Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail – Gem of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail
The 70 mile Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail stretches from near Johnstown, PA to Ohiopyle State Park. On the southern end of the trail, the terminus can be found beyond Wilderness Voyageurs Outfitter Store and Falls City Pub, on Garrett Street. The Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail is a major segment of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, a network of trails between the mouth of the Potomac River and the Allegheny Highlands. The trail is open year-round and is blazed approximately every 100 feet with 2- and 5-inch yellow blazes. Connector trails lead to and from parking and shelter areas and are marked with blue blazes. Mileage monuments are every mile. Pets are permitted.
In Ohiopyle, you may utilize the designated parking area on Ferncliff by prior arrangement with Ohiopyle State Park, 724-329-8591.
There are eight overnight shelter areas. One is located approximately every 6 to 12 miles along the trail. Each shelter area contains five Adirondack-type shelters with fireplaces, two non-flush toilets, a water supply and spaces for 25 tents. You must make a reservation to overnight either in shelters or to tent camp.
Shuttles
Wilderness Voyageurs offers shuttle service between all Laurel Highlands Trail trailheads. Please call us at 800-272-4141 to check on availability and cost for this service.
**** During the winter, November 1st through April 1st, we will not be offering the shuttle service along the Laurel Highlands Trail due to inclement weather.
When reserving a shuttle, you must be hiking towards your vehicle, not to a shuttle rendezvous. This is for many reasons – in case of an emergency you have a vehicle to arrive at and have a means of transportation, you know exactly what your destination is (Rt 30 vs Rt 31), or for weather changes which cause delays or a desire to get off the trail early.
Minimum of 24 hours advance notice is required for a shuttle reservation.
Hikers
Please do not call us from the trail expecting a pickup within the hour, it is just sometimes impossible. We try to accommodate last minute shuttles to the best of our ability. A surcharge of $20 will be assessed for any shuttles reserved the day of the shuttle. Please note, we will not dispatch a vehicle if you are not already physically at a trailhead — you must be at the trail head to request your shuttle.
Our rules come from years of shuttle experience and the desire to provide you the most efficient and timely shuttles in an affordable manner. Thank you for your understanding.
Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail – Summary of shuttle locations
- Ohiopyle Trailhead 0 mi.
- Maple Summit Road Parking 11.2 mi.
- PA 653 Trailhead 18.8 mi.
- PA 31 Trailhead 30.6 mi.
- US 30 Trailhead 45.8 mi.
- PA 271 Trailhead 56.9 mi.
- PA 56 Trailhead 70 mi.
Supplies & Gear
Hikers, our outfitter store in Ohiopyle, is a gear junkie paradise. Stoves from MSR, packs from Mountain Smith, freeze dried food, hiking socks by Smart Wool and a huge variety of camping supplies, we have got you covered! Been trying to find some LHHT schwag? Look no further we now have Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail t-shirts in our store and on line.
Maps
Laurel Ridge State Park Map
When hiking the LHHT, please keep in mind that there are many parcels of private land adjacent to the trail. Also, keep in mind hunting seasons during the fall. Wear hunter orange or other bright garments. (Just ask us about the two fellows hiking during bear hunting season while wearing black from head to toe…)