Linn Run State Park 10/31/2010

Happy Halloween! What a great way to spend the day - we headed down Route 56 through Brush Valley and Armagh to catch Route 711, the Laurel Highlands Scenic Byway. A very pretty drive - the trees are almost bare, but the few leaves that remain are beautiful oranges and reds.

We traveled through Ligonier - a very sweet town with lots of shops and local businesses. As we were getting close to Linn Run, we noticed that this fence was lining the road. I remembered seeing this fence the last time I was at Linn Run (years ago!). It seemed to line the road the whole way from Ligonier to Linn Run. Very neat!
We arrived - YAY! - took our quick picture at the sign, quick potty break ... and off to find a map.


We decided to try the Flat Rock Trail, which was a fairly easy hike with lots of views of Linn Run. We had hoped to view a waterfall, but realized we were on the wrong trail. But, the kids loved running around and crunching the leaves under their feet. They touched the water - very cold!- and kept their eyes open for rattlesnakes. Thank goodness we didn't find any! Here are a few pictures along the Flat Rock Trail. Once back on the trail to the parking lot, we decided that it would be worth a little more hiking to find Adam Falls, so we headed up the hill and onto the trail. It didn't take us long to find but unfortunately Adam Falls was no more than a trickle!! After a quick stop for a picture, we headed back to the van and off to visit Laurel Summit State Park - which was about 5 miles further on Linn Run Road.

Well, Laurel Summit State Park wasn't quite what we expected - we thought that perhaps it would make for some good photos ... with good views (of a summit!). Didn't really find that. There was a lot of hiking that perhaps would be good for us in a few years (little legs don't make for long hikes!). But we did stumble upon some outhouses there that were worth a photo ...
It was after lunch so we headed on our way, back through Ligonier, finally finding a Burger King along Route 30. Good day - it was a success!


The trip was about 45 miles (an hour and 15 minutes) each way and we spent about $15 at Burger King for a late lunch after making it through the morning with some Halloween snacks. Will have to go back and spend some time in Ligonier, in the town center around the square and at Fort Ligonier.