Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail: Seward to Decker Avenue Shelter

This section of the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail is rated as moderate. You should expect a significant uphill climb in the initial miles from the Seward Trailhead as it ascends to the ridge. After this initial 'grind,' the trail generally levels off with some rolling hills, offering easier hiking. The path primarily traverses open hardwoods, with ferns and laurel, and some rugged sections.

Based on average hiking speeds, this 15.5 km (9.6 miles) section of the trail typically takes around 4 hours and 48 minutes to complete. This duration can vary depending on your pace, breaks, and trail conditions.

This route from Seward to Decker Avenue Shelter is a linear, one-way section of the longer Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail. It is not a loop, so you would need to arrange for transportation at the end point or plan to hike back.

You can find parking at the Seward Trailhead, which serves as the northern terminus for this section of the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail. This is the primary access point for starting your hike towards Decker Avenue Shelter.

Yes, dogs are permitted on the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail, including this section. However, they must be kept on a leash at all times. Please remember to pack out any waste.

The trail offers different experiences throughout the year. Spring brings widespread wildflowers and lush greenery. Summer provides a full canopy of leaves. Autumn is particularly popular for its vibrant fall foliage. Winter hiking is also possible, offering snow-hushed forests and enhanced views due to the lack of foliage, though conditions can be challenging.

While day hiking this section does not require a permit, overnight stays at the Decker Avenue Shelter or any other shelter areas along the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail do require reservations. These shelters are open-face, lean-to structures with amenities like pit toilets and trash cans. You can find more information and make reservations through the official pa.gov website.

The Decker Avenue Shelter area, like other shelter areas on the LHHT, provides basic amenities for hikers. These include pit toilets, trash cans, and a water pump. It's important to note that water sources, especially in the northern 20 miles, can sometimes be dry depending on conditions, so filtering any collected water is highly recommended.

Beyond the scenic natural beauty of the Laurel Highlands, a notable feature along this route is the Laurel Hill Fire Tower. The entire trail is also exceptionally well-marked with yellow blazes every 100 feet and mile markers, making navigation straightforward.

Yes, this route is part of the larger Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail. Additionally, sections of this hike overlap with the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail (left bank).

The Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail is managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and is part of Laurel Ridge State Park. There are generally no entrance fees for day use of the park or the trail itself. However, as mentioned, overnight stays at shelters require reservations and associated fees. Always check the official pa.gov website for the most current regulations regarding camping, fires, and other park rules.