By Renee S. Gordon for Philadelphia Sun
Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands, recognized for its sheer beauty, inspires visitors to take the long way home, seek out the hidden path and wander in search of the endless possibilities the area offers.
Laurel Highlands was home to native tribes — most notably the Algonquin, Iroquois, Monongahela and Lenape — for thousands of years prior to first European contact. It was their pathway across the Allegheny Mountains to the Ohio River Valley, Nemacolin’s Trail, which was named after a Delaware chief, that facilitated settlers’ western movement. This “National Road” became pivotal to westward expansion and colonial history. Following the newer 68-mile Laurel Highland’s Scenic Byway will lead you to the majority of the sites and venues from outdoor activities to unique historic sites.