Hiking

Difficulty Ratings

Easiest -- For beginner trail users. Grade is gentle with few obstacles.
More Difficult -- For the majority of trail users. Grade is steeper and trails narrower with embedded rocks or roots on the trail surface.
Most Difficult -- For trail users with advanced skills. Grade is steep and provides a definite physical challenge. Routes may not be well marked. Elevation gain or loss is severe.

Trail Route Type

Loop -- Start and end at the same location and follow a single trail to form a loop.
Out-and-back -- Start and end at a trailhead and follow a single trail to an endpoint or specific point of interest, then return along the same route.
Point-to-point -- Trails are generally longer in distance and parks may often contain only a portion of the trail within their boundary. Hiker starts and ends in different locations, often requiring a shuttle.
Connector -- Begin and end in connection with another trail or trails but do not terminate at a trailhead.

2.75 miles  |  More difficult hiking  |  Out-and-back trail  |  Yellow blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking, mountain biking, snowmobiling
Trailhead amenities: none

Beltz Trail follows an old road grade and provides access to many of the park’s trails as well as several on Forbes State Forest.

1.0 mile  |  Most difficult hiking  |  Out-and-back trail  |  Yellow blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking
Trailhead amenities: none

This rugged and remote trail offers thick Mountain Laurel and opportunities for viewing wildlife. The trail crosses Buck Run in numerous places that do not have foot bridges. 

1.25 miles  |  Easiest hiking  |  Out-and-back trail  |  Yellow blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking, biking
Trailhead amenities: modern restrooms, potable water, picnic tables

This ADA accessible, crushed stone bike trail meanders along the western shoreline of Laurel Hill Lake. It connects Old Mill Picnic Area and the beach area, provides excellent fishing access, and allows you to explore the park while bicycling or walking.

1.2 miles  |  More difficult hiking  |  Loop trail  |  Yellow blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking
Trailhead amenities: modern restrooms, potable water, picnic tables

Narrow at times and running along steep banks at places, this trail loops through the six-acre natural area. Hemlock Trail Natural Area is a stand of old growth eastern hemlock trees along the banks of Laurel Hill Creek, which contains a native trout population.

1.75 miles  |  Most difficult hiking  |  Out-and-back trail  |  Yellow blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking
Trailhead amenities: benches, picnic tables

This scenic trail winds along Laurel Hill Creek and follows the eastern shore of Laurel Hill Lake. This steep, narrow, sloping path is slippery in places.

1.0 mile  |  Easiest hiking  |  Out-and-back trail  |  Yellow blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking, mountain biking, snowmobiling
Trailhead amenities: none

This wide trail passes through a number of forest ecosystems and provides the widest variety of tree species during fall foliage.

1.6 miles  |  Easiest hiking  |  Out-and-back trail  |  Yellow blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking, mountain biking, snowmobiling
Trailhead amenities: none

A slow, gradual incline leads from the Pumphouse Trail Parking Lot along a wide path to the Jones Mill Run Dam. Benches and large rocks provide a resting place where visitors can enjoy this scenic historic site built by the Civilian Conservation Corps.

1.5 miles  |  More difficult hiking  |  Out-and-back trail  |  Yellow blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking, mountain biking, snowmobiling
Trailhead amenities: none

This wide, grassy trail is often used as a wildlife corridor. It offers the best opportunity for chance encounters with wildlife and viewing animal tracks and signs.

Shay Trail

1.7 miles  |  More difficult hiking  | Out-and-back trail  |  Yellow blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking
Trailhead amenities: none

This trail follows the general course of the logging railroad that traversed Laurel Hill State Park and Jones Mill Run in the early 1900s.

0.6 mile  |  More difficult hiking  | Out-and-back trail  |  Yellow blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking, mountain biking, snowmobiling
Trailhead amenities: none

An uphill grade from the Pumphouse Trail Parking Lot, this trail is perfect for viewing geologic features such as the lepidodendron fossils common to the park.