Backpacking - Laurel Highlands Trail (PA)
Description
The Laurel Highlands Trail extends for 70 miles from the rugged and pictureseque Youghiogheny River Gorge at Ohiopyle State Park east of Uniontown to the 1000 foot deep Conemaugh Gorge near Johnstown. There are eight overnight areas, each which contains five shelters, tent pads, two comfort stations and a source of water. These overnight areas are not located directly on the trail, but are set back off the trail to retain a wilderness atmosphere. Each shelter is large enough to accommodate 6 people. The overnight areas are situated 8 to 10 miles apart on the trail. Call (412) 455-3744 prior to your trip, for reservations, which are required. Camping fees are $3 per person for Pennsylvania residents, $4 per person for out-of-state residents. South Trail Map (1.5MB pdf) North Trail Map (2MB pdf)
Directions from Morgantown
Take I-68 E to exit 23 (Bruceton Mills). Get on rt. 26 north for 1 mile and turn left onto Clifton Mills Rd. (CR 8). At the state line this turns into rt 381. Go 9 miles and cross rt 40. Stay on 381 for 7 miles to Ohiopyle. Southern Trailhead is on 381 on the north side of the town (see web site for other trailhead directions)
Travel Time: 1 hr to southern terminus, 2.5 hrs to northern terminus
Activities: Backpacking, Hiking, Cross Country Skiing
Address: Laurel Ridge State Park, RD 3 Box 246, Rockwood PA 15557
Phone/Email: 724-455-3744
Web resources: www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/laurelridge.aspx
ORC Resources: Brochure, Books "The Laurel Highlands- A Hiking Guide", "50 Hikes in Western Pennsylvania", "A Hikers Guide to the Laurel Highlands Trail"
