Hit The Trails

Discover Pennsylvania cross country skiing trails across the Laurel Highlands, PA region.

Wherever you end up in the Laurel Highlands — at a ski resort, inn, rental property, cabin, or just stopping in for the day — there’s a good chance there’s a cross country skiing trail nearby. The Laurel Highlands region is home miles of the best cross country skiing trails in Pennsylvania.

Find Your Trail

You’ll find cross-country skiing trails on the pristine grounds of many of our ski resorts, along the Great Allegheny Passage and in most of our 10 Pennsylvania state parks.

Kooser State Park
Beginners to experienced cross-country skiers flock to the idyllic Kooser State Park located off Route 31 between Donegal and Somerset for the easy 3-mile loop that meanders along a scenic creek and through a gentle forest. The trails are groomed for a super fun and easy experience.

Rent a rustic cabin just off the trail for a true Laurel Highlands Nordic adventure. You can even ski into the Falling Leaf Restaurant and Black Diamond Pub & Grill located at Hidden Valley’s Outback Park to grab a bite to eat or enjoy a hot beverage. Need equipment? No problem! Just stop at Route 31 Bike, Board & Ski and they’ll set you up.

Forbes State Forest
Another favorite trail system for cross-country enthusiasts can be found within Forbes State Forest, specifically at the Laurel Summit just off Route 30 at the top of the mountain. If you need gear, or a place to stay, stop at the foot of the mountain in the hamlet of Laughlintown at the New Englandesque Ligonier Country Inn. Before heading up the mountain, go across the street to the famous Pie Shoppe where you can pick up hot soup, a sandwich or one of their popular cinnamon rolls. You’ll also pass the district office for Forbes State Forest where there is usually a stash of trail maps in a box out front. Also, check out the website for the Laurel Highlands Nordic and Laurel Hill Nordic Ski Patrols to discover the best places to ski, equipment rentals and conditions.

Venture Outdoors
Want to get started cross-country skiing and don’t know how or where?? Then Venture Outdoors is just the organization for you! This Pittsburgh-based group makes it easy to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors. They plan a great selection of programs and activities for the Laurel Highlands region during the frosty winter months and beyond. Go to their website and click on the Activities Calendar to see where you can join a group of winter enthusiasts this season.

So whether you’re a veteran cross country skier, or a first-timer, the Laurel Highlands offers the perfect opportunity to get out and enjoy a heart-pumping trek across snow trails of varying degrees of difficulty — all while taking in the natural beauty of the Laurel Mountains of Pennsylvania.