Nestled in the Laurel Highlands of Somerset County, Laurel Hill State Park spans 3,935 acres of dense Appalachian forest surrounding the serene Laurel Hill Lake. Established in 1945, the park sits atop the Allegheny Plateau at elevations exceeding 2,500 feet, giving it a distinctly cooler microclimate that makes summer visits especially refreshing compared to lower-lying Pennsylvania parks.

The centerpiece is Laurel Hill Lake, a 63-acre impoundment ideal for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. Anglers regularly pull warm-water species from the lake, while Laurel Hill Creek — a stocked trout stream running through the park — draws fly fishers from across the region. Swimming is available at a designated beach area during summer months.

Hikers will find roughly 12 miles of trails winding through hemlock ravines and mixed hardwood forests. The Hemlock Trail offers a particularly scenic loop through old-growth hemlock stands, while the Pump House Trail follows the creek through one of the park’s most photogenic stretches. In winter, these trails convert to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing routes, as the park’s elevation ensures reliable snow cover.

The park offers tent and RV camping sites, along with rustic cabins that can be reserved year-round. Fall is arguably the best season to visit — the surrounding Laurel Highlands produce some of Pennsylvania’s most vibrant autumn color, typically peaking in mid-October.

Laurel Hill sits within easy driving distance of Ohiopyle State Park and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater, making it a strong base camp for exploring the broader region.

Explore Nearby

• Barronvale Bridge — Covered Bridge in Pennsylvania
• King’s Bridge — Covered Bridge in Pennsylvania
• Lincoln Highway Heritage Byway — Scenic Byway in Iowa
• Lincoln Heritage Scenic Highway — Scenic Byway in Kentucky
• South Hills — Public Land