Ferncliff Peninsula became a magical summer destination for many visitors, who arrived by passenger train at the nearby B&O Railroad depot and were greeted by walkways, painted fences, flowerbeds, and an ornate gazebo. The forests and falls, fine food and electrified guest rooms, music and dancing, fountains, and sports venues combined to create a "most enchanting" resort. At the height of its popularity, Ferncliff drew 10,000-20,000 summer visitors, who paid $1 for the 65-70 mile trip from Pittsburgh or Cumberland, Maryland. In addition to the Ferncliff Hotel on the peninsula, the Ohiopyle House was heated for year-round use, and in nearby Ranier Park a steam calliope filled the river valley with music while children rode the carousel for a nickel. Less affluent guests also came, staying in boarding houses or on farms. Railroad-dependent resorts like Ferncliff began to fail when the automobile gave tourists new vacation options.