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Where do you park for the Laurel Highlands hiking trail?

Parking and Transportation The parking lots are located at: Trailhead in Ohiopyle State Park. Trailhead at PA Route 653. Trailhead at PA Route 31, near Hidden Valley Resort.



Parking for the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail (LHHT), a 70-mile premier trail in Pennsylvania, depends on which section you intend to hike, as there are eight major trailheads. The most popular high-fidelity starting point is the Ohiopyle State Park trailhead (Mile 0), where there is a large paved lot near the borough of Ohiopyle. For the northern terminus (Mile 70), parking is available at the Seward/Route 56 trailhead. If you are looking for mid-point access, common parking areas include the Route 31 lot near Donegal and the Route 30 (Lincoln Highway) lot near Forbes State Forest. Most of these lots are gravel and managed by the Pennsylvania Bureau of State Parks; they are generally safe for overnight parking, provided you register your vehicle if you are thru-hiking and staying at the designated shelter areas. In 2026, it is highly recommended to check for seasonal closures or construction, particularly at the Route 30 bridge area, to ensure your chosen access point is reachable and that you aren't leaving your car in a restricted "No Parking" zone near the highway.

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Laurel Falls is the perfect family Smoky Mountain hiking trail. It's more challenging than the previous trails mentioned at 2.6 miles roundtrip. The path of this trail is also paved, but it definitely has an incline. In the spring, you and your kids will enjoy seeing the mountain laurel that grows in the area.

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Time Required. Most hikers take five or six days to complete the LHHT, though you can speed that up by hiking more miles per day or stretch it out a bit if desired.

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Can You Swim at Buttermilk Falls? There is a natural pool at the base of Buttermilk Falls that provides lifeguarded swimming for park visitors. View falls from the park entrance area or lower Gorge Trail. Falls view open year round.

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