A "Most Enchanting" Resort

A "Most Enchanting" Resort. . , For some, Ferncliff Peninsula was a magical place, a summer destination that they dreamed about all year long., Walkways, painted fences, flowerbeds and an ornate gazebo greeted travelers as they climbed down from a passenger train pulled into the B&O Railroad depot that stood near this spot. The forests and the falls, fine food and electrified guest rooms, music and dancing, fountains and venues for sports all combined to create a "most enchanting" resort. At the peak of popularity Ferncliff charmed 10,000-20,000 summer visitors into buying a $1 ticket for the 65-70 mile trip from Pittsburgh or Cumberland, Maryland., In addition to the Ferncliff Hotel that stood on the peninsula, the Ohiopyle House was heated for year-round use. Near the hotel in Ranier Park, a steam calliope filled the river valley with music as children rode the carousel for a nickel. Less affluent guests traveled here too, staying in boarding houses or on farms., [Caption]:, Each summer, thousands of visitors arrived at the rail depot here on Ferncliff Peninsula. But railroad dependent resorts like Ferncliff began to fail when the automobile gave tourists new vacation options., [Photo Captions]:, Ferncliff Gazebo, 1880s, Vacationers, 1880s, Ferncliff Hotel entrance arch, Main Street, Ohiopyle, Ohiopyle Hotel, Bathing in the Yough, Kayaker, early 1900s, Cucumber Falls postcard