Exploring the Laurel Highlands: Springtime Adventures from Nemacolin

Each spring, the magnificent Laurel Highlands bursts into life, transforming into a vibrant outdoor playground where blooming wildflowers carpet forest floors, tender green leaves unfurl on ancient trees, and rushing streams swell with melting snowpack. Spanning across 3,000 square miles just southeast of Pittsburgh, the Laurel Highlands is a nature enthusiast’s haven, offering some of the most diverse springtime outdoor adventures in Pennsylvania, including stellar hiking, golfing, fly fishing, horseback riding, and much more.

Nemacolin: Your Gateway to Adventure

Primely situated on more than 2,200 lush, wooded acres, Nemacolin resort serves as the perfect base for taking advantage of all the spring activities in Laurel Highlands. Whether you’re planning family-friendly spring trips or seeking luxury accommodations and curated experiences for couples, Nemacolin offers something for everyone, making it the perfect gateway for your adventure-based getaway to the region.

Hiking Trails in the Laurel Highlands

The Laurel Highlands and Ohiopyle are home to 120,000 acres of state parks that offer some of the best outdoor adventures in Pennsylvania, inviting adventurers to trek along rolling hills, through water-carved valleys, and into the state’s deepest river gorge.

Scenic Springtime Hikes

Two of the most scenic springtime Laurel Highlands hiking trails are also among its most popular. Head to Meadow Run Trail in Ohiopyle State Park for three easy miles of trekking along the Youghiogheny River, passing two waterfalls, impressive sandstone cliffs, and giant rhododendrons. At only 3.4 miles, Baughman Trail might seem like a moderate trek, but much of it winds through steep, rocky terrain, making it one of Ohiopyle State Park’s most challenging hikes. It’s also one of its most rewarding, offering a spectacular view of the Youghiogheny River Gorge.

Tailored Trail Experiences

With so many trails to explore, there’s something for every type of trekker — from leisurely strolls to demanding hikes — catering to all skill levels. For a relaxing walk, the 2.5-mile Davis Run Trail in Keystone State Park winds through wetlands and a scenic tunnel of conifers. For those seeking a true challenge, the 70-mile Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail offers a rugged adventure and is considered one of Pennsylvania’s most beautiful trails. Just 30 miles from the resort, Mount Davis, the highest point in Pennsylvania, is located in Forbes State Forest, and the summit’s observation tower provides magnificent views with a short walk from its parking area.

Nature Walks Near Nemacolin

For those who want to stay close to Nemacolin, Bear Run Reserve offers more than 20 miles of trails through a habitat rich in wildlife, including black bears, bobcats, and over 50 bird species. This scenic reserve is also home to one of the region’s most renowned historic and natural landmarks — Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater — blending architectural brilliance with the beauty of Pennsylvania’s wilderness.

Spring Golfing in the Laurel Highlands

Swing into action at Nemacolin’s award-winning golf courses, both designed by legendary architect Pete Dye.

Tee Off Amidst Breathtaking Scenery

Test your skills on the PGA Tour-tested Mystic Rock or experience the exciting elevation changes of Shepherd’s Rock. Whichever course you choose, you will be surrounded by sweeping views of the Laurel Highlands’ rolling hills, which burst to life in spring with lush greenery and vibrant wildflowers.

Exclusive Golf Experiences

At The Nemacolin Golf Academy, players of all skill levels can refine their game with individual, private or group instruction, custom club fittings, swing analysis, and more. You can also travel around the world choosing from more than 300 courses to play with state-of-the-art Trackman technology.

Spring Golf Packages

Take advantage of seasonal offers like Nemacolin’s Stay & Play package, which combines luxury accommodations with exclusive access to the courses, ensuring an unforgettable spring golfing experience.

Fly-Fishing Adventures

The Orvis-endorsed Fly-Fishing Lodge at Nemacolin’s Rod & Range Club offers some of the finest fly fishing in Pennsylvania.

Prime Fishing Locations

The Youghiogheny River and Meadow Run teem with trout during the spring. Be sure to explore the ½-mile stretch of Nemacolin’s private section of Meadow Run, which was renovated and restored by the Clearwater Restoration Group of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, to optimize the trout habitat and spawning area.

Nemacolin’s Fishing Packages

For exceptional fly fishing in Pennsylvania, Nemacolin’s Orvis-endorsed fly-fishing programs provide top-tier equipment, expert instruction, and guided excursions for anglers of all experience levels. Enjoy tailored day trips led by professional guides, designed to match your goals — whether mastering the art of casting, refining specialized techniques, or targeting a specific trout species.

Horseback Riding Experiences

The Equestrian Center at Nemacolin is home to over a dozen horses, offers Equestrian Adventures featuring horseback riding in Laurel Highlands for riders of all levels. 

Explore on Horseback

The resort’s Backwoods Trail Rides weave through the lush forests and rolling hills on the property. In springtime, the Laurel Highlands come alive with vibrant wildflowers, creating a breathtaking backdrop for an unforgettable riding experience.

Unique Perspectives on Horseback

Traverse winding trails on horseback, venturing into terrain inaccessible by foot alone. In the springtime, this journey transforms into a truly magical experience, as delicate blooms carpet the trail edges and the fresh scent of new growth fills the air.

Family-Friendly Activities

An abundance of activities and seasonal events designed specifically for little explorers makes Nemacolin the perfect destination for family-friendly spring trips in Pennsylvania.

Adventure and Exploration

Discover your wild side with Nemacolin’s Wildlife Adventures where an astounding variety of interactive education and live animal programs, including close encounters with the resort’s African lions, Bengal tigers, and a chance to pet and feed friendly donkey, gentle sheep, and playful goats. For thrill-seekers, the High Ropes Challenge Course features 36 elements that reach three levels and 52′ high, while young daredevils ages 3-8 can enjoy their own excitement on the Little Tykes Ropes Course.

Seasonal Events

Special Nemacolin spring events, like the Easter Egg Hunt Extravaganza — featuring an unforgettable visit from the Easter Bunny — and the elegant Mother’s Day Brunch, offer the perfect opportunity to create new memories and start new traditions.

Planning Your Spring Getaway

With the right planning, you can relax, explore, and enjoy a truly unforgettable spring vacation at Nemacolin.

Accommodations at Nemacolin

Whether you’re looking for grandeur, seclusion, or a cozy escape, Nemacolin’s impressive range of luxury accommodations ensures a perfect stay for every guest, from couples to families in search of stellar spring getaways near Pittsburgh. Step into the Nemaverse to get a true feel for the resort’s layout, then use the interactive accommodation tool to see which one of the five distinct lodging options is right for you, whether it’s The Chateau, which unveiled an iconic transformation in 2024; the intimate Falling Rock; or one of The Homes, nestled in a private, wooded corner of Nemacolin.

Spring Packages and Promotions

Those in search of spring getaways near Pittsburgh can take advantage of exclusive offers such as the Nemacolin Experience Package which combines luxury accommodations with resort credits, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty and thrilling spring activities in Laurel Highlands from scenic hikes to championship golf.

Preparation Tips

To make the most of your spring vacation at Nemacolin, pack smart by bringing layered clothing to stay comfortable in variable temperatures and sturdy footwear for exploring scenic Laurel Highlands hiking trails and other outdoor adventures. Secure reservations for popular experiences like golf tee times and fly-fishing excursions in advance to ensure a seamless stay.

Plan Your Spring Vacation at Nemacolin Today

From luxury accommodations to exhilarating Laurel Highlands outdoor activities, Nemacolin offers the perfect escape. To reserve your luxury stay, contact a Resort Reservations Specialist at 866.344.6957. For assistance with  dining, spa, golf, or activity reservations, connect with a member of the Experience Team at 724.780.2156.