Laurel Highlands is the perfect place for people who love nature, peace, and serenity. These gorgeous, green highlands have something for everyone and are well worth the visit!

All around the world, people of every gender and race keep running around in a monotonous cycle, working day and night. Life can be chaotic and demanding at times, and sometimes, all one needs is a calm and cozy vacation to smoothen things out.

Some people dig the beach, while others need a tranquil scene of the mountains outside their window. In any case, there is no better place to unwind than Laurel Highlands.

1. All about Laurel Highlands

The Laurel Highland of southwestern Pennsylvania comprises three beautiful territories: Fayette County, Somerset County, and Westmoreland County.

According to the last census, the population of this region is likely to be around 600,000. The region is located approximately fifty-five miles southeast of Pittsburgh. The Highlands center upon Laurel Hill and The Chestnut Ridge of the Allegheny Mountains.

The highest point of Pennsylvania is located at Mount Davis, in Somerset County, and the mountains of the Laurel Highlands are the highest in the entire state.

Owing to the high altitude, the weather is usually cooler and wetter than in other parts of the state. Apart from providing a great experience of a wonderful vacation, there are many things the Laurel Highlands are well known for.

2. A Vacation at the Laurel Highlands

Apart from the great scenery, ancient landmarks, and outstanding restaurants and hotels, many locations and pastimes will keep your mind and body fresh and energized.

Some well-known places in the Highlands include the famous Ohiopyle State Park. It is popularly known for its adventurous pastimes, like the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail, a part of the Laurel Ridge State Park, and the Roaring Run Resort.

Many historical landmarks are here, like Friendship Hill, the Bushy Run Battlefield, and the Staple Bend Tunnel. The Highlands are abundant in architecture, amusement parks and resorts, and even Downhill ski areas, where the popular Hidden Valley Four Seasons Resort is located.

It is a premier vacation destination for many tourists as it offers something for everyone despite the change of seasons throughout the year. It provides a highly memorable and authentic experience for anybody with a love for the countryside.

3. 17 Best Things to Explore in the Laurel Highlands

The Laurel Highlands offers great recreation, both in summer and winter. Some of the sought-after pastimes in the Highlands include –

3.1. White Water Rafting Tours

The Laurel Highlands Rafting Tours is an exciting experience for people of any age group, including kids and adults. It is not a commonly known fact that Ohiopyle State Park is the birthplace of Rafting on the East Coast.

The cruising helps people enjoy the calmness of the Highlands and creates a happy memory.

3.2. Hiking Trails

The Pleasing yet challenging Hiking Trails of the Highlands offer an adventurous pastime and an athletic experience that keeps you dynamic and fresh.

The Highland occupies nearly 120,000 acres of parks and trails and offers a great hiking trail in the summer.

3.3. Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater

A Visit to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater leaves you in awe of the architectural beauty of the Highlands.

Its perching position on top of the Famous BearRun Falls induces more admiration, and visiting the museum offers you a pint of knowledge. The trip is usually finished with a bite of great food at the Falling Water Cafe.

3.4. A Visit to the Cucumber Falls

The Cucumber Falls is a miraculous beauty that is convenient to visit since it is centrally located. It is a 30-foot fall, mystical beauty, and a feast for your eyes.

3.5. The Westmoreland Museum of American Art

Visiting the Westmoreland Museum of American Art is indeed great. On a sad rainy day, the tourists can treat themselves to a visit to the museum.

The exhibits are updated every alternate month, with a wide collection of objects and art that define the rich and extensive culture of The Laurel Highlands.

3.6. Seven Springs Mountain Resort or the Hidden Valley

A visit to the Seven Springs Mountain Resort or The Hidden Valley is highly recommended for a fun day in winter. It is the best way to spend a day on the snowy slopes of the Highlands.

3.7. Aesthetic Jimberg Village

A visit to the aesthetic Jimberg Village will give you a taste of the country-made Jimberg Maple syrup that is worth your time.

3.8. Enjoying the Winter Festivals

Relishing in the Winter Festivals and Holiday events of the Laurel Highlands is highly recommended, especially if you visit the place in winter.

3.9. Flight 93 National Memorial

One of the best things to do in this Highland is to visit the Flight 93 National Memorial, it belongs among the best places to visit.

3.10. Kentuck Knob

A ride along the countryside to visit the Kentuck Knob, a Frank Lloyd Wright House, is also a familiar and good thing to do if you visit the place.

3.11. Wilderness Voyageurs

Another magnificent thing to do in these highlands is experience the mind-blowing rafting facilities at the Wilderness Voyageurs.

3.12. Fort Necessity of National Battlefield

Another place to visit and enjoy with your friends and family is the Fort Necessity of National Battlefield. It has beautiful scenery, so don’t forget to bring a camera to capture the views.

3.13. Ohiopyle State Park

Ohiopyle State Park is the best place to roam around and go shopping. It accommodates swimming and hiking facilities as well.

3.14. The Winery at Sandhill

Lovers of Food and Wine must visit the Greendance Winery at Sandhill to enjoy the apple orchard and amphitheater experience.

3.15. Wooden Door Winery

Wooden Door Winery is a very prominent place to visit. Don’t forget to check out this place to make your trip worth it.

3.16. Oak Lodge

What could be better than a luxurious bed and breakfast in the Oak Lodge and a splendid view of the rising sun on the private screened porch?

It is one of the most comfortable and exotic hotels in The Laurel Highlands.

3.17. Laurel Caverns

Die-hard golf fans can visit Laurel Caverns to experience miniature golf matches and have a great cave experience.

4. Closing Thoughts

Vacations can be confusing, and since people spend a lot of money for a few days of travel and adventure, they expect it to make a good memory.

To experience an amazing trip, choose the right location with preferred pastimes according to your interests.

The Laurel Highlands is one of the most scenic and exotic locations in the world, and it is a place worth visiting. If you love the mountains and crave a week of peace, the Highlands should be your first choice.

So, What are you waiting for? Gather your family members & visit the Laurel Highlands to explore Its natural resources and historic sites like the Great Allegheny Passage and Fort Ligonier.

Have a wonderful vacation!