In spring, Laurel Highlands is a mountainous paradise, with 3,000 square miles of natural scenery, historic sites, and world-class resorts. Fresh blooms and cascading waterfalls make it the perfect destination for a scenic, unforgettable girls’ trip. Here’s a guide on what to expect, how to plan, and which sites and activities to prioritize.

 

Planning a girls’ trip to Laurel Highlands

A little preparation goes a long way in planning the perfect girls’ trip to Laurel Highlands. Here are some tips for visiting in the spring:

  • Bring water. Temperatures can reach the 70s in late spring, and if you plan on doing a lot of walking or hiking, you’ll likely run even warmer. Staying hydrated will help you have a good time.
  • Dress in layers and bring a light jacket. Temperatures tend to fluctuate in the spring, ranging from 50 to 70 degrees on average. Chilly mornings often transition to warm afternoons, making it important to plan for all scenarios.
  • Wear sturdy, comfortable footwear. If you plan to go hiking, rafting, or exploring, choosing the right footwear makes a big difference. Wear supportive, comfortable shoes, so you’re ready for whatever the day brings.
  • Have a rain plan. If you plan ahead, April showers don’t have to dampen your trip. Spring weather can change quickly, so it’s a good idea to have a backup plan for outdoor activities like hiking or rafting.
  • Book popular activities in advance. Popular tours and attractions can sell out days or even weeks ahead of time.  If there’s something you have your heart set on doing, play it safe and book your reservation well in advance.

For a fun and memorable girls’ trip, you may also want to follow these suggestions:

  • Balance activities with downtime. Vacations are a great time to connect and catch up with friends or family. Build in some downtime between activities so everyone has time to chat, relax, and explore what piques their interest.
  • Delegate planning. If other members of your group are willing, try delegating some planning tasks, like researching attractions, booking lodgings, or choosing restaurants. You might even assign different people to different days, helping everyone feel involved and invested in the trip.
  • Book accommodations that encourage socializing. Whether it’s a resort with a built-in spa or a rental with shared rooms for late-night chats, choose a place that makes it easy to enjoy those small moments of connection and conversation that make girls’ trips special.
  • Focus on bonding experiences. Lean into group activities like whitewater rafting, where teamwork and cooperation are key. Activities like hiking and pour tours also allow for shared exploration and give you plenty of time to chat.
  • Stay flexible. From changing weather to shifting plans, there’s usually at least one part of a trip that doesn’t go as expected. Scheduled activities add structure and help build anticipation, but it’s important to leave room for flexibility. Sometimes, it’s the unexpected detours and unplanned moments that turn into the best memories.

Things to do in Laurel Highlands, Pennsylvania, this spring

Cucumber FallsVisit waterfalls during peak season

Spring is the best time to visit Laurel Highlands’ many waterfalls, including Cucumber Falls, a 30-foot waterfall nestled in the forest. Just steps from a parking area, you can enjoy this breathtaking waterfall with or without a hike. Adams Falls, framed by rhododendrons and hemlock, includes a 1-mile loop with beautiful views. Another waterfall, Cole Run Falls, also includes an optional trail, with a parking lot at the falls for easy viewing access.

hiking woman bending by a stream at Linn RunEnjoy the natural beauty of Laurel Highlands

With 120,000 acres of state parks, Laurel Highlands has hiking and biking trails for every type of explorer. Ohiopyle State Park features scenic waterfalls, spectacular views, and trails that range from easy strolls to steep, rocky climbs. The park is also a great place for rafting or canoeing.

Forbes State Forest is a paradise of quiet trails and beautiful waterfalls. The Spruce Flats Bog and Wildlife Area features 300 acres of unique flora like cranberry, cotton grass, and carnivorous plants, making it an intriguing place to explore.

For more of a challenge, try the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail. This 70-mile route winds through forests and mountains to intersect with the 1,000-foot Conemaugh Gorge near Johnstown. With overnight areas every 8-10 miles, it’s perfect for section hikes or multi-day backpacking trips.

Ohiopyle Essentials: A Rafting Trip Guide

Try whitewater rafting on the Youghiogheny River

Whitewater rafting picks up in the spring on the Youghiogheny River. Float leisurely down a stretch of serene water while enjoying the view, or tackle a more challenging route with Class III and IV rapids. Working together to steer your raft over rocks and rapids makes for a fun, exciting bonding experience.

Fort Ligonier

Explore local towns and historic sites

Laurel Highlands is full of history. Fort Ligonier, a reconstructed fort from the French and Indian War, houses a rare collection of George Washington artifacts, including pistols and handwritten letters. After your visit, head to nearby Ligonier, a historic small town with boutique shopping and local dining.

For more early American history, visit Fort Necessity National Battlefield, the site of George Washington’s first military engagement. Discover the circumstances that led to the young general’s only surrender, then tour a historic tavern and learn about America’s first federally built highway.

The Flight 93 Memorial honors another solemn event in American history: when 40 courageous passengers and crew members thwarted an attack on the US Capitol on September 11, 2001. The site includes a memorial plaza overlooking the spot where the plane crash-landed, as well as a wall bearing the names of each passenger and crew member. With 2026 marking the 25th anniversary of 9/11, the Flight 93 Memorial makes for a meaningful addition to any trip.

Frank Lloyd's Wright's Fallingwater home built over a waterfall

See iconic architecture

Frank Lloyd Wright, one of America’s most celebrated architects, found inspiration in the wooded landscapes of Laurel Highlands, and spring is a great time to visit several of his most iconic houses. Both set in the woods, Fallingwater and Kentuck Knob capture the organic beauty of Pennsylvania’s natural areas and speak to man’s relationship with nature. Polymath Park features two more Frank Lloyd Wright houses, offering tours and overnight stays for a truly immersive experience.

Marvel at the illusion of Fallingwater, a summer home that appears suspended in mid-air over a cascading waterfall. Today, the house is recognized as a National Historic Landmark and one of 24 UNESCO World Heritage sites in the US. Different tour options focus on the home’s architecture and design philosophy, the beauty of its natural setting, and the history of its construction. Less than 10 miles away is Kentuck Knob, a hexagonal home that blends seamlessly into a mountain bluff.

Two ladies outside with glasses of cider

Sip your way through Laurel Highlands on the Pour Tour

Enjoy craft beer, wine, and spirits as you wind your way through scenic Southwestern Pennsylvania. The Laurel Highlands Pour Tour takes you to some of the area’s most popular distilleries, breweries, and vineyards. Get a passport and collect stickers at each location, then cash them in for Laurel Highlands Pour Tour collectibles. It’s a fun, memorable way to experience the area.

Plan a spring fling in Laurel Highlands

Spring is an exciting time in Laurel Highlands, when blooming landscapes and outdoor adventure set the scene for a memorable getaway. Whether you’re navigating whitewater rapids or exploring the serenity of Frank Lloyd Wright’s nature-inspired architecture, this is the perfect place for some quality girls’ bonding time.