Paddler’s Lane Retreat

We stayed at Paddler’s Lane campground (they have chalets and a B&B also). It has quite possibly the nicest bathhouse I have ever experienced in all my years of camping. Hot showers, clean, lovely. Uncrowded campground, beautifully and thoughtfully laid out, nice level tent camping sites with fire rings and picnic tables, charming scenery. The host was great, and there are two friendly camp dogs. Quiet family atmosphere — you can have alcohol (unlike a state park) but quiet time is at 10 pm, and everyone was very considerate. Also: a nice swimming hole in the river is easily accessible.
The only negative: the train runs nearby, which is quite loud. This may be bothersome to some folks but we quickly got used to it.

I enjoyed two nights at Paddler’s Lane during a lovely Great Allegheny hiking trip planned by the Chester County Trail Club beginning at Ohiopyle State Park. Group members also visited Fallingwater (Frank Lloyd Wright house; now a museum). Gorgeous area with phenomenal sunsets and Dan at Paddler’s Lane is a knowledgeable guide to the town’s rich offerings, from trails to restaurants to… bat boxes. Dan works to address white-​nose syndrome with the boxes. The bats put on a show around dusk over the Paddler’s Lane campground at the head of Ramcat Trail along the water and the B&B does not have a mosquito problem thanks to these cool bats. I love trains so didn’t mind the proximity of the tracks; I found it a soothing combination of sounds: water in back, trains going by just across the Lane. The house is beautiful, well-​maintained, and designed by Dan. Pottery made by business partner Robin is lovely and for sale throughout the cottages. The more people in your group, the lower the rates! Two en suite rooms in the cottage we stayed in, the rest with shared bathrooms. (But there is a full bathroom off the kitchen so one of the sharers can have their own.) Washer and dryer in the basement. Beautiful and well-​equipped kitchen and dining area. There’s an attic loft in ship shape (low ceiling, many comfortable beds, tends to be on the warm side) that would accommodate a large group of scouts — or hikers of compact physique, such as myself. Paddler’s Lane is off the beaten track and has a big sitting room, hammock chairs outside, two spacious decks, and with the lovely geography of the place it’s a good spot for a soul-​refreshing retreat. Thanks, Dan, for the interesting conversation and unforgettable hospitality.

My boyfriend and I loved our stay at Paddler’s Lane. We came to visit Ohiopyle State Park, but we realized we were near Falling Water, the Greater Allegheny Passage bicycle trail (which is beautiful!), and the Youghiogheny River. So, there is a ton to do and the owners will help guide you towards any adventures you are looking for. There are two owners, Robin and Dan. We stayed while only Dan was there and he was a great host. He is fun to chat with, keeps the house in pristine condition, and his breakfasts are filling and tasty. The owners are willing to accommodate breakfast times and food for the guests’ needs.
The most striking feature of our stay was the overall sense of quality. The house is beautiful, well-​maintained, and built by the owner. This is one of the nicest, cleanest places I’ve ever stayed while traveling. We also found the price to be very reasonable.