Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail

TRAIL UPDATE: The LHHT has been reopened from mile markers 0-6. The Ohiopyle Shelter Area has also reopened for reservations as of today. Damage from the fire is primarily between mile markers 2-3, but we advise caution and care when traversing this entire portion of the trail.

Don't forget to check yourself and your fur babies for ticks after hitting the trail.

TRAIL ADVISORY: Last night, a wildfire impacted a portion of the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail. For your safety, and to avoid unnecessary injury to visitors or park staff working in the area, we ask that you refrain from using the trail from mile markers 0-6 until further notice. A HUGE thank you to the crews who worked diligently through the night to contain the fire. Your swift response, fearless actions, and unwavering dedication are appreciated and admired!

Great news, trail users: Wilderness Voyageurs shuttle services are up and running as of today! In addition to Wilderness Voyageurs, shuttling services along the LHHT will now also be offered by Coal Tubin’ PA! To arrange for Adventure Shuttle transportation services with Coal Tubin' PA, please call (814) 254-4393, or check them out at http://www.coaltubin.com.

We hope you are able to celebrate the first day of Spring by heading outside and enjoying the sunshine!

Today is the National Day of Unplugging. Disconnect from the digital static that is oftentimes all-consuming, and find activities that help you to reconnect with people, nature, and self. Recharge your mind, body, and soul by challenging yourself to unplug, unwind, and relax for the day.

Today kicks off the Great Backyard Bird Count. You can be a part of a global event. Learn more at https://www.birdcount.org/

With proper safety precautions, recreating in winter can be good for your health. Don’t let colder temps stop you from spending a little time outdoors.

The new year brings thoughts of first time adventures. The 70 miles of the LHHT can offer up something new for all of us. Whether you have finished the entire trail or are working through the sections, you can always appreciate a peaceful day hike. Try a new section or bring someone for their first trek on the LHHT. Enjoy your firsts! Wishing you all a wonderful New Year!

Laurel Ridge Cross Country Ski Concession OPENS TODAY! Please take note of a few changes to meet mitigation needs in our current situation. Trail pass and rental transactions will take place through the front window of the concession building. The concession building will not be open to the public. The warming hut will be open for restroom use ONLY! Please be prepared to use your personal vehicle for a break or warm up. ENJOY!

It is with a heavy heart that we share the passing of Jerry Eicher. Jerry served as both Vice President and President of the Friends of Laurel Hill. He never missed a volunteer work day and continually worked to provide access for folks to get out and experience our parks. He enjoyed hiking, biking, kayaking and cross-country skiing. He guided the Friends of Laurel Hill to tackle new and innovative projects throughout our park complex. He had a passion for being active and encouraged folks to never stop moving. His contributions to our parks will be enjoyed by many generations of park visitors. Jerry will be missed and we are honored to have worked alongside him.

Trail hikers, please take note! The Pennsylvania Game Commission will be conducting a timber harvest in the next several weeks on State Games Lands 42. There will be two places between mile markers 50 and 51 where logging equipment will be crossing the LHHT. For your safety, signs will be posted in this area. We support the habitat efforts of the Pennsylvania Game Commission and appreciate their cooperation as a trail partner.

This past Friday night was a cold one on the trail as we registered our first below freezing temperatures for the season. Cooler weather brings new challenges for even the most experienced hiker, and the unpredictable nature of winter can be dangerous if you are not prepared. Through a generous donation, the kindling splitter pictured below has been added to one of our woodsheds at the Route 653 shelter area. We hope to continue to offer comforts such as this, but want to en...sure that you know that you must be prepared for anything. Please remember to check weather conditions before hitting the trail. Dress appropriately for the weather, and be prepared to face a variety of elements. Pack appropriate gear with the correct temperature ratings. The trails have seen unprecedented use this year, and it is important to be prepared to spend the night without a fire. Gathering dead and down wood for fire building is permitted. While we do our best to ensure comfortable accommodations at the shelter areas, we cannot always guarantee that there will be firewood available and ask that you please be prepared every time you hit the trail.

Our favorite color is FALL! Today we say so long to summer and welcome the autumnal equinox, or first day of fall. The autumnal equinox occurs when the sun passes the equator moving from the northern to the southern hemisphere. Day and night are approximately the same length on this day. Up here on the mountain, we welcome those breezy, crisp nights that give way to bright, vibrant days full of colorful fall foliage. A time when there is no better sound than the crunch of the rust-colored leaves underfoot on a morning mountain hike. Autumn brings about many unbe-leaf-able sights, sounds, smells, and feelings. Share in the spirit of fall by dropping some of your favorite fall foliage photos in the comments below!

Our favorite color is FALL! Today we say so long to summer and welcome the autumnal equinox, or first day of fall. The autumnal equinox occurs when the sun passes the equator moving from the northern to the southern hemisphere. Day and night are approximately the same length on this day. Up here on the mountain, we welcome those breezy, crisp nights that give way to bright, vibrant days full of colorful fall foliage. A time when there is no better sound than the crunch of the rust-colored leaves underfoot on a morning mountain hike. Autumn brings about many unbe-leaf-able sights, sounds, smells, and feelings. Share in the spirit of fall by dropping some of your favorite fall foliage photos in the comments below!

What makes Pennsylvania a great place for outdoor recreation? Our abundance of trails and our commitment to providing trails. We're a top trail state! Find a trail http://trails.dcnr.pa.gov/ #PATrailsMonth #ExplorePATrails

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Marty Walat. Marty was the co-owner of Walat’s along the Lincoln Highway near Laurel Summit. He was a legend on the mountain and always generous and welcoming to backpackers along the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail. He helped create memorable experiences for countless numbers of residents and visitors alike. Our thoughts, prayers and condolences are with his family and friends during this difficult time. Rest in peace, Marty.

**STATUS UPDATE** - The potable water pump at the Route 653 trailhead has been repaired and is operating!

FYI - Status updates and recommendations for potable and non-potable water sources along the trail. Stay hydrated!

If you find a fawn, let it be! Mother deer leave their fawns behind so that they can forage for food. They will return to the fawn to feed and care for it. Please never touch or disturb a fawn!

Honor PA’s own Fred Rogers and share kindness with essential workers and neighbors for #143DayinPA show us your good deed by using the hashtag https://143day.dced.pa.gov/

Today is World Migratory Bird Day! You've probably noticed the aggressive singing of migratory birds throughout the forest. Learning to identify birds by sound can be great fun and let's face it, when hiking in Pennsylvania your gaze is often on the rocky terrain below your feet. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology put together a nice article with reviews of bird identification guides for your smartphone. The guides they review focus on the use of bird songs and sounds. Check it out! https://www.allaboutbirds.org//our-review-best-iphone-app/

DCNR is undertaking a phased reopening of Pennsylvania state park facilities in keeping with Governor Tom Wolf's guidance and direction to ensure opportunities for safe outdoor recreation. Learn more https://bit.ly/3fejrRF.

Pennsylvania state park facilities will remain closed until Friday, May 8, to help slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Anyone with reservations in this time ...period will be contacted, and full refunds will be made. This extension applies to events as well. Closures and event cancellations beyond May 8 will be coordinated with the commonwealth’s reopening plan. #FlattenTheCurve

Check out the top ten most observed species in yesterday's Bio Blitz!

To celebrate #EarthDay50, DCNR and Pennsylvania State Parks are inviting all Pennsylvania residents to record the life near their homes by participating in a statewide Bio Blitz on Wednesday April 22. From 12:00 AM to 11:59 PM any observation you make on iNaturalist will be counted towards the record of species that call Pennsylvania home. iNaturalist will compile the data collected and give us a snapshot of the most common (or rare) sightings for the day. Want to participate...? Go to iNaturalist.com and create an account. You can participate via the website or download the app. Here is a great tutorial to help you get started: http://static.inaturalist.org/wiki_page_at/363-original.pdf Once you have an account join the bio blitz project at https://www.inaturalist.org//earthday50-pennsylvania-great. This will include your data with the rest of the statewide observations. Visit the project journal for helpful tips on making observations and more. We hope you'll join us to record all the life right outside your door on this 50th anniversary of Earth Day!

We’re seeing new visitors to Pennsylvania state parks as people are seeking the mental and physical benefits that nature can provide during the COVID-19 pandemic. The best advice to slow the spread of the virus is to stay home. If you do find yourself at a state park, please follow these basic etiquette tips to help us all have an enjoyable experience. #FlattenTheCurve