Laurel Highlands Trail Permit: Route
Laurel Highlands Trail permits are booked by advance reservation in Laurel Ridge State Park (PA). The route covers 70 miles.
This guide covers the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail permit.
Nightly shelter-area fee (confirm current rate at booking)
Permit Cost
4-6 days
Duration
70 miles
Distance
moderate
Difficulty
About Laurel Highlands Trail
The Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail is a 70-mile ridge-top footpath across southwestern Pennsylvania, from Ohiopyle State Park to Johnstown. Backpackers reserve one of eight overnight shelter areas through Laurel Ridge State Park; this page sells a cancellation alert on that booking.
The Laurel Highlands Trail
- Distance
- 70 miles
- Route type
- point-to-point
- Trip length
- 4-6 days
- Difficulty
- moderate
Entry points: Ohiopyle State Park, Conemaugh Gorge
Laurel Mountain, southwestern Pennsylvania
Points along the route
- Ohiopyle State Park (southern trailhead)Mile 0, 2,096 ft
- Ohiopyle Shelter AreaMile 6.3, 1,532 ft
- PA Rt. 653 Shelter AreaMile 18.5, 2,604 ft
- Grindle Ridge Shelter AreaMile 24, 2,703 ft
- PA Rt. 31 Shelter AreaMile 32.5
- PA Turnpike Shelter AreaMile 38.2
- U.S. Rt. 30 Shelter AreaMile 46.5
- PA Rt. 271 Shelter AreaMile 56.9
- PA Rt. 56 Decker Ave. Shelter AreaMile 64.9
- Conemaugh Gorge (northern trailhead)Mile 70, 1,290 ft
Laurel Highlands Trail permit detailsandAll Laurel Ridge State Park (PA) permits
Get Laurel Highlands Trail Alerts
Be first to know when cancellations happen.
Pro Tips
Book each night's shelter area separately; the trail has 8 spaced roughly every 6-10 miles.
Reserve America's booking page for Laurel Ridge State Park also lists the day-use Laurel Ridge Pavilion; make sure you pick a backpacker shelter area, not the pavilion.
100+ wilderness permits, extensive backcountry experience
This guide is based on personal experience obtaining wilderness permits and is regularly updated to reflect current policies and strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a Laurel Highlands Trail permit?
+
Laurel Highlands Trail permits require advance reservations. Book online as soon as reservations open for your desired dates.
How long is the Laurel Highlands Trail route?
+
The route is 70 miles, as a point-to-point. Plan on 4-6 days.
How difficult is the Laurel Highlands Trail route?
+
This is a moderate route, requires good fitness and some outdoor experience.
Where does the Laurel Highlands Trail route start?
+
The permit covers 2 entry points: Ohiopyle State Park, Conemaugh Gorge.
Don't Miss Your Laurel Highlands Trail Permit
Cancellations happen every day. PermitSnag monitors Laurel Highlands Trail availability 24/7 and alerts you the moment a spot opens up.
Get Permit Alerts
