Laurel Hill State Park Beach in Somerset, Pennsylvania offers an escape from the heat and humidity of a summer day. A trip to this unique beach near Pittsburgh just happens to be nestled in the mountains. Sunbathe on the soft sand — swim or kayak — OR — explore the lush, green state park that boasts plenty of hiking and biking trails, wildlife, and a picturesque dam.
Hidden in the middle of the mountainous Laurel Hill State Park in Somerset and surrounded by lush green lies a 1,200-foot sandy beach leading to the cozy 63-acre Laurel Hill Lake.
Spread out your favorite beach towel or lawn chair on the sand as you prepare for a day of relaxation in the cool lake water which at its deepest is five feet.
Head home after a relaxing day or spend the night camping out.
Laurel Hill State Park Beach offers more information on the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources website.
Make the most of every sun-soaked moment this summer. Have you visited this pretty beach? Please share your experience in the comments below. Shop for a new bathing suit on the REI website. While you're there, explore this little-known trail in Somerset.
Winter in Pittsburgh is meant for spending outdoors (then cozying up under a thick blanket to warm up). We’ve got an abundance of winter activities – skiing, sledding, snow tubing, and snowboarding – to fill the whole season. Hiking in the winter can also give us a unique perspective on nature, often at its prettiest blanketed in snow. Here are five of the best hikes near Pittsburgh you’ll definitely want to check out in the wintertime.
Starting off our list of the best winter hikes near Pittsburgh are the trails at McConnells Mill State Park. This park boasts more than 11 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy to difficult. For an easy trail, follow the half-mile Hell’s Hollow Trail that leads to a beautiful waterfall. (Wait until you see it frozen and sprinkled in snow!) For a more challenging trek, try the three-mile Kildoo Trail. Here’s the official website of McConnells Mill State Park.
Keystone State Park transforms into a magical winter wonderland after a snowfall. Explore the winter wonderland along eight miles of hiking trails, with all six trails rating easy. Davis Run Trail, for example, stretches three miles and will lead you through the forest. This is one of the best places for some cold weather hiking near Pittsburgh. Learn more on the official website of Keystone State Park.
Nearly 30 miles of hiking trails await at Moraine State Park, a picture-perfect destination any time of the year. Pleasant Valley Trail, at just under two miles, is a good trail if you want easy or if you want to do a little cross-country skiing. Once you’ve finished a hike, check out the other popular winter activities, including sledding and snowmobiling. Visit the official website of Moraine State Park.
Laurel Hill State Park boasts a beautiful beach during the summer and more than 15 miles of hiking trails that are breathtaking when capped in snow. The trails range from easy to hard, with the easiest and the shortest totaling just a mile. Copper Kettle Trail will take you past the beach and to the picnic area. This is the perfect place for winter hiking near Pittsburgh. Check out the official website of Laurel Hill State Park.
Discover a gorgeous winter landscape at Forbes State Forest. Snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and hiking are all popular winter outdoor activities near Pittsburgh. The forest, in fact, features more than 250 miles of hiking trails, so you’re sure to find one that appeals to you. If you’re up for a multi-day trek, you can even follow the Laurel Highlands Trail, which spans from Ohiopyle to Johnstown. Find more on the official website of Forbes State Forest.
What are your favorites of these options for winter hiking in Pittsburgh? Let us know in the comments! And if you're wondering what to pack on a winter trip in PGH, we've got you covered.
Pennsylvania is a wonderful place for outdoor recreation and adventure, any time of year. Our state parks are some of the best in the country, offering loads of fun in all corners of the state -- any time of year! With regard to Pittsburgh, outdoor lovers, nature enthusiasts, and hikers have plenty to keep them busy just with the many state parks spread throughout western Pennsylvania. Here are 10 under-appreciated state parks near Pittsburgh you'll definitely want to visit.
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Note: Pennsylvania state parks are generally open all year around from sunrise to sunset.
1. Yellow Creek State Park –170 PA-259, Penn Run, PA, 15765
Spanning 2,981 acres in Indiana County, Yellow Creek State Park boasts a 720-acre lake, a sandy beach, and plenty of activities, including swimming, boating, fishing... and a yurt village! Hike the five miles of trails or explore 18 miles of trails on your mountain bike. Yellow Creek State Park also has camping cottages available to rent, too.
2. Kooser State Park – 943 Glades Pike, Somerset, PA, 15501
Kooser State Park is a lesser-known little park hidden in Somerset, and it attracts Pennsylvanians all year around with its many summer and winter activities. Spend long summer days hiking the 1.5 miles of trails or fishing for trout in the four acre Kooser Lake. Pitch a tent or rent a rustic cabin for a camping adventure.
Travel just 25 miles west of Pittsburgh to discover the sprawling 3,600 acre Hillman State Park. The park features a model airplane field for flying enthusiasts. Visitors can also hit the hiking trails or go hunting for wild turkey and deer.
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4. Raccoon Creek State Park – 3000 PA-18, Hookstown, PA 15050
Escape the madness of city life by trekking 30 miles from Pittsburgh to Raccoon Creek State Park. Spanning more than 7,500 acres, the park offers a full menu of things to do. Visit the Wildflower Reserve where you can view 700 species of plants. Relax on the sandy beach. Or, go hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, or fishing.
5. Linn Run State Park – 770 Linn Run Road, Rector, PA, 15677
Embrace nature's tranquility at Linn Run State Park. The 612-acre state park features hiking and horseback riding trails, fishing, and hunting. Or, simply pack lunch for a delightful picnic at one of the park's many picnic tables. Spend a week (if you're visiting in the summer) camping in one of the rustic cabins or book the lone modern cabin well in advance.
6. Laurel Hill State Park – 1454 Laurel Hill Park Road, Somerset, PA, 15501
Stretched across nearly 4,000 acres, Laurel Hill State Park features mountain terrain and a stunning 64 acre lake. Throw your beach towel on the sandy beach - open from late May to mid-September each year - before swimming, boating, or fishing in the picturesque lake. Climb aboard your mountain bike and take on the 15 miles of trails or opt to hike. Camping is also available at the park.
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7. Ryerson Station State Park – 361 Bristoria Road, Graysville, PA, 15337
Not far from the West Virginia border, the 1,164 Ryerson Station State Park features plenty to do year-round. Go swimming in the park's pool from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Hike the more than 13 miles of trails or enjoy a peaceful picnic at one of the many picnic tables. Extend your stay by camping out in one of the cottages in the park.
8. Oil Creek State Park – 305 State Park Road, Oil City, PA, 16301
Uncover the rich history of Oil Creek State Park, the home of the first commercial oil well in the world. Stop by the Train Visitor Center - open from noon to 5 p.m. on weekends - or check out the three historic tableaus. You'll also find plenty of outdoor activities available, including hiking, hunting, picnicking, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing.
9. Shawnee State Park – 132 State Park Road, Schellsburg, PA, 15559
Boasting nearly 4,000 acres, Shawnee State Park's main attraction is, arguably, the 451 acre lake that allows for swimming, boating, and fishing. Hit the biking or the hiking trails or start a game of disc golfing at the state park. Spend the night, the weekend, or longer by camping out in one of the camping cottages or yurts.
10. Laurel Summit State Park – Linn Run Road, Somerset, PA, 15501
Spend a relaxing and quiet few hours at the coziest of all Pennsylvania state parks. At only six acres, Laurel Summit State Park is the perfect spot for a tranquil picnic or to go horseback riding, hiking, or mountain biking.
How many of these under-appreciated state parks near Pittsburgh have you visited before? What are your favorite state parks to visit near Pittsburgh, PA? We're also lucky to be within easy driving distance of some of Pennsylvania's most popular state parks, including the always amazing Moraine State Park.
