A magnificent mountainous region, the Laurel Highlands spans 3,000 square miles of Fayette, Somerset and Westmoreland Counties in southwestern Pennsylvania.
Located just east of Pittsburgh, this beautiful four-season destination offers spectacular natural scenery, outstanding outdoor recreation venues, historic sites and attractions, family activities and world class resorts.
The Laurel Highlands is the ideal place to plan a relaxing getaway, enjoy the great outdoors, and find your own adventure. Immerse yourself in arts and culture. Find inspiration and step into the past at historical sites. The regions’ striking scenery provides a picturesque backdrop for remarkable attractions, such as Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpiece Fallingwater®, Idlewild & SoakZone, named “Best Children’s Park in the World” for seven years in a row.
For a day of adventure, visit Laurel Caverns – the largest cave in the Northeastern United States with over four miles of natural passages. In the beautiful mountains of the Laurel Highlands, under the Chestnut Ridge, this 435 acre geological park is located east of Uniontown.
Take a guided tour to discover the secrets of this hidden wonder, or a self-guided wander in the lighted portion of the cave.
Ohiopyle State Park is situated where the slopes of Laurel Ridge meet the Youghiogheny River to create Pennsylvania’s deepest gorge. Sightseers, hikers, and bikers will enjoy waterfalls, natural waterslides, rock outcroppings, rare plant species, and amazing overlooks. Whitewater enthusiasts can test their skills on the Lower Youghiogheny or for a milder experience you can take a float trip or canoe down the Middle Youghiogheny.
Ohiopyle is known for the fast-flowing whitewater of the Youghiogheny River, which attracts boaters of all skills and ages. Go on an adrenaline-pumping adventure on the busiest section of whitewater east of the Mississippi River, ranging from Class III to IV. The Youghiogheny River is also the perfect place to shred the gnar in a kayak. Sharpen your skills with an instructional program taught by experts at an Ohiopyle outfitter. Once you feel comfortable, tackle the Lower Yough’s Class III and IV rapids to get the adrenaline rush you’re chasing.
If you’re looking for a thrill on two wheels, challenge yourself to a mountain bike ride. The diverse terrain in the Laurel Highlands is rugged, flowy and technical, but it’s nothing you can’t tackle with some practice! Ohiopyle State Park features a few downhill mountain biking trails that are well-maintained and guaranteed to give you a fun challenge. Join the mountain biking community by linking up with local clubs for group rides and work days.
As summer thrives at Ohiopyle State Park, Ferncliff Peninsula, a 100-acre botanical reserve comes to life with lush vegetation and its own ecosystem. Since it is surrounded by water, the peninsula is home to flora that you will not see anywhere else in the region. Four trails wind through the natural area, with the Ferncliff Trail circling the peninsula and offering excellent views of the Ohiopyle Falls and whitewater rapids of the Youghiogheny River.
The Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail spreads 70 miles from Ohiopyle State Park to the Conemaugh Gorge near Johnstown. The first 4.5 miles from Ohiopyle are some of the most challenging of the trail.
One of the greatest American architects, Frank Lloyd Wright found inspiration in the landscape of Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands. Four of his homes can be found in the area, each capturing the beautiful natural landscapes surrounding its architecture. Explore the Wright homes and find your Usonian (meaning affordable for the average American), organic architectural inspiration in the Laurel Highlands.
In 1935, the Kaufmann family commissioned Frank Lloyd Wright to design a summer home. The house was to be built along Bear Run, a favorite swimming spot of the Kaufmann family and escape from the hustle and bustle of Pittsburgh. Completed in 1937, Fallingwater blends seamlessly with the landscape and waterfall, fully expressing Wright’s concept of “organic architecture.” Fallingwater seemingly suspends in mid-air above the shimmering cascade, creating the dramatically elegant home.
Fallingwater is inscribed as one of 24 UNESCO World Heritage sites in the U.S. and is listed along attractions including the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Wall of China and the Taj Mahal.
Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in the last decade of his career, Kentuck Knob is nestled high in the western Pennsylvania mountains seven miles south of Fallingwater which was recognised as one of his most acclaimed works. Both landmarks are well worth a visit.
Visit the site of young George Washington’s first military engagement and the battle that marks the beginning of the French and Indian War. The Battle at Fort Necessity was also Washington’s only surrender. The French and Indian War would lead to the first global war and set the stage for the American Revolution.
Also tour a furnished historic tavern museum, the Mt. Washington Tavern (circa 1830’s). There learn of life along the National Road, America’s first federally built highway and what it was like to travel by stagecoach. Experience the new Fort Necessity/National Road Interpretive & Education Center, which features interactive exhibits, a 20-minute film and museum shop.
Laurel Highlands
PENNSYLVANIA
| Superior Deluxe | Among the finest the world has to offer, hotels in this category are exclusive, lavish and indulgent. Needless to say, you will enjoy the highest service levels, superb accommodation and outstanding facilities and public areas. |
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| Deluxe | This will be an outstanding hotel, offering many of the features of Superior Deluxe, though on a scale which will be a little less grand. |
| Moderate Deluxe | This will be a Deluxe standard property, although some of the accommodation and public areas may offer a less pronounced degree of luxury. In other instances, the hotel may be a famous name with a well-established reputation. |
| Superior First Class | More often than not, this will be a superior modern hotel or an older property which is exceptionally well maintained. All offer very comfortable and well-furnished accommodation and public areas. |
| First Class | A dependable and comfortable hotel with standardised rooms. These are the ideal choice for travellers who don not require deluxe facilities or special services. |
| Moderate First Class | Essentially a First Class hotel with comfortable but sometimes simple accommodations. Public areas may be limited but generally provides all the essentials a guest requires. |
| Superior Tourist Class | |
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| Dude Ranch | |
| Resort Ranch | |
| Working Ranch |
