Laurel Caverns is situated toward the back side of Summit Mountain just five miles south of Route 40above Uniontown, Pennsylvania. Steeped in history and mystery, legends abound about the old massive underground hideout. Indians are known to have used the caves as it is always 52 degrees here. During the winter the trappers and hunters could come inside a safe haven, build a fire, and rest. In the late 1880’s the outlaw Cooley Gang terrorized the mountains and foothills. Robbing and pillaging were their stocks in trade and they hid in these caverns after many a job to lay low for a spell. There are stories that there is a treasure of gold hidden in these caves, but I’ll bet if there was such a prize someone has spent it by now!

It is startling how complex the caverns are. This you can see on the guided tour, but if you want to explore the recesses for a few hours, bring your flashlight and climb to the end of the mountainside underground in the dark!

These caves are Loyalhanna Limestone with catacombs and sculptured areas of intricate creativity. There are rooms large enough to have a nice sized party with high ceilings and crvices a human can not enter. In the good old days they were called Laurel Hill Caves and Delaney Caves until the Cale family developed them for public tours in 1962-64.

In addition to exploring Pennsylvania’s largest caves you can come here for sport climbing, rappelling lessons, and even cave golf!

Open from April through November, you can reach them for further information by calling 412-438-3003. www.laurelcaverns.com

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Ohiopyle State Park
P O Box 105
Ohiopyle, PA 15470
724-329-8591
http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/ohiopyle
ohiopylesp@state.pa.us
Manager: John Hallas

Check out their web site for an array of downloadable area maps, and details of what this 20,000 park in the Great Youghiogheny Gorge has to offer. Rafting, biking, hiking, climbing, FUN!
Read up on the history of the park.