2017-03-24 17:26:45
It’s hard to look away when you are in the Laurel Highlands. Its roaring rivers draw you in, whether you’re rafting down their rapids or hiking past breathtaking waterfalls, and a 68-mile scenic byway promises even more sightseeing splendor. These mountains host architectural marvels, amusement parks, and art museums — in addition to world-class hiking. Come for the culture and the great outdoors, and soak up the charm with a dazzling backdrop every season of the year. Laurel Ridgeline Zipline Tour, Seven Springs Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, Farmington Seven Springs Mountain Resort, Seven Springs Idlewild and SoakZone, Ligonier Fort Ligonier Days, Ligonier A HAPPY DAY KID-APPROVED: Hit The Streets: the snowboarding hike park at Seven Springs Mountain Resort in Seven Springs that is filled with stairs, handrails, and other urban-inspired terrain. The resort features 33 slopes and trails for skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing. Deep under the forests in Farmington, Laurel Caverns offers three miles of marvels where guests take guided tours and pan for gemstones. Adventurous spelunkers can try cave rappelling. After you’ve tunneled underground, fly up to the Adventure Center at nearby Nemacolin Woodlands Resort in Farmington, with zip lines, bungee jumping, and ropes courses. Explore the neighborhood aboard Daniel Tiger’s trolley in Idlewild and SoakZone. This kid-focused amusement park in Ligonier sparks delight from Raccoon Lagoon to Storybook Forest. ADVENTURER: Cucumber Falls might be the most stunning waterfall in Ohiopyle State Park, and it’s also easy to access. Reach the top after a quick hike from the parking lot, or carefully climb down to enjoy the spray as it opens into the rapids. Paddle the “Yough” yourself with Wilderness Voyageurs in Ohiopyle, which also offer various bike tours. Hike to the highest peak in PA atop Mount Davis in Forbes State Forest, or else test your grip bouldering at Wolf Rocks on the Laurel Ridge. HISTORY BUFF: American Revolution aficionados will love Historic Hanna’s Town in Greensburg, which gives a glimpse into the colonials’ struggle for defense against the British. Spend the day at the nearby garrison at Fort Ligonier, a newly renovated 18th-century outpost. This section of the Historic National Road winds through Fort Necessity and Jumonville Glen, along with other key sites along the path to independence. No trip to Scottdale is complete without a tour of West Overton Village, home of Old Overholt Whiskey, which reopens May 2017. Allegheny Passage GO FOR THE … RIDE Cyclists seeking a scenic adventure can bike the Great Allegheny Passage from its origin at Point State Park in Pittsburgh through the Maryland border and beyond. This converted rail trail is mostly flat, but the gentle slope peaks just past Myersdale, after mounting the Salisbury Viaduct that crosses the Casselman River. EVENTS GERANIUM FESTIVAL May 27, 2017 The event celebrates Connellsville’s designation as the Geranium Capital of the World. The festival will include craft and food booths, informational booths, a princess contest, pet parade, children’s activities, a full day of great music and entertainment, as well as beautiful flowers. HIGH POINT NATIONAL June 17, 2017 There might not be a better place to see the sport of motocross than High Point Raceway in Mount Morris. The 41st annual High Point National will mark Round 4 of the 2017 Lucas Oil Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing. RAIN DAY July 29, 2017 Rain Day in Waynesburg is the only holiday that is not a success unless it rains! The celebrations include a street fair in the heart of town featuring live entertainment, art and crafts booths, hometown food, children’s games, and an umbrella decorating contest. 60TH ANNUALSPRINGS FOLK FESTIVAL Oct. 6–7, 2017 Visit the city of Springs to celebrate fall in Amish country. Enjoy a celebration of the arts, skills, and labors of our ancestors with bread baking, weaving, log hewing, and grain threshing. Add in hayrides, Pennsylvania Dutch foods, music, and a large museum for a grand time. FORT LIGONIER DAYS Oct. 13–15, 2017 Battle reenactments, 150 juried craftsmen and a huge parade commemorate the key strategic battle of the French and Indian War at Fort Ligonier.
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