A recent overland trail I completed was the
Laurel Highlands 200 which is located in south-west Pennsylvania with the northern section encircling Latrobe, PA. This is an absolutely beautiful time of the year to be in the forests of Pennsylvania!
All images and text property of Chet Szymecki
Although most of the roads were easy to pass through there were sections that were on the tight side appearing somewhat overgrown and lightly used. It's actually nice to have sections which require you to slowly move through at 3-5 MPH for several miles balanced with smooth sections where you can easily travel 10-15 MPH for extended periods.
Here is a campsite I found in
Forbes State Forest which I consider one of the most perfectly open and level campsite I have ever camped at. Well done PA-DCNR.
This is just one of the
natural water slides in Ohiopyle State Park. It's actually much longer and while there I watched several adventurous children and adults enjoy this natural water slide.
While on the trail I came upon a section where a fallen log had been cut open enough for a motorcycle to pass through but not a vehicle. Maybe I am wrong but many of the dual-sport and adventure motorcycle riders I come across while traveling act rude and snobby. When I see riders approaching I always pull aside and leave plenty of room, smile and wave as they pass by without offering a gentlemanly smile, or nod of the head, or wave of the hand. When I came to this fallen tree I wondered why the person clearing didn't cut a bit more to clear that path for a vehicle.
No problem for me though - I pulled out my
Silky BIGBOY 2000mm folding saw and went to work. Of course, it began to rain while I labored on my knees so I smiled and continued cutting. My buddy has convinced me that an electric saw is in my future and my stubborn self agrees. After cutting I deployed my
AEV Full-Size Recovery Gear Kit and rigged up to pull the heavy section of log off parallel to the trail. It's always comforting to have the correct tools for the job.
Here is a typical forest service road along the
Laurel Highlands 200. In total, it took me four days and covered 252-miles of 4x4 trails, forest service roads, and country roads. My combined drive time was 13-hours and I averaged 10.7 MPG. This was a beautiful trip and it was a great time of the year to explore here in Pennsylvania. Maybe one year I will return and complete the same route in the winter time for comparison.
Along the trail I came upon two road closures. It was easy enough to zoom out my map to identify a short go-around which frequently results in an additional 05-10 miles. If you are lucky, a go-around may take you into a nearby small town around lunch or dinner time. Remapping a route is part of the adventure so I always smile when I come upon an obstacle such as this.
This is
Cucumber Falls at Ohiopyle State Park which is one of the most photographed waterfalls in Pennsylvania. Although this is not along the Laurel Highlands 200 route it is just a few miles away so if you are in the area make sure to stop by and enjoy.
The interesting things you find along the side of the road in Pennsylvania along this adventure route. I love to travel and explore and hope you are able to enjoy these trails in western Pennsylvania too!
