A hikers guide to the laurel highlands trail, published by the sierra club, provides natural history and interpretation of the entire 70mile path. Please select the river tour you were on to see the photos available for purchase. Backpacking the laurel highlands trail with roaring run. Hiking trails in pennsylvania range from recreational rail trails that can be done in segments to wilderness backpacking. Oct 27, 2017 one of the footpaths that i recently revisited is the laurel highlands hiking trail, the topic of my first published article, so in a sense i am picking up where i left off three and onehalf decades ago. Backpacking the laurel highlands hiking trail hiking and.
Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. The book is recommended for planning an extended hike. Also known as the laurel highlands hiking trail, this 70mile scenic path is a part of the potomac heritage national scenic trail, which winds through pennsylvania, the district of columbia, maryland, and virginia. The 70mile hiking trail stretches along laurel mountain from the picturesque youghiogheny river at ohiopyle, pa. As a scout leaer at the time i used this book to plan hikes and carried an earlier copy with me when hiking. Ive been a fan of this trail since i went on a backpacking trip from girl scout camp many years ago. Writing in the trail book gave me a huge sense of triumph. The regulations are also available at the headquarters of laurel ridge state park.
Laurel highlands trail pahikes hiking pennsylvania. The laurel highlands hiking trail has 2by5inch yellow blazes. The laurel highlands hiking trail runs through numerous state parks in the laurel highlands, and connector trails make it easy to access the trail for a day hike, detour to another location or exit the trail. Your guide to trout fishing in the laurel highlands trout season has opened early here in pennsylvania, and theres no better place for anglers than the laurel highlands. The book is recommended for planning an extended hike on the laurel highlands hiking trail as a section of the pht. Thru hiking the laurel highlands hiking trail 6 days 70. Some of the most challenging trail runs in the eastern united states are the laurel highlands ultra races, which are held the second saturday in june. Laurel highlands hiking trail hiking trail, ohiopyle, pennsylvania. For my first solo backpacking trip, the laurel highlands lhht felt so doable. A hikers guide to laurel highlands trail editors on. Each year we receive many positive comments from team members. Best hiking boots for exploring the scottish highlands.
Entering a team in the relay race is a great way to get a taste of the laurel highlands hiking trail without committing to the entire distance. From spring to fall you can find the occasional red back or spotted salamander finding the cool undersides of rocks and leaf litter to their liking. The laurel highlands hiking trail is a 70mile continuous footpath stretching atop the laurel stickerridge. The trail features overnight trail shelters that must be. A guide to hiking the scottish highlands with route and gear. Permit area facility details laurel ridge state park, pa. The trail traverses state parks, state forests, state game lands, other public lands and private lands. Trails that lead to and from parking areas and shelters are marked with blue blazes. The trail goes below the rocks and then starts to climb a hill. The trail is primarily used for hiking, trail running, and cross country skiing and is accessible yearround. On this 70miler, see rhododendrons by day and hike light by staying. Great parking options, shelter areas are well maintained. The second half of the section is gentle with the elevation hovering near 2,400 feet. View journals as always, i welcome this transition, but each time i do so with a small dose of seemingly incurable apprehension.
The longest multiuse trail in pa, the great allegheny passage gap stretches from. Laurel highlands hiking trail is 70 miles 110 km long, begins at ohiopyle state park and ends at conemaugh gorge near johnstown pennsylvania. The laurel highlands hiking trail is a 70mile hiking trail stretches along laurel mountains from the picturesque youghiogheny river at ohiopyle, pa. Eight overnight shelter areas are placed every 612 miles along the trail. Gear hikers ditch after 30 miles on the appalachian trail mountain crossings. Also known as the laurel highlands hiking trail, this 70mile scenic path is a part of the potomac heritage national scenic trail, which winds through pennsylvania, the district of.
The first mile goes across a couple of nice streams and heads up a pretty good hill as it threads through a rock city. Our lakes and streams are freshly stocked, and somerset county alone has more approved trout streams than any other county in. Each park has something unique to offer including scenic views, lush forests, trails, history, roaring waterfalls, natural waterslides, and so. Explore the beauty of the laurel highlands at eight pennsylvania state parks, two pa state forests, five national parks, and numerous local parks. From skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing in the winter, to golfing, hiking, fishing, and mountain biking in the summer, you can be as active as you choose. When using the trail, abide by the governing rules and regulations posted at parking lots and camping areas. Laurel highlands hiking trail map pennsylvania 70 miles.
The trail affords some great views of the twisting youghigheny river, from high above ohiopyle state park, to the beautiful conemaugh valley, near johnstown, pa. Laurel highlands hiking trail laurel highlands visitors bureau. This group is is dedicated to the laurel highlands hiking trail and encourages posts for information, photos, points of interest, camping tips, favorite shelter information, data about the laurel. Leaving the banks of the youghiogheny river, the yellowblazes of the laurel highlands hiking trail climb nine miles in stages from 1,200 feet to almost 2,800 feet. With 10\,000 acres at the summit to explore\, theres no shortage of opportunities to build scouting memories. Oct 09, 2014 join me for 6 days and 5 nights on the lhht in southern pa. Large signs indicate access points, and markers appear at every mile. Feb 28, 2016 laurel highlands hiking trail winter overnight hike. Hiking trails near pennsylvania hiking project hiking. Where are the best sections of the laurel highlands trail.
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. I need a suggestion for a good place to start a day hike out and back, maybe 56 hours near somerset. Its an absolute mustsee for nature lovers and hikers. Book early, save 15% now with our weather guarantee. Laurel highlands hiking trail ohiopyle state park pa. If you prefer easier terrain, then you should consider biking on the beautiful great allegheny passage. From spring to fall you can find the occasional red back or spotted salamander finding the cool undersides of rocks and leaf litter to. Feb 14, 2017 shaded by a dense hardwood canopy, cut by clear, wildflower lined creeks, and pocked with postcardworthy ridgetop views, the 70mile laurel highlands hiking trail lhht is one of the keystone states marquee paths. The laurel highlands hiking trail extends seventy miles from ohiopyle state park to seward, just north of johnstown. Laurel highlands hiking trail rockwood 2020 all you. The appeal of hiking in pennsylvania is the lush forest landscape that surrounds you with boundless natural beauty on the trails, including the mountain laurel state flower. Book your wilderness voyageurs adventures, bike tours, and ohiopyle lodging at trillium lodge, conveniently online.
Go long in pennsylvanias laurel highlands backpacker. Each mile is marked by a small, concrete pillar denoting the mileage. It is a mostly easy trail with access to the trail every 810 miles. Laurel highlands hiking trail pennsylvania alltrails. Parks visit the majestic pennsylvania state parks, national parks, and local parks of the laurel highlands. We will day hike the trails in the roaring run area, hiking two loops before returning to the parking area and then driving to the laurel highlands parking lot on pa 31. Because of the elevation, weather in the laurel highlands is generally cooler and wetter than in most other parts of the state. If you are looking for a beautiful place to escape and go on an epic adventure, these laurel highlands hiking trails are made for you. You can also order my lhht book, romancing the trail, or a lhht window sticker pictured above. Laurel highlands hiking trail endtoend potomac heritage. The laurel highlands hiking trail is a 70mile, continuous footpath stretching atop the laurel ridge. Part of the potomac heritage trail, it is one of the most celebrated.
Laurel highlands hiking trail, rockwood, pennsylvania. Since 32 of the 50 hikes are drawn from the laurel highlands and the allegheny national forest, western pennsylvanias premier hiking destinations, this book presents the best hiking western pennsylvania has to offer. Laurel highlands hiking trail is 70 miles 110 km long, begins at ohiopyle state park and ends at conemaugh gorge near johnstown. As part of the rei coop family, were dedicated to making websites and mobile apps that help outdoor enthusiasts connect, share information and get out into the places they love to play. One of the things i loved most about the trail was how empty it was. Run a portion of the trail for a workout, or run the whole trail in one day. It traverses state parks, forests, game lands, preserves and other public and private lands. Rei will take the mystery out of backpacking the laurel highlands hiking trail with an overview of planning, preparation and gear. This story is partly an adventure story and partly a guidebook about the details of planning, and then backpacking the entire 70mile laurel highlands hiking trail. Laurel highlands hiking trail, fayette county pennsylvania. The great allegheny passage traces americas westward expansion through a chain of cyclistfriendly trail towns, each with easy access to trailheads, restaurants, lodging, camping, and bike shops.
The pa laurel highlands and ohiopyle are home to 120,000 acres of state parks that offer some of the best hiking trails in pennsylvania. If youre familiar with me or my own web site youll know that im a huge supporter of the trail. Explore the sugarloaf trail system with our guided mountain biking tours. Laurel highlands hiking trail keystone trails association. 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 laurel highlands trail is a 70 mile trail stretching from seward to the. Six days atop laurel ridge is a thoroughly enjoyable read. Your guide to the laurel highlands hiking trail with more than 70 miles to backpack, hike and explore, the laurel highlands hiking trail lhht takes visitors through state parks and forests to experience challenging terrain and natural beauty.
The laurel highlands hiking trail, a section of the potomac heritage trail, begins near ohiopyle state park in southwest pennsylvania. Sep 28, 2008 the laurel highlands hiking trail extends seventy miles from ohiopyle state park to seward, just north of johnstown. Part of the potomac heritage trail, it is one of the most celebrated pennsylvania hiking trails for its varied terrain and wondrous beauty. Some of the most remarkable attractions are located on these best sections of the laurel highlands trail. See the map for bike tours opens in a new window spend the day exploring the rugged beauty and scenic vistas of pennsylvanias largest state park by bike with our mountain bike tours. Laurel highlands hiking trail info page danes place.
The main feature of the park is the 70mile laurel highlands hiking trail, which provides the setting for a semiwilderness backpacking and day hiking experience. Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance by calling 888paparks or online. The laurel highlands hiking trail runs from ohiopyle state park to the laurel ridge state park meeting the 1,000foot conemaugh gorge near johnstown. The starting point was only an hour from my house and 70 miles was a lot, but really not all that much. The trail was mine and it was extraordinary to me that somewhere so close to home could feel so far. Oklahoma has many excellent hiking trails and one is included in the new book, americas best day hikes, by derek dellinger. This major 70mile hiking and backpacking trail from ohiopyle to near johnstown is the main feature of the park. When the guy who wrote a book about it posted a trip on the facebook page for the lhht i thought looks like a great way to hike the trail and get to learn a lot about it in the process. The laurel highlands feature some of the best hiking trails in western pennsylvania.
Your guide to the laurel highlands pour tour the laurel highlands is excited to announce the brandnew laurel highlands pour tour. In spite of my obvious affections for the trail, i. This 70mile laurel highlands hiking trail which travels from ohiopyle to near johnstown is the main feature of the park. Welcome to the official dcnr facebook page for the laurel highlands hiking trail. Included in the guide are detailed topographic maps plus information on geology, climate, plants, and wildlife. The laurel highlands a hiking guide monika vucic on. Laurel highlands hiking trail ohiopyle serves as the southern terminus for the 70mile laurel highlands hiking trail. The trail is well built, but rocky in placesa sturdy hiking shoe is a good choice here.
My wife and i will be staying in somerset for a few days, and are looking for a nice hike with good views for one day. The hiking guide to the laurel highlands trail, published by the sierra club, provides natural history and interpretation of the entire 70mile path. Along with local information, learn how to choose a pack, select proper clothing and footwear. Centrally located in the heart of the laurel highlands, hidden valley resort is a fourseason destination that serves as an ideal hub for many nearby attractions and a variety of activities. The laurel highlands hiking trail is a 70mile backpacking and hiking trail in western pa. The trail is open yearround and is blazed approximately every 100 feet with 2 and 5inch yellow blazes. The laurel highlands hiking trail is open yearround and is blazed approximately every 100 feet with 2inch and 5inch yellow blazes. The longest multiuse trail in pa, the great allegheny passage gap stretches from southeast from pittsburgh to cumberland, maryland.
The road biking is sensational for experienced riders, starting from the yough river valley. The trail runs along the highest ridge in the park. During my entire hike of the laurel highlands i passed by a grand total of eight hiking groups. Choose your desired activity first, to get to the correct online reservations page. The purpose of this page is to provide some basic information to help you plan your hike. His tale and supporting factual information entices the reader to give the trail. Sheepskin run rock spring run little glade run harbaugh run blue hole cr. A hikers guide to the laurel highlands trail describes the trail and aids in planning laurel highlands hiking trail tell us about your hike at. When the guy who wrote a book about it posted a trip on the facebook page for. This converted trail, which once felt the heavy rumble of freight trains, now offers a gentle grade for a nearly level ride along the youghiogheny river through the laurel highlands.
The trail goes through state forests, state parks, state game lands, and some privately owned lands. This closure applies to foot traffic as well as snowmobile traffic. The trail is open year round and marked with 2 x 5 yellow blazes. Sep 28, 2008 the laurel highlands hiking trail, one of the finest natural trails in pennsylvania, extends for over 70 miles from conemaugh gorge near johnstown to the rugged and picturesque youghiogheny river gorge at ohiopyle state park. The laurel highlands hiking trail is popular with trail runners due to the diverse terrain and unmatched beauty. The hike can be done easily in 5 days, but i wanted to do some exploring and get.
Ive been trying to hike the laurel highlands hiking trail for two years. The laurel highlands are a popular area for camping, hiking, mountain biking, hunting, boating, trout fishing, wildlife viewing, and downhill and crosscountry skiing. They all seem to enjoy the day running on our beautiful trail with a few of their friends. The laurel highlands hiking trail is well marked with 2. Laurel highlands hiking trail running trail, ohiopyle. Take a hike you wont forget across some of the best terrain in pennsylvania through laurelcovered mountains and watercarved valleys. On the laurel highlands hiking trail, youll pass eight overnight areas approximately every 8 to 10 miles. I start on sunday sept 21, and finish up on friday.
Laurel highlands hiking trail winter overnight hike youtube. The 70mile hiking trail stretches along laurel mountain from the picturesque youghiogheny river at ohiopyle state park to the conemaugh gorge near. The guide is available from the sierra club allegheny group. Depending on the season you visit, your wardrobe will consist of a number of water wicking, waterproof, and breathable layers, however you will need woollen hiking socks and sturdy, supportive footwear whatever time of year you decide to hike. The great allegheny passage in laurel highlands rail trail. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible yearround. With the entrance close to our outdoor center, the trail follows the youghiogheny river through ohiopyle. The next mile winds through rocks and mountain laurel thickets, and then the trail levels out and gets easier through open forest. The great allegheny passage is safe, scenic, and spectacular. Laurel highlands hiking trail lhht public group facebook.
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