Area Information

Located in the Laurel Highlands of Southwestern Pennsylvania, Somerset County has a lot to offer. From the vistas to the people themselves, Somerset is wonderful place to live and raise a family.

Population: 80,267 (Estimated 7/1/98 - www.census.gov)

Here are some of the recreational activities you can enjoy within the region.

Hiking

Opportunities for hiking abound throughout Forbes State Forest, especially in the State Parks located within the State Forest boundaries.

The Allegheny Highlands Trail follows an abandoned railroad corridor and is a fairly level hiking and biking trail.

The Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail, in Laurel Ridge State Park, is by far the most popular trail in the County. It runs 70 miles through fairly rugged terrain from Ohiopyle to near Johnstown. Although the trail is attractive throughout the year, Mountain Laurel blooms in June and rhododendron blooms in late June and early July. Fall leaves usually reach their colorful peak in early to mid-October. There are eight overnight shelters and six parking areas.

Biking

This is another very popular outdoor activity in Somerset County, with many of the opportunities also located in the Forbes State Forest. Beware of regulations and restrictions. Some trails, including the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail, are closed to mountain bikes.
 

The Allegheny Highlands Trail will be a major section in a corridor connecting Pittsburgh with Washington, D.C. by way of a long distance hiking/biking trail. Seventeen miles of the Allegheny Highlands Trail are completed through Garrett, Rockwood, and Markleton. The trail follows the right of way of the abandoned Western Maryland Railroad, therefore it has only a very slight grade, making it very accessible to bicyclists and hikers of all ages. The trail is also wheel chair accessible.

Whitewater Sports

Canoeing, kayaking, and rafting on the many streams and rivers in Somerset County and the surrounding region are enjoyed by many people every year.

Hunting & Fishing

Somerset County is a sportman's paradise with an abundant variety of game animals in all seasons, and has no shortage of lands open to hunting. There are four State Game Lands (Nos. 42, 50, 11 and 228) in the county, along with designated hunting areas in Gallitzin and Forbes State Forests and Laurel Hill State Park.

The county also offers great opportunities for fishing. Numerous small streams and rivers are open to fishing, with very good trout streams in ready supply. For the fisherman interested in Musky, Bass, Walleye, Pike and a variety of other species, Somerset County has several well-stocked lakes and dams.