The best walks and hikes in Laurel Summit State Park
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66
hikers
18
hikes
Hikes in Laurel Summit State Park are set within a high-elevation park on Laurel Ridge, surrounded by the expansive Forbes State Forest. The landscape is characterized by dense woodlands, rocky trails, and unique geological features like sandstone outcrops. The park serves as a key access point to the much longer Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail, offering routes with minimal elevation changes as well as more demanding sections.
Best hiking trails in Laurel Summit State Park
- The most popular hiking route is the Wolf Rocks Loop Trail, a 4.3 mile (6.9 km) trail that takes about 1 hour 50 minutes to complete. This route leads to the Wolf Rocks sandstone outcrop, which provides a wide view of the Linn Run Valley.
- Another top favourite among local hiking enthusiasts is the Beam Rocks – View of Beam Rocks loop, an easy 4.4 mile (7.1 km) path. The trail is a relatively flat walk through the forest to a cliff lookout over the Laurel Highlands.
- Local hiking enthusiasts also love the Laurel Summit State Park to Grove Run Trail loop, a 10.9 mile (17.5 km) trail leading through Forbes State Forest, often completed in about 5 hours.
- Hiking in Laurel Summit State Park is defined by high-elevation forest paths, sandstone rock formations, and access to the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail. The trail network provides options for both short, easy walks and longer, more difficult hikes.
- The routes in Laurel Summit State Park are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.8 stars from a handful of reviews. More than 60 hikers have used komoot to explore Laurel Summit State Park's varied terrain.
Last updated: April 26, 2026
1
hikers
720m
00:11
0m
0m
Hike the easy 0.4-mile Bog Trail in Laurel Summit State Park, exploring the unique Spruce Flats Bog ecosystem via a boardwalk.
5.0
(2)
19
hikers
6.93km
01:49
60m
60m
Hike the easy 4.3-mile Wolf Rocks Loop Trail in Forbes State Forest for panoramic views from Wolf Rocks and diverse woodland scenery.
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17.5km
05:04
450m
450m
Hike the challenging Wolf Rocks and Grove Run Trail Loop, offering panoramic views and rugged terrain in Forbes State Forest.
9
hikers
5.46km
01:26
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
hikers
5.93km
01:34
50m
50m
Hike the easy 3.7-mile Silver Mine and Black Bear Loop in Forbes State Forest, featuring gentle terrain and a balancing rock.
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Tips from the Community
The Grove Run trail makes a nice loop through rocky and wooded terrain. Things can get slippery after a rain so proper footwear is essential.
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Though Laurel Summit State Park is only 6 acres, the trails that start run for miles through Forbes State Forest and along the Laurel Ridge.
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Heading out the Laurel Summit State park, you can choose different paths to go deep into the Forbes State Forest. One of them is the Wolf Rocks Trail, that will get you to the marvelous viewpoint at the end, where you can enjoy the dense trees and refreshing air.
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Heading out the Laurel Summit State park, you can choose different paths to go deep into the Forbes State Forest. One of them is the Wolf Rocks Trail, that will get you to the marvelous viewpoint at the end, where you can enjoy the dense trees and refreshing air.
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Located at the parking lot of Laurel Summit State Park, this trailhead will take you all the way up to Wolf Rocks, where the views will most certainly reward the effort as you approach the Parks Hill mountain side.
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Laurel Summit State Park offers a wide picnic area accessible from many trails. There's a parking lot at the entrance of the park, at the side of Forbes State Park.
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Near the end of Forbes State Forest, on the side of Parks Hill, Wolf Rocks is a great set of boulders from which you can observe the woodland below you. It's the ideal point for a picture. Be careful with the fall a few steps further!
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Wolf Rocks is a set of boulders that sit overlooking the beautiful Forbes State Forest. The west-looking views stretch to Linn Run Valley and Chestnut Ridge, both surrounded by a myriad of dense forestry.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the parking conditions like at Laurel Summit State Park?
There is a main parking area at Laurel Summit State Park which serves as the starting point for several popular trails, including the paths to Wolf Rocks and Spruce Flats Bog. Parking is generally sufficient, but it can get busy on weekends with good weather, so arriving earlier in the day is recommended.
Are dogs allowed on the trails in Laurel Summit State Park?
Yes, dogs are welcome on the trails within Laurel Summit State Park and the surrounding Forbes State Forest, provided they are kept on a leash. The trails are generally suitable for dogs, though some sections can be quite rocky, so be mindful of your pet's paws.
Are there any easy, family-friendly walks in the park?
Absolutely. The trail to Spruce Flats Bog is an excellent choice for families. It's a very short, flat, quarter-mile walk on a crushed stone path leading to a unique mountain bog with an observation deck. It's a fascinating and easy outing for all ages.
Which trails offer the best viewpoints?
For a spectacular west-facing view over the Linn Run Valley, the trail to Wolf Rocks is a top choice, especially for sunsets. For a different perspective, the trail to Beam Rocks provides a fantastic 180-degree view of the Appalachian Mountains and the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail from a cliff lookout.
Can I access the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail from the park?
Yes, Laurel Summit State Park is a major access point for the 70-mile Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail (LHHT). You can embark on day hikes or longer backpacking trips directly from the park. A popular day-hike section for beginners heads south from the park towards Beam Rocks.
What are the trail conditions typically like?
Trails in the park vary. Many paths, especially around the main park area, are relatively flat with minimal elevation change. However, be prepared for rocky sections on trails like the one to Wolf Rocks. Proper hiking footwear is recommended for comfort and stability.
Is Laurel Summit State Park good for hiking in different seasons?
Yes, the park offers a distinct experience each season. Summer provides a cool escape from the heat, while autumn brings brilliant fall foliage. In winter, the trails become a popular destination for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, offering a serene, snow-covered landscape.
What is a good option for a challenging, long-distance hike?
For a more strenuous and lengthy hike, consider the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail – Laurel Summit State Park loop. This difficult 16.8-mile (27 km) route takes you through a large section of Forbes State Forest and involves significant elevation gain, making it a rewarding challenge for experienced hikers.
What do other hikers say about the trails in Laurel Summit State Park?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community. Hikers often praise the well-maintained trails, the beautiful forest scenery, and the rewarding views from the rock outcrops. The unique ecosystem of Spruce Flats Bog is also frequently mentioned as a must-see feature.
How many hiking trails are in Laurel Summit State Park?
You can explore over 10 designated hiking routes in and around Laurel Summit State Park. These range from short, easy walks to unique natural features, to more demanding loops that venture deep into the surrounding Forbes State Forest.
What is there to do in the park besides hiking?
Beyond hiking, the park is a great spot for picnicking, with tables and a pavilion available. The impressive 70-foot rock formations at Beam Rocks attract rock climbers. In the winter, the area is popular for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The broader Forbes State Forest also offers opportunities for mountain biking and horseback riding.
Most popular routes in Laurel Summit State Park
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