When’s the last time you got away from it all – the non-stop ringing of your smartphone? The sputter and horns of traffic? And, the constantly packed schedule? Replace the smartphone ring with the melody of the birds; the noise of traffic with the gushing of a waterfall, and the packed schedule with a long, leisurely hike. Sound like a tiny slice of paradise? Then, plan a visit to this magnificent forest near Pittsburgh that offers so much to do – or absolutely nothing at all.
Spanning nearly 60,000 spectacular acres, Forbes State Forest sits less than two hours from downtown Pittsburgh. But, you just might feel a million miles away.
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Lace up your hiking boots - and pack plenty of bottled water - before you begin exploring the forest, best seen along one of its 100 hiking trails.
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Listen for the tumbling of water along the three-mile Cole Run Trail Loop, which will bring you straight to the enchanting Cole Run Falls.
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On those scorching summer days, dip your feet in or jump into Blue Hole, also along the Cole Run Trail.
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Then, head to one of the forest’s scenic vistas, such as Wolf Rocks. Use the Wolf Rocks Loop Trail, which spans 4.3 miles, to Wolf Rock, which offers sweeping views of the forest.
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Or, find the parking lot closest to Mount Davis, the highest point in Pennsylvania at 3,213 feet, for the short trek to the ADA-accessible High Point Observation Tower.
Facebook/Forbes State Forest Click here for directions to Mount Davis from downtown Pittsburgh. (You can change the starting point to your address.)
Of course, you’ll find plenty more to do at Forbes State Forest, including mountain biking, horseback riding, ATV riding, and picnicking.
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The forest also comes alive during the winter months with such popular activities as snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. (Don’t forget to keep an eye out for local wildlife.)
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And, if you’ve still not had your fill of nature at Forbes State Forest, stay overnight at one of the primitive campsites, like the Adirondack pictured below. (Campsites for motorized vehicles are also available.)
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Forbes State Forest’s District Office is located at 1291 Route 30, PO Box 519, Laughlintown, PA 15655.
Facebook/Forbes State Forest Click here for the official website of Forbes State Forest. Or, go here for Facebook.
How lucky are we to live in an area that’s brimming with such natural beauty, like this forest near Pittsburgh? And, if you like exploring the great outdoors in Western PA, plan a visit to one or more of these under-appreciated state parks. Click here to read more.
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Click here for directions to Mount Davis from downtown Pittsburgh. (You can change the starting point to your address.)
Click here for the official website of Forbes State Forest. Or, go here for Facebook.
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Address: 1291 Route 30, PO Box 519, Laughlintown, PA 15655
