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.

Dips and Turns

Ohiopyle State Park 10/10/10

After a drive of dips and turns on the Laurel Highlands Scenic Byway from Donegal to Ohiopyle, we were able to avoid carsickness and make it to the park. We were greeted by a beautiful walk along the Yough followed by a quick run to find some bathrooms.

We made the trip on 10/10/10, the middle of the peak season for fall foliage and were not disappointed.

While we waited for our BLT's, hot dogs and chicken nuggets, we crossed the old railroad bridge and posed for some pictures on the rocks.

See they like each other!

The kids enjoyed the railroad bridge, even though they were not always great about getting out of the bicyclists way. It was a long walk back, and we were all ready for some lunch.

We ate our lunch on the benches of the restored train station. The kids ran around until Jen got back, then ate and were ready for some more!

Owen and Jeff managed to sneak away long enough to check out the gift shop in the visitors center though .

The falls! Great picture, even better view! Made the whole trip worth it. Course, the kids seemed just as happy picking up acorns from under a random tree.

We could not leave without a quick stop at the bum slides, but given the time of year, we will have to wait until next summer to go down them.

All in all, about a 70-mile, 2-hour drive each way. $15 lunch for 6; excellent trip, will have to go again!

About This Blog

The purpose of this Blog is to capture our Family's adventures while trying to visit all of the State Parks in Pennsylvania. We have already visited quite a few (some of our favorites are Ricketts Glen, Cook Forest, Raccoon Creek, Prince Gallitzin, Moraine, McConnells Mill, Ohiopyle, and Pymatuning) but wanted this journal to include parks we have seen with the whole family (Jeff, Jen, Emma, Andrew, Isabella, Owen, and sometimes our dog Bailey).

Along the way, I am sure we will blog about National Parks (we have seen Shenandoah and the Great Smoky Mountains), County Parks (Cross Creek and Mingo Creek in Washington, Settler's Cabin and South Park in Allegheny, and Blue Spruce in Indiana) and local parks and playgrounds (White Township Recreation Complex, Clifford Park in South Fayette, Mack Park, Horace Mann playground, Noah's Arc Playground in Creekside, etc.). We will try to track (or estimate) the cost of trips and mileage racked up.

But the Challenge is to visit all of the State Parks in the "Pittsburgh and Its Countryside" Region between 10/10/10 and 11/11/11.