Most of us would likely agree that Laurel Highlands near Pittsburgh is a gem to which we can easily drive for a day trip or a weekend getaway. Those outside of Western PA, however, might not be quite as familiar with the area, keeping it a secret among Pittsburghers. That’s about to change. Laurel Highlands was recently named one of the “Top Emerging Travel Destinations” by readers of Travel Lemming.
Just over an hour from downtown Pittsburgh, Laurel Highlands is making quite an impression on visitors from outside of Western PA.
Flickr/David Fulmer
Travel Lemming readers, in fact, named the area the third top emerging travel destination, behind Lausanne, Switzerland, and Prince Edward Island, Canada.
Flickr/Jon Dawson
Laurel Highlands earned props, in part, because it offers so much to do for everyone, and it covers a pretty diverse space. Stretching over 3,000 square miles, Laurel Highlands encompasses Westmoreland, Somerset, and Fayette Counties.
Flickr/Allie_Caulfield
If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, you’ll have eight state parks on your must visit list – Laurel Ridge State Park, Linn Run State Park, and Ohiopyle State Park, for example. (It’s also home to two state forests.)
Flickr/Nicolas Raymond
Ohiopyle State Park is arguably the most popular state park in the region, boasting three waterfalls, campgrounds, and a full menu of outdoor activities. If you like hiking, whitewater rafting, kayaking, canoeing, and rock climbing, Ohiopyle State Park is for you.
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Laurel Highlands is also home to the highest point in Pennsylvania – Mount Davis. Tucked in Forbes State Forest, Mount Davis sits at 3,213 feet.
Flickr/Jon Dawson
If you’re on the lookout for family-friendly fun, you’ll find everything from Living Treasures Wild Animal Park to Idlewild Park & SoakZone. Laurel Highlands is also home to…
Flickr/Jeremy Thompson
Seven Springs Mountain Resort, Hidden Valley Resort, and Nemacolin Woodlands Resort. Each offers fun activities all year around. You might also want to check out some or all of the 20 wineries in the area.
Facebook/Seven Springs Mountain Resort
You’ll find a ton more to do, too – dining out at quaint restaurants, exploring Laurel Caverns, marveling at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater, and meandering through Bushy Run Battlefield.
Flickr/David Fulmer
Seems like a lot, right? It is, and this is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. For a full list of everything there is to do in Laurel Highlands, visit the official website of the Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau.
Flickr/Jason Pratt Or, go here for Facebook.
What’s your favorite part of Laurel Highlands near Pittsburgh? Join the conversation in the comments! Ready to explore more of Pittsburgh and Western PA this year? Here are 12 Unforgettable Day Trips Around Pittsburgh to add an extra helping of fun to your year.
Flickr/David Fulmer
Flickr/Jon Dawson
Flickr/Allie_Caulfield
Flickr/Nicolas Raymond
Flickr/sk
Flickr/Jeremy Thompson
Facebook/Seven Springs Mountain Resort
Flickr/Jason Pratt
Or, go here for Facebook.
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Address: Laurel Highlands, PA, USA
