Exploring: Laurel Hill State Park

As you drive or walk through Laurel Hill State Park, you will see mountain laurel, rhododendron, sugar maple, white and red oak, birch, cherry, tulip poplar and hemlock trees. There is a small stand of old growth hemlock on the Hemlock Hiking Trail. Wildlife includes white-tailed deer, raccoon, woodchuck, red, gray and fox squirrels, skunk, mink, muskrat, opossum, rabbit, turkey, ruffed grouse, ring-necked pheasant, bobwhite quail, and a variety of other birds and animals.

The park has an interesting history, an old country road passed through the park area at what is now Group Camp No. 8, there stood an inn for wayfarers. Below the inn was a grist mill for grinding local wheat and rye. At the head of the lake there once stood a pottery factory and an iron forge.

George Washington's troops camped within the park boundaries during the “Whiskey Rebellion” of 1794.

The first recreational facilities at the park were built by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) under the supervision of the National Park Service. The area was named the Laurel Hill Recreation Demonstration Area and work began in 1935. By 1938, Laurel Hill Lake was completed. By 1942, four organized group camps and two former CCC Camps were being used for camping.

The 63-acre Laurel Hill Lake is a focal point of the park. Laurel Hill is surrounded by thousands of acres of pristine state park and state forest lands.

A 12-mile trail system invites hikers to explore the park. Remains of a logging railroad, like a wooden cross-tie or a rusty rail spike, can be seen along the Tramroad Trail. This railroad hauled logs from the mountains to a sawmill located at Humbert near Confluence, Pennsylvania.

A beautiful stand of old growth timber may be seen along the very popular Hemlock Trail, which is a Pennsylvania State Park Natural Area.

Year round a park environmental education specialist offers campfire programs and guided walks. A self-guiding trail is located along Hemlock Trail. A visitor center is located in the beige farmhouse at the entrance to the campground. Contact the park office for a schedule of activities.

The camping area consists of 264 tent or trailer sites (162 with electric) with flush toilets, hot water showers, sanitary dumping stations and drinking water. The campground is open from the second Friday in April until mid October. Site occupancy is limited to one family unit (persons living under one household) or one non-family unit limited to five persons, including one responsible individual 18 years of age or older. The maximum camping period is 14 consecutive nights. Pets are not permitted.

One walled tent is available for rent. The tent sleeps six people and has a refrigerator, bunk beds with mattresses and electricity. Campers must bring bedding, camping stove, and cooking and eating utensils.

The 1,200-foot sandy beach is open daily from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day unless otherwise posted. The regular hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Maximum depth is five feet. A food and refreshment concession is located a short distance from the beach.

Anglers may test their abilities against bass, trout, catfish, suckers, bluegill, perch, crappies and sunfish in the lake 24 hours a day. Fishing is also permitted in Laurel Hill Creek and Jones Mill Run which are excellent trout streams in the park. Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission laws apply. A fishing license, not available at the park office, is required for persons ages 16 and older.

Fifteen mooring sites and two boat launch areas are available. A boat rental concession is located at the beach and offers paddleboats, canoes and rowboats.

In addition, four picnic areas with a total of 564 tables are provided for your pleasure. Accessible picnic tables and parking spaces have been designated throughout the park. Accessible fishing is available near dam breast.

To reach the park from the Pennsylvania Turnpike Exit 10 (Somerset), drive West on PA Route 31 from Somerset for 10 miles, turn left on an unnumbered route and follow the directional sign to Laurel Hill State Park. The park may also be reached from Pennsylvania Turnpike Exit 9 (Donegal) by turning left on PA Route 31 and heading East to PA Routes 381/711. Turn right on PA Routes 381/711 and go South to Champion. Turn left and follow the sign to Seven Springs and Laurel Hill State Park.

Laurel Hill State Park
1454 Laurel Hill Park Road
Somerset, PA 15501-850
Telephone: 814-445-7725
888-PA-PARKS