2003 IC Hiking and Rafting Trips

Ohiopyle State Park (in the Laurel Highlands) is a 19,000-acre area that's just great for all kinds of outdoor activity. It offers biking and hiking trails, white water boating, downhill and cross-country skiing, and it's just a 90 minute drive from Pittsburgh. It also houses Frank Lloyd Wright's world-famous Fallingwater. Laurel Hill State Park is another, smaller park in the Laurel Highlands.

This Saturday (August 30th) we will be hiking and white water rafting.

Hiking

We will be hiking in Laurel Hill State Park. The hike we will take is about 6 miles long, but there are several points at which some people may choose to take a shorter route. A map of the park is available online.

When and Where

We meet at 10 a.m outside Newell-Simon Hall (between NSH and Smith Hall). Volunteer drivers will take us to the park, and we should arrive by noon. We will spend about 3 hours hiking and then possibly stop to get something to eat on the way back. Expect to be back in Pittsburgh by around 6 p.m.

What to bring

sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses)
water (1L per person)
comfortable shoes (running shoes, cross-trainers or hiking shoes should be fine)
light rain gear (in case we are surprised!)
light lunch

Directions

Take 376 East (the Parkway East) to the PA Turnpike (I-76) East.
(Note: I-76 is a toll road - $1.45 each direction.)
Take the Turnpike to Exit 91 (Donegal).
Turn Left onto PA Route 31 East and travel about 2 miles.
Turn Right onto PA Routes 381/711 going South to Champion (about 1 mile).
Turn left on to SR 3029 (County Line Rd) and follow the sign to Seven Springs and Laurel Hill State Park. Continue for about 10 miles.
Turn left on Laurel Hill Park Road (and enter the park).

Rafting

Laurel Highlands River Tours will be hosting our rafting trip. Note that the rafting trip will happen rain or shine. Expect to get wet either way. :)

LHRT will provide equipment (lifejacket, raft, paddles), lunch, guide, and transportation to and from the river. For an additional change, they will rent "wetsuit" bibs and jackets. They offer (for sale) waterproof cameras and most other things you might forget.

When and Where

We will meet on CMU campus outside Newell-Simon Hall (between NSH and Smith Hall) at 9:00 a.m. and drive down to the park. The raft tour begins at 11:00, but we must arrive at least 10 minutes before our tour, so we will leave promptly at 9:00.

I'm told the whole process will last about four hours, so we should be back in Pittsburgh by around 5:00 p.m.

Directions

Take 376 East to the PA Turnpike (I-76) East.
(Note: I-76 is a toll road - $1.45 each direction.)
Take the Turnpike to Exit 91 (formerly Exit 9) Donegal.
Turn left on PA 31 East.
Travel about 2 miles, turn right onto PA 711/381 South.
Travel 10 miles to Normalville, turn left onto PA 381 South.
Go south for 11 miles to Ohiopyle.
Follow this map (under "Youghiogheny River Trips") to the Lower Yough Check-in Area.

What to Bring

dry clothes
dry shoes
towel
water (1L per person)
eyeglass retainer
bathing suit, t-shirt, nylon shorts, &c (clothes that are comfortable, but that you wouldn't mind swimming in)
sunscreen
rainwear
footwear: "old sneakers or water socks"

More Information

Dan Pelleg led the IC Ohiopyle trip last year. His (remarkably similar) page also includes a list of resources for those with further interest in exploring western Pennsylvania. Check it out!