Nearby Attractions to Forbes State Forest
Information about nearby attractions is available from the Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau.
A great way to explore the region is along the Lincoln Highway Heritage Corridor, the country’s first coast-to-coast highway, or the nearby National Road Heritage Corridor.
Recognized by Country Living Magazine as one of the “Most Charming Small Towns in America” and by the Washington Post as a “Small-Town Charmer,” the lovely community of Ligonier is filled with more than 60 specialty shops, restaurants, and overnight accommodations, many in historic buildings.
Tucked into the beautiful Laurel Highlands Mountains, only seven miles from Linn Run, Ligonier offers amenities and services as well as a strong dose of history dating back to the French and Indian War.
Fort Ligonier is an inside and outside museum, featuring a replica of the original Fort Ligonier, plus offering a unique collection of Washingtonian memorabilia. The fort is also often the center of Ligonier’s many festivals and events.
Nearby State Parks
Laurel Ridge State Park
Laurel Ridge State Park has been developed along the summit of Laurel Mountain. It extends from the Conemaugh River in the north to Ohiopyle in the south. This park as a 94-mile hiking trail with eight shelters for camping, six parking areas, and two snowmobile areas.
Kooser State Park
Kooser State Park is a 170-acre area on State Highway 31, west of Somerset. It has 60 tent and trailer camping sites, picnic areas, a 400-foot swimming beach on a four-acre lake. Winter activities include snowmobiling and cross-country skiing.
Laurel Hill State Park
Laurel Hill State Park is south of Route 31, just east of Kooser. It has many fine hiking trails and 270 family camp sites, nine group camps, and a 1300-foot swimming beach on a 65-acre lake. Winter sports include ice fishing, ice skating, and snowmobiling.
Linn Run State Park
Linn Run State Park is reached by traveling Route 30 east of Ligonier to Route 381. Facilities include hiking trails, picnic areas, and 10 rustic family cabins available for rental.
Laurel Mountain State Park
Laurel Mountain State Park is a ski slope with some of Pennsylvania's best downhill skiing trails. Services now include ski school, ski rental, food, chairlift, Poma lift, rope tow, and snowmaking.
Ohiopyle State Park
Ohiopyle State Park offers an adventurous white-water rafting experience on the Youghiogheny River, tent and trailer camping, several interesting hiking trails, and snowmobiling areas.
Laurel Summit State Park
Laurel Summit State Park is a six-acre park located near the highest point on Laurel Ridge at 2,739 feet above sea level. This park offers picnic tables, a pavilion, water, and a restroom, as well as parking and access to trails in the Forbes State Forest. Spruce Flats Bog and Wolf Rocks Trail are accessible from the park.