Southwestern Pennsylvania

The sun beams down on a river bending through dense wooded forest.

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Exploring Southwestern Pennsylvania

The Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail follows two routes in Southwestern Pennsylvania, the Great Allgheny Passage (GAP) and the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail (LHHT). Both routes are vastly different from one another offering visitors a unique and diverse experience for exploring the Allgheny Highlands section of the Potomac Heritage Trail.

The Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail

Considered one of the more remote sections of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail (LHHT) stretches 70 miles from the Conemaugh Gorge in Seward, Pennsylvania to Ohiopyle State Park in Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania. The Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail can be enjoyed as a thru-hike or in segments and offers navigable terrain suitable for new to experienced outdoor enthusiasts. The LHHT offers visitors densely wooded forests, scenic overlooks, and an abundance of camping shelters for a night under the stars. Keep in mind, any overnight stay on the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail requires a reservation. Please visit Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail (pa.gov) for more information about reservations, current trail conditions, and closures.

The Great Allegheny Passage

The Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) is a 147-mile-long nonmotorized path connecting Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Cumberland, Maryland. While only the 72-mile section from Ohiopyle State Park to Cumberland, Maryland is recognized as a segment of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, this rail trail system is primarily enjoyed by both hikers and bikers. The GAP winds through gorges, river valleys, and farmlands offering stunning views of Southern Pennsylvania and Western Maryland. Please visit Great Allegheny Passage (gaptrail.org) for more information about the GAP, trail conditions, and GAP partners.

For additional resources and information on the Southwestern Pennsylvania region of the Potomac Heritage Trail, please see our Managing Partners page.