Spring has sprung in and outdoor adventure awaits in the Laurel Highlands! Hike and bike on the Great Allegheny Passage, chase epic waterfalls, and make a pit stop at a Laurel Highlands Pour Tour brewery, winery, cidery, distillery, or meadery -- there's so much to do.
Here are 10 ways to enjoy spring in the Laurel Highlands!
Cast your luck in a stream
Spring in the Laurel Highlands means that the trout are biting. Did you know that Pennsylvania has more miles of trout streams than any state in the continental U.S.?
Those miles and miles of cool clean waters mean that it’s easy for an angler to find some solitude in a stream.
Learn more about the best trout fishing in Pennsylvania here: The Laurel Highlands Trout Trail.
Find some sweet relief
Got a sweet tooth? The Pennsylvania Maple Festival is a must-experience event. Established in 1948 by a group of civic-minded Meyersdale individuals to promote the area’s maple industry, the festival has been organized and conducted for the last 76 years with the help of numerous local volunteers.
Don’t miss the Lions Club pancakes and sausage meals -- with a generous helping of Pennsylvania’s best maple syrup, of course – and the dinner theater performance of “Legend of the Magic Water” has been a staple of the festival for the past 50 years.
In addition, to historical exhibits, there are plenty of contemporary attractions such as car and truck shows, live entertainment, and a sit-and-sip garden. See the Pennsylvania Maple Festival schedule here.
Take a hike – or a bike ride or a swim or a ...
The Laurel Highlands region is home to more than 100,000 acres of state parkland, which offers some of the best hiking trails in Pennsylvania.
With eight state parks and two state forests, as well as local parks throughout the region, you’ll never run out of wilderness to explore.
Many of these parks also offer great opportunities for biking, boating, swimming, fishing, hunting, birdwatching, and rock climbing.
Mind the GAP
The Great Allegheny Passage is one of the nation’s top recreational trails, stretching 150 miles from Pittsburgh to Cumberland, Maryland, with breathtaking scenery along the way.
Following the path of former rail lines, this iconic trail offers cyclists, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts a spectacular journey through charming towns, lush forests, and historic landmarks.
The Meyersdale Historical Society, located on the Great Allegheny Passage, is a great pit stop on your epic biking adventure. With engaging exhibits, educational programs, and community events, the Meyersdale Historical Society serves as a vital link between generations, inspiring curiosity and pride in the shared history of the region.
Take a peek at our peaks
Stretching across Fayette, Somerset, and Westmoreland counties, the Laurel Highlands are home to some of the most picturesque peaks in the state. Among these scenic ridgetops, Mount Davis reigns supreme as the highest point in Pennsylvania, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside from its summit.
With other gorgeous overlooks, such as Baughman Rock and Beam Rocks, the region beckons adventurers and nature lovers alike to explore rugged slopes and scenic vistas.
Gear up for spring at Mountain Ridge
Nestled amidst the picturesque Laurel Highlands in Somerset County, lies an adventure seeker's paradise -- Mountain Ridge ATV Park.
This sprawling 3,000-acre park offers enthusiasts a haven to unleash their adrenaline-fueled passions. With more than 140 miles of trail, Mountain Ridge ATV Park also offers camping, lodging, and campsites for RVs.
Drink in the views (and the booze)
Located in Chalk Hill, Christian Klay Winery invites visitors to savor the essence of the region in every sip.
With a dedication to producing premium wines from locally grown grapes, the winery offers a diverse selection of varietals, from crisp whites to robust reds, that capture the unique terroir of the area.
Beyond wine tasting, guests can enjoy scenic views of the surrounding mountains and participate in events ranging from live music to vineyard tours, creating a memorable experience for wine enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Be sure to collect your Laurel Highlands Pour Tour sticker or use the app to “stamp your passport.”
Make a splash in the Stonycreek
The Stonycreek Rendezvous is an annual event that celebrates the region's rich heritage and outdoor recreation opportunities.
Hosted by the Benscreek Canoe Club, the rendezvous brings together outdoor enthusiasts, conservationists, and community members for a weekend of paddling, music, food, and camaraderie along the scenic Stonycreek River.
Activities typically include whitewater rafting and kayaking, live music performances, environmental education programs, and opportunities to explore the natural beauty of the surrounding area.
The event serves as a platform to promote river stewardship, raise awareness about conservation efforts, and showcase the recreational opportunities available in northern Somerset County and the Johnstown area, making it a highlight for both locals and visitors alike.
Take some sound advice
Music lovers of all ages come together for evenings of live music, food, and community fun at Greensburg SummerSounds, an annual concert series held in Westmoreland’s county seat.
The concert series takes place at Saint Clair Park in the city's downtown area and features performances by a diverse lineup of local and regional musicians spanning various genres such as rock, pop, country, blues, and more.
Attendees can enjoy the outdoor concerts in a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere, with music lovers often bringing lawn chairs or blankets to sit on while they listen.
Greensburg SummerSounds serves as a vibrant celebration of music and community spirit. And most importantly, every concert is FREE!
Make a run for Meadow Run
Voted the Best Small Town in the Northeast by USAToday’s 10Best, Ohiopyle has it all – hiking, biking, rafting, kayaking, lodging, and great eats. The natural waterslides on Meadow Run is the perfect family location to enjoy dipping your feet in the water.
Adventurers can slide down the smooth rock chutes, propelled by the cool, crystal-clear mountain water, as they laugh and splash their way through the natural channels.
There are many more activities in the Laurel Highlands, but this concludes a few of our favorite spring activities. Stay and play in the summer!
