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Pennsylvania
15

Pennsylvania State Parks

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USA Parks
Pennsylvania
Southwest Region
Laurel Mountain State Park
Ruffed Grouse © stateparks.com
Picnic Table © stateparks.com
It is always a great day for a picnic in the park.
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LAUREL MOUNTAIN STATE PARK
LAUREL MOUNTAIN STATE PARK
Rector, Pennsylvania   15677

Phone: 724-238-6623
Toll Free: 888-727-2757
Reservations: 888-727-2757
Email: park email button icon
High atop Laurel Ridge at close to 3,000 feet in elevation, Laurel Mountain State Park features a family-oriented downhill skiing area and beautiful views of the rolling countryside of the Ligonier Valley. The slopes and trails provide opportunities for skiers and snowboarders of all levels and the lodge is a cozy place to eat and enjoy the view.

Opened in 1939, Laurel Mountain was one of the first ski areas in Pennsylvania. Seven Springs is currently operating the ski area as The Springs at Laurel Mountain.
History of the Area
The Linn Run Forest is located in the heart of the Laurel Mountains. The mountainous land ranges from 1300 to 2800 feet above sea level. Most of the land was bought from the Byers and Allen Lumber Company for $42,662. When this land was acquired by the Commonwealth in 1909, it was the first major public purchase of denuded forest land made in the Ohio River Basin. Today, it is difficult to visualize what this land looked like in 1909 or to imagine that some people questioned the wisdom of purchasing so much "waste land".

About fifteen years prior to the acquisition of the Linn Run property, this entire area was clearcut. The virgin forest was transformed into an area devoid of timber and wildlife. Treetops littered the area. Sawlogs were sold for lumber. Small logs were used for props in nearby coal mines. Hemlock bark, a source of tannin, was bundled and shipped to tanneries. The railroad that hauled timber and other products to market caused many severe fires.

In his first report (September 1909), Forester John R. Williams wrote, "I should say that fully three-fifths of the reserve has been burned over since lumbering was done. The fires did great damage to the young growth. Some places are covered with nothing but ferns and blackberry bushes." Occasional scars from those early fires can still be seen after years of forest rehabilitation.

In 1910, the newly formed Pennsylvania Game Commission cooperated with the former Department of Forestry to restock deer. White-tail deer were imported from New York and Michigan for release throughout Pennsylvania. Today's deer herd came from stock released.

Interesting traces of the Pittsburgh, Westmoreland and Somerset Railroad that serviced the area remain to this day. The main line extended from Rector to Somerset. Because of heavy loads, the tracks switched back and forth across Linn Run several times. A short distance along the Fish Run Trail, you will find traces of the old railroad bed.

The Laurel Mountain ski area, the first major ski resort in western Pennsylvania, was formerly owned and operated by General Richard K. Mellon. Started in 1939 as a private facility by Rolling Rock, it was opened to the public following World War II and became popularly known as the "Ski Capital of Pennsylvania." It served thousands of skiers from the Pittsburgh region.

In September of 1963, General Mellon leased this tract of land and all its improvements to the Commonwealth. In the summer of 1964, he gave the property to the Commonwealth.



Area Attractions
For information on nearby attractions, contact the Laurel Highlands Vacation Bureau.

Linn Run State Park has cabins, picnicking, hiking, fishing and hunting.

Laurel Hill State Park in Somerset county offers camping, hunting, organized group tenting, organized group camps, boating, fishing, and swimming on 65-acre Laurel Hill Lake. Environmental education programs are also offered.

Kooser State Park is a 250-acre wooded area, with cabins, camping, group tenting, swimming and fishing.

Laurel Summmit State Park This scenic picnic area is operated by the Bureau of State Parks. The 6-acre area offers picnic tables, a pavilion, water, and restroom. The area is 2,739 feet above sea level and several degrees cooler than surrounding towns. This area also provides trailhead parking for Spruce Flats bog and Wolf Rocks Trail. Laurel Summit is a carry in/carry out area. Please take all your trash with you.

Laurel Ridge State Park The Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail, a 70-mile backpacking trail, goes from Ohiopyle, PA to the Conemaugh River near Johnstown.

For more information on starting points, shelter locations, trail maps, etc., please contact:

Forbes State Forest is over 50,000 acres of land that includes six state parks, three state forest picnic areas and large areas for undeveloped recreation.

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Area Campgrounds
Pioneer Park Campground
273 Trent Road
Somerset, PA
814-445-6348
Woodland Campsites Incorporated
291 Gilmour Road
Somerset, PA
814-445-8860
Hickory Hollow Campground
176 Big Hickory Road
Rockwood, PA
814-926-4636
Mountain Pines Camping Resort
1662 Indian Creek Valley Road
Champion, PA
724-455-3300
Roaring Run Resort
194 Tannery Road
Champion, PA
724-593-7837
Area Fishing Related Businesses
Ligonier Outfitters
127 W Main St
Ligonier, PA
(724) 238-4900
Mac's Sporting Goods & Hardware
127 W Main St
Ligonier, PA
(724) 238-4900
Area Cabins and Lodges
Hidden Valley Resort & Comm
1 Craighead Dr
Hidden Valley, PA
(814) 443-8000
Lady of the Lake Bed & Breakfast
157 Route E 30
Ligonier, PA
(724) 238-6955
Cliffwood Colony
Clifford Rd
Ligonier, PA
(724) 238-9862
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
To reach the park, travel eight miles east of Ligonier, or five miles west of Jennerstown on US 30, then turn south on Laurel Summit Road and travel for two miles. Watch for signs for The Springs at Laurel Mountain.

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Pennsylvania
15

Pennsylvania State Parks

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