The Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail is a premier long distance trail in the Laurel Highlands. The 70 mile trail runs from Ohiopyle State Park north to Seward just north of Johnstown. Much of the way it travels through Laure Ridge State Park. However, some portions travel through state game lands, state forest and some private lands.
Hikers along the trail were severely disrupted in 2009. It was at this time that the bridge crossing over the Pennsylvania Turnpike was inspected and found to have severe structural deficiencies. The bridge was closed down and hikers were forced to find a detour across the turnpike. The official detour added about 8 and a-half miles to the hike. But it provided a way to get across the turnpike via West Bakersville Edie Road.
Pennsylvania DCNR closed the bridge and removed the old structure that had been built in 1970. They began working on replacing the bridge which is owned by PA State Parks. They had to take into consideration future expansion to the turnpike.
And now the welcome news anticipated by hikers. DCNR has announced that the bridge is re-opening. The bridge will be opened to hikers on Saturday, January 27, 2012. So get out on the trail and check it out.
There are a couple of options for checking the bridge out. If you are driving the turnpike, you will see the bridge crossing between Somerset and Donegal. Of course, you will not be able to stop and see the bridge. The best way to enjoy the bridge is by hiking. You can drop one car at the end point and drive to a starting point for a one way hike. Another option is to hike out and back from a starting point.
The two closest parking areas to the bridge are easy to access. On the north side of the bridge, the closest parking is at Laurel Summit State Park. The park is about three and a half miles from the bridge. This would make the round trip hike about seven miles. On the south side, the nearest parking area is off of route 31 just west of Hidden Valley Resort.
So try the trail and try the bridge.
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