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About Us

The Friends of the Laurel Hill organized about 2004 and later joined Pennsylvania Parks and Forest Foundation as one of their chapters. Our volunteer group works with the staff of the Laurel Hill State Park Complex on maintenance projects, park improvements, and programs. The Park Complex consists of Laurel Hill, Kooser, and Laurel Ridge State Parks. Laurel Ridge incude the 70 mile hiking trail from Ohiopyle to Johnstown. Below are pictures of some of our recent projects.

A sub-group of the Friends of Laurel Hill is the "Ridge Runners". This group is dedicated to maintaining the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail. The Ridge Runners usually meet in the Spring and Fall to work on larger projects. The rest of the time small groups are assigned to a specific portion of the trail to do any small maintenance projects (clearing limbs, brush, etc.).

  • 2019 Ridge Runners - Trail Day

Below is a List of our re-occuring activities:

The Outpost Gift Shop is operated by The Friends of Laurel Hill. An employee of the Friends group manages the shop, but volunteers are needed to help out during busy times. The gift shop, which is part of the visitor center, is normally open 4 days per week, Fri, Sat, Sun and Monday 10 AM to 4 PM during the camping season May - Sept.

Firewood, Ice, Laundry - Adjacent to the visitor center firewood and ice is sold on an honor system basis. All monies received will be used for the programs of the Friends group, which ultimately supports the programs and facilities of the park.

Geocaching Program - Three geocaches within the parks are maintained by the Friends of Laurel Hill. CCC Monument, Laurel Hill Cemetery and Kooser Kincora.

Mid April (Earth Day) - Celebrate by volunteering for a work day in the park (Projects will be identified and communicated to volunteers prior to Earth Day). Our Friends Spring Planning Meeting is usually held on or near Earth Day.

Mid August - Laurel Hill Bluegrass Festival Weekend (Saturday and Sunday August 17 & 18, 2024) Volunteers needed to sell T-shirts, raffle tickets, etc. at the Friends tent and golf cart shuttle. On Sunday morning the Mountain Laurel 5K Run/Walk is held - Volunteers are needed for registration, announcing split times, water stops, and as spotters.

Late September (National Public Lands Day) - Celebrate by volunteering for a work day in the park. (Projects will be identified and communicated to volunteers prior to NPL Day)

November - End-of-year meeting (How did we do and what's new for next year). A Thanksgiving Luncheon, sponsored by the Friends and park staff, is held for all those individuals that have supported the park during the year.

Special Workdays / Meetings – Workdays and member meetings may be scheduled several times during the year (trail maintenance, environmental improvements, general cleanup, etc.)

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