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Laurel Hill State Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 1,905 Google reviews · Running trail in Somerset, Pennsylvania · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Laurel Hill State Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
This 4,072-acre park offers seasonal & year-round activities including swimming, hiking & camping.
What runners say about Laurel Hill State Park
“A wonderful State park, family friendly activity , beache, clean restrooms , lots of trails , friendly ranger /staffs .”
“If you go, be sure to take your camera and capture some of the beautiful waterfalls, and all around nature.”
“The atmosphere is calm and serene, making Laurel Hill the perfect spot for parties, dates, hikes, or just to peacefully enjoy the scenery.”
“The park had family-friendly activities, we had to suddenly use the washer/dryer up the open-field loop and they came through in a pinch!”
Last minute trip on Memorial Day weekend and we were lucky enough to get a spot at the campground. Very quiet and serene campground. Fairly clean but basic bathroom/shower rooms. The sites were a little close but adequate. The beach was amazing.
I visited with a couple of friends on a Wednesday at the end of July 2025. We had an enjoyable day at the park. We started with a quiet picnic in the Old Mill Picnic Area. We followed that with a not too strenuous but very scenic hike on the Hemlock Trail.
I've read good things about Laurel Hill State Park and I was not disappointed. Enjoyed the hiking trails, the abundant trees and the scenery. It will make a good trip in the Autumn with the changing of the leaves. There is a camping area though I didn't check it out.
Shout out to Diane for helping us pick the perfect camping spot! If you need any information and she answers the phone, she will not steer you wrong! I called to ask about reserving a campsite and she said "oh you don't want that one!" and directed us in a much much better direction.
Trail conditions & character
“If you go, be sure to take your camera and capture some of the beautiful waterfalls, and all around nature.”
“The atmosphere is calm and serene, making Laurel Hill the perfect spot for parties, dates, hikes, or just to peacefully enjoy the scenery.”
“There is a large grassy area, a boat launch, plenty of hiking trails, multiple great fishing spots, public restrooms, and even a place to grab snacks.”
“While everything is wheelchair accessible, there are a lot of steep hills, which can/do pose a challenge for those who rely on their chairs for long periods of time.”
“While everything is wheelchair accessible, there are a lot of steep hills, which can/do pose a challenge for those who rely on their chairs for long periods of time.”
“If you notice a pull off parking area, no matter how small, check out the area.”
Plan your run at Laurel Hill State Park
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitedcnr.pa.gov
- Phone(814) 445-7725
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Running trails near Somerset
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Kooser State Park
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Kimberly Run Natural Area
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