Laurel Highlands
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The Laurel Highlands, in the southwestern part of the state of Pennsylvania, encompasses Fayette County, Somerset County and Westmoreland County. The Laurel Highlands region contains a population of about 600,000 people. Population growth is not big with small increases in Fayette and Somerset counties, yet Westmoreland County is on the edge of a growth rate. 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 U.S. 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.
Other natural attractions in the area include: Laurel Hill, Laurel Ridge, Kooser, Keystone, Linn Run, Laurel Mountain, and Laurel Summit state parks; Forbes State Forest, including the Roaring Run and Mount Davis natural areas; the 70-mile Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail; and several county parks.
Famous architectural wonders such as the world-famous Fallingwater and Kentuck Knob, both designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, are within a short drive from Nemacolin Woodlands, a world-class resort often visited by celebrities. They can be found within the Laurel Highlands near the quaint, historic city of Uniontown, with its State Theater Center for the Arts, small shops and restaurants, and a local tourist train. The third oldest amusement park in the country — Idlewild Park and Soak Zone, is 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 farther south near Uniontown.
When the region turns into a winter wonderland, it is a tradition to go to one of three ski resorts: Seven Springs Mountain Resort, Hidden Valley Four Seasons Resort, and Laurel Mountain Ski Resort, which are some of the most popular resorts in the Northeast. 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, including Westmoreland Mall, Uniontown Mall, and Pechin.
Laurel Highlands School District surrounds the city of Uniontown. It was created from the consolidation of North Union and South Union School Districts in 1967. The district currently operates six schools: Laurel Highlands High School, Laurel Middle School, Hutchinson Elementary School, George C. Marshall Elementary School, R.W. Clark Elementary School, and Hatfield Elementary School. Its official mascot is the Mustang, and its official colors are scarlet, royal blue, and white.
