Nestled within the Allegheny Mountains, Laurel Highlands, Pennsylvania, is a prime biking vacation spot with a various mixture of trails and scenic routes. It affords every little thing from difficult singletracks to picturesque rail trails just like the Nice Allegheny Passage. Whether or not you’re an skilled rider or an off-the-cuff bike owner, the Laurel Highlands delivers an unforgettable biking expertise.
The Greatest within the U.S.
Almost 100 miles of the 150-mile Nice Allegheny Passage traverse the Laurel Highlands, making it a central function of this celebrated path. Stretching from Pittsburgh to Cumberland, the Nice Allegheny Passage was the primary path inducted into the Rails-to-Trails Corridor of Fame and is ceaselessly acknowledged as considered one of America’s prime leisure trails by USA Right this moment readers.
As you experience alongside this scenic route, you’ll encounter a number of notable landmarks, together with the enduring Ohiopyle Low and Excessive Bridges, which supply beautiful views and photograph alternatives. The spectacular Salisbury Viaduct supplies breathtaking views of the encompassing panorama, whereas the intriguing Large Savage Tunnel provides a contact of journey to your journey. Cyclists will even cross the Japanese Continental Divide and move underneath the Connellsville Gateway Arch, every including distinctive and memorable highlights to an already distinctive biking expertise.
Rip by the Trails
Laurel Highlands affords thrilling mountain biking experiences, notably in Ohiopyle State Park and on the Quemahoning Path. Ohiopyle is located on the backside of considered one of Pennsylvania’s deepest valleys, so driving right here sometimes includes a difficult climb adopted by a rewarding descent. Through the years, locals have found some wonderful loops that begin and finish on the town, using trails like Sugarloaf, Baughman, and McCune, all situated to the east. Being a State Park, there are additionally fairly a couple of areas for tenting and extra out of doors actions.
The Quemahoning (Que) Path supplies a various terrain with difficult options and beautiful views, perfect for these in search of an adventurous experience. This 16-mile loop across the Quemahoning Reservoir consists of a number of entry factors, providing flexibility for various driving experiences. Beginning counterclockwise, riders will encounter simpler terrain for a extra beginner-friendly out-and-back route. Conversely, beginning clockwise leads into technical intermediate sections with rocky areas, descents, and climbs. Each choices promise exhilarating mountain biking adventures within the coronary heart of the Laurel Highlands.
An Space for Journey
In Laurel Highlands, out of doors lovers can get pleasure from a wide range of actions past mountain biking. The realm is famend for whitewater rafting, canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding, providing thrilling water adventures. Mountain climbing and fishing alternatives abound, together with sporting clays and golf for these in search of a unique kind of problem. Notable outfitters comparable to Laurel Highlands River Excursions & Out of doors Heart, Ohiopyle Buying and selling Publish & River Excursions, White Water Adventurers, and Wilderness Voyageurs present wonderful gear and guided experiences to boost your out of doors actions.
Once you’re performed pedaling, there are many different actions to get pleasure from. Pattern native brews at Trailhead Brewing Co., Yough River Brewing, Bloom Brew, and Forbes Path Brewing, or discover cultural websites just like the Flight 93 Nationwide Memorial and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater. Households also can discover enjoyable at Residing Treasures Animal Park, Caddie Shak, and Laurel Caverns. For a full vary of experiences, don’t miss Seven Springs Mountain Resort, which affords year-round sights and actions.
