Exploring: Pennsylvania's
Laurel Ridge State Park

Laurel Ridge State Park, 13,625 acres, stretches along the Laurel Mountain from the picturesque Youghiogheny River at Ohiopyle to the Conemaugh Gorge near Johnstown. This large park spans Cambria, Fayette, Somerset, Westmoreland, and Indiana counties.

A major feature of the park is the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail, a 70 mile hiking and backpacking trail from Ohiopyle to near Johnstown, PA. The trail traverses state parks, state forests, state game lands, other public lands, and private lands.

The Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail is open year-round and is blazed approximately every 100 feet with 2" and 5" yellow blazes. Side trails are marked with blue blazes. Mileage monuments are found every mile.

Large wooded signs mark trail access points at every major highway crossing. Six 30-car parking areas provide starting points and water. In addition, voluntary day-use registration booths are located at each of the park areas and the trail user is encouraged to fill out information cards for vital park attendance data and for use in the event of an emergency. Overnight reservations are mandatory and a fee is required for overnight camping.

Every hiker's pace varies, but a suggested pace of 1 1/2 miles per hour is average. In general, Laurel Ridge is cooler and receives more precipitation than the surrounding valleys. Hikers should take proper clothing,sturdy footwear, rain protection, canteen, and other items as needed. A camera is a worthwhile item, too.

The trail is attractive throughout the year. Major seasonal attractions are spring leaves which start in late April, peak in mid-May and are over by June. Mountain laurel blooms in June and rhododendron does so in late June and early July. Fall colors normally peak in mid October.

Every 8 - 10 miles along the trail, one of eight overnight shelter areas are located. Each area contains 5 adirondack-type shelters with fireplaces, 2 latrines, a water supply, and spaces for 30 tents.

A Hiker's Guide to the Laurel Highlands Trail is available from the Pennsylvania Chapter of the Sierra Club, P.O. Box 8241, Pittsburgh, PA 15217. The guide describes the trail and aids in planning outings. Included in the guide are detailed topographic maps plus information on geology, climate, plants and wildlife.

In addition, the park offers other recreational activities in the winter months.

A snowmobiling trail system of over 70 miles is open daily after the end of the antlerless deer season in late December. The trail is located on state park and state forest lands. Snowmobiles are restricted to designated forest lands. Snowmobiles are restricted to designated trails and are not permitted on the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trails.

Cross-country skiing is also a popular winter activity. Approximately 35 miles of trail are available for cross-country skiing. Please check with the park office to see which sections are suitable for skiing.

For More Information:
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Laurel Ridge State Park
R.D. 3, Box 246
Rockwood, PA 15557
Telephone: (412) 455-3744
For general state park information call: 1-800-63-PARKS