Trailhead information
Ohiopyle State Park
Primary- No restrooms
- No water
Booked one camp per night, in order
Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail Permit
Laurel Ridge State Park (PA) · Pennsylvania
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.
Get an alert when a night opens on your Laurel Highlands Trail dates.
70% of the openings our scanner caught on Laurel Highlands Trail were gone within 5 minutes.
Laurel Highlands Trail reservation dates
- route distance, point to point
- 70mi
Plan your Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail camps, night by night
Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail runs 70 miles from Ohiopyle State Park (southern trailhead) to Conemaugh Gorge (northern trailhead). You book a camp for each night.
Ohiopyle State Park (southern trailhead) → Conemaugh Gorge (northern trailhead)
70 mi
Ohiopyle State Park (southern trailhead)Conemaugh Gorge (northern trailhead)
Ohiopyle Shelter Area
PA Rt. 653 Shelter Area
Grindle Ridge Shelter Area
PA Rt. 31 Shelter Area
PA Turnpike Shelter Area
U.S. Rt. 30 Shelter Area
PA Rt. 271 Shelter Area
PA Rt. 56 Decker Ave. Shelter Area
Trailhead
Ohiopyle State Park (southern trailhead)
Mile 0 of 702,096 ft
The trail's southern end at the Youghiogheny River in Ohiopyle State Park.
Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail camps
Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail landmarks, Ohiopyle State Park (southern trailhead) to Conemaugh Gorge (northern trailhead)
How to get a Laurel Highlands Trail permit
As of September 2026, Laurel Highlands Trail in Laurel Ridge State Park (PA), Pennsylvania requires a permit issued via reservation. Laurel Highlands Trail rates 6/10 on PermitSnag's demand index. Cancelled Laurel Highlands Trail permits are re-released on the booking system, and PermitSnag alerts you the moment one opens. The Laurel Highlands Trail route covers 70 miles, rated moderate.
- Type
- Backpacking
- Location
- Laurel Mountain, southwestern Pennsylvania, PA
Step 1: Create a Pennsylvania State Parks account
Sign up at Pennsylvania State Parks if you don't have an account. Have your payment info ready.
Step 2: Know the release schedule
Permits release on a rolling basis. Check the release time for your dates.
Step 3: Be ready when permits drop
Log in a few minutes early. Have your dates, group size, and payment ready to go.
Step 4: Monitor for cancellations
If your dates are sold out, people cancel all the time. Set up PermitSnag alerts to catch openings instantly.
Learn more:
Laurel Highlands Trail 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 parkId 880219 also lists the day-use Laurel Ridge Pavilion; make sure you pick a backpacker shelter area, not the pavilion.
More on Laurel Highlands Trail: Live availability activityWhen Laurel Highlands Trail permits open upLaurel Highlands Hiking Trail permit itinerary
How much a Laurel Highlands Trail permit costs
Laurel Highlands Trail permit fee: Nightly shelter-area fee (confirm current rate at booking).
The Laurel Highlands Trail hike
- Distance
- 70 miles
- Route Type
- Point to Point
- Duration
- 4-6 days
- Difficulty
- Moderate
A 70-mile ridge walk across southwestern Pennsylvania, broken into eight shelter-area nights.
About this permit
The Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail runs 70 miles across Laurel Ridge, from Ohiopyle State Park to Conemaugh Gorge near Johnstown. Backpackers reserve one of eight overnight shelter areas along the way through Laurel Ridge State Park; day hiking any section needs no permit.
The route
From the Youghiogheny River at Ohiopyle State Park, the trail climbs onto Laurel Ridge and passes eight shelter areas roughly 6 to 12 miles apart, at PA Route 653, Grindle Ridge, PA Route 31, the PA Turnpike, US Route 30, PA Route 271, and Decker Avenue, before ending at Conemaugh Gorge near Johnstown.
The feeling
The trail runs the length of Laurel Ridge, crossing eight numbered road corridors, each with its own shelter area of up to three five-person shelters, tent pads, and potable water.
How hard the Laurel Highlands Trail hike is
- Physical DemandFitness and endurance required5/5
- Technical SkillClimbing, scrambling, or specialized skills1/5
- NavigationRoute finding and trail clarity1/5
- CommitmentDifficulty of bailing out mid-route3/5
Best for: Experienced hikers with excellent fitness and relevant technical skills.
Recommended experience: Should have completed 10+ mile day hikes with significant elevation gain.
Trailhead information
Conemaugh Gorge
- No restrooms
- No water
When to hike Laurel Highlands Trail
Weather Forecast
Trailhead (5,000 ft)
Today
🌧️
64°
47°
30%
Mon
🌫️
57°
53°
Tue
☁️
69°
54°
Wed
☁️
75°
52°
Thu
☁️
79°
55°
Fri
🌧️
67°
47°
29%
Sat
☁️
59°
41°
36%
View full NWS forecast →Mountain weather changes rapidly. This forecast is a guide—always be prepared for worse conditions.
Laurel Highlands Trail photography guide
Classic Shots
- The Youghiogheny River at the Ohiopyle trailhead
- Conemaugh Gorge at the northern trailhead
Laurel Highlands Trail rules, gear and safety
Rules & regulations
- 01Overnight camping is only at the eight designated shelter areas
- 02One night per shelter area
Safety & planning
Emergency Info
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Laurel Highlands Trail.
Food Storage
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for Laurel Highlands Trail · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides
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Laurel Highlands Trail FAQ
Do I need a permit for the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail?
You need a shelter reservation, not a wilderness permit, for any overnight stay. Day hiking any section needs nothing.
How far in advance can I book a Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail shelter?
Up to 11 months ahead through ReserveAmerica.
How many shelter areas are on the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail?
Eight, spaced roughly 6 to 12 miles apart along the 70-mile trail, each with up to three five-person shelters, tent pads, bathrooms and potable water.
Can I camp anywhere I want on the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail?
No. Camping is only permitted at the eight designated shelter areas, and you're limited to one night at each stop.
How long does it take to hike the Laurel Highlands Trail end to end?
Most backpackers take 4 to 6 days to cover the full 70 miles between Ohiopyle and Conemaugh Gorge.
Where does the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail start and end?
The southern end is at Ohiopyle State Park on the Youghiogheny River; the northern end is at Conemaugh Gorge near Johnstown.
Laurel Highlands Trail trail conditions and trip reports
Trail Conditions
No active conditions reported
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Trip Reports
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Write the First ReportAlternatives to a Laurel Highlands Trail permit
Where to stay near Laurel Highlands Trail
- Outflow CampingYoughiogheny River Lake
- Youghiogheny Recreation AreaYoughiogheny River Lake
- Somerfield North Recreation AreaYoughiogheny River Lake
- All Pennsylvania campgrounds
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