The Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail, one of the finest natural trails in Pennsylvania, extends for over 70 miles from Conemaugh Gorge near Johnstown to the rugged and picturesque Youghiogheny River Gorge at Ohiopyle State Park. The northern terminus is a few miles east of Seward off PA 56, and the southern terminus now connects with the Great Allegheny Passage at Ohiopyle. Most of the trail is on Laurel Mountain, but there are some sections where it drops to the valley floor.The Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail is blazed with 2-by-5-inch yellow markings. Large signs indicate access points, and markers appear at every mile. There are eight overnight shelter areas along the trail, situated 8 to 10 miles apart. Each contains five shelters with tent pads, two comfort stations, a fireplace, and water sources. These overnight areas are not directly on the trail, but are set back somewhat to retain a wilderness atmosphere. Overnight stays, which require a reservation, are limited to one night at each shelter area.The Charles Lewis Natural Area, though not a part of the LHHT, is located just across the Conemaugh River at the northern terminus of the trail. This area is a great place for a day hike and also offers views of the Conemaugh Gorge.

Source: Laurel Highlands Trail – PAHikes

This trail is named after Congressman John P. Saylor, who represented Pennsylvania from 1949 to 1973. He was a conservationist with a deep concern for the environment. While in Congress, Saylor sponsored the National Scenic Trails Act and supported national wilderness preservation.$7.95Add to CartJohn P. Saylor Trail Guidebook and Mapby Scott Adams The John P. Saylor Trail is relatively flat with gradual climbs in elevation. The trail is a double loop configuration with the northern loop being about 12 miles in length and the southern loop being about 5 miles in length. The entire trail is a little over 17 miles long and can be hiked in a single day, but more typically done in two days.

There is a shelter erected approximately 8.5 miles into the hike, located on the southern loop.In the spring the trail is very wet with many springs and streams leading to marshy areas. On parts of the trail there is well preserved evidence of the former railroad grades over the swamp areas. The trail crosses Clear Shade Creek by a narrow suspension bridge into the Clear Shade wild area. You also pass through a former logging camp and will see the remnants of a splash dam.

Source: John P. Saylor Trail – PAHikes

This is one of the newer trails in the Pennsylvania State Forests. Located in Sproul State Forest, the Eagleton Mine Camp Trail (EMCT) is a 20 mile multi-use circuit trail open to hikers, bikers, and equestrians alike. With two main cross connectors and various mountain roads, you can make a hike of a variety of lengths.The eastern and northern sections of the trail are relatively easy to hike, with very little elevation change and nice, even terrain to hike on. The western and southern trails are quite a bit harder. There are more rocks found on the trail as well as signficant, and multiple elevation changes . Water sources are somewhat scarce on the northern part of the trail but abundant on the southern half.

Source: Eagleton Mine Camp Trail – PAHikes

The Donut Hole Trail (DHT) is a long-distance backpacking trail, traversing 81 miles in the Sproul State Forest, paralleling the West Branch of the Susquehanna River. It is one of the most remote and challenging of the state’s backpacking trails and is for seasoned hikers only, with numerous steep climbs and unbridged stream crossings. Bridges were recently constructed or replaced over Cooks Run, Drury Run, Seven Mile Run, and Paddy Run. Extensive relocations have been made in the Bull Run, Seven Mile, and Merrimam Hollow areas, eliminating many stream crossings. The biggest remaining challenge of the orange-blazed DHT is a deep-water ford of the very wide Kettle Creek that should not be attempted during high water. A yellow-blazed side trail provides a lengthy detour around this crossing.

Source: Donut Hole Trail – PAHikes