"Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better."
-Albert Einstein
The Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail is a 70 mile stretch from Ohiopyle, OH to Johnstown, PA. For this trip, my friend (Tim Williams) and I started at the access point at the 38.2 mile marker and hiked to the zero mile marker. Just 3 days two nights. The LHHT is good trail and freindly for beginners with camp sites every 6 miles or so and numerous access points throughout. If you want to plan a trip all the info you need is available here. Keep in mind that on this trail you have to camp in the designated camp sites and you need to reserve ahead of time.
The reservation is actually for a three walled shelter with a fireplace.
They are actually nice, and may be ideal for someone who is not ready
to sleep on the ground yet. Above you'll find some pictures of the
shelters. Fireplaces make starting a fire much easier for those whose
survival skills are a little lacking.
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| Tim and I |
The trails are well marked and maintained, every other group we encountered were friendly. The terrain changes dramatically through the trail you can get maps and elevation maps from the same website. You may want to make sure you take advantage of water sources before starting up a hill, you'll find a lot less water on climbs up and down.
During our trip, an unexpected winter storm came through. All these pictures were taken on the same three day trip. Because of all the elevation changes i recommend walking sticks to reduce impact on your joints.
There were a couple of interesting sites on our path. The trail actually takes straight up the slopes at Seven Springs (Left). We found an old family graveyard (Right).
And whatever this is to the right.
Overall the LHHT is a great trail for beginner to intermediate hikers and may be a good place for you to start.
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