Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail
A long-distance trail of about 113 km along Laurel Ridge. Its southern trailhead is in Oil City, and the first stretch climbs to views over the gorge.
The Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail runs north from Oil City to near Johnstown, covering about 113 km along Laurel Ridge through state forests and state parks. Mileposts are posted every mile, and there are eight overnight campsites along the way (reservations required). The southern trailhead is on the edge of Oil City. The first few kilometers climb steeply, after which the trail follows the ridge with views over the Youghiogheny River gorge, making it suitable for a half-day out-and-back hike. Completing the entire route takes about 5 to 7 days. The trail is free, but overnight campsites must be reserved in advance through the state park system. Watch for black bears and rattlesnakes.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Great Allegheny Passage (Ohiopyle)
- Youghiogheny River Gorge (Lower Yough Rafting)
- Ferncliff Peninsula Natural Area
- Cucumber Falls
- Meadow Run Natural Waterslides
- Baughman Rock Overlook
- Nemacolin
- Fort Necessity National Battlefield