{"id":629,"date":"2023-10-01T01:56:20","date_gmt":"2023-10-01T01:56:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jeffreyandanna.com\/?p=629"},"modified":"2024-12-07T15:36:01","modified_gmt":"2024-12-07T15:36:01","slug":"laurel-hill-state-park","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jeffreyandanna.com\/index.php\/2023\/10\/01\/laurel-hill-state-park\/","title":{"rendered":"Laurel Hill & Ohiopyle State Parks, PA"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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September 29 – October 1, 2023 — Campsite 196 (195 was muddy and not flat, we loved 188E and would get that site next time)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our drive to Laurel Hill State Park was very picturesque, especially for fall. We arrived at our campground and waited for our friends! This was the first camping trip we have had a group of friends with us, so we were super excited for company. Jeff and I played dominoes and Dutch Blitz while we waited for them to arrive. We then enjoyed a fire and good conversation. One of the camp hosts also came around and told us about an antique tractor show the following day. I think she was very surprised that a group of 20-somethings were excited about it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The next morning, we went to the Tired Iron Antique Tractor Show (which we learned was organized by a 15-year-old!). It was quite fun with a couple craft vendors, food, and of course, tractors. It was a bit toasty, but we enjoyed exploring the area, especially the beach and walking paths along the water. We also drove around a bit and found a beautiful area for fishing and kayaking that was surrounded by the beautiful fall leaves. We made sure to spend a little extra time relaxing there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Laurel Hill State Park<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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We then went to the visitor\u2019s center and got our sticker for our Pennsylvania Passport Book and the van. We took a quick walk through the woods on an easy trail (Jones Mill Run), and I saw the largest “wild” spider I have ever seen in my life! It was literally the size of my hand!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Once back at the campsite, I set up the hammock and relaxed with my book for a little while at our campsite. Our friend group is super chill, so by that point in the day, they were ready for a bit of rest and relaxation around the campfire just hanging out too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

That evening, we went for a stroll around the campground. We were a bit surprised to see there were no built out vans. Typically we see at least a couple of the \u201cwhite cargo van\u201d build outs when we camp. After our walk, we enjoyed chili for dinner and the second half of our friend group arrived before we had a fire late into the evening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Ohiopyle State Park<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For our last morning in Laurel Hill, Jeff made us pancakes and cinnamon rolls in the Dutch oven over our fire coals. They were so good, and we will definitely be making them again! We took showers (the water was so warm with great water pressure!) before making our way over to Ohiopyle State Park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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At Ohiopyle, we enjoyed learning about the area at the visitor\u2019s center, walked along the water and jumped rocks, walked pathways around the park, visited Cucumber Falls, did a bit of shopping, and had pizza. We also walked to a beautiful waterfall and enjoyed playing in the water a bit before taking our separate ways home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was such a fun weekend trip and even more special to share it with our friends! We look forward to returning!<\/p>\n\n\n