Join the mountain biking community by linking up with local clubs for group rides and work days. The Tower of Voices is the first monument visitors see when entering the Flight 93 National Memorial area. / Laurel Hill State Park. In the middle of the state parks sits the small, charming town of Ohiopyle. The 63-acre Laurel Hill Lake is a focal point of the park. Much of the 70-mile Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail travels through Laurel Ridge State Park. Consider my picks for 15 unique places in Pennsylvania for mature travelers, too. Flight 93 National MemorialShanksville, PA, Fort Ligionier40 Minutes from Ohiopyle State Park. Join our community of 140,000+ on social media to never miss an update! Woodland Wanderings 'A unique experience': Laurel Highlands Hiking Visit the reconstructed fort in the Great Meadow located about 200 yards from the visitor center. Forbes State ForestNearly 60,000 acres of land from 14 separate tracts in Fayette, Somerset and Westmoreland counties. All Rights Reserved. Photos (33) Activities (44) Completed (80) 34 reviews Write review Sort by: Raphael Ruggieri April 9, 2023 Hiking Follow the Laurel Highlands hiking trail to fire Tower Road. In the south, in Fayette and Somerset Counties, the opposite effect can be seen. Laurel Hill Lake and the beach are the hub of activity in the summer. There are over 80 miles of trails to explore and abundant waterfalls. Pro Tip: If you visit nothing else, make time to visit this site. In the heart of Ohiopyle, the Ohiopyle Falls stretches the width of the Youghiogheny River. Responding emergency personnel and equipment may be at your expense. Connector trails lead to and from trailheads and shelter areas and are marked with blue blazes. The first 4.5 miles from Ohiopyle are some of the most challenging of the trail. Hiking Through the Beautiful Quebec Run Wild Area in Fayette County, PA SAM E DAVIS REAL ESTATE. Top places to visit in the Laurel Highlands. Baughman Rock Overlook offers one of the most jaw-dropping panoramic vistas of the Youghiogheny River Gorge, and the view doesn't require a hike! Had to turn back early because of storm but AWESOME HIKE!!!! A Discover Fall Tour provides two distinct driving routes through the Laurel Highlands linking state forest and state park lands, small town community events, and programs with scenic drives of fall color. Visitors learn about the historic Lincoln Highway and the fascinating sites along the way. Cross-country skiing is popular in the winter. Laurel Highlands RT. 31 Firetower Hike $34,900. Fort Necessity National BattlefieldOnly 10 minutes from Ohiopyle State Park. Frank Lloyd Wrights legendary home stands over a waterfall. The PA State Park Experience Last day for refund (no deferrals! Stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) is a new, fun way to enjoy the water. Your journey takes you through the Laurel Highlands, the 20,633-acre Ohiopyle State Park, and the region's coke, coal, mining, and steel-making corridor, and ends at the majestic Point State Park in Pittsburgh. Are You Getting The Most Benefit From Your Credit Card Rewards Program? The largest resort in Pennsylvania, the Seven Springs Resort has activity options for year-round fun. Laurel Ridge State Park - DCNR This guide will feature spots throughout this entire region. Outdoor lovers will also enjoy biking the Great Allegheny Passage, Ohiopyle white water rafting trips, and hiking the Laurel Highlands Trail. The park is eight miles east of Ligonier, or five miles west of Jennerstown on US 30. Each area contains five Adirondack shelters with fireplaces, two vault toilets, and space for 30 tents. Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources, Bureau of Facility Design and Construction, Conservation & Natural Resources Advisory Council. Interesting sites along the way include the Cumberland Narrows, crossing the Mason-Dixon Line, and the Eastern Continental Divide at 2,392 feet. It all began in 1962 and more than 50 years and over a million river miles paddled, we are still doing it because being on the river is unlike any other outdoor experience. Information on how to do that is outlined on Directions Laurel Ridge State Park is in Cambria, Fayette, Westmoreland, and Somerset counties, Pennsylvania. Stop for a visit and listen to the chimes. a Laurel Highlands Ultra Racers: Spring Volunteer Day! While much of the Laurel Highland is very rural, save for a bit of the Pittsburgh suburbs in the northwestern corner, dont let the remoteness fool you. The Youghiogheny River is the perfect place to shred the gnar in a kayak. Enjoy a 6 day guided bike tour riding the entire GAP from Pittsburgh to Washington DC. Home to the Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra, The Palace Theatre in Greensburg is also a venue for the River City Brass. . Within the structure, most of the walking is on flat surfaces. Hidden Valley is a bit more low-key but still provides a resort-like experience for those wanting something a bit more toned back. This area spans a four-county region including the counties of: Beginning in October, the ridges and valleys come to life with color, with the peak near mid-October. Davis, is located in Forbes and is a short hike from the parking area. 12 Fun Things To Do In Beautiful Geneva, Switzerland Plus Where To Eat And Stay, 13 Cozy Pennsylvania Towns To Snuggle Up In This Winter, 13 Dazzling Christmas Lights Displays In Pennsylvania, 16 Fantastic Fall Festivals To Experience In Pennsylvania, My 17 Favorite Experiences At Pennsylvanias National Apple Harvest Festival, For details on Quillt's privacy and cookie policies, please visit our, Fort Necessity Battlefield National Historic Site, 15 unique places in Pennsylvania for mature travelers, too. While it would be pretty impossible to cover all history of the Laurel Highlands in a single guide, we're going to try and hit some of the biggest points all the same. Ohiopyle State Parkis the focal point of outdoor recreation in the area, but there is much more to explore. When you look at many of the park maps from the previous sections, odds are good you'll see references to cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and even snowmobiling paths to enjoy in the winter months. Hiked between miles 45 and 43 on the LHHT. These are especially abundant in Fayette and Somerset Counties to the south. Description. Allow a minimum of four hours to complete the tour. Then move on to the National Memorial Visitor Center. If you're an experienced climber, skip the lesson and check out Meadow Run Climbing Area, Bruner Run Climbing Area, School House Crag and Coll's Cove. Keystone State. This area spans a four-county region including Westmoreland, Fayette, Cambria, and Somerset counties. Laurel Hill State Park office for facility seasons and hours. You will find areas for rock climbing, extraordinary rock outcroppings, and Flat Rock, a great place to picnic with your feet in the river. Partner Portal (Extranet) and Training Information, Request GO LH Publications and Partner Brochures, Westmoreland County Tourism Grant Program, Fallingwater & Frank Lloyd Wright Architecture, Laurel Highlands Fall Area Visitor Center, Laurel Highlands Falls Area Visitor Center. Explore the beauty of the Laurel Highlands at eightPennsylvania state parks,two PA state forests, fivenational parks, and numerouslocal parks. The 30-foot bridal veil waterfall known as Cucumber Falls is accessible by car or foot. Without a doubt, there are enough things to do in the Laurel Highlands that youre sure to not get bored. Accept the challenge, park at Ferncliff and get to it! They offer a variety of lodging options from individual cabins to a lodge and whole houses. Accept the challenge, park at Ferncliff and get to it! 2023 70 Mile registration will have multiple opportunities providing Or perhaps you simply want to try out something new? The 50+ traveler will enjoy a stay. It's called the Laurel Highlands Scenic Byway, and not only is it a pretty drive, it's packed with some remarkable historic sites, and even one of America's most famous architectural gems. The Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail is a major segment of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, a network of trails between the mouth of the Potomac River and the Allegheny Highlands. The 70-mile Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail (LHHT) is one of few remote backpacking footpaths in the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail network. You may be trying to access this site from a secured browser on the server. Rafting in Ohiopyle - Laurel Highlands River Tours and Outdoor Center From the outdoor memorial near the crash site, to the museum and structure that emulates the flight path the plane to. It is a better route to get you to the fire tower as the trail that is outlined in AllTrails does not exist. 2. Park, rapids, trails, waterfalls, winding hills, all of it go see it!!! Season Dates Max reservation window: View all Booking Window Camping Cottages Fri Jul 07 2023 - Tue Jun 04 2024 The artifacts provide a chronological display of that fateful day in 2001. Please enable scripts and reload this page. In the heart of the Laurel Highlands at an altitude of 2,600 feet, Kooser State Park attracts visitors year-round to its 250 acres of forest and the beautiful trout stream that flows the full length of the park. Pro Tip: Check their website to see what is scheduled and to obtain tickets. As such, if you want to get out and go hiking, you'll likely never run out of trails to explore here. If you don't bring your own bike, you can rent one from an outfitter! Make a reservation for rafting or rentals on the Lower Yough or Middle Yough for anytime this season by July 31st and receive 15% OFF! Contact the Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau. ET. Turkey vultures often circle above the park in search of a meal and the flute-like call of the wood thrush is a welcome addition to any summer voyage into the woods. Fort Ligonier also has an exclusive exhibit of George Washingtons extraordinarily rare treasures. Laurel Highlands Scenic Byway: Three days of driving bliss -79.00557 Laurel Hill is surrounded by thousands of acres of pristine state park and state forest lands. Filters View Back to top use #laurelhighlands to be featured or Discover the Great Allegheny Passage Sweet Rust Review Libations and Farm to Table Cuisine, Seven Springs Resort Review A Mountain Resort for All Seasons, Hidden Valley Resort A Great Ski Resort for First Timers, A Quick Hike Around Kooser State Park A Smaller Gem, Buffalo Bill's House is a Must for The Silence of the Lambs Fans, An Attraction and Dining Guide to Downtown Pittsburgh, An Attraction, Drinking, and Eating Guide to South Side, An Attraction and Restaurant Guide to Garfield and Friendship, Experiencing Socially Distant Skiing at Seven Springs, Laurel Hill State Park is a Favorite in the Laurel Highlands, Take a Stroll Through a Sunflower Maze at Maple Bottom Farm. Visiting the Flight 93 National Memorial - The Flight 93 National Memorial marks the spot where United Flight 93 . So join nearly 200,000 monthly readers and come find out the best that Pittsburgh has to offer! Evening view from the Laurel Hill State Park scenic overlook tower. Download a map for the Laurel Ridge Cross-Country Ski Area from the Laurel Ridge State Park Web site. In this guide, we break down just about everything you need to know when exploring this gorgeous part of Pennsylvania! First waitlist entries accepted (if spots are available), April Laurel Hill State Park Trails Parks & Forests in Pennsylvania's Laurel Highlands Your journey takes you through the Laurel Highlands, the 20,633-acre Ohiopyle State Park, and the regions coke, coal, mining, and steel-making corridor, and ends at the majestic Point State Park in Pittsburgh. For reviews of the breweries in the Laurel Highlands we've been to so far (plus in the rest of southwest PA), click the previous link to check out our guide! Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, a network of trails between the mouth of the Potomac River and the Allegheny Highlands. Areas adjacent to the shelter are available for setting up campsites for additional backpacking party members. [more] Status: Open through Tue Oct 31 2023 Max reservation window: View all Fayette, Somerset, and Westmorland Counties make up the Laurel Highlands. Proudly founded in 1681 as a place of tolerance and freedom. In early spring, look for toads and frogs crossing the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail on their way to vernal pools to mate and lay their eggs. Fun is guaranteed for rafters of all ages! Ohiopyle offers an array of places to rest your head, fromcampgrounds andcottages toyurtsand amotel. Facility also offers: Camping Permits The 13,625-acre Laurel Ridge State Park stretches along Laurel Mountain from the picturesque Youghiogheny River at Ohiopyle, to the Conemaugh Gorge . 40.40858 Long. A trail system invites visitors to explore the park and observe the diversity of plants and wildlife. The trail is the main feature of Laurel Ridge State Park. Beginning in October the ridges and valleys come to life with color, with the peak near mid-October. Another must do on your list. Ohiopyle State Park. There are also self-guided tours of the Memorial Plaza and Wall of Names. Check out our latest Pittsburgh promotions below! If you prefer to tour the Laurel Highlands region by vehicle instead of foot, fall is a great time. The box turtle, easily camouflaged with its yellow mottled shell, hides and looks for food on the forest floor during the summer months. If you're in it for the long haul, you will find Adirondack-style shelters available for reservations every 6-12 miles. group for more updates.Stay safe and happy trails. *Some Hike over 70 miles on the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail. You might receive your paycheck at different times, work different hours or might be waiting for the Western States drawing! Shuttling services for hikers on the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail are available from . Individual and both relay registrations will open at 3PM ET on Sunday, Whatever you choose to do in the Laurel Highlands, your time spent in this beautiful region of Pennsylvania will be remembered long after your trip is concluded. Top places to visit in the Laurel Highlands - Uncovering PA High atop Laurel Ridge at close to 3,000 feet in elevation, Laurel Mountain State Park features a The Each park has something unique to offer including scenic views, lush forests, trails, history, roaring waterfalls, natural waterslides, and so much more. perfect option. The park is open every day of the year, sunrise to sunset. For those who like on-site accommodations, Seven Springs has the biggest mountain resort with many amenities including a wonderful lodge, a full spa, several restaurants (don't miss Helen's as it is a favorite of ours for a nice meal- just be sure to get an advanced reservation), and more. Real Estate & Homes For Sale - 9260 Homes For Sale | Zillow If you're looking for a thrill on two wheels, challenge yourself to a mountain bike ride. 1.25 acres lot. Located just east of Pittsburgh, our beautiful four-season destination offers spectacular natural scenery, outstanding outdoor recreation venues, historic sites & attractions, family activities and world class resorts. your eyes on this website, our instagram, facebook page, Let us share our experiences with you on the Yough River. online reservations or call toll-free 888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757), from 7:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., Monday to Saturday. The main feature of the park is the 70-mile Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail, which provides the setting for a semi-wilderness backpacking and day hiking experience. Trail Markings and Trailhead The Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail is open year-round and is blazed approximately every 100 feet with 2-inch and 5-inch yellow blazes. The 63-acre Laurel Hill Lake is a focal point of the park. THE 10 BEST Laurel Highlands Parks & Nature Attractions Filters View Back to top 70 Mile - 70 spots, Thursday, In the mood for a sale? If youre looking for more hiking opportunities, read up on the 10 Best Hikes In Western Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources, Shapiro Administration Announces Expansion of Program Supplying Free Sunscreen at State Parks Throughout Pennsylvania Ahead of National Sunscreen Day, Bureau of Facility Design and Construction, Conservation & Natural Resources Advisory Council. The Waterfalls of Ohiopyle State Park - Ohiopyle State Park is one of my favorite parks in Pennsylvania. There were stationary engines at the head of each inclined plane, powering ropes to tug the railroad cars up the steep mountain. Partner Portal (Extranet) and Training Information, Request GO LH Publications and Partner Brochures, Westmoreland County Tourism Grant Program, Fallingwater & Frank Lloyd Wright Architecture. Description The 13,625-acre Laurel Ridge State Park stretches along Laurel Mountain from the picturesque Youghiogheny River at Ohiopyle, to the Conemaugh Gorge near Johnstown. This area spans a four-county region including Westmoreland, Fayette, Cambria, and Somerset counties. Most of the trails are flat, but theyre not paved. If you are into music, the Sunday Evening Band Concerts on the Diamond in Ligonier are a hit. The first shots of the French and Indian War were fired near Fort Necessity,the nations first federally-funded highway passed through the heart of the region, and one of ourcountrys least-known founders lived in the region. As you look out over the area, the view is worth the climb. Laurel Mountain State Park - DCNR 70 Mile - 70 spots, Tuesday, If you're new to rock climbing, take a lesson! You may be trying to access this site from a secured browser on the server. Dont forget the Fall Fest in October. Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail, 70 miles, Ohiopyle - Seward, PA, within Laurel Ridge State Park, Pennsylvania State Parks (click on "maps"). 774. Cucumber Falls and Ohiopyle Falls in Ohiopyle State Park are two of the most popular, but other great waterfalls include Cole Run Falls and Packsaddle Covered Bridge Falls. State Parks of Laurel Highlands, PA | Mountains & Valleys 2022. Keep Fallingwater is one of the United States 24 UNESCO World Heritage sites. Laurel Hill is surrounded by thousands of acres of pristine state park and state forest lands. Find the perfect camping spot or rent a rustic cabin! With over 50 festivals in the Laurel Highlands each year, you will find one almost every weekend. Regardless of your skill level, there is a rock climbing outfitter in Ohiopyle eager to get you on the ropes. Casual hikers enjoy areas that are reasonably level and pleasant for walking. Love mammoth rocks, mountain laurel-rhododendron, and hemlocks. An easy, one-hour drive south of Pittsburgh and bordered by twointerstates (I-70/ -76 to the north and I-68 to the south), this is an accessible wilderness destination. Or perhaps you simply want to try out something new? The Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail is a major segment of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, a network of trails between the mouth of the Potomac River and the Allegheny Highlands. The railroad consisted of 10 inclined planes, five on each side of the mountain. And if you need a bit more adventure, there is whitewater rafting on the Youghiogheny Rivers waters. Robin ONeal Smith is a freelance and travel writer. Rusty Glessner - Laurel Hill State Park is comprised of 4,062 acres of mountainous, wooded terrain in central Somerset County. Highland Lakes State Park is the largest of the Palisades Interstate Park Commission's undeveloped parks. third (70 spots) of the available 210 spots will be available during While Meadow Run iswidely known for thewaterslides,be sure to continue hiking upstream! There are five miles of hiking trails through the forest and meadows around Fort Necessity. 3. Rentals Rafting in Ohiopyle Join Us Where It All Started In 1962, we began offering guided whitewater rafting tours in Ohiopyle. Things to Do in Laurel Highlands A beautiful leaf-looking drive in the fall. (This area getsits name from the Mountain Laurel thatthrivesat the higher elevations throughout the region.) state park reservation system. Beyond parks, you can also find several beautiful Frank Lloyd Wright properties throughout the area as well. LAUREL RIDGE STATE PARK, PA Add to Favorites Currently viewing Camping. The park closes in mid-March and re-opens in late December, weather depending. They host diverse entertainment, including nationally renowned acts and concerts such as Vince Gill, The Oak Ridge Boys, STOMP, Riverdance, Blue Man Group, and more. Winter is the biggest season here, and winter wonderland best describes this snowy playground. While it would be unfair to label the Laurel Highlands a place to visit for just one category in this guide if we were to do that it would most certainly be because of its parks. The additional registration opportunities for the 70 Miler will beTuesday, Upper Jonathan Run Falls is located along the popular Jonathan Run Trail at Ohiopyle State Park. Indoors you will find bowling, mini-golf, an indoor pool, a spa, and an outdoor hot tub to enjoy while viewing the white blanketed slopes. The Portage opened in 1834, marking the first time there was a direct route between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. A luxury resort, the Nemacolin provides a variety of lodging options and experiences. TheLaurel Highlands are located in thesouthwestern corner of Pennsylvania, covering parts of Fayette, Westmoreland, and Somerset counties. Pro Tip: Check the calendar of events to learn which festival might be happening when you visit. Pontiac was retaliating against the British and capturing forts throughout the region, but ultimately lost this battle in the hills of the Laurel Highlands. Take afamily-friendly river tripon the Middle Yough, which offers nine miles of gentle rapidsperfect for a leisurely float. Along the way, there are hemlock groves, mountain streams, hardwood forests and the sounds of wildlife. Beginners should start on the flat water and intermediate paddlers canconquerthe Middle Yough's Class II rapids. Admire the power of the 20-foot drop and be sureto read some of the interpretive signage about the history of whitewater and the falls, including the story of George Washingtons run-in with the river. Here, you can grab a bite to eat, snag an ice cream cone, enjoy a cold brewski, buy a souvenir, tour the Laurel Highlands Falls Area Visitor Center, play a round of mini golf, try zip lining, rent bikes and rafts from outfitters and more. Visit for a day or a week; the quaint towns, picturesque covered bridges, beautiful scenery, and historical sites will wow you. Backpacking groups are limited to the use of one shelter at each overnight stop. Watch for signs for The Springs at Laurel Mountain. The Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania is the ideal place to get away from it all and seek out an adventure or frolic in the great outdoors.

Dr Rutledge Bariatric Surgeon, 3779 S Clacton Way, Boise, Id 83716, Articles L