Have an extreme summer adventure in the Laurel Highlands. From long haul biking and hiking to exhilarating sports and driving courses, you’ll find something for every adventurer. Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail Backpack 70 miles through picturesque valleys and mountains on the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail. Varying terrain, expansive…

Explore the Laurel Highlands with this 3 day trip, perfect for the whole family. Get a glimpse of what Fayette, Somerset, and Westmoreland Counties have to offer. Day 1: Enjoy the #1 kids park in the world, Idlewild and SoakZone. Your ticket to family fun, Idlewild features dozens of rides and waterslides. Have dinner in Latrobe, and swing by…

A 2-Day, 1-Night Trip The year is 1754. The Ohio Valley and present-day Laurel Highlands is the frontier and in the hands of fate between French and British colonies. The goal is to gain control of Fort Duquesne. Explore these significant events as you walk in the footsteps of our forefathers on this informative, experiential and exciting historic…

A Whitewater Rafting Extravaganza If whitewater rafting isn’t already on your bucket list, it should be. And if you haven’t crossed it off the list already, you should plan your trip to Ohiopyle to feel the thrill of the whitewater for yourself! If you are familiar with Ohiopyle, you’ve seen the outfitters scattered throughout…

A 2-Day, 1-Night Trip We invite you to float among the history, sip local whiskeys and dance among the grapes on this fun and immersive tour. Day One Float down the Youghiogheny River on a guided Historic Float Trip with Wilderness Voyageurs. Relax and eat dinner at Nino's Restaurant, a speakeasy-turned-delicious dining experience. Day Two…

Looking to spend a summer day in the Laurel Highlands that doesn’t break the bank? Find great places to cool off, get outside, and show your Steelers pride this summer. Laurel Hill State Park The lake and the beach at Laurel Hill are a hub for summer activity. Build sandcastles and cool off in the water. Rent boats, canoes, kayaks,…

Every February just a bit north of the Laurel Highlands, a groundhog determines whether spring is right around the corner or if another six weeks of winter is on its way. Plenty of people love winter and everything associated with the season. Still others dread that Punxsutawney Phil’s annual forecast will stall the return of warmer, sunnier…

Last Memorial Day, I took part in a learn-to-kayak program at Laurel Hill State Park near Somerset. I'd wanted to learn how to flatwater kayak for some time, but without a kayak of my own and without knowing anything about kayaking, getting out on the water seemed like an unachievable goal. But thanks to the free Memorial Day lesson, which…

Although the following river account is my personal story, any form of rafting, kayaking or swimming on the Youghiogheny River is well worth it. Risk and reconnect. Let go and be carried. written by Cherie Redfern The raft is moving, there are jumbled impressions and the unsteady sway of rubber is undulating underneath. Nothing is firm, I feel…