Easy hikes and walks around Seven Springs

The Cole Run Trail is a delightful journey through Forbes State Forest, offering a rich tapestry of natural beauty centered around its namesake waterfalls. You'll wander through lush, shaded forest on a dirt singletrack path, encountering exposed roots and rocky sections as you follow cascading streams. The star attraction is the picturesque Cole Run Falls, a 15-foot, two-tiered waterfall, but don't miss the deep blue waters of the 'Blue Hole' or the smaller Cave Falls with its unique cave opening.

This easy 2.7-mile (4.4 km) hiking route involves a modest 424 feet (129 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking about 1 hour and 17 minutes to complete. While the trail is generally accessible, expect potential muddy spots after rain and slick rocks near the falls, so sturdy hiking boots are recommended. The main Cole Run Falls are conveniently located just 100 feet from a parking area, making them an easy stop for anyone.

What truly sets the Cole Run Trail apart is its abundance of water features, from the main falls to numerous smaller cascades and the distinctive Blue Hole. It's a serene and highly photogenic setting, particularly rewarding for waterfall enthusiasts and nature photographers. The trail's seasonal beauty, with vibrant fall foliage and unique winter ice formations, ensures a different experience each time you visit.

The LHHT - PA31 Shelter Trail offers a delightful, easy hike through the southern section of the Laurel Highlands, known for its diverse scenery. You'll wander through lush hardwood forests, often blanketed with dense ferns, and encounter intriguing rock features like corridors and giant boulders. In season, the trail bursts with vibrant mountain laurel and rhododendrons, creating a picturesque setting around the Route 31 Shelter Area.

This 1.6-mile (2.6 km) route is rated easy, with a minimal 46 feet (14 metres) of elevation gain, and typically takes about 43 minutes to complete. The trail is exceptionally well-maintained and marked, making it ideal for beginner backpackers or families looking for a gentle outing. If you plan an overnight stay at the PA31 Shelter, remember that reservations are mandatory, and any water from the pump needs filtering.

This section of the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail is part of a unique system featuring Adirondack-style shelters spaced every 6-12 miles, a defining characteristic of the LHHT. The trail's geological features, including numerous rock formations, add significant interest to the path, making it more than just a simple forest walk. It's a great way to experience the trail's charm without committing to a longer, more challenging trek.

The Tree Army Trail at Kooser State Park is a delightful, easy hike that meanders alongside the picturesque Kooser Run. This 0.9-mile (1.4 km) route, with its minimal 2 feet (0 metres) of elevation gain, is perfect for a quick, relaxing outing. You can expect a gentle grade and few obstacles, making it an excellent choice for a beginner hike or a family-friendly stroll, especially with its scenic beauty in winter and stream access for fishing in summer.

Planning your visit to the Tree Army Trail is straightforward, as it's easily accessible within Kooser State Park. The trail is well-marked with blue diamond blazes, and you won't need any special permits or have to pay fees. It's a short 22-minute walk, so it fits easily into any day, and parking is generally available at the park. This route is a great way to enjoy the outdoors without a strenuous commitment.

This trail holds a special place in history, named in honor of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), often called "Roosevelt's Tree Army." These young men played a crucial role during the Great Depression, building park infrastructure, planting trees, and fighting wildfires across Pennsylvania and the country. Hiking the Tree Army Trail offers a glimpse into their legacy while enjoying the natural beauty they helped preserve.

The Laurel Hill Lake loop offers a delightful journey around the 63-acre Laurel Hill Lake, showcasing varied terrain and beautiful scenery. You'll experience the easy, crushed-stone path of the Copper Kettle Trail on the western side, providing open lake views and passing the park's beach. The eastern side, however, transitions to the more rugged Lake Trail, a narrower, steeper path through forested areas with exposed roots, offering a different perspective of the lake and its surroundings.

This 3.9-mile (6.3 km) hiking loop, rated easy, involves a modest 235 feet (72 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes. Parking is readily available within Laurel Hill State Park, particularly near the beach area. The trail is especially rewarding during summer for its lush greenery and in autumn for spectacular fall foliage, making it a great choice for a family-friendly hike.

Laurel Hill State Park is known for its rich history, with many structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s, including the historic Jones Mill Run Dam which created the lake itself. The park's mountainous terrain also hosts older hemlock forests and offers opportunities to spot local wildlife, adding a layer of natural and historical interest to your Laurel Hill Lake loop experience.

The Scenic Creek loop from Laurel Hill State Park offers a delightful, easy hike through a diverse landscape of old-growth Eastern Hemlock forests and along scenic waterways. You'll follow the banks of Laurel Hill Creek and the eastern shore of Laurel Hill Lake, enjoying continuous views of the water and surrounding mountainous terrain. The path winds through tall trees, ferns, rhododendrons, and moss-covered rocks, providing a peaceful and immersive natural experience.

This easy hiking route is a quick win, covering 1.3 miles (2.1 km) with a modest 109 feet (33 metres) of elevation gain, making it perfect for a 35-minute stroll. Parking is readily available at Laurel Hill State Park, but arriving earlier on busy days is always a good idea. The trail is accessible year-round, but the fall season truly brings out the vibrant colors of the varied forest ecosystems.

Beyond the immediate beauty of the lake and creek, the trail takes you through sections of ancient Eastern Hemlock forests, some trees dating back over 300 years. This unique ecosystem, combined with the park's varied topography, makes the Scenic Creek loop a notable example of the natural heritage in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, offering a glimpse into a truly 'foresty' atmosphere.