Whether you know it or not, Somerset County and the Laurel Highlands is a wonderful place to reside. We are surrounded with crisp foliage in the fall, outrageous water features and warm weather in the summer, sweet winter sports with three different ski resorts, and beautiful blooming flowers and trees in the spring. The Pennsylvania Laurel Highlands and Ohiopyle are home to over 120,000 acres of state parks that offer a plethora of hiking trails. One in particular is the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail.

The Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail, or also known as the LHHT is a 70-mile backpacking and hiking trail that stretches from Ohiopyle to the Conemaugh Gorge in Johnstown. With six different trail heads offering access. This trail features many picturesque opportunities of the Youghiogheny River, and you will also traverse into many different state parks, game lands, and private lands.  Day hikers can enjoy scenic overlooks and moderate hiking. Seasoned backpackers looking for a challenge can choose to do the full 70 miles.

This 70 mile trail is steep and rugged. The starting and ending trail heads are 1,200 feet above sea level. Throughout the hike you gain about 1,500 feet, hiking around 2,700 feet above sea level on average. The trail is marked with 2” x 5” yellow trail blazers that appear every 100’, roughly. Be careful to follow the blazers, it isn’t uncommon to get off course. There are shelters every eight to eleven miles to stay in on the seven to eight day trek, that include sturdy Adirondack-style shelters, composting bathrooms, water (make sure you still use filters or iodine), and a fireplace. If you prefer hammock backpacking, there are plenty of trees to set up your temporary home.

Since the trail is open year-round, each season brings a completely new experience to the trail. April brings wildflowers dotting the forest floor showing the trail pathway to be followed by dense dark green trees. With June brings dense Mountain Laurel. Personally, fall is my favorite time to go, I think it shows the Laurel Highlands at its’ greatest, with the trees turning vibrant shades of red, yellow, and orange. Winter is breathtaking when the trail is blanketed with white snow.

While hiking and backpacking is a great time, you have to remember safety comes first when out in nature. Trekkers have reported seeing bears, rattlesnakes, poison ivy, and  poison oak. If you intend to hike the full trail make sure you reserve your spots and sign the on-trail itineraries.   Be prepared with all the right equipment for the right seasons. Always pack extra water, food, and socks. Day hikers need to be prepared for anything as well.

The Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail is a very local treasure the many do not utilize around our area. Many are not even aware that it is there. This trail is rated one of Pennsylvania's best hikes. Throughout the course of a year, over 70,000 hikers take on this trail with only 1% being thru hikers. The Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail is an amazing postcard worthy trail that is in your backyard, will you be apart of that 70,000? Will you explore it? For more information go to http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/lhht/.