The Laurel Highlands Trail Ultramarathon stretches across rugged terrain in Donegal, Pennsylvania, challenging runners and hikers to engage with a landscape that moves with its own raw energy. Spanning approximately 70 miles, this ultramarathon tests endurance with an elevation gain of over 12,000 feet, winding through dense forests, rocky ridges, and open overlooks that demand respect and attention.

Starting at the edge of Ohiopyle State Park and running through the Laurel Highlands, the trail offers a mix of singletrack dirt paths, root-strewn sections, and occasional rock scrambles. The forest canopy often blankets the trail, but when the path opens, sweeping views of rolling hills and distant ridges emerge, daring you to push forward.

The trail is fiercely itself: relentless in elevation shifts and uncompromisingly natural. Streams cross the path, sometimes shallow and inviting cool relief, other times rushing fast enough to slow your pace and require careful footing. These waters dare you to respect their presence, not ignore it.

Preparation for the ultramarathon demands practical focus. Hydration is critical—carrying at least two liters of water, and knowing refill points along the route, is non-negotiable. Durable, broken-in trail shoes with tough soles are essential for gripping slippery rocks and uneven ground. Arrive early for the race or hike; mornings bring cooler temperatures and soft light filtering through tree trunks, while afternoons shift to warmer, often unpredictable weather.

Timing your run or hike between May and October offers the best trail conditions. Early spring can be wet and muddy, while late fall brings leaf-covered trails that mask roots and rocks, increasing risk for slips. Summer’s heat requires planning around hydration and pace. Audible life—birdsong and rustling underbrush—adds dimension, but also signals wildlife presence.

This adventure demands respect, endurance, and a readiness to engage with a landscape that rarely relents. But for those who accept the challenge, the Laurel Highlands Trail Ultramarathon delivers a direct, unfiltered encounter with Pennsylvania’s wild edge, providing both the thrill of the race and the steady pulse of the land beneath your feet.