Discover Ohiopyle would like to shed a spotlight on one of our newest and most talented partners, Rusty Glessner.
Rusty Glessner is the featured photographer, and man behind the lens, of some of the most beautiful photos Discover Ohiopyle shares of the area. Much of his work is the inspiration behind our new “awe-inspiring” branding and billboard.
In addition to capturing picturesque waterfalls, scenic mountain vistas, and other imagery around Ohiopyle, Glessner has also written over 50 articles about the Ohiopyle area. His love for the Laurel Highlands is apparent through his work and is exhibited through imagery from his perspective. Glessner draws attention to the vibrant colors, emotional connections one can establish with nature, and makes you feel like you are standing right next to the falls.
About the Photographer
Born and raised in the Laurel Highlands, Glessner has been an explorer since the time he was first old enough to walk the fields and forests of the family dairy farm in Somerset County.
A professional real estate photographer by trade, he decided to start a travel blog in 2019 to showcase his passion for travel and landscape photography as well.
After just two years, PABucketlist.com has become one of the fastest-growing and most-popular Pennsylvania tourism sites on the web. PABucketlist.com is now the go-to source for exceptional photos, accurate directions, and honest first-hand reviews of Pennsylvania’s most unique, natural, and man-made attractions.
A resident of State College, along with his wife and 12-year-old daughter, he spends a considerable amount of time on the road, and at his weekend camp in the Laurel Highlands.
Through his photography and travel blog, he hopes to convey a sense of awe and appreciation for just how many wonderful sights there are to see and explore in Pennsylvania, and to help others experience them as well!
We asked Glessner what had inspired him to visit Ohiopyle and capture the remarkable footage, as well as what he enjoys most about sharing his findings with the world.
Glessner’s response,
“I’ve visited Ohiopyle State Park hundreds of times, in all seasons and weather conditions, and no two trips have ever been the same. I come for the sheer diversity of scenery – the mighty Youghiogheny River, the waterfalls on its various tributary streams, the mountain vistas, the woodland trails. I’ve traveled to the four corners of Pennsylvania and everywhere in between, and it’s hard to name a more multidimensional state park than Ohiopyle.”
We also inquired about his favorite time of year in Ohiopyle, and his answer may surprise you!
“Winter, without a doubt. The icy waterfalls, the snow covered-mountains, the sense of solitude – it’s just a magical place to be, compared to the hustle and bustle of the other three seasons. Not that there’s anything wrong with hustle and bustle, as local businesses depend on it. But winter at Ohiopyle just feels more personal, like you’ve got the whole park to yourself.”
Glessner perfectly articulates the feeling Ohiopyle State Park provides to its visitors, and his photography helps demonstrate the beauty of the area. His work effortlessly portrays the landscape and outdoor activities in the area, and we hope that it evokes the nature lover in you to consider a visit to this awe-inspiring destination that we call home. We hope to see you soon!
Press Inquiries:
Jennifer Noah
Marketing Director
412-908-0242
jennifer.noah@discoverohiopyle.com