Wintry Views of the Route 40 Historic National Road & Watering Trough in Fayette County

Driving from the southeast through Route 40/National Road back to Pittsburgh is one of my favorite routings. It is scenic and exciting, crosses waterways, and goes up and down hills and curves from Western Maryland. My favorite kind of driving. As we were driving, it was just getting toward sunset and we were seeing some of the first snow that we saw all year. Heading out of Maryland is pretty spectacular on I-68. Getting to see the Alleghenies unfold like that is pretty spectacular, as you glide across the edge of mountains. I enjoy riding on the Turnpike, up through Breezewood, but I really enjoy taking this routing instead, for variety in road conditions makes me more alert on the road. 

In one spot you go through a massive cutout at the top of Sideling Hill, where they have created an observation deck and rest stop in the location of a massive 340 foot road cut into the mountain, one of the largest cuts for any highway in the world. It is visible from very far away, to the point that it looks like a gap in the mountain. 

Our first quick and scenic stop was the Youghiogheny River Lake which is a terrific spot to visit as a campground on a warmer day, or to pass through on the Great Allegheny Passage Trail. At this point, the major rains that we saw earlier in the month had not passed through yet that likely loaded the reservoir up pretty well. Within short distance of here, you can reach Nemocolin Resort and Ohiopyle State Park. 

The one downside to this routing down the summit on Route 40 means that you don't get to see the pretty view from the roadside overlook in the eastbound direction. They have really worked though to capitalize on the beauty and history of this spot lately in the westbound direction with restoring the old springs here that has serviced roadside travelers and residents for centuries, for people and horses to drink, to fill old radiators, to bottle up and take along, and more. The Summit Inn at the top of the hill has serviced many people over the years including Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. It is likely that they topped off their radiators at this old springs. 

Just recently they capitalized on this history and rebuilt it nicely. The spring was home to a house, the Mountain Water Club, and the Drinking Trough Restaurant. It with just the spring going into a stone trough for a very long time and they have since restored it into an attraction. Exhibits have shown what existed here and they have built structures to both illustrate this and capitalize on the beauty of this spot. There is even a small picnic grove for roadside picnics.  

Historical Marker

In addition to seeing the spot, we also stopped to let the pups play in their favorite kind of conditions.

 

Ligonier Valley Railroad Remnants along the Lincoln Highway

The Ligonier Valley Train Station is a former depot and headquarters for the 10 mile long shortline railroad that ran from Ligonier to Latrobe with perhaps the most notable contribution of the rail line still remaining, beautiful Idlewild and Soak Zone Amusement Park. This building in Ligonier is beautifully intact. The line itself is gone, with most of the right-of-way being in the beautiful westbound section of Route 30/Lincoln Highway along Loyalhanna Creek. A few stations remain beautifully intact though, including this one, the stations within Idlewild Park, and Darlington, which is adjacent to Idlewild and serves as a museum. Idlewild Park was created as a way to boost ridership on slower days, and it was wildly successful. The success continues today with people driving out to this Family

What is odd about this short line railroad is just how many of the contributing structures of the railroad remain, even though the line is completely gone, with the last trains running over the bulk of the line in 1952. The right of way is easily distinguishable as well, which is neat because the line has been abandoned for more that 70 years, which is almost as long as the line was operational. The legacy of what was brought to the region by the rail line has far outlived the rail line and will certainly benefit the region long into the future with the creation of Idlewild Park and the scenic right-of-way being used for this section of Route 30/Lincoln Highway, not to mention the remaining buildings, which have all found adaptive reuse for the needs of the region. Many lines of this era that have been removed have not retained their legacy as well as this one has as the anchor and foundation of this community and the region as a whole.

 It is definitely worth checking this stuff out if you are in the area. 

Thank you so much for your support over these many years with these calendars. The proceeds help to keep the lights on here. The 2024 edition is available now!

Our 2024 Pennsylvania Wall Calendar features scenes from across the state, including views of:

-The old growth forests in Cook Forest State Park 

-Center City Philadelphia 

-Knoebels Amusement Resort 

-Gettysburg Battlefield in the snow 

-Sailing in Erie 

-PA's Elk Herd 

-Canyon Vista at Worlds End State Park 

-Kinzua Bridge 

-Cowan's Gap State Park 

-Downtown Pittsburgh 

-A vista on the PA 144 Scenic Byway -A holiday scene from Sunbury PA. 

The calendars open up to be 17 inches tall by 11 inches wide (8.5 by 11 pages) and all photos have been taken by us, and the calendars are produced in the USA. The proceeds help us to continue what we do to highlight and bring attention to the many great adventures that this state has to offer. 

It makes for a great gift for someone or for yourself. It is available for purchase through the PayPal dropdown menus at the top of the page and the bottom of this article.

Also available is our book on Pennsylvania's historic amusement parks, Great Pennsylvania Amusement Parks Road Trip. It features Knoebels, Kennywood Park, Hersheypark, Dorney Park, Waldameer, DelGrosso's, Lakemont, Dutch Wonderland, Idlewild, and the sadly former Conneaut Lake Park.

2024 PA Calendar and PA Amusement Parks Book Purchase Options

2024 Pennsylvania Calendar $13.49 USD                                   PA Amusement Parks Book $21.95 USD                                   Book and Calendar Bundle $33.95 USD                                   2 Calendars $25.50 USD                                   3 Calendars $34.50 USD

Mt. Vernon Furnace: Restored Early 19th Century Iron Furnace in Fayette County

Mt. Vernon Furnace, also known as Jacob's Creek Furnace and Alliance Iron Works, is located in Bullskin Township, Fayette County, near Mt. Pleasant. It is a pretty neat spot that is appreciated and boosted through care by the local community. It is a pretty early furnace, dating back to 1795, rebuilt in 1801, and it went out of use all the way back in 1825. Nowadays the spot is a great place to reflect upon industrial history and to have a picnic lunch at.

It ended its life after it was converted to a Blast Furnace. The Bullskin Township Historical Society has aggressively restored this furnace and restored elements that would have been present during operation, including a casting shed, and a water wheel for cooling. 

Picnic shelter area

The work they have done to restore this and make it a nice gathering spot is fantastic. Definitely worth checking out if you are in the Mt Pleasant/Laurel Highlands areas. 

Roaring Run Natural Area Hiking Trails: Laurel Highlands, Forbes State Forest: Creek Crossings, Wildflowers, Woods & Great Elevation Changes

Roaring Run Natural Area in Forbes State Forest and the Laurel Highlands is a fantastic place to hike. Thousands of acres that include very steep ascents up to rocky outcroppings, and descents into creek valleys and dozens of creek crossings at valley level. Wear a pair of boots that you don't mind getting soaked, because they will get soaked. This natural area is on the hill heading up to Seven Springs Ski Area, and adjacent to Hidden Valley Ski Area. In the spring, it has great opportunities for checking out wildflowers. In the summer, the hike is very well shaded, breezy, and involves crossing a beautiful mountain stream to cool off. If you have a pup that loves to hike and wade in the water, this is a fantastic place to go. This hike offers a little bit of everything that you often find on hikes across the state and the views are pretty dramatic. The land encompassed by the natural area is a mix of clear cut land and farm fields reverting back to nature. The trail in the creek valley was the grade of an old mountain logging railroad. Certain areas were not cut due to lower lumber quality oaks and hard accessibility, so forest age is pretty varied. Overall though, this is a fantastic place to go spend an afternoon relaxing in the woods, for it is within an hour of Pittsburgh. This beautiful property was purchased by the Western PA Conservancy and transferred to the state. 

The hikes are varied, offering a glimpse of most of the different kinds of hiking conditions that you run into across the state and it is extremely scenic. If you took a "core sample" of what the state has to offer in a hike, you would find just about every kind of condition in this location. 

You also get a glimpse at this site of what the landscapes of Hidden Valley and Seven Springs Ski Resorts would look like without the development. In the spring, the hollows and hillsides in many areas are covered in spring wildflowers, especially trillium.  We hiked about 15 miles and it was a challenging, varied, fun, and sometimes treacherous hike, especially at the dozens of creek crossings. 

Early spring shows a green and colorful blanket of fresh shoots of spring flowers. In my opinion, spring, summer, and fall wildflowers are more exciting than autumn color change, because they always deliver and offer such a stark contrast to the dormancy of winter in the Pennsylvania forests.

Beautiful trillium.

CeCe loving those creek crossings.

This hike is well worth checking out. It is varied enough to cover most of the types of hiking conditions that you will find anywhere within the state, and the wildflowers are fantastic. It is also very easily accessible from most points within western PA, including just an hour drive from Pittsburgh. 

 

Views from PA's Highest Place: Mt. Davis in Autumn

Mt. Davis Natural Area, located at the highest point within the state, and High Point Lake are beautiful to visit in any time of the year, but especially in autumn. Due to it being slightly higher than most places in Southwestern PA, this is one of the first areas to see fall color. The ride up through rural countryside is so pretty as well. 

 Our visit last year was just before peak in mid September, but there was decent color on that balmy September afternoon. High Point Lake is located at an elevation of 2480 feet, which makes it one of the highest elevation lakes in the state. Nearby Mt. Davis reaches a height of 3,212 feet.

 The area is located with short, but mature forest growth, lots of boulders, and a firetower that gives a stunning view of the surrounding ridges. 

As opposed to a specific high point, Mt. Davis is pretty spread out upon a plateau, and is negligibly taller than the surrounding plateau, so you do not get as dramatic of a view as you do at other scenic overlook points. The view is still amazing, especially as the colors change on the thousands of surrounding trees. 

A road goes around the perimeter of the natural area and trails crisscross it as well. This spot here gives a great view of High Point lake, which is about 700 feet below this point. For more background and information on Mt. Davis, check out this previous article of ours. 

PA Camping Bucket List: Our 16 Favorite Campgrounds in Pennsylvania

Throughout my entire life, my family has always camped. Now that I am an adult, I still go out and camp.  My family always had a camper and Brit and I have taken to tent camping. In all of my years of camping, these places have stood out as our favorites within the state, or right across the border. There are several omissions on this list, either because we did not have a great experience at them, or simply because we have not camped at EVERY place within the entire state. We only write about places that we have personally visited and recommend to visit. Here is a rundown of our favorites for camping, whether it be tent camping, staying in cabins, and/or RVing. We have included a map with the locations of each place at the bottom of this article.

1) Ricketts Glen State Park: Endless Mountains Region - Tent Friendly, RV Hookups limited 

Ricketts Glen State Park: Tent and RV friendly, though most sites have no hookups, so this campground is more suited for tenters. The campsites are very large, and located in a beautifully wooded spot.

All of the campsites are either located on the lakes or within a short walk of them, which lends this spot to be perfect on clear nights for taking in the stars and for lazy days just tossing in a fishing line and watching the eagles and other raptors that frequent the lakes. Short trails lead to the park's swimming beach area and boat rentals, and awesome hikes on the Falls Trail. The campsites are perfectly shaded and the facilities are very nice.

For more information about visiting Ricketts Glen State Park and camping at it, check out this article, and visit their website at https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks/FindAPark/RickettsGlenStatePark/Pages/default.aspx

As a kid, my family took our pop up camper to the nearby Red Rock Mountain Campground which I remember absolutely loving. It is better suited for people with RVs in regards to hook ups. It is located at the bottom of the hill, near the country store and gas station.

For more information on this campground, check out their website at https://redrockmountaincampground.com

2) Hickory Run State Park: Pocono Mountains Region - Tent and RV Friendly

My family camped here with our little tent camper many times, and we have gone and camped here as adults as well with our tent. The RV sites are very nice, but the tent sites are absolutely spectacular. The tent loop is located within a more rugged section of the camping area, with nice and large trees, and within a short walk of the playground and one of the park's small lakes with a beautiful spillway. Autumn is especially breathtaking at the park, with incredible fall foliage color. The facilities are very nice as well. For more information, on visiting, check out this article.

3) Knoebels Amusement Park: Elysburg, PA

Knoebels Amusement Park: Tenters and RVs. As a roller coaster and amusement parks fan, few things get me more excited than hearing a the whoosh of wooden roller coaster train roaring down the track with screaming riders, and the smell of grease and wood from the coaster.

At Knoebels you can camp right next to the park's awesome Twister wooden roller coaster and one of the park's two train rides. With Knoebels being a free admission amusement park, you are free to walk into the park from the campground. The park has two campgrounds, one on property, and the Lake Glory Campground, just a short distance away

For more information, check out our article on visiting Knoebels Amusement Resort here, and check out their website https://www.knoebels.com

4) Lakeside Campground: Ripley, NY, right on the PA/NY state line along Lake Erie

Ripley, NY's Lakeside Campground is located exactly upon the Pennsylvania and New York Border on the shores of Lake Erie. This campground trends towards campers and trailers and seasonal trailer rentals, though they have always been very welcoming of us as tenters. On a fourth of July visit a few years ago, we saw one of the most stunning sunsets we have ever seen while sitting on the campground's Lake Erie beach. It is located within the heart of Lake Erie Wine Country and a short drive from Presque Isle State Park, Waldameer Amusement Park, and everything else the Erie area has to offer.

For more information, check out their website at https://campatlakeside.com

5) Seven Points Campground at Raystown Lake. 

Seven Points Campground at Raystown Lake. Both tent campers and RV campers are well accommodated at this campground. This campground is centrally located within the state and is a place where my family and I have met up in between to camp and explore. The campsites are all quite large and many are directly upon the shores of the largest lake that is fully located within the borders of the Commonwealth. Many people wade into the lake from their campsites, and they moor their kayaks, canoes, boats, and more right at their sites. The great debate for vacations usually comes down to "do we want to go to the beach, or the mountains?" The Raystown Lake Region offers both, and the Seven Points Campground is a fantastic place to go. The campground is located within the Seven Points Recreation Area, which offers walking and biking paths and trails, a mountain biking park (The Allegrippis Trail System), a swimming beach, and much more in addition to the beautiful views. The facilities are very nice. For more information visiting the region, check out this article, and to make reservations, go to their website at https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233626

6) Promised Land State Park in the Poconos.

Both tent and RV campers are well accommodated at this campground. This is a very relaxing state park to visit, with a great hiking trail system and two nice and medium sized lakes with fishing, boating, and swimming offered. There is a little falls trail that picks up on the entrance road to the campground, which is a really nice and short hike.

For info about reservations, check out their website https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks/FindAPark/PromisedLandStatePark/Pages/default.aspx

7) Old Mill Stream Campground at Dutch Wonderland Amusement Park in Lancaster

This place was always a favorite of my family when I was growing up, and my parents still camp there pretty frequently. This campground trends towards RVs and "glamping", but it also offers tent camping sites. The location is everything with this place, for one side of it has Dutch Wonderland and its beautiful Kingdom Coaster wooden roller coaster and the park's monorail, and the back part of the campground is along a creek that has a working dairy farm within view across the creek. It is located on the historic Lincoln Highway within an easy drive of everything that the Lancaster area has to offer.

For more information, check out their website at https://www.dutchwonderland.com/old-mill-stream-campground


8) Blue Rocks Campground near the Appalachian Trail and Hawk Mountain

Blue Rocks Campground near the Appalachian Trail and Hawk Mountain: RV and Tent Camping

I have not visited this campground as an adult, but my memories of camping here when I was young are really nice. It is located on a boulder field and has connector trails that go right to the Appalachian Trail. As far as hiking goes, this is an awesome place to camp. They also have a stocked little pond for fishing, and I recall casting and immediately catching fish. For fishing, this is a great place to go with little kids. The hiking opportunities at this campground are what really makes it stand out. I definitely want to get back to this campground.

For more information, check out their website at https://www.bluerockscampground.com

9) Cook Forest State Park: Clarion, Forest, and Jefferson Counties, PA

RV and Tent Camping: Camping amongst the old growth forests at Cook is incredible. The dark skies in this area are amazing to see as well. It is really amazing looking up into the sky on a clear night here and seeing all of the stars. The facilities are excellent as well.

For more information, check out this article and go to their website at https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks/FindAPark/CookForestStatePark/Pages/default.aspx

10) Parker Dam State Park, Clearfield County: Tents, RVs, and Cabins

We have spent the night in the park's lovely CCC era cabins, which are open year round and have indoor fireplaces. The camping sites are superb as well. The state park has so many hiking opportunities, a small lake with a beach, boating, and fishing opportunities, and more. The state park serves as a gateway into seemingly endless public forest land that includes the habitat of the Elk herd. For more information visiting, check out this article. 

11) Linn Run State Park, Laurel Highlands Region: Just Cabins

The CCC era cabins at Linn Run State Park are awesome and include indoor fireplaces. This state park serves as a gateway into Forbes State Forest. This is one of our favorite go to spots. 

For more information visiting the state park, check out this article.

12) Chapman State Park: In the center of Allegheny National Forest: Tents, RVS, and Cabins

Chapman State Park is basically surrounded by the seemingly endless Allegheny National Forest and serves as a great launching point into the entire national forest and Allegheny Reservoir. We stayed in the park's cabins, which are spartan but very nice. This is a quiet place to get away to, and the campsites are very nice. 

For more information on visiting and exploring the area, check out this article. 

13) Youghiogheny River Lake Outflows Campground: RV and Tent Camping

Located in the southern portion of the Laurel Highlands, almost to the Maryland border, this campground is located near the Youghiogheny River Lake Dam and is operated by the Army Corps of Engineers. The campsites are huge and there is excellent access to the Great Allegheny Passage Bike Trail. Whether you are passing through and looking for a place to rest, or a place to spend the night while you are biking the 140 miles of the trail, or you are just looking for a place to camp that is in the Ohiopyle area, but away from the hustle and bustle, this is an awesome place to go. 

For more information on visiting, check out this article. 

14) Hemlock Campground in Tobyhanna, Pocono Mountains Region: RV and Tent Camping.
I have not been to this campground in more than twenty years, but we used to really enjoy it. It is located right in the Poconos and is a great place to take the family.

For more information on visiting, check out their website at http://hemlockcampground.com

15) Laurel Hill State Park in the Laurel Highlands: RV and Tent Camping, along with Cabins. Laurel Hill State Park is centrally situated in the Laurel Highlands and offers great access to the park's lake, which is complete with a beach and boat rental concessions. The hiking trail system is very nice as well. Laurel Hill Creek is large and an excellent trout fishery as well. The campsites are very spacious and the facilities are excellent.

For more information on visiting, check out their website at https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks/FindAPark/LaurelHillStatePark/Pages/default.aspx

16) Raccoon Creek State Park: RV and Tent Camping. If you are looking for a quick place to get away to for camping in the Pittsburgh area, Raccoon Creek State Park is a great place to go. Frankfort Mineral Springs is my favorite thing to check out at the state park, but this sprawling place also offers a great little lake, a nice hiking trail system, and a Wildflower Preserve.

For more information, check out their website at https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks/FindAPark/RaccoonCreekStatePark/Pages/default.aspx

Most state parks that we mention on our page have a campground within them and there are a bunch that we have visited, but would love to camp at, especially Worlds End State Park, and the PA Grand Canyon, but have not ended up camping at yet. The cabins and cottages at the PA State Park Campgrounds are also quite lovely and well worth checking out. Overall, when it comes to outdoor adventure, this state has so much to offer.

The following map has all of the locations of the campgrounds that we mentioned in this article.