You hear the crackle and crinkle of foliage beneath your feet as you proceed down the path. The sound of water slapping heavily upon stones becomes apparent, and a set of stairs unfolds before you. The wooden staircase leads you to a natural wonder, Cucumber Falls.

My family and I have been visiting this waterfall for quite a few years now and returning is always a pleasure. Not only does the majestic falls make a perfect background for a family portrait, but it also is teeming with aquatic life.

Fish are only the start of a list of numerous creatures that make their home at Cucumber Falls. Crayfish, small lobster-like creatures, live under the rocks in streams. Salamanders and mud puppies take refuge under the wet, fallen leaves near the water. Others include minnows and sculpins, which look much like large tadpoles.

It truly is a magnificent place, but for those who prefer a faster-paced adventure, nearby is a natural water slide. My only advice to you for this slide is to wear jeans, because it is made purely of rock that can rip your suit to shreds. For those younger participants (around 3 to 5), I would suggest a life vest and an older partner to ride with. If you have children younger than that, there is a smaller slide at the top.

There are many surprises at both destinations, and if I wrote of them I feel I would deprive those interested in going a great amount of enjoyment. My words cannot fully describe the pleasures of Cucumber Falls and the natural water slide. You would have to live it yourself to understand. Both are located near Ohiopyle. So, what do you say? Up for an adventure?

Discover more at: gowaterfalling.com/waterfalls/cucumber.shtml.

Young people living in the Greater Pittsburgh area are invited to contribute to GEToutKIDS. Include name, age and town (and phone number, not for publication). Age 13 through college, write about 230 words describing a recent outdoors adventure. Any age through college, draw an outdoors scene. E-mail it to outdoors@post-gazette.com.