The southwest corner of Pennsylvania encompasses the Laurel Highlands and the area surrounding and including the dynamic city of Pittsburgh. You can explore a mountain playground that is steeped in history and incredible scenery. There is whitewater rafting at Ohiopyle, downhill skiing at Laurel Mountain and hiking on a 70-mile backpacking trail at Laurel Ridge. You can learn about history at McConnells Mill and Point state parks. Raccoon Creek State Park boasts a wildflower reserve and Jennings Environmental Education Center has a rare relict prarie.
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Hillman
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Several miles of trails wander through the forests of the park.
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Jennings
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7 miles of trails
Jennings offers many hiking opportunities with over five miles of trails that traverse varying terrain and diverse habitats. Visitors may walk through over 300 acres of forest and prairie. The trail system is designed as a series of loops, with trail signs at every intersection making it possible to choose a variety of hiking experiences. Trails are designed for foot traffic only. Bicycles and motorized vehicles are prohibited. Pets are permitted but must remain on a leash at all times. Some trails are appropriate for cross-country skiing.
Explore Jennings for detailed trail descriptions.
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Keystone
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6 miles of trails
The six miles of trails are open year-round for hiking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. All trails are rated from easy to moderate with parking available at most of the trailheads. All trails are foot traffic only, except for Lakeside Trail, which is open to bikes.
Explore Keystone for detailed trail descriptions.
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Kooser
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1 mile of trails
The Kincora Trail is a popular trail named in honor of an Irish priest. Many short trails are in the day use area and cross-country ski trails are also available for hiking.
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Laurel Hill
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12 miles of trails
The hiking trails of Laurel Hill State Park are listed according to difficulty, arranged from the easiest to the most difficult. Most trails are wide, easily followed and, therefore, not color blazed. Where deemed necessary, blazes are yellow.
Explore Laurel Hill for detailed trail descriptions.
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Laurel Ridge
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This major 70-mile hiking and backpacking trail from Ohiopyle to near Johnstown is the main feature of the park. 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 every mile.
Explore Laurel Ridge for more information.
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Laurel Summit
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Laurel Summit State Park is a trailhead for many miles of trails in Forbes State Forest.
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Linn Run
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6.25 miles of trails
Many of Linn Run’s hiking trails connect to many miles of trails in the Forbes State Forest.
Explore Linn Run for detailed trail descriptions.
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McConnells Mill
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11 miles of trails
Rugged trails traverse the gorge. Please wear appropriate clothing, including boots. For your safety and to protect the resource, Please Stay on the Trails.
Explore McConnells Mill for detailed trail descriptions.
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Moraine
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29.6 miles of trails
Explore Moraine for detailed trail descriptions.
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Ohiopyle
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79 miles of trails
Always bring a map, water and wear sturdy shoes when hiking. Specific trail maps are available at the park office and the Train Station/Visitor Center.
Explore Ohiopyle for detailed trail desciptions.
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Raccoon Creek
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44 miles
The park offers a wide variety of hiking options to meet the needs of the casual day hiker as well as the overnight backpacker looking for a challenge within a wilderness setting.
Explore Raccoon Creek for detailed trail descriptions.
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Ryerson Station
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13 miles of trails
The trails allow visitors to explore the park on foot and on cross-country skis in winter. The trails traverse many habitats, like mature forests, wet valley bottoms, evergreen plantations and fields in ecological succession. Contact the park office for detailed trail descriptions.
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Yellow Creek
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5 miles of trails
Laurel Run Trail is a 0.5-mile loop which starts at the park office. This easy hike is especially beautiful in the spring when wildflowers abound. Ridgetop Trail is a challenging 2-mile trail. It begins in the beach/day-use area and winds through a variety of habitats. Damsite Trail is a 2.5-mile trail that offers a view of the Yellow Creek dam. To get to this trail, follow PA 259 south from the park office. After taking a right turn at the stop sign, turn onto Hoffman Road, the second road to your right. This road ends at a small parking area where Damsite Trail begins.
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