Three days in the Laurel Highlands? You can do a lot with that.

Enough time to get outside, find a few favorite spots, and start saying things like, “we could stay another night.” This isn’t a run-around-and-check-boxes kind of trip. It’s the kind where one stop turns into two, dinner lasts a little longer, and nobody’s in a hurry to get back in the car.

If you’re heading this way for spring or summer, here’s how to do it right.

Day 1: Set The Tone

First rule of this trip? Don’t overdo day one.

Roll into Seven Springs or Champion, get checked in, and take a minute. Step outside. Look around. You’re here.

Once you’re ready to move:
• Swing by Cucumber Falls. It’s quick, easy, and one of those “that was totally worth it” stops
• Or head over to Laurel Hill State Park and walk along the lake or find the perfect picnic spot

If you’ve still got some energy, rent bikes and hop on the Great Allegheny Passage. It’s flat, scenic, and just enough activity without turning into a whole thing.

Dinner move: Keep it easy tonight. Grab takeout from Out of the Fire Café in Donegal or something quick nearby, then bring it back and eat outside.

Because a slow first night has a way of setting the whole trip up right.

Day 2: The Main Event

This is your day. The one you’ll talk about on the drive home.

Head into Ohiopyle State Park early enough to beat the rush and give yourself time to wander a bit.

Start with:
• Ohiopyle Falls right in town. Big view, no effort
• A quick coffee stop at Bittersweet Café in Ohiopyle before you head out

From there, you’ve got options depending on your mood:

Feeling adventurous?
Book a whitewater rafting trip on the Youghiogheny River. It’s fun, a little chaotic, and absolutely worth it.

Keeping it chill?
Head to Meadow Run or Flat Rock, known for their natural rock formations, little cascades, and shallow water spots where you can wade, explore, or just hang out for a while. Kick your shoes off, find a spot, and stay longer than you planned.

Want that “WOW” moment?
Drive up to Baughman Rock Overlook. Short walk, big payoff, and one of the best views in the area.

Lunch tip: Grab something in town or pack a picnic ahead of time. You’ll want to stay out and keep the day going.

By mid-afternoon, you’ll get it. This is why people come here.

Dinner idea: This is your night to go out. Grab dinner at Foggy Goggle for a fun, laid-back vibe with music and drinks, and let the day carry on a bit.

Day 3: One More Stop

No alarms. No rushing.

This is your slow morning. Coffee outside, fresh air, and that “we should do this more often” feeling.

Before you head out, choose one more thing:
• Living Treasures Animal Park in Donegal. It’s surprisingly fun, even if you didn’t think it would be
• A scenic drive through the Laurel Highlands for one last look
• Or go back to your favorite stop from the trip and do it again

It’s not about squeezing in one more stop. It’s about savoring the time you’ve got.

Where It All Comes Together

This is the kind of trip the Laurel Highlands does best.

A couple of solid plans. A little flexibility. And enough time to truly enjoy where you are.

Pressed for time? Here’s the SNOWBALLER Breakdown:
• Day 1: Easy start and a couple scenic stops
• Day 2: Full Ohiopyle day. This is your highlight
• Day 3: Slow morning and one last stop

And when it comes to where you stay, that part matters more than people think. A stay with SNOWBALL PROPERTIES gives you a place to come back to that feels like part of the trip, not just a place to sleep.

Backed by the experience of BEACHBALL PROPERTIES, including recognition like Airbnb Superhost and Vrbo Premier Partner, you can expect a stay that’s easy, comfortable, and done right.

Because a trip like this isn’t about doing everything. It’s about doing the parts you’ll want to come back for.

Come Have A Ball In The Laurel Highlands!

– Ginger & Hunter Harrelson