Did you know Laurel Hill State Park contains one of Pennsylvania’s most picturesque lakes, created by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) during the Great Depression? This 4,062-acre mountainous treasure in Somerset County offers visitors a perfect blend of natural beauty and outdoor recreation. With nearly 20 miles of scenic trails, a 63-acre lake, and rich historical significance, Laurel Hill State Park has become a beloved destination for nature enthusiasts and families alike.
Getting There & Planning Your Journey
Laurel Hill State Park is located in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, approximately 70 miles southeast of Pittsburgh. The park’s address is 1454 Laurel Hill Park Road, Somerset, PA 15501.
Nearest Airports
The closest major airport is Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT), about 90 minutes away by car. From there, you can book a flight and then rent a vehicle for the drive to the park. For those traveling from eastern Pennsylvania, the Johnstown-Cambria County Airport is a smaller regional option located about 45 minutes from the park.
By Car
The park is easily accessible by car via the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76). Take Exit 110 (Somerset) and follow PA-281 South for approximately 10 km (6 miles) to the park entrance. If you’re visiting from out of town and need transportation, consider renting a car to explore the park and surrounding Laurel Highlands region at your own pace.
Best Time to Visit Laurel Hill State Park
Laurel Hill State Park is open year-round, but the best time to visit depends on your preferred activities and weather conditions.
Recommended Seasons
- Late Spring (May-June): Comfortable temperatures around 18-24°C (65-75°F), wildflowers in bloom, and fewer crowds make this an excellent time for hiking and nature photography.
- Summer (June-August): Peak season with temperatures averaging 24-29°C (75-85°F). Ideal for swimming, boating, fishing, and camping. The beach and boat rentals operate at full capacity.
- Fall (September-October): Perhaps the most spectacular time to visit as the Laurel Highlands explode with vibrant fall foliage. Temperatures range from 10-21°C (50-70°F), perfect for hiking and photography.
Seasons to Avoid
Winter (December-March) brings temperatures often below freezing, with many facilities closed or operating on limited schedules. While the park remains open for winter activities like cross-country skiing and snowmobiling, services are limited, and some roads may be closed due to snow and ice.
Park Hours: Laurel Hill State Park is open every day of the year from sunrise to sunset. The beach area is typically open from late May through mid-September, 8:00 AM to sunset.
Getting Around Locally
Laurel Hill State Park is best explored by car and on foot. The main park road provides access to major attractions including the lake, beach area, campground, and trailheads. Once parked, most visitors explore the trails and attractions on foot.
Navigation Tips
- Pick up a free trail map at the park office or visitor center upon arrival
- Download the official park map from the Pennsylvania DCNR website before your visit
- Cell service can be spotty in some areas of the park, so don’t rely solely on mobile navigation
- Major trailheads are marked with signs visible from the main park road
For families with small children, the western side of Laurel Hill Lake offers more accessible paths, including the Copper Kettle Trail, which is relatively flat and easy to navigate.
Where to Stay
Laurel Hill State Park offers several accommodation options within the park boundaries, as well as nearby alternatives for those who prefer more amenities.
Camping at Laurel Hill State Park
The park features a large campground with 270 sites spread across wooded and more open areas. Camping season typically runs from April through October, with reservations strongly recommended during summer and fall weekends.
Campground Amenities
- Modern restrooms with hot showers
- Electric hookups at many sites
- Picnic tables and fire rings
- Three playgrounds throughout the campground
- Pet-friendly sites available (in designated areas)
Camping Cottages & Yurts
- Rustic cottages sleep up to 5 people
- Yurts feature electricity, beds, and refrigerators
- Available year-round (limited winter availability)
- Advance reservations required
Find Your Perfect Stay
Whether you’re looking for a campsite, cabin, or nearby hotel, book your accommodations early, especially during peak seasons.
Nearby Lodging Options
If camping isn’t your style, several hotels and bed & breakfasts are available within a 20-30 minute drive of the park in Somerset and surrounding communities. These range from budget-friendly chain hotels to charming country inns.
Dining & Local Cuisine
While Laurel Hill State Park doesn’t have full-service restaurants within its boundaries, there are several dining options available during your visit.
In-Park Dining
- Beach Snack Bar: Open during summer months (Memorial Day through Labor Day), offering sandwiches, snacks, ice cream, and beverages. Located at the beach area.
- Picnic Areas: The park features numerous picnic areas with tables and grills, perfect for bringing your own food. Picnic Area 1 has a beautiful stone pavilion built by the CCC.
Nearby Restaurants
Within a 15-20 minute drive of the park, you’ll find several dining options:
- Moo Echo Dairy: A country store on Route 31 selling homemade ice cream and local specialties.
- Out of the Fire Cafe: Located in Donegal (about 25 minutes away), offering farm-to-table cuisine with spectacular views.
- Somerset: The nearby town offers various dining options from family restaurants to fast food chains.
Local Specialties
While in the Laurel Highlands region, be sure to try some local specialties including maple syrup products (the region is known for maple production), apple cider in the fall, and Pennsylvania Dutch-influenced dishes like pot pie and apple dumplings.
Attractions, Sightseeing & Activities
Top Attractions at Laurel Hill State Park
Jones Mill Run Dam
This picturesque dam built by the CCC in 1935 creates a beautiful cascade waterfall effect. It’s one of the most photographed spots in Somerset County and accessible via the Pumphouse Trail.
Laurel Hill Lake
The 63-acre lake forms the heart of the park, offering swimming, fishing, boating, and scenic views. The lake is surrounded by hiking trails and features a sandy beach area.
Scenic Overlook Tower
Located at the southeastern corner of the park, this observation tower provides panoramic views of the Somerset County countryside. It’s accessible via a short 0.3-mile hike from Lyons Road.
Hiking Trails
The 5 Best Hiking Trails
- Hemlock Trail (1.2 miles): Follows Laurel Hill Creek through a rare old-growth forest with Eastern Hemlocks up to 3.5 feet in diameter, some dating back to colonial times.
- Pumphouse Trail (1.6 miles): The most popular trail in the park, leading to the photogenic Jones Mill Run Dam.
- Copper Kettle Trail (1.25 miles): An easy, flat path along the western shoreline of Laurel Hill Lake, perfect for families with small children.
- Tram Road Trail (1.7 miles): Follows scenic Jones Mill Run, excellent for winter hiking.
- Lake Trail (1.75 miles): Traces the eastern shore of the lake and Laurel Hill Creek, particularly beautiful when summer ferns emerge.
Explore Guided Activities
Enhance your visit with guided nature walks, historical tours, and outdoor adventures in the Laurel Highlands region.
Museums, Cultural Spots & Festivals
Park History & Cultural Sites
Laurel Hill State Park has a rich history tied to the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), which arrived in 1935 to restore and reforest the area after extensive logging had left it barren. Many of the park’s structures, including the dam, roads, and buildings, were constructed by the CCC.
Historical Attractions
- Visitor Center & Museum: Located near the campground, this center houses exhibits about the park’s natural history and the CCC’s contributions.
- CCC Statue & Memorial: A tribute to the young men who built the park, located across from the Visitor Center.
- Renovated CCC Trail Shelter: Found along the Hemlock Trail, this restored shelter showcases the craftsmanship of the era.
Annual Events & Festivals
The park hosts several events throughout the year that celebrate its natural and cultural heritage:
- Laurel Hill Bluegrass Festival: Held annually in August, this popular event features traditional bluegrass music, frontier arts, crafts, and trades demonstrations.
- Fall Foliage Festival: Celebrating the spectacular autumn colors that transform the park each October.
- Winter Festival: When conditions permit, this event showcases winter activities like sledding, ice fishing, and snowshoeing.
Nearby Cultural Attractions
Within a short drive of Laurel Hill State Park, visitors can explore several significant cultural and historical sites:
- Flight 93 National Memorial: Located approximately 30 minutes away, this moving tribute honors the passengers and crew of Flight 93 who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.
- Quecreek Mine Rescue Site: This memorial commemorates the successful rescue of nine miners trapped underground in July 2002.
- Somerset Historical Center: Showcases the rural heritage of southwestern Pennsylvania through exhibits and living history demonstrations.
Sports, Nature & Outdoor Experiences
Water Activities
Laurel Hill Lake is the center of many recreational activities in the park:
Swimming
The park features a large, sandy beach area open from late May through mid-September. Lifeguards are on duty during peak summer hours, and the beach area includes changing facilities, restrooms, and a playground.
Boating
Electric motors only are permitted on Laurel Hill Lake. Kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards can be rented at the beach between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Two boat launches are available at either end of the lake for those bringing their own watercraft.
Fishing
Laurel Hill State Park is a popular fishing destination with several options:
- Laurel Hill Lake: Stocked with trout and also home to bass, bluegill, perch, and catfish.
- Laurel Hill Creek: An excellent trout stream that flows through the park.
- Jones Mill Run: A smaller stream known for its trout fishing opportunities.
A valid Pennsylvania fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older.
Wildlife Viewing
The diverse habitats within Laurel Hill State Park support a wide variety of wildlife. Birdwatchers will particularly enjoy the waterfowl that frequent the lake. White-tailed deer, wild turkeys, black bears, and various small mammals can also be spotted throughout the park. The best times for wildlife viewing are early morning and dusk.
Winter Activities
When snow covers the landscape, Laurel Hill State Park transforms into a winter playground:
- Cross-country skiing on designated trails
- Snowmobiling on designated routes
- Ice fishing on Laurel Hill Lake (when conditions permit)
- Sledding in designated areas
Safety, Etiquette & Local Customs
Park Safety Tips
- Always check weather forecasts before heading out on trails
- Carry plenty of water, especially during summer months
- Stay on marked trails to protect yourself and the environment
- Store food properly when camping to avoid attracting wildlife
- Be aware that cell service may be limited in some areas of the park
Park Etiquette
Following proper etiquette ensures everyone can enjoy the park:
- Practice “Leave No Trace” principles by packing out all trash
- Keep pets leashed and clean up after them
- Observe quiet hours in the campground (9:00 PM to 8:00 AM)
- Respect wildlife by observing from a distance
- Follow all posted rules regarding swimming, boating, and fishing
Local Customs
The Laurel Highlands region has a strong outdoor recreation culture and appreciation for natural resources. Locals take pride in the area’s scenic beauty and historical significance. Visitors will find residents friendly and often willing to share information about lesser-known attractions and hiking trails.
Visitor Comments About Laurel Hill State Park
“We visit Laurel Hill every summer and it never disappoints. The beach area is perfect for our kids, and the hiking trails offer something new to discover each time. Don’t miss Jones Mill Run Dam – it’s absolutely beautiful in any season!”
“As avid hikers, we found the trail system at Laurel Hill to be well-maintained and clearly marked. The Hemlock Trail was our favorite – walking among trees that have stood for centuries was a humbling experience. The campground was clean and spacious too.”
“I visited during fall and was amazed by the explosion of colors throughout the park. The reflections on Laurel Hill Lake were picture-perfect. The staff at the visitor center were incredibly helpful in suggesting the best spots for photography.”
Practical Travel Tips
What to Pack
- Sturdy hiking shoes for trail exploration
- Layered clothing (temperatures can vary)
- Swimwear during summer months
- Insect repellent (especially May-September)
- Sunscreen and sun protection
- Binoculars for wildlife viewing
- Camera for capturing scenic views
Park Fees & Passes
- Day use of the park is free
- Camping fees vary by site type and season
- Beach parking fee during summer months
- Boat launch fees may apply
- Cabin and yurt rentals require advance payment
Accessibility Information
Laurel Hill State Park offers several accessible features:
- ADA-compliant restrooms at the beach and visitor center
- Some accessible camping sites with paved pads
- The Copper Kettle Trail offers a more accessible hiking experience
- Beach area has an accessible route to the water
Ready for Your Laurel Hill Adventure?
Start planning your trip today with these essential travel services:
Your Laurel Hill Adventure Awaits
Laurel Hill State Park offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and historical significance that makes it a standout destination in Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands. Whether you’re hiking through ancient hemlock forests, swimming in the crystal-clear lake, or simply relaxing amid stunning scenery, the park provides countless opportunities to connect with nature and create lasting memories.
Each season brings its own unique charm to Laurel Hill – from summer swimming and boating to spectacular fall foliage and winter’s peaceful snowscapes. The park’s rich history, preserved in its CCC-built structures, adds another dimension to your visit, telling the story of conservation and renewal that transformed this once-barren landscape into the thriving ecosystem we enjoy today.
As you plan your visit to Laurel Hill State Park, remember that the best adventures often come from exploring at your own pace, taking time to discover hidden gems along the trails, and embracing the tranquility that this special place offers. Your perfect Pennsylvania outdoor getaway is waiting at Laurel Hill State Park.
The above is subject to change.
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