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The 70 Mile LHHT is a beast full of steep ascents and relentless technical terrain.


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Map Key

69.1

Miles

111.2

KM

Point to Point

2,966' 904 m

High

1,241' 378 m

Low

8,652' 2,637 m

Up

8,603' 2,622 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

42%

Max Grade (23°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Views · Wildlife

Description

The 70-mile hiking trail stretches along Laurel Mountain from the picturesque Youghiogheny River At Ohiopyle, Pa. to the Conemaugh Gorge near Johnstown, Pa. The trail features overnight trail shelters that must be reserved in advance. Seasoned backpackers challenge themselves on the steep, rugged areas of the trails. Casual hikers and runners enjoy areas that are reasonably level and pleasant for walking.

The trail traverses state parks, state forests, state game lands, other public lands and private lands. The Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail is a major segment of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, a network of trails between the mouth of the Potomac River and the Allegheny Highlands. Click here for more info.

The Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail is open year-round and is blazed approximately every 100 feet with 2-inch and 5-inch yellow blazes. Connector trails lead to and from trailheads and shelter areas and are marked with blue blazes. Mileage monuments are every mile. Yellow bands around trees mark the trail at every major road crossing.

A hiker's guide to the Laurel Highlands Trail is available from the Sierra Club Allegheny Group. The guide describes the trail and aids in planning outings. Included in the guide are detailed topographic maps plus information on geology, climate, plants and wildlife.

Trailheads
Six trailheads provide 30-car parking lots, overnight parking and trash receptacles.

Voluntary day use registration mailboxes are located in each of the trailheads for day hikers to fill out information cards for vital park attendance data and for use in an emergency. For overnight use of the trail see the LHHT Regulations section.

Contacts

Land Manager: PA DCNR - Main Office

Shared By:

Kevin Ketchman

Trail Ratings

  4.4 from 32 votes

#119

Overall
  4.4 from 32 votes
5 Star
56%
4 Star
34%
3 Star
6%
2 Star
3%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#1

in Pennsylvania

#119

Overall
54 Views Last Month
16,349 Since May 6, 2015
Difficult Difficult

0%
0%
13%
17%
70%
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Photos

Serene waters on the Laurel Highlands Trail
Sep 7, 2016 near Ohiopyle, PA
Great view of the Youghiogheny River valley
Mar 30, 2015 near Ohiopyle, PA
Just off the trail, a cemetery is maintained and still visited. A piece of history of the area.
Jun 13, 2015 near Ohiopyle, PA
Gorgeous vista at Laurel Ridge
Sep 7, 2016 near South C…, PA
Part of the trail route
Oct 16, 2019 near Ohiopyle, PA
Sunlight weaves its way through the thick canopy, catching hints of mist along Lick Run.  A short series of switchbacks lead to this gem, where the cold water in summer offers a brief respite from an otherwise absurdly humid trail.
Jul 20, 2015 near Ohiopyle, PA
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