Laurel Highlands

The Laurel Highlands, in Southwestern Pennsylvania in the USA, encompasses Fayette County, Somerset County and Westmoreland County. The Laurel Highlands region traverses the Laurel and Chestnut ridges of the Allegheny Mountains, and covers more than 100 miles of countryside.

Approximately fifty-five miles southeast of Pittsburgh, it is an abundant region full of wildlife and natural attractions such as the Loyalhanna Gorge, located east of Latrobe on US Route 30, to an adventurous afternoon whitewater-rafting, canoeing, or kayaking on the raging waters of the Youghiogheny River at Ohiopyle State Park in Fayette County, plus the 2.3 miles of passages at Laurel Caverns, Pennsylvania's largest cave and miles of scenic woodlands, breathtaking views and beautiful countryside.

Famous architectural wonders such as the world-famous Fallingwater and Kentuck Knob, both designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, can be found within the Laurel Highlands, as well as the third oldest amusement park in the country — Idlewild and Soak Zone, located in the historic town of Ligonier. It is also the home of Fort Ligonier, built during the French and Indian War and is the finest example of this type of fort in North America. A second fort built during the French and Indian War is Fort Necessity, located further south near Uniontown.

When the highlands turn into a winter wonderland, it is a tradition to go to one of three ski resorts, Seven Springs, Hidden Valley and Laurel Mountain ski resorts, which are some of the most popular resorts in the Northeast, and also, shopping comes in handy when vacationing in the Laurel Highlands. The region is covered with many local antique shops, flea markets, and novelty stores, located in towns throughout the area. On the outskirts of Greensburg and Uniontown, many big-box shops can be found, as well as Uniontown Mall and Westmoreland Mall, the region's largest mall.