National Parks Week, which runs through April 30, 2023, is a celebration of the beauty and significance of the parks system in the United States. It’s great opportunity for people to learn about the natural wonders of the country and to appreciate the efforts made to preserve them.
The Laurel Highlands offers easy access to the five National Parks of Western Pennsylvania, which offer visitors breathtaking views, rich history, and diverse wildlife. One of the biggest draws for National Parks Week is free admission, but it’s always free to enter the fab five!
Flight 93 National Memorial
Somerset County
A place of solemn remembrance and reflection, the site is dedicated to the 40 passengers and crew members who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001, aboard Flight 93. Park visitors can walk the Flight Path Walkway, which follows the path of the plane; experience the Tower of Voices, a monumental, 93-foot tall musical instrument holding 40 wind chimes that serves as both a visual and audible reminder of the heroism of the passengers and crew member; and visit the Wall of Names, which honors each of the victims. The park also offers educational programs and exhibits that tell the story of the passengers and crew members' heroic actions.
There are three designated walking trails within the memorial.
Hours: The memorial grounds are open from sunrise to sunset every day of the year. The Visitors Center is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily except for New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
Admission: Free
Address: 6424 Lincoln Highway, Stoystown, PA 15563
Fort Necessity National Battlefield
Fayette County
A historic site that commemorates the first battle of the French and Indian War, the national battlefield includes a reconstructed fort and a museum with exhibits that tell the story of the conflict between the British and French empires. Visitors can use the NPS App or call 585-627-4152 for an audio tour on a mobile device. It includes seven stops, including the Mount Washington Tavern, Braddock’s Grave, and Jumonville Glen.
Fort Necessity National Battlefield has five miles of hiking trails to explore. You can walk to the battlefield and back in 15 minutes, or hike for hours through forests and meadows.
Hours: The national battlefield is open from sunrise to sunset every day of the year. The Visitors Center is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily except for New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Admission: Free
Address: 1 Washington Parkway, Farmington, PA 15437
Friendship Hill National Historic Site
Fayette County
Nestled on a hilltop overlooking the Monongahela River, Friendship Hill National Historic Site \tells the story of Albert Gallatin, a statesman, diplomat, and scholar who served in several key positions in the early years of the United States. He was the longest-serving Secretary of the Treasury in American history, holding the position under Presidents Thomas Jefferson and James Madison.
Visitors can tour the mansion that served as Gallatin’s country estate and learn about his life and contributions our nation’s early years of the United States.
There are 10 miles of trails within the site.
Hours: The park grounds and trails are open daily from sunrise to sunset, all year. The Gallatin House is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily May through September. It is only open Saturdays and Sundays from October through April. It is closed on New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Washington’s Birthday, Columbus Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
Admission: Free
Address: 223 New Geneva Road, Point Marion, PA 15470
Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site
Cambria County
Located about 30 miles northeast of Somerset County’s border with Cambria County, this historic site is a testament to the ingenuity and hard work of early American pioneers. It preserves the remains of the Allegheny Portage Railroad, which was built in the early 19th century to transport goods and people across the Allegheny Mountains, providing the first direct route between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site has more than 15 miles of trails in different sections of the park. Trails follow sections of the original railroad route and allow hikers to see where important features of it would have been located.
Hours: Park grounds are open from sunrise to sunset every day of the year. The Visitor Center, Engine House 6 Exhibit Shelter, and Lemon House are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily except New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Admission: Free
Address: 110 Federal Park Road, Gallitzin, PA 16641
Johnstown Flood National Memorial
Cambria County
More than 130 years after the tragedy that captured the world’s attention, Johnstown is still synonymous with flooding. On land that was home to the South Fork Fishing & Hunting Club and attracted the richest men in America, this park is dedicated to the 2,209 people who lost their lives in the Johnstown Flood of 1889, one of the deadliest natural disasters in American history. Visitors can see the remains of the South Fork Dam, which failed and caused the flood, and explore exhibits that tell the story of the disaster and its aftermath.
The Johnstown Flood National Memorial features about 2 miles worth of trails, including the Walk Through the Ruins, which features interpretive panels.
Hours: The memorial grounds are open from sunrise to sunset every day of the year. The Visitors Center is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily except for New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Admission: Free
Address: 733 Lake Road, South Fork, PA 15956
National Parks Week is an excellent time to visit Western Pennsylvania parks. Each offers a unique experience that celebrates American history, resilience, and the natural beauty of our country. So, take some time to explore these parks and discover the stories they have to tell!
