Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail

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Rocks, boulders, roots, creek crossings, and changing weather any stretch of this trail tough on the legs. Trail Running

The Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail is popular with trail runners due to the diverse terrain and unmatched beauty. Run a portion of the trail for a workout, or run the whole trail in one day. Some of the most challenging trail runs in the eastern United States are the Laurel Highlands Ultra Races, which are held the second Saturday in June.

The 70-mile hiking trail stretches along Laurel Mountain from the picturesque Youghiogheny River At Ohiopyle, Pa. to the Conemaugh Gorge near Johnstown, Pa. The trail features overnight trail shelters that must be reserved in advance. Seasoned backpackers challenge themselves on the steep, rugged areas of the trails. Casual hikers and runners enjoy areas that are reasonably level and pleasant for walking.

The trail traverses state parks, state forests, state game lands, other public lands and private lands. The Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail is a major segment of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, a network of trails between the mouth of the Potomac River and the Allegheny Highlands. Click here for more info.

The Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail is open year-round and is blazed approximately every 100 feet with 2-inch and 5-inch yellow blazes. Connector trails lead to and from trailheads and shelter areas and are marked with blue blazes. Mileage monuments are every mile. Yellow bands around trees mark the trail at every major road crossing.

A runner's guide to the Laurel Highlands Trail is available from the Sierra Club Allegheny Group. The guide describes the trail and aids in planning outings. Included in the guide are detailed topographic maps plus information on geology, climate, plants and wildlife.

Trailheads
Six trailheads provide 30-car parking lots, overnight parking and trash receptacles.

Voluntary day use registration mailboxes are located in each of the trailheads for day hikers to fill out information cards for vital park attendance data and for use in an emergency. For overnight use of the trail see the LHHT Regulations section.