Laurel Hill State Park
A 4,072-acre park in the Laurel Highlands offering hiking, camping, swimming, and year-round natural beauty.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enjoy a quiet picnic and scenic hike.
Laurel Hill State Park
Best Time
Enjoy a quiet picnic and scenic hike.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 4,072-acre park in the Laurel Highlands offering hiking, camping, swimming, and year-round natural beauty.
"Laurel Hill State Park is a gem! The cabin was cozy and peaceful, and waking up to the amazing sunrise was absolutely surreal."
Pack for the Trails 🥾
Wear comfortable shoes for hiking. Trails like Pumphouse and Copper Kettle are great for all levels.
Book Campsites Early 🏕
Over 260 sites available, including full hookups. Reserve ahead, especially for holidays.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Pumphouse Trail
Jones Mill Run Dam
An easy out-and-back hike leading to the historic Jones Mill Run Dam and scenic Laurel Hill Creek.
Hemlock Trail
Park-wide
Experience the lush greenery of evergreens, a perfect escape during stick season or any time of year.
Copper Kettle Trail
Park-wide
A family-friendly and stroller-accessible trail offering beautiful views, especially during fall foliage season.
Laurel Hill Creek & Dam
Jones Mill Run Dam
Discover the natural beauty and historical significance of the creek and the well-preserved Jones Mill Run Dam.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Trails
Camping Comforts
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pack for the Trails 🥾
Wear comfortable shoes for hiking. Trails like Pumphouse and Copper Kettle are great for all levels.
Book Campsites Early 🏕
Over 260 sites available, including full hookups. Reserve ahead, especially for holidays.
Explore Year-Round 🌱
Beautiful in every season, from fall colors to winter snow.
Stargazing Potential 🌙
Considered a good spot for stargazing if Cherry Springs is too far.
Tips
from all over the internet
Pack for the Trails 🥾
Wear comfortable shoes for hiking. Trails like Pumphouse and Copper Kettle are great for all levels.
Book Campsites Early 🏕
Over 260 sites available, including full hookups. Reserve ahead, especially for holidays.
Explore Year-Round 🌱
Beautiful in every season, from fall colors to winter snow.
Stargazing Potential 🌙
Considered a good spot for stargazing if Cherry Springs is too far.
Beach Day Fun 🌊
Sandy beach for swimming, but no pets allowed. Private huts and picnic areas available.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Laurel Hill State Park is widely praised as a well-maintained gem offering diverse activities and beautiful scenery year-round. Visitors highlight the spacious campsites, scenic trails, and the peaceful atmosphere, making it ideal for relaxation and outdoor adventures. Some minor drawbacks include the 'no pets' rule on the beach.
"I visited with a couple of friends on a Wednesday at the end of July 2025. We had an enjoyable day at the park.
We started with a quiet picnic in the Old Mill Picnic Area. We followed that with a not too strenuous but very scenic hike on the Hemlock Trail.
We finished with a little history at the Civilian Conservation Corp Monument."
Darin James
"Laurie State Park is a gem! The cabin was cozy and peaceful, and waking up to the amazing sunrise was absolutely surreal. We stayed in Cabin 8, which is close to the washroom yet offers great privacy. A perfect spot to relax and recharge."
Manali Shingne
"A very well maintained park. There is an excess of parking. There is a sandy beach to go swimming at. There are no pets allowed on the beach. You can rent private huts overlooking the beach, or you can grill at one of the picnic tables. There is a large grassy area, a boat launch, plenty of hiking trails, multiple great fishing spots, public restrooms, and even a place to grab snacks. I would recommend this park to anyone nearby. I would also recommend setting aside a whole day to enjoy this park and see everything that it has to offer. There is handicap accessible entrances for those who require wheelchair-friendly points of access."
Steve Anna
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Laurel Hill State Park is located in Somerset, PA. It's about an hour's drive from Pittsburgh, PA. Travelers recommend taking Route 711 for a reasonable toll route.
Yes, there is an excess of parking available throughout the park, making it easy to access various areas and trailheads.
The park offers handicap-accessible entrances and points of access, ensuring that visitors with mobility needs can enjoy the facilities.
Many visitors suggest taking Route 711, noting that the toll is reasonable and it offers a scenic drive.
Yes, Laurel Hill State Park is considered a good location for stargazing, offering a darker sky experience compared to more populated areas.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Laurel Hill State Park is a Pennsylvania State Park and generally does not have an entrance fee for day use. Fees may apply for specific activities like camping or renting facilities.
State parks are typically open from dawn to dusk for day use. Specific facilities like campgrounds or visitor centers may have their own hours. It's best to check the official PA DCNR website for the most current information.
It is highly recommended to book campsites in advance, especially during peak season, holidays like the 4th of July weekend, or if you require specific amenities like full hookups.
Yes, you can rent private huts overlooking the beach area, providing a comfortable spot to relax and enjoy the park's amenities.
Yes, visitors can explore the Civilian Conservation Corp Monument, adding a historical dimension to the park experience.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Popular trails include the Pumphouse Trail (easy, 1.6 miles out-and-back), Hemlock Trail (moderate, known for evergreens), and Copper Kettle Trail (easy, stroller-friendly, great for fall colors).
Yes, the park features a sandy beach area for swimming. However, pets are not allowed on the beach.
Families can enjoy hiking, swimming at the beach, picnicking in designated areas, and exploring the park's natural beauty. The Copper Kettle Trail is particularly good for toddlers.
The park offers multiple great fishing spots along its creeks and lake, making it a popular destination for anglers.
Yes, there is a boat launch available, and kayakers are often seen enjoying the water.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there isn't a full-service restaurant, the park has picnic tables and grills available for visitors to use. There's also a place to grab snacks.
Absolutely! The Old Mill Picnic Area is a recommended spot for a quiet picnic, and there are numerous other picnic tables throughout the park.
The nearest town, Somerset, offers grocery stores for stocking up on picnic supplies or camping food.
Somerset, PA, offers a range of dining options from casual eateries to sit-down restaurants, catering to various tastes.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks to enjoy throughout the park, especially for picnics.
📸 📸 Photography
The Pumphouse Trail area with the dam, the scenic Laurel Hill Creek, and the park's trails during fall foliage season offer excellent photographic opportunities.
Yes, Laurel Hill State Park is renowned for its spectacular fall foliage, with trails like Copper Kettle offering postcard-worthy autumn views.
While not a primary feature, the park's creeks and dams, particularly around the Pumphouse Trail, offer picturesque water scenes.
The park's natural environment supports various wildlife. Keep an eye out for birds, small mammals, and aquatic life near the water.
Yes, the Copper Kettle Trail is stroller and toddler-friendly, making it easier to capture family moments amidst the scenery.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The park also features a sandy beach for swimming, picnic areas with grills for family meals, and plenty of open space for kids to play. Consider booking a campsite with full hookups if you're traveling with an RV, or opt for a cozy cabin for a comfortable family stay. The variety of trails means you can find hikes suitable for all energy levels, ensuring everyone in the family has a memorable experience.
Budget Travelers
Nature Enthusiasts & Hikers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Hiking Trails for Every Explorer
For those seeking a more immersive experience with nature, the Hemlock Trail is highly recommended, especially for its dense evergreen cover that provides a vibrant green escape during the 'stick season.' Families with young children or those preferring a gentler stroll will appreciate the Copper Kettle Trail, noted for being stroller and toddler-friendly while still offering beautiful scenery, particularly during the fall. Many trails are well-maintained, and some offer moderate elevation gain for a bit of a workout. Visitors often praise the variety, ensuring that whether you're looking for a short, scenic walk or a longer trek, Laurel Hill State Park has a path for you. Remember to wear appropriate footwear and check trail conditions before heading out.
Camping and Accommodations
Reservations are strongly advised, especially during peak seasons and holidays like the Fourth of July weekend, as sites can fill up quickly. The availability of amenities like nearby restrooms and showers, along with on-site laundry facilities, further enhances the convenience for campers.
Seasonal Beauty and Activities
Visitors can enjoy crisp air and scenic hikes amidst the colorful landscape. During the summer, the park's sandy beach provides a refreshing spot for swimming, and the lake and creeks are popular for boating and fishing.
The park's year-round appeal ensures there's always a good reason to visit, whether for active adventures or tranquil relaxation.
Social
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