Outdoor Recreation in Cambria County, PA (Within 1-Hour Drive)

Hiking Trails and Scenic Hikes

• Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail (LHHT) – A premier 70-mile backpacking trail that stretches from the Youghiogheny River at Ohiopyle to the Conemaugh Gorge near Johnstown. This well-marked footpath traverses Laurel Ridge through state parks and forests, offering overnight shelter areas and spectacular mountain scenery. The northern trailhead is near Seward (west of Johnstown), making it accessible for day hikes or multi-day trips. Hikers enjoy wildflowers in spring and vibrant foliage in fall along this semi-wilderness trail.

• Buttermilk Falls Natural Area (Indiana County) – A short, family-friendly hike leads to one of western Pennsylvania’s most impressive waterfalls, about 45 feet tall. The wooded trail descends to an observation area where you can view the cascading water (visitors can even go behind the falls via a walkway). Located just outside Cambria County near Armagh (roughly 30–40 minutes from Johnstown), this spot offers a shaded nature escape and picnic area.

• Blue Knob State Park – Encompassing over 6,100 acres on Pennsylvania’s second-highest peak (3,146 ft), Blue Knob features a network of trails with panoramic vistas. Hikers can trek to the summit lookout or explore forested paths like the Crist Ridge Trail and Rock ‘N Ridge Trail. The park’s high elevation brings cooler summer temperatures and abundant snowfall in winter. Blue Knob is a four-season destination – in warmer months hikers and mountain bikers enjoy the trails, and in winter the area is popular for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

• Stackhouse Park (Johnstown) – A 277-acre urban forest park in Westmont, Johnstown, with over 7 miles of hiking and biking trails winding through scenic woodlands. Trails range from easy streamside walks to moderate climbs, all within minutes of downtown. The park features rustic pavilions, a native plant garden, and year-round events (like guided walks and outdoor theater). It’s a convenient spot for a quick nature hike, bird-watching, or family outings without leaving the city.

Biking and Rail-Trails

• Ghost Town Trail – A renowned 46-mile rail-trail spanning Cambria and Indiana counties, designated Pennsylvania’s Trail of the Year in 2020. This crushed-limestone path follows Blacklick Creek between Ebensburg and Black Lick, passing through several abandoned coal mining “ghost” towns and historical sites. The trail is mostly gentle in grade, ideal for bicycling, walking, and running. Highlights include interpretive signs about local history, the Eliza Furnace historic site, and scenic creekside sections. Open year-round to cycling, hiking, and even cross-country skiing in winter, the Ghost Town Trail draws about 80,000 users annually and is a point of pride for the region.

• Path of the Flood Trail – A 14-mile historic trail tracing the route of the catastrophic 1889 Johnstown Flood, from the breached South Fork Dam to downtown Johnstown. This mostly crushed-gravel trail (with some paved and on-road segments) offers a mix of moderate biking and a journey through history. Trailside markers and exhibits allow cyclists and hikers to envision the flood’s path down the Little Conemaugh Valley. Notable stops include the National Park Service’s Staple Bend Tunnel (the first railroad tunnel in the U.S.) and an overlook of Johnstown. The trail has some steep grades in sections, providing a satisfying challenge. (2025 Pennsylvania Trail of the Year) – This trail was recently honored for its blend of natural beauty and historical significance, drawing visitors from across the country.

• Jim Mayer Riverswalk Trail – A paved 3.1-mile (5 km) urban trail along the Stonycreek River on Johnstown’s east end. Starting in the Riverside neighborhood and ending in Hornerstown, this flat trail is great for easy biking, jogging, and walking. The path winds through woodlands within the city, featuring wildflowers and bird life, and passes a 50-foot waterfall called Buttermilk Falls (a smaller namesake of the Indiana Co. falls) about 0.7 miles from the trailhead. With its smooth surface and short length, the Riverswalk is perfect for families and casual cyclists looking to enjoy a quick ride in a scenic urban setting.

• Hoodlebug Trail – A 10-mile rail-trail from Black Lick to the outskirts of Indiana, PA (connecting near the Ghost Town Trail’s Black Lick trailhead). Built on an old railroad corridor, it is open year-round for bicycling, walking, and XC skiing. The Hoodlebug Trail is mostly level and passes through rural landscapes and small communities, serving as both a recreation path and a local commuter route. It’s part of the Trans Allegheny Trails network linking various trail systems in the region. Trailheads with parking are available in Indiana and Black Lick, about a 45-minute drive from Johnstown.

(Other notable local bike paths include the Honan Avenue Trail and Cambria City Riverwalk in Johnstown, and the West Penn Trail near Blairsville, offering additional mileage and scenery for cycling enthusiasts.)

Fishing and Boating

• Prince Gallitzin State Park (Glendale Lake) – Cambria County’s marquee lake destination. Spanning 1,635 acres with 26 miles of shoreline, Glendale Lake is a favorite of anglers and boaters. The lake harbors bass, muskellunge, walleye, crappie, and trout (stocked seasonally), offering year-round fishing opportunities (including ice fishing in winter). Multiple boat launches and a marina are available – electric motors only – and kayak/canoe rentals are offered in summer. The Muskrat Beach area provides a swim beach and picnic spots, making it a full day-outing for families.

• Quemahoning Reservoir – A 900-acre reservoir on the border of Cambria and Somerset counties (near Hollsopple), known locally as “the Que.” The Quemahoning Family Recreation Area provides a boat launch, fishing piers, and a swimming area. Anglers enjoy excellent warmwater fishing here, with species like bass, northern pike, and panfish. Non-motorized and electric motor boats are allowed; kayak, canoe, and paddleboard rentals are available on-site at the “Yak Shak” outfitter. The Que is also used for occasional scuba diving and hosts the annual Stonycreek Rendezvous whitewater release downstream. A campground and picnic facilities make it a popular summer spot for both day use and overnight stays.

• Yellow Creek State Park (Yellow Creek Lake) – Located in Indiana County (about 50 minutes west of Ebensburg), this 2,981-acre state park features a 720-acre lake that is a destination for boaters and anglers. Yellow Creek Lake is well stocked with warmwater game fish and trout, and its warm swimming beach and boat rental concession make it a family-friendly attraction. Two boat launches accommodate powerboats (unlimited horsepower permitted) as well as kayaks and canoes. The park’s surrounding trails and abundant wildlife (it’s an Important Bird Area) add to the appeal. Fishing is available year-round, and ice fishing is common in winter for perch and pike.

• Canoe Creek State Park – Situated in neighboring Blair County (approx. 1 hour east of Johnstown), Canoe Creek State Park contains a beautiful 155-acre lake renowned for trout and bass fishing. The lake is fed by coldwater streams and is stocked with trout, plus it supports bass, walleye, muskellunge, and panfish. A fishing pier and boat rentals (rowboats, canoes, kayaks) are available. Only electric motors are permitted on boats. In addition to fishing, visitors can enjoy a sandy swimming beach and several miles of lakeside trails. The park’s diverse habitats (wetlands, old fields, and hardwood forest) make it a scenic spot for wildlife observation as well.

• Duman Lake County Park – Cambria County’s only county-owned park, located near Belsano, features a small 19-acre lake stocked with trout. A handicapped-accessible fishing pier makes it easy for all to cast a line. The lake is managed under a juvenile-only fishing program on certain days, providing a great place for kids to learn to fish. The park’s 71 acres include picnic areas, playgrounds, and easy walking trails. Small paddleboats or kayaks can be used on the lake (electric trolling motors only). Camping: Duman offers a handful of campsites (6 sites with electric/water hookups) for overnight stays by reservation, making it a quiet, secluded fishing getaway.

  
  

(Anglers can also explore local streams such as Chest Creek, Little Conemaugh River, and sections of Clearfield Creek, which are stocked with trout in spring. The higher-elevation streams in Gallitzin State Forest and State Game Lands hold native and stocked trout, offering more secluded fly-fishing opportunities.)

Kayaking, Canoeing & Water Sports

• Stonycreek River – A premier paddling river running through Cambria and Somerset Counties, famous for its Stonycreek Canyon whitewater section. About 15 miles south of Johnstown, the Stonycreek has Class II-III rapids that attract kayakers and rafters, especially during scheduled dam releases from Quemahoning Reservoir (e.g. the annual Stonycreek Rendezvous event). The river also features easier stretches suitable for family tubing and kayaking. Coal Tubin’ (an outfitter in Johnstown) offers guided float trips, inner tube rentals, and even inflatable kayak/raft adventures on the Stonycreek. With clean mountain water and scenic gorges, the “Stony” provides both thrilling whitewater and gentle paddling sections close to Johnstown.

• Quemahoning & Hinckston Run Reservoirs – These calm lakes are great for flatwater kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding. Quemahoning Reservoir (see Fishing section) allows paddlers to explore its coves and 9 miles of shoreline; rentals are available on-site. Hinckston Run Reservoir, just outside Johnstown, is a smaller 103-acre lake that permits non-motorized boats – a quiet spot for an afternoon paddle and fishing (managed as a trophy trout lake). Both reservoirs have easy road access and launch areas, making them convenient for a quick outing on the water.

• Prince Gallitzin State Park (Glendale Lake) – The expansive Glendale Lake is a top spot for recreational boating in the region. Six boat launches around the lake accommodate everything from pontoon boats and sailboats to kayaks. No horsepower limit (though a special 10mph speed limit applies), so powerboaters and water-skiers share the lake with paddlers. Kayakers enjoy exploring numerous bays and inlets and often encounter wildlife along the wooded shore. The park marina offers seasonal boat rentals and mooring. With its size and amenities, Glendale Lake is ideal for kayaking, canoeing, and sailing, in addition to fishing (the lake’s popularity with boaters and anglers is noted statewide).

• Yellow Creek State Park (Lake) – A favorite for paddlers thanks to a mix of open water and quieter coves on its 720-acre lake. The park rents kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards during summer. One unique feature is a dedicated kayak launch area at the Lakeview Pavilion, which provides an easy, accessible way to put in. The lake’s sizable no-wake zones are perfect for paddle sports and wildlife viewing – you might see herons, bald eagles, or waterfowl in the lake’s wetlands. For those seeking more speed, other parts of Yellow Creek Lake allow water-skiing and jet skis, so paddlers should stay in calmer sections. Combined with a swim beach and picnic spots, Yellow Creek offers a full day of water recreation within an hour of Cambria County.

(Other Water Adventures: Raystown Lake (Huntingdon County) is a larger destination 1.25 hours east, offering motor boating, houseboat rentals, and 8,000 acres of water. Closer by, the Conemaugh River below Johnstown has sections for canoeing and fishing, including slackwater at Conemaugh River Lake near Saltsburg. Additionally, Whitewater Parks: Johnstown’s Greenhouse Park has a beginner-friendly whitewater course on the Stonycreek, perfect for honing kayaking skills in a controlled environment.)

Skiing and Winter Sports

• Blue Knob All Seasons Resort – A four-season mountain resort at Blue Knob State Park, known for the highest skiable mountain in Pennsylvania (summit 3,140 ft). Blue Knob offers 34 ski trails (including expert slopes and glades) with a vertical drop over 1,070 feet, serviced by five lifts. It’s famed for challenging terrain and an ungroomed natural snow bowl for advanced skiers. The resort also has easier runs for beginners, snow tubing, and cross-country ski trails. With an average of 12 feet of snowfall annually and extensive snowmaking, Blue Knob boasts a long season. Amenities include a lodge with rentals and dining, on-mountain cabins, and in warmer months, downhill mountain biking and hiking trails.

• Seven Springs Mountain Resort – The largest and most popular ski resort in Pennsylvania, located about an hour southwest of Cambria County in the Laurel Highlands. Seven Springs features 33 slopes and trails spread over 285 skiable acres, with 10 lifts (including high-speed chairs) and a 750-foot vertical. The resort offers terrain for all skill levels, from gentle beginner areas to terrain parks and mogul runs. Off the slopes, Seven Springs is a full-service resort with a big slopeside hotel, multiple restaurants and bars (the famed Foggy Goggle après-ski bar), snow tubing park, indoor pool, bowling, and spa. It’s a year-round destination, but winter sports are the main draw – averaging 135" of snow annually and hosting events like the Special Olympics Winter Games.

• Hidden Valley Resort – A family-friendly ski area just 5 miles from Seven Springs in Somerset County. Hidden Valley has 26 slopes and trails on 110 skiable acres, with a 470-foot vertical drop. It’s known as an inviting place to learn to ski or ride, with a top-rated snowsports school and gentle beginner terrain. The resort has 8 lifts (including two quads) and two terrain parks. Hidden Valley’s laid-back atmosphere, modern lodge, and on-site lodging make it a great option for families. In summer, the resort area offers golf and access to hiking/biking trails.

• Laurel Mountain Ski Area – A historic ski area in Westmoreland County (about one hour west of Johnstown), re-opened and operated in partnership with the state. Laurel Mountain boasts the highest vertical drop on Laurel Ridge (up to 761 feet lift-served, with a possible 900 feet total). It’s famous for the double-diamond Lower Wildcat Slope – one of the steepest runs in PA, averaging a 60% grade (with sections at 72%!). In total, Laurel Mountain offers 20 trails, a cozy lodge, and a unique old-school vibe prized by expert skiers. While smaller than other resorts, it provides a big-mountain feel and stunning views of the Ligonier Valley. Laurel Mountain is typically open mid-December through mid-March, depending on natural snowfall supplemented by snowmaking.

(Cross-Country Skiing & Snowshoeing: Many local trails double as winter trails. The Ghost Town Trail, Hoodlebug Trail, and Path of the Flood Trail are all open for cross-country skiing in winter. Blue Knob State Park maintains XC ski trails and even hosts an annual winter fest. For tubing and sledding, besides ski resorts, check out Gallitzin State Forest open areas or local parks like Stackhouse Park, which offer gentle hills for sledding on snowy days.)

Camping and Cabins

• Prince Gallitzin State Park – Crooked Run Campground: A large, modern campground with 398 sites for tents/RVs along Glendale Lake. The campground is open from mid-April to late October, offering many electric sites and some full-hookup sites (water, sewer, electric). Amenities include heated modern restrooms, hot showers, and a camp store. The campground is divided into several loops (many sites are wooded or lakeside), and there are also deluxe camping cottages and yurts for rent. Prince Gallitzin’s campground is very popular for summer family camping – advance reservations are recommended, especially near holidays. Campers can enjoy swimming at Muskrat Beach, boat rentals, trails, and weekly park programs without leaving the park.

• Blue Knob State Park Campground: A smaller, more rustic campground (50 campsites) set high on the mountainside at about 2,500 ft elevation. Open from mid-April through mid-December, it offers a mix of tent and RV sites (some electric) in a quiet, forested setting. Due to the elevation, nights are cool – a nice retreat in summer. The park also has year-round rental cabins and unique camping options like two yurts and an organized group tenting area. Visitors who camp at Blue Knob can easily access hiking trails and are a short drive from the ski slopes. In winter, the campground is closed, but cabins are available for cozy stays with opportunities for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing right outside.

• Laurel Hill State Park (Somerset County): A favorite campground in the Laurel Highlands, offering 262 campsites near Laurel Hill Lake. Of these, 149 sites have electric hookups and some are full-service with sewer/water. The campground, open April through October, is known for its well-maintained facilities and scenic, wooded environment. Hot showers, flush toilets, and a camp store are on-site. Laurel Hill also has rental cabins and paddle-to campsites along the lakeshore for a more adventurous experience. Campers can enjoy the park’s swimming beach, boat rentals, and extensive hiking trails (including connections to the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail). The park often hosts environmental education programs at its amphitheater for campers.

• Duman Lake County Park Campground: For a quiet, rustic camping experience in Cambria County, Duman Lake offers 6 campsites for tents/RVs, available April through mid-October. Each site has electricity, water, a picnic table, and a fire ring. While small, the campground is rarely crowded and provides a peaceful atmosphere under the stars. Campers have easy access to the 19-acre fishing lake (stocked with trout) and can use the park’s playground, pavilions, and hiking trail. The sites accommodate small RVs/trailers or tent camping; vault toilets are on site (no showers). This is a great spot for local campers or those looking for a low-cost, no-frills overnight near nature. Reservations are made through the county parks office.

• Quemahoning Family Recreation Area: A private/county-run campground on the shores of Quemahoning Reservoir (Hollsopple, PA). It offers dozens of campsites ranging from primitive tent sites to RV sites with hookups. There are also a few cabins available to rent. Campground guests get full access to the “Que” (pronounced "Kwee") recreation area: a swim beach, boat launch, picnic grove, playground, and shower house. This campground is open Memorial Day through Labor Day (with some off-season use for self-contained RVs). It’s popular with boaters and anglers who want to be first on the water at dawn. Staying overnight also allows campers to enjoy evening campfires by the lake and possibly catch a stunning sunset over the water.

  
  

(Other Camping Options: Gallitzin State Forest permits dispersed backpack camping at designated sites (with free permit) – for example, along the Lost Turkey Trail which runs between Blue Knob and Babcock Divide. Private campgrounds are scattered around the region as well, such as Woodland Park Campground near Prince Gallitzin and Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park in nearby Somerset County, offering amenities like pools and cabins. RV travelers will find hookups at these private sites, while those seeking cabin comforts can find vacation rentals around lakes like Glendale and Raystown.)

REMINDER: Before heading out on an adventure, it's important to verify information on official websites - including hours of operation - and to prepare properly for any and all activities packing first aid supplies, safety equipment, and ample water. Enjoy!