Fall is one of the best times of the year to visit the Laurel Highlands. The weather is pleasant, the views are spectacular, and the festivals are fantastic. To make it easy for you, we’ve provided all the details you need for an incredible long weekend in the Laurel Highlands, including not only where to go for the best views but also where…

The Laurel Highlands is the perfect spot for a long weekend, whether you’re looking to escape to the great outdoors, learn about historic events that helped shape our nation, enjoy our arts and cultural scene, or simply relax with a tasty beverage. We’ve got you covered. Make a splash – and unforgettable memories – at…

Dressing Guide: What to Wear for Summer Rafting Whether commercial rafting or just an easy float on the river with your friends, prioritizing your comfort when summer rafting is advisable. Just like camping and other adventures, summer rafting requires essential gear for a fun experience. Some rafting companies will provide basic safety equipment…

Three state parks in the Laurel Highlands will offer visitors free sunscreen. "As the weather warms, it is critical people take the necessary steps to protect themselves from potentially harmful ultraviolet rays when spending extended time outdoors," said Cindy Adams Dunn, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) secretary.…

Surf’s up in the Laurel Highlands! Whitewater lovers are flocking to Somerset County this weekend for the annual Stonycreek Rendezvous. Greenhouse Park, an 11-acre oasis on the Stonycreek River, will be the gathering spot for up to 1,000 paddlers using canoes, kayaks, rafts and stand-up paddleboards in what has become a can’t-miss…

Westmoreland County is doing more than just preserving its past during its 250 th anniversary year. The Westmoreland Pollinator Partners program is looking to improve its future as well with a project designed to ensure the survival – and revival – of the butterfly population in the Laurel Highlands. The International Union for…

Miles and miles of pristine streams, runs, rivers, and lakes filled with cold mountain water make the Laurel Highlands region the perfect place to cast a line and soak in the scenic beauty. Trout season opens across Pennsylvania on April 1, and anglers will be hitting the waterways in search of more than just a nibble on their lines.…

When Carmen Rose moved to the Laurel Highlands more than three decades ago, the region reminded her of her homeland of Germany. She was drawn in by its scenic beauty and the outdoor opportunities that abound here. Forbes State Forest and Laurel Summit State Park are only about five miles from her Boswell-area home, and you can find the 62-year-old…

Do you have friends who absolutely love the snow? You know, the ones who start talking about fresh powder in October? Me, too. And I definitely wasn’t on the same wavelength as them. I used to hate winter. My friends convinced me to try downhill skiing about 30 years ago and it didn’t go well. I’ve held a grudge –…

Mother Nature couldn’t have picked better weather for First Day Hike participants at Laurel Hill State Park on Jan. 1. About three dozen of us set out with Kimberly Peck, an environmental education specialist at the park, on a 3.5-mile, out-and-back hike to Jones Mill Run Dam. With temperatures hovering around 50 degrees, it was a…