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Laurel Mountain State Park
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State Park Overview |
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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 |
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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. Todays 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. |
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Area Accommodations |
| Cottages and Cabins | |  |
Bedford, PA
We invite you to be our guests for a relaxing stay where the atmosphere is homey, romantic, and welcoming. We hope you will feel at home at The Country Willow House! Situated on a peaceful and secluded property just minutes from historic downtown Bedford, Pennsylvania.
Web Site
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More Info | |
August 1999. Vol. 3, Issue 8. Drought takes its toll on Pennsylvania.s natural resources It.s tough to beat the heat when those special areas offering relief are taking a beating themselves.... | |
This is an official Web site of the Pennsylvania Bureau of State Parks. Begin your adventure here.Laurel Mountain State Park is comprised of 493 acres in Westmoreland County. To reach the... | |
Pennsylvania ski resorts directory featuring Pennsylvania resort web sites, lodging, ski ... Mountain Ski Resort Located within the Laurel Mountain State Park, Pennsylvania this resort offers cross ... | |
News briefs (11/29/2001) | |
... www.clemson.edu/trails/setc/2002/. July 25-29, 2002 -- Trailbuilding School -- Laurel Mountain State Park, PA -- soponsored by Pittsburgh Trails Advocacy Group and Western Pennsylvania Field ... | |
... and wildlife. A beautiful stand of old growth hemlocks lies along the Hemlock Trail. Laurel Mountain State Park Downhill skiing, hiking and cross-country skiing trails. This new facility features a ... |
Area Attractions |
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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. |
Area Campgrounds | | Pine Oaks Camp Ground
124 Summer Camp Rd
Friedens, PA
(814) 445-4093
| Woodland Campsites Inc
291 Gilmour Rd
Somerset, PA
(814) 445-8860
| Pioneer Park Campground
273 Trent Rd
Somerset, PA
(814) 445-6348
| Mirror Lake Campground
114 Trout Run Dr
New Florence, PA
(724) 235-9983
| Keystone State Park
1150 Keystone Park Rd
Derry, PA
(724) 668-2939
| Donegal Campground
106 Yeckel Dr
Donegal, PA
(724) 593-7717
| Laurel Highlands Camplands Inc
1045 Clubhouse Dr
Donegal, PA
(724) 593-6325
| Mountain Pines Resort
1562 Indian Creek Valley Rd
Champion, PA
(724) 455-3300
| Hideaway Campground
166 Indian Creek Valley Rd
Normalville, PA
(724) 455-7700
| Posey Corner Campground
132 Middlecreek Rd
Rockwood, PA
(814) 926-2040
| Lost Mountain Campground
195 Lost Mountain LN
Rockwood, PA
(814) 352-7310
| Scottyland Camping Resort Ctr
1618 Barron Church Rd
Rockwood, PA
(814) 926-3149
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Area Fishing Related Businesses | | Hornick's Sporting Goods Inc
316 Broad St
Johnstown, PA
(814) 535-7724
| F & J Bow & Gun Club
113 E 2nd St
Derry, PA
(724) 694-2515
| Twin Maples Hunt Club
1201 Twin Maples Rd
Derry, PA
(724) 694-8866
| Big Ten Tackle
412 Thompson St
Latrobe, PA
(724) 537-8809
| PV's Fishing Lures & Tackle
1544 Ligonier St
Latrobe, PA
(724) 539-2191
| Possum Hollow Rod & Gun Club
RR 1
Latrobe, PA
(724) 423-9279
| B & G Bait & Sport Shop
118 Indian Creek Valley Rd
Normalville, PA
(724) 455-7282
| Red's Bait Shop
Route 31
Acme, PA
(724) 423-4902
| Laurel Hill Trout Fishing Pond
4360 Route 31
Somerset, PA
(724) 593-7101
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Area Resorts and Lodging | | Indian Lake Resort & Golf
698 S Shore TRL
Central City, PA
(814) 754-4975
| Seven Springs Mountain Resort
777 Water Wheel Dr
Champion, PA
(814) 352-7782
| Laurel Highlands Lodge
212 Snyder Rd
Donegal, PA
(724) 593-7223
| Roaring Run Resort PS
RR 1 Box 531
Champion, PA
(724) 593-8847
| Laurel Hill Trout Lodge
4360 Route 31
Somerset, PA
(724) 593-7101
| Barron's at the Springs
843 Blue Hole Rd
Champion, PA
(814) 352-7884
| Latrobe Country Club Guest House
RR 6
Latrobe, PA
(724) 537-6111
| Roaring Run Resort
194 Tannery Rd
Champion, PA
(724) 593-7837
| Kettler Forlines Resort Homes
9068 Woodridge
Champion, PA
(814) 352-7771
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Laurel Mountain State Park
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