When you think Laurel Highlands, Pennsylvania, Seven Springs and ski season may be the first things that come to mind. But around here, some of the best scenery doesn’t require a lift ticket, a reservation, or much of a plan at all.

The Laurel Highlands are packed with Pennsylvania state parks, each offering its own version of mountain life. We’re talking waterfalls and whitewater, quiet trout streams, lake days, hiking trails, and forests that look downright show-offy once fall arrives.

So, SNOWBALLERS, whether you’re looking for a full day of adventure or somewhere pretty to wander for a couple of hours, we’ve got five state parks worth adding to your list.

Go Big or Go Home: Ohiopyle State Park

If the Laurel Highlands state parks had a headliner, Ohiopyle State Park would probably be it.

At roughly 20,500 acres, Ohiopyle surrounds the Youghiogheny River Gorge and draws millions of visitors each year. The “Yough” also offers some of the best whitewater boating in the eastern United States. Add 79 miles of hiking trails, biking, fishing, rock climbing, waterfalls, and spectacular overlooks, and you’ve got plenty of reasons to spend an entire day here.

Of course, you don’t have to be the strap-on-a-helmet-and-find-some-rapids type. Cucumber Falls is one of the park’s most recognizable spots, and the natural waterslides along Meadow Run are another Ohiopyle favorite.

Our advice? Don’t try to “do” Ohiopyle all at once. Pick an adventure, leave yourself time to wander, and save something for next time.

Lake Days & Laid-Back Wandering

For something a little quieter, head to Laurel Hill State Park. Located in Somerset County, the park covers more than 4,000 acres, with the 63-acre Laurel Hill Lake at its center. Hiking, paddling, fishing, wildlife watching, and plenty of mountain scenery make this one especially easy to work into a Seven Springs getaway.

Don’t skip the Hemlock Trail Natural Area or Jones Mill Run Dam, two spots the park itself considers must-sees. This is a particularly good choice for families who want some outdoor time without turning vacation into an endurance event.

Then there’s Keystone State Park, a 1,200-acre park near Derry. Its lake, trails, cabins, camping, and wildlife-watching opportunities make it another solid pick for a relaxed day outside. Everything is fairly close together, which is mighty convenient when your group includes both “Let’s go hiking!” people and “I’ll meet y’all back at the picnic table” people.

Small Parks, Big Mountain Energy

Don’t overlook a park just because it doesn’t have thousands of acres behind its name.

Linn Run State Park, near Ligonier, packs a lot into 612 acres. Grove Run and Rock Run come together to form Linn Run, an excellent trout stream. Adams Falls adds a tucked-away waterfall to the mix, surrounded by the kind of thick mountain forest that makes you feel like you’ve wandered much farther from civilization than you actually have.

And then there’s Kooser State Park, sitting at about 2,600 feet in elevation in the heart of the Laurel Highlands. It’s smaller and more intimate, with forest, a trout stream, hiking, fishing, picnicking, and cross-country skiing when winter cooperates. Even better for history lovers, much of Kooser’s character dates to Civilian Conservation Corps projects from the 1930s, including the lake and many of the park’s original design features.

There’s a Park for That

One of the best things about the Laurel Highlands is that there’s more than one way to enjoy the mountains. Want whitewater and waterfalls? Ohiopyle. A lake day? Laurel Hill. An easy family outing? Keystone. Forest trails? Linn Run. A peaceful mountain escape? Kooser.

And these parks don’t clock out when summer ends. Fall color, winter hiking, and cross-country skiing give you plenty of reasons to come back in every season.

Pressed for Time? Here’s the Breakdown:

• For adventure: Ohiopyle
• For an easy outdoor day: Laurel Hill or Keystone
• For peace and quiet: Linn Run or Kooser

The best part? You don’t have to choose just one. Pick a park, spend the day exploring, then head back to your SNOWBALL PROPERTY to put your feet up and decide where tomorrow takes you.

Come Have A Ball In The Laurel Highlands!

– Ginger & Hunter Harrelson