiking trails, natural waterslides and cycling trails draw people to the area.

“We are a hub for outdoor recreation. Just the rugged beauty of the mountains and the scenic overlooks attract visitors,” Means said. “This recognition is pretty amazing. We have a unique little town here and I hope we can win.”

As interest in the Great Allegheny Passage, Meadow Run Natural Waterslides and multiple falls has grown, lodging has boomed as well.

“There’s been an increase in lodging that means more people can stay. They used to come for day trips. Now, with so many opportunities, there are longer stays – weekend stays, three-day stays and even weeklong stays,” said Jessica Kruse, Ohiopyle borough council president.

To support the town, daily votes can be cast through April 1at 10best.usatoday.com under the “small towns” category. Winners will be announced on April 12.

“This nomination is a reflection of our community’s dedication, our town’s natural beauty and our collective spirit,” Kruse said. “It’s a remarkable opportunity for us to come together as a community and showcase the qualities that make Ohiopyle an outstanding place to live and visit.”