1. Laural Ridge State Park offers numerous picnic areas with tables and grills.
2. Picnic pavilions are available for larger gatherings or events.
3. Some picnic spots offer stunning views of the surrounding forested hillsides.
4. Visitors can enjoy a meal by the park's tranquil streams and ponds.
5. Many hiking trails start near these picnicking locations, perfect for after-lunch adventures.

Laurel Ridge Hiking Trail:

This major 70-mile hiking and backpacking trail from Ohiopyle to near Johnstown is the main feature of the park. The trail traverses state parks, state forests, state game lands, other public lands and private lands.

The Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail is open year round and is blazed approximately every 100 feet with 2" and 5" yellow blazes. Side trails are marked with blue blazes. Mileage monuments are every mile.

Large wooden signs mark trail access points at every major highway crossing. Six 30-car parking areas provide starting points. In addition, voluntary day use registration booths are located at each of the parking areas and the trail user is encouraged to fill out information cards for vital park attendance data and for use in the event of an emergency. For overnight use of the trail see Special Regulation 15. Overnight reservations are mandatory. A fee is required for overnight camping.

There are eight overnight shelter areas along the trail. Each area contains 5 adirondack-type shelters with fireplaces, 2 non-flush toilets, a water supply and spaces for 30 tents.

Snowmobiling: A trail system of over 70 miles is open daily after the end of the antlerless deer season in late December. The trail is located on state park and state forest lands. Snowmobiles are restricted to designated trails and are not permitted on the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail.

Cross-country Skiing: About 35 miles of trail are available for cross-country skiing. Please check with the park office to see which sections are suitable for skiing. A free map is available from the park office.

There is also a 20-mile cross-country ski touring concession adjacent to the Route 653 parking area. Fee required on this trail.

The park offers a 70-mile hiking trail, ideal for birdwatchers. Species include warblers and raptors among others. Birding events are held throughout the year by local clubs or organizations. The varied habitats within the park attract diverse species of birds.