Ohiopyle State Park

 

More than 14 miles of the Youghiogheny River Gorge churns through the heart of Ohiopyle, some of the best whitewater boating in the eastern U.S. The 30-foot bridal veil Cucumber Falls and Cucumber Run Ravine are blanketed with flowers in spring and summer. 80 miles of trails within the park including 28-miles of the Great Allegheny Passage offer visitors awesome views.

 

Laurel Hill State Park

 

Laurel Hill offers one of the finest family outdoor experiences in PA’s State Park system. Laurel Hill Lake and the beach are the hub of activity in the summer. Laurel Hill is surrounded by thousands of acres of pristine state park and forest lands. Jones Mill Run Dam and the Hemlock Natural Area are must-see destinations. The trail system allows you to explore the park and observe a diversity of plants and wildlife.

 

Laurel Mountain State Park

 

Laurel Mountain State Park, located at about 3,000 feet of elevation on Laurel Ridge, features great hiking in the summer and a popular downhill skiing area in the winter. Opening in 1939, it was one of the first ski areas in the state. The region is known for its beautiful scenic drives, especially in the fall when the forest starts to change color.

 

Laurel Ridge State Park

 

Stretches along the Laurel Mountain from the picturesque Youghiogheny River at Ohiopyle to the Conemaugh Gorge near Johnstown. Hike or backpack over 70 miles on the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail, part of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail. Seasoned hikers will enjoy the rugged areas of the trail, while the more casual hiker will find level and pleasant sections. The Nordic Ski Concession off of Rt. 653 is a major destination for cross country skiers in the winter.

 

Laurel Summit State Park

 

This popular scenic area draws visitors throughout the year. At an elevation of 2,739 feet above sea level, it provides a commanding view of Laurel Ridge and the surround­ing region. Visitors will enjoy the remote feeling of this wooded picnic area.

 

Linn Run State Park

 

Linn Run State Park is adjacent to Forbes State Forest. The varied topography and mixed hardwood and evergreen forest make this park a scenic place for picnicking and hiking. Grove and Rock Runs join to make Linn Run an excellent trout stream, which has a lovely waterfall, Adams Falls, near the park entrance.

 

Forbes State Forest

 

Spanning Westmoreland, Somerset, and Fayette counties, Forbes State Forest encompasses more than 60,000 acres of land within the Laurel Highlands– and continues to grow. Forbes contains many unique natural features, such as Roaring Run Natural Area, Quebec Run Wild Area, and Mt. Davis Natural Area, the highest point in Pennsylvania. Other notable highlights of Forbes include Blue Hole, Wolf Rocks, Beam Rocks, Spruce Flats Bog, and the Wharton Furnace.

 

Kooser State Park

 

In the heart of the Laurel Highlands at an altitude of 2,600 feet, Kooser has visitors flock to its 250 acres of forest all year and a trout stream that flows the full length of the park. Picturesque cabins and camping are featured. An ideal spot to start an overnight backpacking trip on the 70-mile Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail.