Things to Do around Laurel

The Laurel Highlands region offers a diverse range of outdoor activities including hiking, jogging, road cycling, and touring cycling. The area is characterized by mountains, forests, and rivers, providing varied terrain for exploration.

Yes, the Laurel Highlands provides hiking trails suitable for various skill levels. Ohiopyle State Park offers numerous options, and the 70-mile Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail includes both rugged and more casual sections. For easier options, consult guides like Easy hikes around Laurel.

The Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) is a prominent cycling route, offering 76 miles (122 km) of nearly flat rail trail through the Laurel Highlands. Other notable trails include the Coal and Coke Trail, Sheepskin Trail, and Indian Creek Valley Trail. Road cycling routes are also available, as detailed in guides like Road Cycling Routes around Laurel.

Yes, the Laurel Highlands offers challenging terrain for mountain biking and gravel grinding. Areas such as Ohiopyle State Park, Forbes State Forest, and locations near Mount Davis provide suitable trails for these activities.

The region features three Allegheny Plateau ridges, including Mount Davis, Pennsylvania's highest point at 3,213 feet (979 m). Notable waterways include the Youghiogheny River, with Ohiopyle Falls, and unique ecosystems like Spruce Flats Bog and Laurel Caverns.

The Laurel Highlands is home to several state parks and forests, including Forbes State Forest (nearly 60,000 acres), Laurel Hill State Park, Laurel Ridge State Park, and Laurel Summit State Park. These areas offer extensive landscapes for outdoor recreation.

The Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail is a 70-mile (113 km) trail located within Laurel Ridge State Park. It offers sections ranging from rugged to more casual, accommodating various hiking preferences.

Many trails and parks in the Laurel Highlands are suitable for families. The Great Allegheny Passage, being nearly flat, is particularly accessible for family cycling. Shorter, less strenuous hiking paths are also available in various state parks.

For comprehensive information and trip planning, visitors can contact GO Laurel Highlands (formerly Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau). Their official website is www.laurelhighlands.org, and they can be reached by phone at (724) 238-5661 or (800) 333-5661.

Beyond outdoor activities, the Laurel Highlands region is close to significant cultural and historical sites. These include Frank Lloyd Wright's architectural masterpieces, Fallingwater and Kentuck Knob, and the Flight 93 National Memorial.

The Laurel Highlands is highly accessible, located approximately one hour east of Pittsburgh. It is bordered by major interstates, making it convenient for visitors seeking an outdoor destination.

The region's diverse landscapes support a rich variety of plant and animal life. It features diverse forest communities and serves as a critical corridor for migratory birds, offering opportunities for wildlife observation.