Experience Art and Nature in Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands
The Laurel Highlands is one of the most scenic and diverse destinations in Pennsylvania. Its unique typography and natural resources of mountains and rivers, offers a wide range of active outdoor experiences for visitors year round. Thousands of acres of state and federal park land throughout the region are open for hiking, biking, water recreation and wildlife viewing. Incredible vistas open over white water and quiet pools as the parks are crisscrossed with hundreds of streams and tributaries. Thanks to photographer paul g. wiegman for providing the wonderful photos that accompany this itinerary.
One of the region’s significant National Park Service sites is the Flight 93 National Memorial which is now open year round to the public. A short distance away is another iconic site commemorating the Quecreek Mine Rescue Site, celebrating the successful rescue of none trapped miners, an event that captured the attention of the world a decade ago.
Discover the many ways you can enjoy family fun, outdoor activities, parks , attractions, shopping, dining and cozy accommodations in the Laurel Highlands by visiting www.laurelhighlands.org.
Those interested in active outdoor adventures should not miss the following experiences while in the Laurel Highlands:
Fallingwater and Kentuck Knob
The Laurel Highlands actually provides the setting for two outstanding examples of Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture: Fallingwater in Bear Run Nature Preserve and the nearby Kentuck Knob. Fallingwater, Wright’s most widely acclaimed work, dramatically cantilevered over the waterfalls, is considered to be the best all-time work of American architecture and is his most sublime integration of man and nature. The house on Kentuck Knob exhibits the extraordinary warmth, serenity and functionality of a home Wright designed for family living, Enhanced by a breathtaking vista, its wooded landscape is the setting for the notable collection of artifacts and post- World War II sculptures of owner, British Lord
Peter Palumbo. These famous architectural icons are open to the public throughout most of the year but reservations are essential.
Bear Run Nature Preserve
Bear Run Nature Reserve‘s 5,851 acres makes it the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy’s largest property. With more than 20 miles of well-marked trails, the reserve is managed to protect, conserve, and restore land and water for the diversity of the region’s native plants, animals, and their ecosystems. Streams and watersheds, forests, and common as well as rare native species are the focus of management.
The Great Allegheny Passage
The Great Allegheny Passage is a world-class rail-trail stretching from near Pittsburgh to Cumberland, MD. Historic tunnels, bridges and viaducts carry cyclists and hikers on a nearly level scenic trip over and through the Allegheny Mountains. The trail follows the Youghiogheny and Casselman rivers for much of the way. In Cumberland, it connects with the C&O Canal Towpath providing a continuous non-motorized route to Washington, D.C.
This 3,070-acre tract of second and third growth forest in southeastern Westmoreland County is part of Forbes State Forest. Although the entire area is closed to all vehicles, it is open to hiking, cross-country skiing, and in the appropriate seasons, to access on foot by hunters and fishermen.
For specific hikes along the Laurel Highlands, check out our other step-by-step itineraries: Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail: Ohiopyle to Route 653, Route 653 to Route 31, Route 31 to Route 30, Route 30 to Route 271, and Route 271 to Seward.
Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail End-to-End
The Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail (LHHT) is one of few remote backpacking footpaths in the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail network. And it’s a beaut! It follows Laurel Ridge through state game lands, forest and other parkland. Along the way, there are hemlock groves, mountain streams, hardwood forests and the sounds of wildlife.
Once you’ve climbed the ridge out of Ohiopyle, the terrain is moderate enough for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. For the hardiest of hikers, there are winter backpacking/skiing trips along the LHHT.
Best of all are the overnight camps spaced along the way. There are eight camps along the 70-mile trail extending from Ohiopyle to the thousand-foot Conemaugh Gorge near Seward. Each camp has shelters, tent pads, water and privies. Advance registration is required. See the Resources section below.
This itinerary covers the entire LHHT, divided into five hikes.
We would like to thank photographer paul g. wiegman for providing the photo that accompanies this itinerary.
Hike 1: Ohiopyle to Route 653
Leaving the banks of the Youghiogheny River, the yellow-blazes of the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail climb nine miles in stages from 1,200 feet to almost 2,800 feet. The second half of the section is gentle with the elevation hovering near 2,400 feet. The trail is well built, but rocky in places—a sturdy hiking shoe is a good choice here.
Start: Ohiopyle.
End: Route 653.
Miles:19.0
Points of Interest: Ohiopyle; Laurel Highlands Trail park office.
Parking: Ohiopyle (0.0 mi.); Maple Summit Road. (11.4 mi.); Laurel Ridge State Park office (overnight permits) (19.0 mi.).
Water: Ohiopyle; Ohiopyle Shelter; Route 653 Shelter.
Restroom or privy: Ohiopyle; Ohiopyle Shelter; Route 653 Shelter.
Provisions: Ohiopyle.
Camping: Ohiopyle Shelter; Route 653 Shelter. All shelters and campsites on the LHHT must be reserved in advance. A fee is required.
Hike Data
0.0 Ohiopyle. The depot houses restrooms and a visitor center. The store, B&Bs, hotel and outfitters are all within a few blocks.
0.2 Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail. Turn onto the yellow-blazed path. The trail is marked with mileposts. Except for the few miles at either end, the grades are gentle. It is open only to hikers.
6.5 Ohiopyle Shelter.
11.4 Maple Summit Road.
18.7 Route 653 Shelter.
19.0 Route 653.
Hike 2: Route 653 to Route 31
This section is a pleasant ridge top walk with expansive views. Early on the trail passes through house-size boulders before climbing gently to 2,994 feet, the highest point on the Potomac Heritage Trail. This is the most open section of Laurel Ridge. The trail crosses several ski slopes and open areas of the Seven Springs Ski Resort. The remnants of a tree farm provide a different look as the trail eases down to Route 31.
Start: Route 653.
End: Route 31.
Miles: 12.0
Points of Interest: Laurel Run Overlook; Seven Springs area.
Parking: Route 653 (0.0 mi.); Route 31 (12.0 mi.).
Water: Grindle Ridge Shelter.
Restroom or Privy: Grindle Ridge Shelter.
Provisions: None.
Camping: Grindle Ridge Shelter.
Hike Data
0.0 Route 653.
2.5 Laurel Run overlook.
5.4 Grindle Ridge Shelters.
7.5 Seven Springs. The Laurel Highlands Trail cuts right through a ski resort here. The open ski slopes offer wide open views.
8.0 Highest point on PHT, 2,994 feet.
12.0 Route 31.
Hike 3: Route 31 to Route 30
The scenery on this hike offers one delight after another. Probably the most scenic built structure is the metal bridge that carries the PHT over the PennsylvaniaTurnpike.
Start: Route 31.
End: Route 30.
Miles: 15.0
Points of Interest: Pennsylvania Turnpike Bridge; Beam Rocks.
Parking: Route 31 (0.0 mi.); Route 30 (15.0 mi.).
Water: Route 31 lot; Route 31 Shelter; Turnpike Shelter; Route 30 parking lot.
Restroom or Privy: Route 31 Shelter; Turnpike Shelter.
Provisions: None.
Camping: Route 31 Shelter; Turnpike Shelter.
Hike Data
0.0 Route 31.
1.7 Route 31 Shelter.
6.0 Pennsylvania Turnpike Bridge. This massive iron bridge shows how serious the state was about getting this trail built.
7.4 Turnpike Shelter.
10.2 Beam Rocks.
15.0 Route 30.
Hike 4: Route 30 to Route 271
The Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail follows a gentle path high above the isolated valley of Mill Creek. The views here to the northwest of the trail are especially nice during the winter months. Close to Route 271, the trail passes through a series of rock formations worthy of exploration. Note that the Route 271 shelter is about 0.7 miles off the trail near the parking area.
Start: Route 30.
End: Route 271.
Miles: 11.7 (The section is only 11.0 miles excluding a visit to the shelter or parking lot).
Points of Interest: Card Machine Run; Mill Creek Valley; rock formations.
Parking: Route 30 (0.0 mi.); Route 271 (11.7 mi.).
Water: Route 30; Route 30 Shelter; Route 271 Shelter; Route 271.
Restroom or Privy: Route 30 Shelter; Route 271 Shelter.
Provisions: None.
Camping: Route 30 Shelter; Route 271 Shelter.
Hike Data
0.0 Route 30.
0.7 Route 30 Shelter.
2.2 Card Machine Run. There is a wonderful bog and spring here.
4.7 Mill Creek Valley.
10.2 Rock formations.
11.0 Route 271 crossing of Laurel Highlands Trail.
11.6 Route 271 Shelter (via side trail).
11.7 Route 271 parking lot (via side trail).
Hike 5: Route 271 to Seward
There are spectacular views of the Conemaugh River Gorge to the north. Johnstown is to the east. The going is easy throughout, and culminates in a five-mile descent to Seward. The trail passes an old stone quarry and the remains of an incline plane. Both were used to gather materials for the construction of a railroad bridge in Johnstown.
Start: Route 271.
End: Seward.
Miles: 13.3
Points of Interest: Conemaugh Gorge; Seward.
Parking: Route 271 (0.0 mi.); Seward. Pa.(13.3 mi.).
Water: Route 271; Decker Avenue Shelter; Seward.
Restroom or Privy: Route 271; Decker Avenue Shelter; Seward.
Provisions: Seward, one mile from the terminus of the LHHT. To reach Seward, turn right on the road at end of the trail, and follow it to Route 56 on the Conemaugh River. Turn left to Seward.
Camping: Decker Avenue Shelter.
Hike Data
0.0 Route 271. Mileages in this section are counted from the trail crossing. If you walk from the parking area add 0.7 miles to all distances.
1.9 Cross Peak 2669.
8.0 Side trail to Decker Shelter (0.3miles).
8.7 Picnic area and lookout tower, east of trail.
11.6 Old quarry site.
13.3 Seward, northern terminus of the LHHT.
Resources
Laurel Ridge State Park
(LHHT overnight permits)
(724) 455-3744
www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks
Ohiopyle State Park
(724) 329-8591
www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks
Conemaugh Valley Conservancy
(814) 536-6615
www.conemaughvalleyconservancy.org.
Keystone Trails Association
www.kta-hike.org
The Hiking Guide to the Laurel Highlands Trail, published by the Sierra Club, provides natural history and interpretation of the entire 70-mile path. The book is recommended for planning an extended hike on the LHHT.
Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail: Route 271 to Seward
This segment marks the end of the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail and the conclusion of a magnificent journey of some 450 miles from Point Lookout in southern Maryland. There are spectacular views of the Conemaugh River Gorge to the north. Johnstown is to the east. The going is easy throughout, and culminates in a five-mile descent to Seward.
The trail passes an old stone quarry and the remains of an incline plane. Both were used to gather materials for the construction of a railroad bridge in Johnstown. The bridge was said to be the site of many deaths during the Johnstown Flood of 1889, when buildings and debris piled against it. The incline plane was in use until 1930; the bridge still stands.
We would like to thank photographer paul g. wiegman for providing the photo that accompanies this itinerary.
Start: Route 271.
End: Seward.
Miles: 13.3
Points of Interest: Conemaugh Gorge; Seward.
Parking: Route 271 (0.0 mi.); Seward. Pa.(13.3 mi.).
Water: Route 271; Decker Avenue Shelter; Seward.
Restroom or Privy: Route 271; Decker Avenue Shelter; Seward.
Provisions: Seward, one mile from the terminus of the LHHT. To reach Seward, turn right on the road at end of the trail, and follow it to Route 56 on the Conemaugh River. Turn left to Seward.
Camping: Decker Avenue Shelter.
Hike Data
0.0 Route 271. Mileages in this section are counted from the trail crossing. If you walk from the parking area add 0.7 miles to all distances.
1.9 Cross Peak 2669.
8.0 Side trail to Decker Shelter (0.3miles).
8.7 Picnic area and lookout tower, east of trail.
11.6 Old quarry site.
13.3 Seward, northern terminus of the LHHT.
Explore the Trail Corridor
Johnstown. Just east of trail’s end. The Johnstown Flood Museum recounts the horrific events of 1889. Also, there is an active incline plane railway here. It was built in 1891 as a way to get people to higher ground during floods and to help develop the hillside.
Conemaugh Gorge. The ill-fated Pennsylvania Canal passed by here headed for Pittsburgh. It was an amazing achievement consisting of 277 miles of canal and 177 locks. There were 118 miles of railroad. It was completed from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh in 1829, but by 1864 it was no longer in use, outpaced by the railroads. Today Conemaugh Valley Conservancy (CVC) is working to open trails in the Conemaugh Gorge. The trail system features four stone-arch bridges built in 1907. Eventually these trails and others will be linked to form a Pittsburgh to Harrisburg Greenway along the canal’s former route. To find out about the trail’s progress visit the conservancy website.
Resources
Maps
www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/lhht/index.htm
Laurel Ridge State Park
(LHHT overnight permits)
(724) 455-3744
www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks
Ohiopyle State Park
(724) 329-8591
www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks
Conemaugh Valley Conservancy
(814) 536-6615
www.conemaughvalleyconservancy.org.
Keystone Trails Association
www.kta-hike.org
Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail: Route 30 to Route 271
www.laurelhighlands.org
The Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail follows a gentle path high above the isolated valley of Mill Creek. The views here to the northwest of the trail are especially nice during the winter months. Close to Route 271, the trail passes through a series of rock formations worthy of exploration.
Note that the Route 271 shelter is about 0.7 miles off the trail near the parking area.
Start: Route 30.
End: Route 271.
Miles: 11.7 (The section is only 11.0 miles excluding a visit to the shelter or parking lot).
Points of Interest: Card Machine Run; Mill Creek Valley; rock formations.
Parking: Route 30 (0.0 mi.); Route 271 (11.7 mi.).
Water: Route 30; Route 30 Shelter; Route 271 Shelter; Route 271.
Restroom or Privy: Route 30 Shelter; Route 271 Shelter.
Provisions: None.
Camping: Route 30 Shelter; Route 271 Shelter.
Hike Data
0.0 Route 30.
0.7 Route 30 Shelter.
2.2 Card Machine Run. There is a wonderful bog and spring here.
4.7 Mill Creek Valley.
10.2 Rock formations.
11.0 Route 271 crossing of Laurel Highlands Trail.
11.6 Route 271 Shelter (via side trail).
11.7 Route 271 parking lot (via side trail).
Exploring the Trail Corridor
Laughlintown, Pa. . This is a village full of history. The Compass Inn Museum dates to 1799 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Inn was a stagecoach stop, 1820-1862, on the route which later became Route 30.
Resources
Maps
www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/lhht/index.htm
Laurel Ridge State Park
(LHHT overnight permits)
(724) 455-3744
www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks
Ohiopyle State Park
(724) 329-8591
www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks
Conemaugh Valley Conservancy
(814) 536-6615
www.conemaughvalleyconservancy.org.
Keystone Trails Association
www.kta-hike.org
Laurel Highlands Trail: Route 31 to Route 30
The scenery on this hike offers one delight after another. Probably the most scenic built structure is the metal bridge that carries the PHT over the Pennsylvania Turnpike. We would like to thank photographer paul g. wiegman for providing the photo that accompanies this itinerary.
Start: Route 31.
End: Route 30.
Miles: 15.0
Points of Interest: Pennsylvania Turnpike Bridge; Beam Rocks.
Parking: Route 31 (0.0 mi.); Route 30 (15.0 mi.).
Water: Route 31 lot; Route 31 Shelter; Turnpike Shelter; Route 30 parking lot.
Restroom or Privy: Route 31 Shelter; Turnpike Shelter.
Provisions: None.
Camping: Route 31 Shelter; Turnpike Shelter.
Hike Data
0.0 Route 31.
1.7 Route 31 Shelter.
6.0 Pennsylvania Turnpike Bridge. This massive iron bridge shows how serious the state was about getting this trail built.
7.4 Turnpike Shelter.
10.2 Beam Rocks.
15.0 Route 30.
Exploring the PHT
Pennsylvania Turnpike Bridge. Take a few minutes to examine this massive structure. This is a fine example of Pennsylvania’s commitment to foot trails.
Beam Rocks. There are many pinnacles and crevices to explore in this area of jumbled boulders. A blue blazed trail leads to the area. There are also three other marked side trails in the area which are worth a visit.
Resources
Maps
www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/lhht/index.htm
Laurel Ridge State Park
(LHHT overnight permits)
(724) 455-3744
www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks
Ohiopyle State Park
(724) 329-8591
www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks
Conemaugh Valley Conservancy
(814) 536-6615
www.conemaughvalleyconservancy.org.
Keystone Trails Association
www.kta-hike.org
Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail: Route 653 to Route 31
This section is a pleasant ridge top walk with expansive views. Early on the trail passes through house-size boulders before climbing gently to 2,994 feet, the highest point on the Potomac Heritage Trail. This is the most open section of Laurel Ridge. The trail crosses several ski slopes and open areas of the Seven Springs Ski Resort. The remnants of a tree farm provide a different look as the trail eases down to Route 31.
We would like to thank photographer paul g. wiegman for providing the photo that accompanies this itinerary.
Start: Route 653.
End: Route 31.
Miles: 12.0
Points of Interest: Laurel Run Overlook; Seven Springs area.
Parking: Route 653 (0.0 mi.); Route 31 (12.0 mi.).
Water: Grindle Ridge Shelter.
Restroom or Privy: Grindle Ridge Shelter.
Provisions: None.
Camping: Grindle Ridge Shelter.
Hike Data
0.0 Route 653.
2.5 Laurel Run overlook.
5.4 Grindle Ridge Shelters.
7.5 Seven Springs. The Laurel Highlands Trail cuts right through a ski resort here. The open ski slopes offer wide open views.
8.0 Highest point on PHT, 2,994 feet.
12.0 Route 31.
Exploring the Trail Corridor
Seven Springs Mountain Resort. Due to its elevation this area is often encased in fog. The mist offers an opportunity to listen and get close to wildlife. Even if it is clear, you can stop and sit awhile along the edge of one of the ski slopes and see what flies by.
Resources
Maps
www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/lhht/index.htm
Laurel Ridge State Park
(LHHT overnight permits)
(724) 455-3744
www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks
Ohiopyle State Park
(724) 329-8591
www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks
Conemaugh Valley Conservancy
(814) 536-6615
www.conemaughvalleyconservancy.org.
Keystone Trails Association
www.kta-hike.org
Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail: Ohiopyle to Route 653
Leaving the banks of the Youghiogheny River, the yellow-blazes of the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail climb nine miles in stages from 1,200 feet to almost 2,800 feet. The second half of the section is gentle with the elevation hovering near 2,400 feet. The trail is well built, but rocky in places—a sturdy hiking shoe is a good choice here.
We would like to thank photographer paul g. wiegman for providing the photo that accompanies this itinerary.
Start: Ohiopyle.
End: Route 653.
Miles:19.0
Points of Interest: Ohiopyle; Laurel Highlands Trail park office.
Parking: Ohiopyle (0.0 mi.); Maple Summit Road. (11.4 mi.); Laurel Ridge State Park office (overnight permits) (19.0 mi.).
Water: Ohiopyle; Ohiopyle Shelter; Route 653 Shelter.
Restroom or privy: Ohiopyle; Ohiopyle Shelter; Route 653 Shelter.
Provisions: Ohiopyle.
Camping: Ohiopyle Shelter; Route 653 Shelter. All shelters and campsites on the LHHT must be reserved in advance. A fee is required.
Hike Data
0.0 Ohiopyle. The depot houses restrooms and a visitor center. The store, B&Bs, hotel and outfitters are all within a few blocks.
0.2 Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail. Turn onto the yellow-blazed path. The trail is marked with mileposts. Except for the few miles at either end, the grades are gentle. It is open only to hikers.
6.5 Ohiopyle Shelter.
11.4 Maple Summit Road.
18.7 Route 653 Shelter.
19.0 Route 653.
Explore the Trail Corridor
Ohiopyle. This little place is a major hub for recreation. It is most famous for whitewater rafting, but there is also a network of short trails. It’s a memorable spot for fishing, too. Cross country skiing and snowshoeing offer the best way to solitude in the woods in winter. Just a few miles north on Route 381 is Fallingwater, the famous home built by Frank Lloyd Wright.
Laurel Highlands. The LHHT is one of Pennsylvania’s premiere hiking trails. It’s especially fine for beginning backpackers: there are long stretches of level terrain and shelters spaced within easy walking distances. On this hike, the positions of the shelters on this trail make this segment an ideal two-day backpack. The first day covers less than seven miles, but tackles much of the climbing. The second day has one tough mile.
Resources
Maps
http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/lhht/index.htm
Laurel Ridge State Park
(LHHT overnight permits)
(724) 455-3744
www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks
Ohiopyle State Park
(724) 329-8591
www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks
Conemaugh Valley Conservancy
(814) 536-6615
www.conemaughvalleyconservancy.org.
Keystone Trails Association
www.kta-hike.org
Wright Ride Along the Great Allegheny Passage
Marvel in the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright and bike one of the most scenic sections of the Great Allegheny Passage in Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands. Begin your visit with a breathtaking tour of Wright’s world-renowned Fallingwater. For an unforgettable experience book either the Brunch or Sunset tour. Be sure to make advanced reservations, wear comfortable shoes, and allow at least two hours for the tour and contact Great Allegheny Passage if you want additional information on this tour.