Laurel Ridge State Park
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| Laurel Ridge State Park, Pennsylvania, USA | |
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| Location: | Cambria, Fayette, Westmoreland, Somerset County, Pennsylvania, USA |
| Nearest city: | Somerset, Pennsylvania |
| Area: | 13,625 acres (55.14 km²) |
| Governing body: | Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources |
Laurel Ridge State Park is a 13,625 acres (15.14 km²) Pennsylvania State Park that passes through Cambria, Fayette, Somerset, and Westmoreland counties, Pennsylvania in the United States. The park is home to the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail a 70 mile (112km) hiking trail that runs through the park from the Youghiogheny River at Ohiopyle to the Conemaugh Gorge near Johnstown.
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[edit] Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail
Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail is a 70 mile (112km) trail that begins at Ohiopyle State Park and ends at Conemaugh Gorge near Johnstown. The trail goes through state forests, state parks and some privately owned lands. Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail is open year round. The trail is marked with yellow blazes. Connector trails are marked with blue blazes. These trails connect the main trail with parking and shelter areas. The trail is marked with large wooden signs at every major highway crossing. Six parking lots at the highway crossings provide starting points and have access to drinking water. Hikers on Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail are encouraged to fill out a hiking plan with volunteers that are posted at the information booths at each parking facility.
[edit] Shelter areas
There are eight overnight shelter areas on the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail. These shelter areas are located about every 6 to 10 miles (9 to 16km) along the trail. The shelter areas each have five Adirondack style shelters. There are two outhouses at the rest stops and a water supply. There is room for up to 30 tents at each stop. Hikers using the shelters are required to make reservations for use of the shelters with the park staff before setting out on their hike. A fee is charged to users of the shelters.
[edit] Other recreation
The park is also open to hunting, cross-country skiing and snow mobiling.
Hunting is permitted on almost all of Laurel Ridge State Park. The most common game species are ruffed grouse, turkey and white tailed deer. The hunting of groundhogs is prohibited. Hunters are expected to follow the rules and regulations of the Pennsylvania State Game Commission.
There are 35 miles (56 km) of trails open to cross-country skiing during the winter months at Laurel Ridge State Park and over 70 miles (112 km) of trails open to snow mobiles.
[edit] Nearby state parks
- Laurel Hill State Park
- Laurel Mountain State Park
- Laurel Summit State Park
- Kooser State Park
- Linn Run State Park
- Ohiopyle State Park
- Keystone State Park
[edit] References
- Map Reference for Laurel Ridge State Park. Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
- Laurel Ridge State Park. Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
