Outdoor Activities
Explore & Discover
The Laurel Highlands boasts a range of top-notch sporting clay shooting ranges, including Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, Seven Springs, and TNT Shooting Grounds. Whether you’re part of a large group or flying solo, these courses can accommodate any group size.
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort features an exceptional course that ranks among the finest in the nation. With an impressive 38 stations set amidst their picturesque resort property, your shooting experience here promises to be exceptional. If you’re new to shooting, consider booking an instructor who can offer valuable tips and make your learning journey enjoyable. Rest assured, if you don’t have your own shotgun, they offer rentals and ammunition for purchase.
Seven Springs also boasts an excellent course, offering three distinct options in one. You can enjoy year-round shooting, including heated, partially enclosed winter stands. Seven Springs provides a range of instructor packages suitable for various experience levels, including options with a Level III National Sporting Clays Association Instructor like Mike Mohr. Equipment rentals are available for those who need them, and after your session, don’t forget to savor a delicious meal at the Grille at Sporting Clays.
Last but certainly not least, TNT Shooting Grounds offers an affordable and enjoyable shooting experience, perfect for those looking for a budget-friendly option. With numerous stations and a personal guide to help you select the right stations to suit your preferences, you’re guaranteed a fun-filled experience. The guides here are seasoned experts, so don’t hesitate to tap into their knowledge for tips and tricks to maximize your target shooting success. It’s advisable to call ahead to secure your shooting time and inquire about equipment rentals and ammunition purchases if needed.
Local Sporting Clay Ranges
Nemacolin Woodlands Sporting Clays
Seven Springs Sporting Clays
TNT Shooting Grounds
Experience the exhilarating rush of cool, crisp mountain air against your face as you descend the slopes on a snow tube. Whether you prefer a solo adventure or team up with a companion, the options depend on the current slope conditions. You can even engage in friendly races down the lanes. With numerous tubing lanes available, you’ll find that the lines move swiftly, ensuring you maximize your tubing time. For added convenience, the resorts provide a carpet belt system that swiftly transports you back up the mountain.
In the Laurel Highlands, you’ll discover two fantastic snow tubing destinations: Seven Springs Mountain Resort and Hidden Valley Resort. Remarkably, both resorts are conveniently situated within a mere 10-minute drive from Claycomb Chalets. For comprehensive information and to plan your snow tubing escapade, visit their respective websites via the links below.
Now All Three Local Ski Areas are on Vail Resort’s Epic Pass!
Satisfy your skiing cravings in the enchanting Laurel Highlands! With three conveniently located ski destinations all within a 10-minute drive, you’ll have an abundance of slopes to explore for days on end. Among these winter wonderlands—Seven Springs, Hidden Valley, and Laurel Mountain Ski Resorts—await over 80 trails and slopes, catering to a wide range of skiing expertise.
Among these options, Seven Springs leads the pack with an impressive 38 trails, followed by Hidden Valley with 26, and Laurel Mountain Ski Resort with 9 captivating slopes. To plan your skiing adventure, and to stay updated on rates, slope conditions, and additional details, be sure to visit their respective websites via the links below.
Seven Springs Mountain Resort
Hidden Valley Resort
Laurel Mountain Ski Resort
Recommended Local Ski Rental Outfitter
Thrifty Ski Rental
3772 State Route 31
Donegal, PA 15628
724-593-6404
Embark on an exhilarating Ohiopyle whitewater rafting expedition along the Youghiogheny River, nestled within the renowned Ohiopyle State Park. This majestic river, located near Ohiopyle, beckons adventurers with its diverse sections, ranging from Class I to V rapids, ensuring an unforgettable journey for rafting enthusiasts of all levels.
The Middle Yough segment, boasting Class I and II rapids, offers a tranquil yet engaging experience, perfect for those seeking a leisurely ride interspersed with exciting stretches to navigate. For seasoned thrill-seekers, the Lower Yough presents a thrilling challenge, featuring rapids ranging from Class III to IV, contingent upon water levels.
The Upper Yough, renowned for its Class IV and V rapids, is the domain of experienced rafters, where guided tours are mandatory, with a river guide accompanying each raft.
Discover below, four of the foremost Ohiopyle whitewater rafting companies, poised to guide you through this thrilling aquatic adventure. Each company offers a range of tours tailored to different experience levels, allowing you to customize your excursion to suit your group’s preferences. Be sure to explore their websites for comprehensive information on tour options, schedules, and rates. Given the popularity of these outings, strong reservations are recommended, and advance booking is advisable during peak seasons.
Ohiopyle Whitewater Rafting Outfitters
Laurel Highlands River and Outdoor Center
Wilderness Voyageurs Rafting and Bike Tours
Reserve Your Whitewater Rafting Cabin near Ohiopyle
Once the river wears you out, reserve a cozy cabin for your whole paddle crew to enjoy! Be sure to check out our online booking page for current rates and availability.
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery and the sensation of the wind rushing through your hair as you embark on a cycling adventure along The Great Allegheny Passage. This remarkable trail system spans a vast distance, stretching all the way from Cumberland, Maryland, to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and boasts more than 150 miles of gently undulating pathways to explore. For easy access, Ohiopyle State Park serves as a nearby entry point.
At Ohiopyle, pedal alongside and above the mesmerizing Youghiogheny River, treating yourself to awe-inspiring vistas at every turn. If you don’t have a bike of your own, fret not. Family-sized bike rentals are readily available at one of the Ohiopyle Biking Outfitters, ensuring that everyone can partake in the adventure.
You have the freedom to chart your own course along the well-traveled trails or opt for an expert-guided tour to lead you on an exploration of the less-traveled dirt pathways, uncovering hidden gems along the way. Ohiopyle generously offers four distinct outfitters where you can secure a bike rental or arrange for a guided tour. To learn more about what each outfitter has to offer, explore their respective pages below.
Ohiopyle Biking Outfitters
The Laurel Highlands River Tours and Outdoor Center
Explore the vast natural beauty of the Laurel Highlands and the nearby Ohiopyle, boasting over 120,000 acres of state parks that offer some of the most remarkable hiking experiences in the region. Here, a plethora of diverse trails await hikers of all skill levels. Immerse yourself in the serene ambiance as you follow trails that meander alongside idyllic creeks and streams. Traverse the captivating terrain of Forbes State Park, where emerald green lichen blankets the sandstone boulders, creating a striking landscape.
Don’t miss the opportunity to visit Ohiopyle’s enchanting Cucumber Falls, where you can unwind in the refreshing ponds beneath the falls on a sun-drenched summer day. With an abundance of hiking destinations, the Laurel Highlands provides an idyllic backdrop for nature enthusiasts to embark on unforgettable adventures.
Indulge in a golf vacation amidst the invigorating mountain air of the Laurel Highlands. Whether you’re planning a getaway with golf buddies or a family retreat, you’ll discover a golfer’s paradise in this scenic region. With an array of over 10 renowned 18-hole courses within easy reach, there’s a fairway perfectly suited to every skill and experience level.
Notably, the legendary PGA Golfer, Arnold Palmer, hails from the nearby town of Latrobe, PA. Golf enthusiasts in the Laurel Highlands have the extraordinary opportunity to tee off on the same hallowed courses that once challenged Arnie himself.
The Laurel Highlands region boasts an extensive network of lakeshores, rivers, and creeks, open to the public for an exhilarating fishing experience. Numerous lakes in the vicinity are meticulously stocked with a variety of prized fish species, including bass, trout, walleye, crappie, and bluegill. Our nearby streams, a blend of natural and stocked trout waters, offer ideal locales for both spinning rod and fly fishing enthusiasts. Please note that a valid Pennsylvania fishing license is mandatory for angling in any public lake, river, or stream.
Among the popular fishing destinations, you’ll find Acme Dam Lake, Laurel Hill Lake, and Kooser Lake, each teeming with opportunities to reel in a memorable catch. For trout enthusiasts, Roaring Run Creek and Indian Creek are the closest trout stream fishing spots, promising an immersive and rewarding angling experience. Should you seek recommendations or guidance, do not hesitate to reach out to our knowledgeable team.
Trout Season in the Laurel Highlands is a year-round affair for fly fishing in most streams. During the off-season, certain specially designated trout streams remain open for trout fishing year-round, provided you adhere to specific artificial tackle and trout possession regulations.
Pennsylvania’s western region boasts a rich diversity of trout species, with Brook Trout serving as the native stream trout. Over the years, Rainbow and Brown Trout have also established thriving populations in these waters. Several nursery streams and tributaries contribute to the abundance of large, colorful native trout.
As stewards of the environment, we encourage all anglers to adopt catch-and-release practices. The use of barb-less hooks and quick-release techniques plays a pivotal role in maintaining robust fish populations for generations to come.
To ensure compliance with fishing regulations and licensing requirements, a current fishing license with a Trout/Salmon endorsement is mandatory for all public waters in Pennsylvania. Non-residents have the convenience of purchasing tourist licenses (available for one, three, or seven days) at local Walmart stores or bait shops. You’ll find two Walmart locations nearby, one in Mount Pleasant and another in Somerset, providing easy access to the necessary licenses for your angling pursuits.
For more information, please visit the PA Fish and Boat Commission web site
TOP 10 LAUREL HIGHLANDS TROUT FISHING STREAMS
Mill Creek – N40.2493 W79.2345. Fish upstream from Ligonier Valley Trail Bridge. Open to public fishing. A tributary of Loyalhanna Creek, it’s fed by exceptional value headwater streams.
Loyalhanna Creek – N40.2466 W79.2463. One of PA’s eight Keystone Select Stocked Trout Waters within the Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures Only section. Public fishing between Route 711 bridge in Ligonier downstream to SR 2045 bridge.
Linn Run – N40.1690 W79.2336. Fish from Adams Falls picnic area upstream to Linn Run State Park Office. It has high alkalinity coldwater tributaries and is stocked.
Indian Creek – N40.0891 W79.3356. Fish the Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures Only section from Hunters Bridge off Route 381 downstream 1.6 miles to the Route 381 Bridge in Jones Mills.
Pike Run — N40.0783 W79.3203. Laurel Hill Trout Farm, on Pike Run, 3 miles east of Jones Mills on the south side of Route 31. Provides fee fishing and tours of their trout hatchery. No license is required. Rods may be borrowed; bait is available.
Laurel Hill Creek, upper section — N40.0083 W79.2325. A Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures Only section in Laurel Hill State Park begins at the bridge above Laurel Hill Lake.
Laurel Hill Creek, lower section — N39.8589 W79.3207. A Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures Only section is located just off Humbert Road north of Confluence PA on PA Route 281.
Youghiogheny River, Middle Section – N39.8266 W79.3786. The 10-mile section between Ohiopyle and Confluence has an all-tackle Trophy Trout section beginning at the Ramcat access area.
Youghiogheny Dam – N39.8051 W79.3661. Corps of Engineers campground includes public access to an outstanding year-round tailwater trout fishery.
Meadow Run – N39.8535 W79.4973. This Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures Only stretch begins where the stream crosses under Route 381 in Ohiopyle and extends upstream more than a mile. The lower area has waterfalls and slides. ADA accessible.
Western Pennsylvania’s abundant waterways offer a haven for canoeing enthusiasts, with miles of lakes and rivers waiting to be explored. Just a short 12-minute drive from Claycomb Chalets, Laurel Hill State Park beckons adventurers with its picturesque lake and excellent canoeing opportunities. Private outfitter Hazelbaker’s facilitates canoe rentals at Laurel Hill, providing access to a fleet of canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and paddle boats for a memorable day on the water.
But that’s not all – Hazelbaker’s extends its services to another location, the nearby Ohiopyle State Park. Here, you can embark on guided canoe or kayak float tours down the gentle class 1 rapids, a thrilling experience for those seeking a bit more excitement.
For those who prefer leisurely paddling or casting a fishing line, there are several public lakes in the vicinity. The closest one to Claycomb Chalets is Acme Dam Lake, a mere 5 miles away, promising serene moments and ample opportunities to connect with nature in this beautiful region.
The Laurel Highlands boasts a range of top-notch sporting clay shooting ranges, including Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, Seven Springs, and TNT Shooting Grounds. Whether you’re part of a large group or flying solo, these courses can accommodate any group size.
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort features an exceptional course that ranks among the finest in the nation. With an impressive 38 stations set amidst their picturesque resort property, your shooting experience here promises to be exceptional. If you’re new to shooting, consider booking an instructor who can offer valuable tips and make your learning journey enjoyable. Rest assured, if you don’t have your own shotgun, they offer rentals and ammunition for purchase.
Seven Springs also boasts an excellent course, offering three distinct options in one. You can enjoy year-round shooting, including heated, partially enclosed winter stands. Seven Springs provides a range of instructor packages suitable for various experience levels, including options with a Level III National Sporting Clays Association Instructor like Mike Mohr. Equipment rentals are available for those who need them, and after your session, don’t forget to savor a delicious meal at the Grille at Sporting Clays.
Last but certainly not least, TNT Shooting Grounds offers an affordable and enjoyable shooting experience, perfect for those looking for a budget-friendly option. With numerous stations and a personal guide to help you select the right stations to suit your preferences, you’re guaranteed a fun-filled experience. The guides here are seasoned experts, so don’t hesitate to tap into their knowledge for tips and tricks to maximize your target shooting success. It’s advisable to call ahead to secure your shooting time and inquire about equipment rentals and ammunition purchases if needed.
Local Sporting Clay Ranges
Nemacolin Woodlands Sporting Clays
Seven Springs Sporting Clays
TNT Shooting Grounds
Experience the exhilarating rush of cool, crisp mountain air against your face as you descend the slopes on a snow tube. Whether you prefer a solo adventure or team up with a companion, the options depend on the current slope conditions. You can even engage in friendly races down the lanes. With numerous tubing lanes available, you’ll find that the lines move swiftly, ensuring you maximize your tubing time. For added convenience, the resorts provide a carpet belt system that swiftly transports you back up the mountain.
In the Laurel Highlands, you’ll discover two fantastic snow tubing destinations: Seven Springs Mountain Resort and Hidden Valley Resort. Remarkably, both resorts are conveniently situated within a mere 10-minute drive from Claycomb Chalets. For comprehensive information and to plan your snow tubing escapade, visit their respective websites via the links below.
Now All Three Local Ski Areas are on Vail Resort’s Epic Pass!
Satisfy your skiing cravings in the enchanting Laurel Highlands! With three conveniently located ski destinations all within a 10-minute drive, you’ll have an abundance of slopes to explore for days on end. Among these winter wonderlands—Seven Springs, Hidden Valley, and Laurel Mountain Ski Resorts—await over 80 trails and slopes, catering to a wide range of skiing expertise.
Among these options, Seven Springs leads the pack with an impressive 38 trails, followed by Hidden Valley with 26, and Laurel Mountain Ski Resort with 9 captivating slopes. To plan your skiing adventure, and to stay updated on rates, slope conditions, and additional details, be sure to visit their respective websites via the links below.
Seven Springs Mountain Resort
Hidden Valley Resort
Laurel Mountain Ski Resort
Recommended Local Ski Rental Outfitter
Thrifty Ski Rental
3772 State Route 31
Donegal, PA 15628
724-593-6404
Embark on an exhilarating Ohiopyle whitewater rafting expedition along the Youghiogheny River, nestled within the renowned Ohiopyle State Park. This majestic river, located near Ohiopyle, beckons adventurers with its diverse sections, ranging from Class I to V rapids, ensuring an unforgettable journey for rafting enthusiasts of all levels.
The Middle Yough segment, boasting Class I and II rapids, offers a tranquil yet engaging experience, perfect for those seeking a leisurely ride interspersed with exciting stretches to navigate. For seasoned thrill-seekers, the Lower Yough presents a thrilling challenge, featuring rapids ranging from Class III to IV, contingent upon water levels.
The Upper Yough, renowned for its Class IV and V rapids, is the domain of experienced rafters, where guided tours are mandatory, with a river guide accompanying each raft.
Discover below, four of the foremost Ohiopyle whitewater rafting companies, poised to guide you through this thrilling aquatic adventure. Each company offers a range of tours tailored to different experience levels, allowing you to customize your excursion to suit your group’s preferences. Be sure to explore their websites for comprehensive information on tour options, schedules, and rates. Given the popularity of these outings, strong reservations are recommended, and advance booking is advisable during peak seasons.
Ohiopyle Whitewater Rafting Outfitters
Laurel Highlands River and Outdoor Center
Wilderness Voyageurs Rafting and Bike Tours
Reserve Your Whitewater Rafting Cabin near Ohiopyle
Once the river wears you out, reserve a cozy cabin for your whole paddle crew to enjoy! Be sure to check out our online booking page for current rates and availability.
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery and the sensation of the wind rushing through your hair as you embark on a cycling adventure along The Great Allegheny Passage. This remarkable trail system spans a vast distance, stretching all the way from Cumberland, Maryland, to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and boasts more than 150 miles of gently undulating pathways to explore. For easy access, Ohiopyle State Park serves as a nearby entry point.
At Ohiopyle, pedal alongside and above the mesmerizing Youghiogheny River, treating yourself to awe-inspiring vistas at every turn. If you don’t have a bike of your own, fret not. Family-sized bike rentals are readily available at one of the Ohiopyle Biking Outfitters, ensuring that everyone can partake in the adventure.
You have the freedom to chart your own course along the well-traveled trails or opt for an expert-guided tour to lead you on an exploration of the less-traveled dirt pathways, uncovering hidden gems along the way. Ohiopyle generously offers four distinct outfitters where you can secure a bike rental or arrange for a guided tour. To learn more about what each outfitter has to offer, explore their respective pages below.
Ohiopyle Biking Outfitters
The Laurel Highlands River Tours and Outdoor Center
Explore the vast natural beauty of the Laurel Highlands and the nearby Ohiopyle, boasting over 120,000 acres of state parks that offer some of the most remarkable hiking experiences in the region. Here, a plethora of diverse trails await hikers of all skill levels. Immerse yourself in the serene ambiance as you follow trails that meander alongside idyllic creeks and streams. Traverse the captivating terrain of Forbes State Park, where emerald green lichen blankets the sandstone boulders, creating a striking landscape.
Don’t miss the opportunity to visit Ohiopyle’s enchanting Cucumber Falls, where you can unwind in the refreshing ponds beneath the falls on a sun-drenched summer day. With an abundance of hiking destinations, the Laurel Highlands provides an idyllic backdrop for nature enthusiasts to embark on unforgettable adventures.
Indulge in a golf vacation amidst the invigorating mountain air of the Laurel Highlands. Whether you’re planning a getaway with golf buddies or a family retreat, you’ll discover a golfer’s paradise in this scenic region. With an array of over 10 renowned 18-hole courses within easy reach, there’s a fairway perfectly suited to every skill and experience level.
Notably, the legendary PGA Golfer, Arnold Palmer, hails from the nearby town of Latrobe, PA. Golf enthusiasts in the Laurel Highlands have the extraordinary opportunity to tee off on the same hallowed courses that once challenged Arnie himself.
The Laurel Highlands region boasts an extensive network of lakeshores, rivers, and creeks, open to the public for an exhilarating fishing experience. Numerous lakes in the vicinity are meticulously stocked with a variety of prized fish species, including bass, trout, walleye, crappie, and bluegill. Our nearby streams, a blend of natural and stocked trout waters, offer ideal locales for both spinning rod and fly fishing enthusiasts. Please note that a valid Pennsylvania fishing license is mandatory for angling in any public lake, river, or stream.
Among the popular fishing destinations, you’ll find Acme Dam Lake, Laurel Hill Lake, and Kooser Lake, each teeming with opportunities to reel in a memorable catch. For trout enthusiasts, Roaring Run Creek and Indian Creek are the closest trout stream fishing spots, promising an immersive and rewarding angling experience. Should you seek recommendations or guidance, do not hesitate to reach out to our knowledgeable team.
Trout Season in the Laurel Highlands is a year-round affair for fly fishing in most streams. During the off-season, certain specially designated trout streams remain open for trout fishing year-round, provided you adhere to specific artificial tackle and trout possession regulations.
Pennsylvania’s western region boasts a rich diversity of trout species, with Brook Trout serving as the native stream trout. Over the years, Rainbow and Brown Trout have also established thriving populations in these waters. Several nursery streams and tributaries contribute to the abundance of large, colorful native trout.
As stewards of the environment, we encourage all anglers to adopt catch-and-release practices. The use of barb-less hooks and quick-release techniques plays a pivotal role in maintaining robust fish populations for generations to come.
To ensure compliance with fishing regulations and licensing requirements, a current fishing license with a Trout/Salmon endorsement is mandatory for all public waters in Pennsylvania. Non-residents have the convenience of purchasing tourist licenses (available for one, three, or seven days) at local Walmart stores or bait shops. You’ll find two Walmart locations nearby, one in Mount Pleasant and another in Somerset, providing easy access to the necessary licenses for your angling pursuits.
For more information, please visit the PA Fish and Boat Commission web site
TOP 10 LAUREL HIGHLANDS TROUT FISHING STREAMS
Mill Creek – N40.2493 W79.2345. Fish upstream from Ligonier Valley Trail Bridge. Open to public fishing. A tributary of Loyalhanna Creek, it’s fed by exceptional value headwater streams.
Loyalhanna Creek – N40.2466 W79.2463. One of PA’s eight Keystone Select Stocked Trout Waters within the Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures Only section. Public fishing between Route 711 bridge in Ligonier downstream to SR 2045 bridge.
Linn Run – N40.1690 W79.2336. Fish from Adams Falls picnic area upstream to Linn Run State Park Office. It has high alkalinity coldwater tributaries and is stocked.
Indian Creek – N40.0891 W79.3356. Fish the Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures Only section from Hunters Bridge off Route 381 downstream 1.6 miles to the Route 381 Bridge in Jones Mills.
Pike Run — N40.0783 W79.3203. Laurel Hill Trout Farm, on Pike Run, 3 miles east of Jones Mills on the south side of Route 31. Provides fee fishing and tours of their trout hatchery. No license is required. Rods may be borrowed; bait is available.
Laurel Hill Creek, upper section — N40.0083 W79.2325. A Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures Only section in Laurel Hill State Park begins at the bridge above Laurel Hill Lake.
Laurel Hill Creek, lower section — N39.8589 W79.3207. A Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures Only section is located just off Humbert Road north of Confluence PA on PA Route 281.
Youghiogheny River, Middle Section – N39.8266 W79.3786. The 10-mile section between Ohiopyle and Confluence has an all-tackle Trophy Trout section beginning at the Ramcat access area.
Youghiogheny Dam – N39.8051 W79.3661. Corps of Engineers campground includes public access to an outstanding year-round tailwater trout fishery.
Meadow Run – N39.8535 W79.4973. This Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures Only stretch begins where the stream crosses under Route 381 in Ohiopyle and extends upstream more than a mile. The lower area has waterfalls and slides. ADA accessible.
Western Pennsylvania’s abundant waterways offer a haven for canoeing enthusiasts, with miles of lakes and rivers waiting to be explored. Just a short 12-minute drive from Claycomb Chalets, Laurel Hill State Park beckons adventurers with its picturesque lake and excellent canoeing opportunities. Private outfitter Hazelbaker’s facilitates canoe rentals at Laurel Hill, providing access to a fleet of canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and paddle boats for a memorable day on the water.
But that’s not all – Hazelbaker’s extends its services to another location, the nearby Ohiopyle State Park. Here, you can embark on guided canoe or kayak float tours down the gentle class 1 rapids, a thrilling experience for those seeking a bit more excitement.
For those who prefer leisurely paddling or casting a fishing line, there are several public lakes in the vicinity. The closest one to Claycomb Chalets is Acme Dam Lake, a mere 5 miles away, promising serene moments and ample opportunities to connect with nature in this beautiful region.