Secrets Of Pennsylvania's Mountain Laurel Tunnels

Pennsylvania’s Mountain Laurel Tunnels are natural archways of pink and white blossoms that bloom every June, and you can walk right through them on trails across the state. These tunnels form where mountain laurel shrubs grow thick along both sides of a path, their branches meeting overhead to create a living canopy. Here are the best places to see them, with the specifics you need to plan your visit.

1. Ricketts Glen State Park

Ricketts Glen State Park spans over 13,000 acres of forest and holds some of the most stunning mountain laurel tunnels in Pennsylvania.

Falls Trail: This 7.2-mile loop takes you through a series of waterfalls and lush laurel tunnels.
Lake Jean: The trails around Lake Jean offer serene views and laurel-lined paths.

2. Worlds End State Park

Worlds End State Park, nestled in the Loyalsock State Forest, is a paradise for hikers and photographers. The park's rugged terrain and dense forests create perfect conditions for mountain laurel to thrive.

Canyon Vista Trail: This 4-mile loop provides panoramic views of the Loyalsock Creek and meanders through dense laurel thickets.
High Rock Trail: A shorter, 1.5-mile trail that offers vistas and vibrant laurel blooms.

3. Pine Creek Gorge

Known as the "Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania," Pine Creek Gorge offers dramatic landscapes and abundant mountain laurel.

West Rim Trail: This 30-mile trail along the western rim of the gorge is lined with laurel tunnels and offers views.
Turkey Path: A challenging 2-mile trail that descends into the gorge, surrounded by laurel and ferns.

4. Ohiopyle State Park

Ohiopyle State Park, located in the Laurel Highlands, is famous for its waterfalls, whitewater rafting, and mountain laurel.

Ferncliff Peninsula: This 2-mile loop trail on a peninsula in the Youghiogheny River is covered in mountain laurel.
Meadow Run Trail: A 3-mile trail that winds through laurel thickets and offers views of natural water slides.

5. Michaux State Forest

Michaux State Forest, covering over 85,000 acres, contains extensive mountain laurel tunnels.

Appalachian Trail: Sections of this trail pass through Michaux State Forest, offering hikers a chance to walk through laurel tunnels.
Sunset Rocks Trail: A 2.5-mile trail that provides views and lush laurel pathways.

6. Bald Eagle State Forest

Bald Eagle State Forest, with its rugged terrain and diverse ecosystems, is another excellent spot for mountain laurel.

Old Loggers Path: This 27-mile loop trail offers a remote wilderness experience with plenty of laurel tunnels.
Bear Gap Trail: A shorter, 3-mile trail that winds through dense laurel and offers scenic vistas.

7. Rothrock State Forest

Rothrock State Forest, located in central Pennsylvania, is known for its rocky ridges and laurel blooms.

Mid State Trail: This long-distance trail passes through Rothrock and features numerous laurel tunnels.
Tussey Mountain Trail: A challenging 8-mile trail with views and vibrant laurel thickets.

8. Tiadaghton State Forest

Tiadaghton State Forest, part of the Pennsylvania Wilds, offers rugged beauty and abundant mountain laurel.

Black Forest Trail: This 42-mile loop is a favorite among backpackers and features extensive laurel tunnels.
Sentiero Di Shay: A 14-mile trail that offers a mix of laurel thickets and scenic overlooks.

9. Allegheny National Forest

Allegheny National Forest, Pennsylvania's only national forest, is a vast expanse of wilderness with plenty of mountain laurel.

Minister Creek Trail: A 6-mile loop that offers rock formations and lush laurel pathways.
Hickory Creek Wilderness: This 12,000-acre wilderness area features numerous trails with laurel blooms.

10. Delaware State Forest

Delaware State Forest, located in the Pocono Mountains, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and laurel lovers.

Thunder Swamp Trail: This 45-mile trail system offers a variety of loops, many of which are lined with mountain laurel.
Bruce Lake Natural Area: A 4-mile trail that winds through dense laurel and offers serene lake views.

When to Go and What to Know

Peak bloom season for mountain laurel in Pennsylvania is typically in late June, though the exact timing shifts from year to year depending on spring temperatures and rainfall. The article you are reading was written between 2019 and 2024, and no official bloom forecast is published for these tunnels; your best bet is to check local park websites or call ranger stations in early June for current conditions. The blooms last roughly two to three weeks once they open, so a trip in mid-to-late June usually catches the densest color.

All of the trails listed above are open year-round, but the tunnels are most dramatic during that short June window. Morning light filters through the blossoms at an angle that makes the pink and white petals glow, and weekdays are far less crowded than weekends. If you are hiking any of the longer routes, such as the West Rim Trail or Black Forest Trail, carry plenty of water and wear sturdy footwear, as these paths include steep sections and rocky terrain.

These tunnels are not marked on most park maps, and you will often have the trail to yourself if you go early. The state's hiking culture is built around such quiet discoveries, and the laurel tunnels reward those who wander off the main visitor centers. While some spots like Ricketts Glen draw crowds for their waterfalls, the laurel sections of the Falls Trail are usually quieter than the waterfall viewpoints themselves.

If you are short on time, the easiest tunnel to reach is at Ohiopyle's Ferncliff Peninsula, a flat 2-mile loop that requires no elevation gain. For a full-day adventure, combine the Canyon Vista Trail at Worlds End with a picnic by Loyalsock Creek. And if you are planning a longer stay, consider pairing a visit to Rothrock State Forest with a drive along the Mid State Trail, which offers multiple access points for shorter outings.

Stay on marked trails and do not disturb the plants. The mountain laurel is Pennsylvania's state flower, and picking or damaging the shrubs is both illegal and harmful to the ecosystem. Keep your camera ready, but leave the blooms exactly as you find them.

Plan your trip, pack your essentials, and get ready to immerse yourself in Pennsylvania's Mountain Laurel Tunnels.