Here are some quick links to favorite attractions and activities. The Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau site is the first place to go. It has links to all the attractions and lodging reservations capabilities. It is really a great site to start out on. We also have a couple of tips for hiking and biking in the area.
| LOCAL LINKS To access county records go here:
This is a great site to visit to get information onthe local area, vendors, events and lodging. Has links to Chamber members and local attractions. Best for someone wanting to know who offers services in this and the local areas.
PA PARKS INFORMATION
This is the PA Department of Conservation site and contains information on the PA parks, hiking trails and state forest information. The ATA is the site to visit for information aboutthe biking trails in the area, especially the rails to trails system that runs from Pittsburgh through Ohio Pyle and this area to Washington DC. It is a little over 300 miles long and takes about 5 days with a steady pace. Great ride! I did this ride several years ago and still ranks on my top 100 things to do. |
LAUREL VISITORS BUREAU
The Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau is another great site to visit with lots ofinformation on attractions, lodging, dining and other visitor related information. This site is best oriented for the visitor to the Laurel Highlands. The Western PA Conservatory manages Fallingwater, the spectacular home designedby Frank Lloyd Wright. If this is of interest to you also visit Kentuck Knob, another home designed by Mr. Wright in the area. If spelunking or caving is of interest then visit the famous Laurel Caverns. This offers all types ofpackages from the simplest walk through to more extensive exploration. A great trip on a hot day as the caves is always cool. Wear hiking gear and clothes to get dirty in. Resort Sites Go to the middle of the Home Page on this site for Links and maps of the Resorts. |
Hiking these trails often, we always have a rescue plan in place. NEVER GO OUT on a hike without someone to look for you if you don’t show up at your destination. Do not end up stranded on a hike without the knowledge that someone will call the alarm if you do not show up. These woods are just as cold and dangerous as they were 200 years ago.
Here are a few of our favorite hikes and biking routes. Except for the Laurel Highlands Trail you can do either, hiking only on the Laurel Highlands Trail. Thanks for your inquiry, have a great and safe hike or bike, and let us know what you think about our trails. Some of these hikes may be restricted, please respect the wishes of the property owners if posted.
Champion Rail to Trail
Easy Up to 5 miles one way or 10 round trip
From Route 711 turn east on County Line at the Star Market going to 7 Springs. Just go 100 yards, turn left on the first road and park behind the old post office or Champion Station. Trail starts on the south or right side of County Line Road. We usually bike down to Indian Head (Grocery store there for a break) and return or hike however long we have the time for. Great trail on hot days as most of it is shaded and is along the stream.
Firetower Road/ Laurel Highlands Trail.
Moderate 2-3 Hours
From the main gate of Seven Springs turn left, go .7 miles, turn right on Firetower Road and park there. Go about 100 yards and go left or north on the Laurel Highlands Trail and climb to the Transmission tower for a picnic with a view or pass the trail and continue along Firetower to the Seasons View Development for a great south and east view. If you want to extend your hike on the Laurel Highlands Trail drive a second car to the north end of Firetower off of Route 31 at the summit and park in the trailhead lot. Then hike the trail back to your car on the south end of Firetower. This hike takes about 3 hours with a picnic at the tower.
Laurel Hill Park
From 7 Springs Main gate turn right and go to Laurel Hill. Drive to the ranger station for a map. Our favorite short hike is the Hemlock trail that follows the stream north through some of the last original forest and hugh hemlocks in the area or for a longer hike the Lake Trail. Their number is 814-445-7725
Roaring Run Natural Area
While at the Ranger Station get a map of this area as it has more trails and single track than we can go into in this letter. One tip, if you are biking the Painter Rock loop a trail going west could take you down a series of stair step descents. This is a one way trip to the bottom of the hill and you will come out on Tannery Road in Champion with a 6 mile climb to the top on County Line if you have the legs for it. There are ups and downs on this loop but if you lose more than 150 feet of elevation you are off the trail.
Kate Henry/ Trout Run
Advanced/ 3 hours
From Main Gate of 7 Springs turn left and go about 2 miles and turn left on Indian Head Road at the water tower. Go to the bottom of the hill, cross the bridge and turn left on the dirt road before going uphill. Park where available. A long and steep climb will bring you past an old local cemetery and out onto the slopes. Cross the slopes and descend to the bottom on Lost Boy. Ride along the bottom of the slopes to your left and ride past Gunnar Chair and bear right on the dirt road. Follow this road, which makes a moderate decent, past a lake to your right, and through Trout Run several times. After descending, you will cross the stream and come into an open area about the size of a baseball diamond. You will see a dirt road to your front right, which will climb up to Indian Head Road. In season there should be great blackberries. Turn left on Indian Head Road and go down to your car.
7 Springs and Hidden Valley Race Courses
Advanced/ 2-24 Hours
Contact the resorts for the maps of their race courses for a great day of technical riding. We also like to hike the 7 Springs segment that winds through the woods at the top of Stowe (the rock garden) and goes back towards Lake Herman. If hiking be on the alert for bikers ripping up the course. This is also the 24 hour race course at 7 Springs.
This is just a sampler, as we could write a book on all the trails in this area.
Our day trip-packing list:
Charged cell phone for emergency or bragging about the great time you are having.
1 Quart of water per hour per person. Hydrate hard before leaving. You cannot have too much water.
Band-Aids and moleskin for blisters.
Simple or gourmet picnic lunch, power bars or whatever artificial stuff you like to eat.
Insect repellent, Sun Screen, Hats, walking sticks, sunglasses, binoculars, compass, map, let someone know you are out here, and good hiking shoes.
If biking, add 2 tubes and change kit for flats with your basic tools as some of these rides are hard on rider and equipment There is a lot of debris on the trails from the ice storms so thanks for moving what you can off the trails. If everyone just moved one branch the trails would be clear. Have fun; be safe, and stop by when you are in the area.
