Did you know there are over 600 miles of hiking trails in Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands? That’s great news if you have time to test and explore them all – but not great news when you have little kids and need to find a family friendly hike that meets a specific criteria.
Lucky for you we’ve researched and tested tons of hikes, and are here to share our top 3 hikes to do with young kids in the Laurel Highlands. The hikes we chose are mostly flat, near water, and right around 1 mile in distance.
Hike 1: Pumphouse Trail to Jones Mill Dam
Laurel Hill State Park
Distance: ~1.3 mile out-and-back
This beautiful trail has it all! A creek, bridges, a waterfall, and a pond! Park at the Pumphouse Trailhead parking lot, you’ll head down the Pumphouse trail for about ¼ mile, then follow the signs for Shay Run Trail. As you head down the trail, see if little ears can hear the burble of Jones Mill Run growing louder!
The wide bridge across Jones Mill Run is appealing for tiny feet, but you’ll want to stay on the near side of the Jones Mill Run, and turn right to head up the Tram Road Trail. Your kids will LOVE the plank bridges along this trail as it criss-crosses the creek!
The trail leads you straight to the dam, which is a great place to stop for snacks or a picnic lunch. You could easily spend an hour exploring this area, whether just climbing around on the rocks, or spotting wildlife. We’ve seen beaver, snakes, frogs, fish, and more.
When you’re ready to head back, retrace your steps for more creek-crossing fun!
*Stroller-Friendly Trail Option:
Follow the Pumphouse trail all the way to the dam. It’s not paved, but the trail is hard enough that a sturdy stroller can make it!
Pro Tip: If you’re looking to extend your visit to the park, it has a lake with seasonal boat rentals, a beach, great biking trails, a nice campground, and a Gift Shop. You can learn more and find maps of the park at the Laurel Hill State Park website.
Hike 2: Flat Rock Trail
Linn Run State Park
Distance: 1 mile out-and-back
Linn Run is a picturesque mountain stream flanked by bushy green laurels on both banks. This is an approx. 1 mile long flat out and back trail. Along the way you’ll pass the ruins of a 1920’s rod & gun club, which is such fun to explore!
⚠️ Flat rock is a great picnic area, but keep little ones close by and away from the rushing water!
Bonus hike: Adam Falls is a few hundred yards the opposite direction from the parking area, a great add-on if little feet are willing!
You can learn more about this park and find maps at the Linn Run State Park website.
Hike 3: Ferncliff Trail
Ohiopyle State Park
Distance: 1.8 mile loop
At 1.8 miles this is the longest hike on our list, but it’s such a great one! The Ferncliff Peninsula is home to an old growth Hemlock forest, and also boasts a variety of other plants and trees which make this such a beautiful place to hike year round.
Park in the Ferncliff Natural Area Parking Lot, and cross over the wide GAP trail to pick up the Ferncliff Trail. You can hike this loop trail in either direction, and neither is preferable in my opinion. Note that if you head left toward the river first, you will encounter the more “dangerous” portion of the trail that runs alongside the Youghigheny River at the beginning of your hike. You’ll want to keep little ones close by as you navigate this portion. After that the trail winds up to give you a lookout of the river. You can hear the constant roar of the many falls along this portion of the Yough, and it’s fun for kids to spot the bright red colored white water rafts!
Tip: This tends to be a very muddy area!
Bonus Hike: Cucumber Falls
If you’re in the neighborhood, you should definitely check out Cucumber Falls. This beautiful horseshoe waterfall is one of the most photographed spots in Ohiopyle, and for good reason!
Parking at the Cucumber Falls Parking Area on Ohiopyle Road will put you right atop a short trail that weaves and slopes down ¼ mile to the falls area. You’ll want to keep in mind that parking here is VERY limited, which you will want to keep in mind during busier times and seasons.
Ohiopyle State Park has a beautiful vistior’s center and several platforms overlooking the falls. The town of Ohiopyle has many great shops and restaurants. Also an access point for the GAP Trail you’re likely to encounter more than one bicyclist during your visit!
You can learn more and find maps on the Ohiopyle State Park website.