Charlie Johnson and Tom Stevenson departed Cumberland, MD at 6am, arriving at the Northern Terminus of the Laurel Highlands Trail near Johnsonstown/Seward, PA at 8:10. There is ample parking provided at the Laurel Ridge Summit area, however there is only one small sign pointing to the trail as you travel east on Rt. 56. Leaving Tom's vehicle we then travel to the Laurel Ridge Summit parking area along Rt. 30, just east of Jennerstown, stopping at Ruthie's Diner in Ligonier on Rt 711 for a superb breakfast along the way.

We started down the trail about 9:15 am. We had hoped that we would some how be able to dodge the rain, but it was not to be. We started and ended the day in a constant cool downpour. This section of the trail ordinarily has no water source, but plenty of shallow washes were abundantly flowing. Starting at mile post 46 (MP) and headed north and crossed over Rt 30 and then across a series of switchbacks. We started to see patches of Laurels. Tom mentioned that he could see how the trail got its name.

The entire length of our hike was taken up with large sections of trail winding through laurel, and rhododendron. We passed Forbes trail, with a sign dated 1758. The climbs were subtle, no heavy breathing. No straight ups. We passed through a rather sizable collection of green moss covered rock formations, traveling through a narrow passage. This corridor had a carpet of green covering over massive rock walls that led through the most interesting pathway. Even as you venture through it you still had to turn back just to look one last time from where you emerged from. The temperature dropped as we crossed through a power right-away and moved into a cleared area. Charlie had just mentioned the possibility of snow, when sure enough the flurries begun. Then as we moved along the west ridge and the wind dropped to a steady breeze. We were counting down the miles, anxious to seek shelter from the rain. We were in for a less then pleasant surprise.

When reaching the Rt 271 Shelter turnoff at MP 56.9, we had no ideal that we still needed to travel down a blue blazed side trail to a road that take takes you to the shelter area. We still had a mile to go before we finally reached our goal. Tom surveyed the condition of the vacant shelters, while Charlie rested his weary bones. We talked ourselves into going back the way we had travel to the wood pile to stock up our arms full of split wood. We pealed off our wet clothing and heated a warm meal. We were fortunate to have an excellent fire starter available, one container of press tone fuel additive. Guaranteed to burn even the most difficult of wet wood. The fired through-out the night was a welcome relief from the nights chill. Distance traveled 11.9 miles in the rain.

October 6. 03 Sunday

We were slow to get going, leaving after 9am. We climbed back up the blue trail and continued our journey. We encountered several cross country skiing trails along this section of trial. The ferns were still in great abundance. We turned left onto a wide straight dirt road that had two posted LHT signings along the left. Then because of the uncertainty of where the trail led back into the forest area we called Mike Calabrese on a cellular. The road turned left as the trail entered the woods straight ahead.

After passing the Decker Avenue shelter area we had a short but steep climb. We got an excellent view of the Conmaugh Power station in two views to the west. From the trail you could look out to the right to a steep gorge and the further mountain range beyond. We then started down along a steady downward winding trail that dropped off the mountain. Going steeply down the mountain we notice the effects of the previous day's rain, where the trail only now was starting to return to a firm footing. As the trail started to level off we came across the Big Spring Reservoir.

We continued along our final mile, stopping for a moment at the last mile marker post MP 70. The trail continued along for a short distance to the parking area. Like most hikes, it was a wonderful experience, but oh how glad we where when we reached our final goal. Distanced traveled 14.2 miles.

Charlie J

Tom tending his toe @ shelter.
By Charlie Johnson

PA271 Shelter 5.
By Charlie Johnson

Tom S along the LHT.
By Charlie Johnson

Scenic view from the LHT, PA.
By Charlie Johnson

Power line/plant view.
By Charlie Johnson

Additional power line/plant view.
By Charlie Johnson

Tom S at the last mile marker.
By Charlie Johnson

LHT sign
By Charlie Johnson

Reservoir at mile 69.5.
By Charlie Johnson