Summer Information For Laurel Highlands In Pennsylvania






Mar 21, 10

Laurel Highlands
Pennsylvania

The Allegheny Foothills

The Laurel Highlands region encompasses five counties in the Allegheny foothills of southwestern Pennsylvania, including Somerset and Bedford counties. A wide variety of activities can be found in these hills that once harbored the lavish resorts of wealthy Pittsburgh industrialists.

Every October, at a reconstructed fort in Somerset County, it's 1758 all over again. A reenactment of the Battle of Fort Ligonier takes visitors back to the days of the French and Indian War when this part of the state was a bloody battleground.

Several state parks and state forests in the area provide ample opportunities for recreational endeavors. Laurel Summit, Laurel Ridge, Laurel Hill and Kooser state parks offer a range of activities, including camping, hiking, boating and fishing.

Wild Waters

Rafting is popular in the Laurel Highlands. The Youghiogheny River is known for its excellent white water adventures. Conemaugh Lake and Youghiogheny Reservoir offer boating and Raystown Lake boasts the state's largest marina.

If you feel like swimming, Shawnee Lake's the place to go. This lake has a sandy beach stretching 2,000 feet, plus lifeguards and locker rooms.

These waters also are great sport for fishing enthusiasts. You will find the Allegheny Mountain streams offer some excellent fishing. Right next door, Bedford County has some of the best trout streams in the state, including Bob's Creek, Wills Creek and Yellow Creek. For lake fishing, try Shawnee Lake. It's good for bass, bluegill, muskies, perch and walleye.

Raystown Lake, the largest man-made lake in the state, is another popular destination in the Laurel Highlands. If you're not up for pulling a 50-pound striped bass out of the lake, try looking deeper. The latest attraction here is scuba diving. Take a look at some amazing rock formations, cliffs, bridges and an old dam power station.

Hikers and mountain bikers can enjoy a wide variety of trails in this region. The dozens of trails range from easy to difficult and offer experiences for outdoor enthusiasts of all abilities. A number of on-road bike loops network the area as well. These routes range from nine to 41 miles. Many trails are open to horseback riding as well.

Golfers can try their skills at numerous golf courses. The courses range in layout and design and offer challenges for players of all abilities.

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort

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