{"id":54002,"global_id":"americanhiking.org?id=54002","global_id_lineage":["americanhiking.org?id=54002"],"author":"50","status":"publish","date":"2025-12-12 17:19:17","date_utc":"2025-12-12 22:19:17","modified":"2026-06-11 15:49:19","modified_utc":"2026-06-11 19:49:19","url":"https:\/\/americanhiking.org\/volunteer-vacation-trip\/breathtaking-lodge-views-along-the-laurel-highlands-hiking-trail-pa-special-cookout-celebration-at-end-of-trip\/","rest_url":"https:\/\/americanhiking.org\/wp-json\/tribe\/events\/v1\/events\/54002","title":"Breathtaking Lodge Views Along the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail, PA (Special Cookout Celebration at End of Trip)","description":"

***Special Promotion***<\/span> All trip participants will receive a Fj\u00e4llr\u00e4ven K\u00e5nken R backpack (valued at $100) generously donated by our good friends at Fj\u00e4llr\u00e4ven. Made from recycled materials and ready for adventure!<\/b><\/p>\n

The Laurel Highlands region of southwestern Pennsylvania is home to some of the most spectacular natural scenery and exhilarating outdoor recreation in the eastern United States. There is over 100,000 acres of public lands located in the Laurel Highlands. One of the main recreational destinations and features is the 70-mile Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail (part of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail). Scenic vistas, unique geologic features, lush northern hardwood forests, pristine waterways and fresh mountain air await.<\/p>\n

Volunteers will perform trail work on the northern section of the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail involving constructing a new set of switchbacks, constructing new trail tread for a minor reroute, repair and constructing drainage, and blaze over 10 miles of trail. You will work alongside park staff and Ridge Runners local volunteers.<\/p>\n

After a day on the trail, you will return to the splendor and comfort of the Hufman Lodge. This Lodge is one of the finest accommodations in the State Park system, offering a stunning view of Laurel Ridge. Warm by the fire and enjoy dinner with your fellow volunteers. At the end of the week the host will provide a cookout for all your hard work and efforts!<\/p>\n

There is no experience needed to join a Volunteer Vacation!\u00a0<\/b>Your expert hosts will provide detailed instruction, tool demonstrations, and project oversight throughout the week. All you need is a willing attitude and to be in good physical condition to participate in moderate physical activity for approximately 6-8 hours a day with plenty of breaks, at your own pace. Find out more about what it\u2019s like to join a Volunteer Vacation and other frequently asked questions\u00a0here.<\/a><\/p>\n

Avg. Temperature:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Typical weather for this area during this season has highs of roughly 80\u201385\u00b0F and lows of 60\u201365\u00b0F. Early August in southwestern Pennsylvania is typically warm and muggy with a chance of afternoon or evening thunderstorms.<\/p>\n

Sample Schedule: <\/strong><\/p>\n

Day 1: Arrival<\/p>\n

Typically meet in the afternoon for check in, introductions, orientation, and camp setup. (Time\/place TBD)<\/p>\n

Day 2: Work Day<\/p>\n

Enjoy a hearty breakfast, pack lunches, and be on the trail between 8 AM and 9 AM<\/p>\n

Lunch and plenty of other breaks will be included.<\/p>\n

Wrap up the work day in the late afternoon and head back to camp and enjoy a few hours of daylight for free time.<\/p>\n

Reconvene at a chosen time for dinner.<\/p>\n

After dinner has been cleaned up, evenings offer plenty of\u00a0 time to relax, sit around the campfire and get to know your fellow crew members, or enjoy more free time.<\/p>\n

Day 3: Work Day<\/p>\n

Day 4: Rest Day (Specific Day on Trip Will Be Confirmed By Host)<\/p>\n

Your choice! Explore the area, take a recreational hike,\u00a0 tour local attractions, or hang out at camp. Group excursions can be planned or set-out on your own.<\/p>\n

Day 5: Work Day<\/p>\n

Day 6: Work Day<\/p>\n

Day 7: Departure<\/p>\n

Pack up and clean up, celebrate your accomplishments, wish each other a fond farewell, and depart. Please note: This schedule is subject to change due to weather or other circumstances. Any updates will be communicated to the group.<\/p>\n

Land Acknowledgment:<\/strong><\/p>\n

AHS acknowledges with gratitude that this project takes place on the traditional lands of the Shawandasse Tula (Shawanwaki\/Shawnee), Massawomeck, Osage, and Monongahela Culture past and present. We honor the land itself, the Indigenous communities who have stewarded these islands and mountain landscapes for countless generations, and those who continue this stewardship today. This acknowledgement is one step in our ongoing commitment to uplift Indigenous voices. We invite the American Hiking Society community to learn about, support, and stand in solidarity with the Indigenous peoples whose lands we live, work, and recreate on.<\/p>","excerpt":"","slug":"breathtaking-lodge-views-along-the-laurel-highlands-hiking-trail-pa-special-cookout-celebration-at-end-of-trip","image":{"url":"https:\/\/americanhiking.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/laurelhill-landscape-2.jpg","id":54194,"extension":"jpg","width":256,"height":171,"filesize":18622},"all_day":true,"start_date":"2026-08-02 00:00:00","start_date_details":{"year":"2026","month":"08","day":"02","hour":"00","minutes":"00","seconds":"00"},"end_date":"2026-08-08 23:59:59","end_date_details":{"year":"2026","month":"08","day":"08","hour":"23","minutes":"59","seconds":"59"},"utc_start_date":"2026-08-02 04:00:00","utc_start_date_details":{"year":"2026","month":"08","day":"02","hour":"04","minutes":"00","seconds":"00"},"utc_end_date":"2026-08-09 03:59:59","utc_end_date_details":{"year":"2026","month":"08","day":"09","hour":"03","minutes":"59","seconds":"59"},"timezone":"America\/New_York","timezone_abbr":"EDT","cost":"","cost_details":{"currency_symbol":"","currency_code":"","currency_position":"","values":[]},"website":"","show_map":true,"show_map_link":true,"hide_from_listings":false,"sticky":false,"featured":false,"categories":[],"tags":[],"venue":{"id":54003,"author":"50","status":"publish","date":"2025-12-12 17:19:17","date_utc":"2025-12-12 22:19:17","modified":"2026-01-14 09:51:01","modified_utc":"2026-01-14 14:51:01","url":"https:\/\/americanhiking.org\/location\/laurel-hill-state-park\/","venue":"Laurel Hill State Park","slug":"laurel-hill-state-park","address":"1454 Laurel Hill Park Rd","city":"Somerset","country":"United States","state":"PA","zip":"15501","stateprovince":"PA","json_ld":{"@type":"Place","name":"Laurel Hill State Park","description":"","url":"https:\/\/americanhiking.org\/location\/laurel-hill-state-park\/","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","streetAddress":"1454 Laurel Hill Park Rd","addressLocality":"Somerset","addressRegion":"PA","postalCode":"15501","addressCountry":"United States"},"telephone":"","sameAs":""},"show_map":true,"show_map_link":true,"global_id":"americanhiking.org?id=54003","global_id_lineage":["americanhiking.org?id=54003"]},"organizer":[],"custom_fields":{"_ecp_custom_3":{"label":"Project Rating","value":"Strenuous"},"_ecp_custom_4":{"label":"Trip Accommodations","value":"Cabin\/Lodge"},"_ecp_custom_5":{"label":"Accommodations Description","value":"Volunteers will stay at the Hufman Lodge, one of the finest accommodations in the Pennsylvania State Park system! Featuring stunning views, five bedrooms and three bathrooms, one and one-half kitchens, recreation room, laundry, hot water heating system, wood burning fireplace, air conditioning, outdoor fire ring, and a deck! Volunteers need to bring their own sheets, bedding or sleeping bag and towels.\r\n"},"_ecp_custom_6":{"label":"Area and Attractions","value":"The Laurel Highlands region of southwestern Pennsylvania is home to some of the most spectacular natural scenery and exhilarating outdoor recreation in the eastern United States. There is over 100,000 acres of public lands located in the Laurel Highlands. One of the main recreational destinations and features is the 70-mile Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail (part of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail). Scenic vistas, unique geologic features, lush northern hardwood forests, pristine waterways and fresh mountain air await. Area activities include Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater, the Flight 93 National memorial, or a guided hike on one of the incredible trails in the Laurel Highlands region."},"_ecp_custom_9":{"label":"Minimum Age","value":"18"},"_ecp_custom_10":{"label":"Maximum Group Size","value":"10"},"_ecp_custom_11":{"label":"Travel Details","value":"Pittsburgh International Airport in Pittsburg, PA is the closest airport. Airport pickup is available. Scheduled pickup is at 10am on August 2. Scheduled drop-off is at 2pm on August 8."},"_ecp_custom_23":{"label":"Project Access","value":"Volunteers will be driven to the worksite."},"_ecp_custom_32":{"label":"Hike Type","value":"Day Hiking"},"_ecp_custom_33":{"label":"Registration URL","value":"https:\/\/americanhiking.org\/civicrm\/event\/register\/?id=378&reset=1"},"_ecp_custom_34":{"label":"Trip Length","value":"Full (week long)"},"_ecp_custom_37":{"label":"Volunteer Age","value":"Adults age 18 and up"}},"json_ld":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org","@type":"Event","name":"Breathtaking Lodge Views Along the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail, PA (Special Cookout Celebration at End of Trip)","description":"<p>***Special Promotion*** All trip participants will receive a Fj\u00e4llr\u00e4ven K\u00e5nken R backpack (valued at $100) generously donated by our good friends at Fj\u00e4llr\u00e4ven. 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