# Rafting, Rye & Sporting Clays: Pennsylvania's Laurel Highlands Can Be A Great Fall Getaway *By James Hills — Updated September 2026* Pennsylvania's Laurel Highlands are the mountains most guys only see from the PA Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Somerset. Stop for a fall weekend, and you get whitewater rafting at Ohiopyle, 40 miles of singletrack, sporting clays, rye whiskey, and Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater, all within an hour or so of Pittsburgh. Base the group at Seven Springs Mountain Resort and give Ohiopyle and Somerset County a full day each. **Questions****Late-Season Closures And Cold-Water Tips For The Laurel Highlands****Article Index** ** No answer selected. Please try again. Please select either existing option or enter your own, however not both. Please select minimum {0} answer(s). Please select maximum {0} answer(s). /polls/travel-and-trip-ideas/what-do-you-prefer-to-call-your-guys-trips.html?task=poll.vote&format=json 1 Guys Trips (564 votes / 44.17%) 44.17% votes Guys Getaways (129 votes / 10.1%) 10.1% votes Mancations (118 votes / 9.24%) 9.24% votes Brocations (166 votes / 13%) 13% votes [{"id":5,"title":"Guys Weekends","votes":300,"type":"x","order":1,"pct":23.489999999999998436805981327779591083526611328125,"resources":[]},{"id":6,"title":"Guys Trips","votes":564,"type":"x","order":2,"pct":44.1700000000000017053025658242404460906982421875,"resources":[]},{"id":7,"title":"Guys Getaways","votes":129,"type":"x","order":3,"pct":10.0999999999999996447286321199499070644378662109375,"resources":[]},{"id":8,"title":"Mancations","votes":118,"type":"x","order":4,"pct":9.2400000000000002131628207280300557613372802734375,"resources":[]},{"id":9,"title":"Brocations","votes":166,"type":"x","order":5,"pct":13,"resources":[]}] ["#ff5b00","#4ac0f2","#b80028","#eef66c","#60bb22","#b96a9a","#62c2cc"] ["rgba(255,91,0,0.7)","rgba(74,192,242,0.7)","rgba(184,0,40,0.7)","rgba(238,246,108,0.7)","rgba(96,187,34,0.7)","rgba(185,106,154,0.7)","rgba(98,194,204,0.7)"] 350 ** Vote Now** Vote Form** ResultVotes A trip planned for late October runs into a few seasonal cutoffs and colder conditions that are easy to miss when you're booking. - **Cold water on the Yough -** by late October the river and the air are both cold, so ask your outfitter what splash gear or wetsuits come with the trip and pack a full dry change for the ride back. - **Spotty cell service -** coverage drops in the Youghiogheny River Gorge, so download offline maps before you leave Seven Springs and agree on a meeting spot in Ohiopyle ahead of time. - **Shamrock's main course is seasonal -** the full 15-station course runs May through October, while the covered 5-stand stays open year-round. - **Quemahoning closes to bikes for hunting season -** the trails close to bicycles from November 15 through December 31, so a November trip needs a different ride. - **Fallingwater's weekly and seasonal gaps -** the house is closed every Wednesday, and the guided grounds walking tour only runs through October 31, so check the calendar before you build a day around it. 1. [Getting To The Laurel Highlands Off The PA Turnpike](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/laurel-highlands-pennsylvania-guys-trip.html#getting-to-the-laurel-highlands-off-the-pa-turnpike) 2. [Whitewater Rafting On The Lower Yough At Ohiopyle](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/laurel-highlands-pennsylvania-guys-trip.html#whitewater-rafting-on-the-lower-yough-at-ohiopyle)[The Middle Yough For Guys Who Want An Easier River](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/laurel-highlands-pennsylvania-guys-trip.html#the-middle-yough-for-guys-who-want-an-easier-river) 3. [Fallingwater And Kentuck Knob Near Ohiopyle](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/laurel-highlands-pennsylvania-guys-trip.html#fallingwater-and-kentuck-knob-near-ohiopyle) [Riding The Great Allegheny Passage Or The Quemahoning Trails](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/laurel-highlands-pennsylvania-guys-trip.html#riding-the-great-allegheny-passage-or-the-quemahoning-trails)[Sporting Clays, Steaks And Whiskey At Shamrock In Rockwood](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/laurel-highlands-pennsylvania-guys-trip.html#sporting-clays-steaks-and-whiskey-at-shamrock)[Rye Whiskey At Ponfeigh Distillery](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/laurel-highlands-pennsylvania-guys-trip.html#rye-whiskey-at-ponfeigh-distillery)[Lots Of Options On Where To Stay: Seven Springs Resort Or A Laurel Highlands Trail Shelter While Hiking](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/laurel-highlands-pennsylvania-guys-trip.html#where-to-stay-seven-springs-or-a-trail-shelter)[Flight 93 And Johnstown: History Stops Near Somerset](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/laurel-highlands-pennsylvania-guys-trip.html#flight-93-and-johnstown-history-stops-near-somerset)[When To Plan A Fall Laurel Highlands Trip](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/laurel-highlands-pennsylvania-guys-trip.html#when-to-plan-a-fall-laurel-highlands-trip)[Splitting A Mixed Group Between The Lower Yough, Middle Yough And GAP](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/laurel-highlands-pennsylvania-guys-trip.html#splitting-a-mixed-group-between-the-lower-yough-middle-yough-and-gap) I spent time in this part of Pennsylvania when I was younger, including trips to Johnstown and Fallingwater, and I've driven the Turnpike through these mountains more times than I can count. Every time, I have the same thought: this is a beautiful part of the country, and I should come back here sometime. I suspect a lot of guys who make that drive feel the same way, which is a big reason I picked the Laurel Highlands for a fall guys trip this year. It's on my own list to get back to soon. The timing helps. USA Today 10Best voters have repeatedly ranked either the Laurel Highlands or a destination within it among the top four fall foliage destinations in the country. For more places to take the guys across the state, see our [Pennsylvania guys trip ideas](https://www.mantripping.com/united-states/pennsylvania.html). ## Getting To The Laurel Highlands Off The PA Turnpike Seven Springs Mountain Resort sits about an hour southeast of Pittsburgh and within roughly 200 miles of Cleveland, Columbus, Baltimore and Washington, DC. That makes it an easy Friday-afternoon drive for most of the guys in those cities, and a realistic meeting point for a group coming from several of them. Two Turnpike exits cover the region. Exit 91 at Donegal is the usual route to Seven Springs, about 12 miles from the ramp. Exit 110 at Somerset puts you closer to the Quemahoning Trails, Shamrock and Ponfeigh. Plan on about 40 minutes and 22 miles between Seven Springs and Ohiopyle. That drive is the main reason to give Ohiopyle and Somerset County separate days instead of bouncing between them. ## Whitewater Rafting On The Lower Yough At Ohiopyle Ohiopyle is the day-one anchor. Outfitters including Wilderness Voyageurs, Laurel Highlands River Tours, White Water Adventurers and Ohiopyle Trading Post run guided trips through October on the roughly seven-mile Lower Youghiogheny, with Class III and IV rapids. Expect about three and a half hours on the water and up to five hours for the full trip. October adds fall color along the gorge, but the water gets colder as the month goes on. Lower Yough Rafting Viator (affiliate) [### Family-Friendly Lower Yough Rafting (No Experience Needed)](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/YB-QKLOTXqxjUrqMvXsuGg.2417) [See Current Price](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/YB-QKLOTXqxjUrqMvXsuGg.2417) Promoted by FlowAds ### The Middle Yough For Guys Who Want An Easier River Not everyone in a group wants Class IV water. The Middle Yough runs from the Ramcat launch near Confluence down to Ohiopyle, with Class I and II rapids and no experience required. Outfitters rent rafts and inflatable kayaks with a shuttle to the put-in, and the float takes about three to five hours. ## Book A Fallingwater And Kentuck Knob Tour - [Viator (affiliate) FALLINGWATER - America's UNESCO World Heritage Masterpiece!](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/3BaYxMpRNJ9XiYrmkk_kzQ.2416) [See Current Price](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/3BaYxMpRNJ9XiYrmkk_kzQ.2416) - [Viator (affiliate) Fallingwater and Kentuck Knob - Two Visions of Frank Lloyd Wright](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/3BaYxMpRNJ9XiYrmkk_kzQ.2419) [See Current Price](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/3BaYxMpRNJ9XiYrmkk_kzQ.2419) Promoted by FlowAds ### Fallingwater And Kentuck Knob Near Ohiopyle Fallingwater is about three miles north of Ohiopyle on Route 381, close enough to fit before or after a river trip. Frank Lloyd Wright's house over Bear Run is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and every visit needs a reservation. The guided architectural tour runs $42 per person. Kentuck Knob, a later Wright house completed in 1956, sits about seven miles southwest on a bluff above the Youghiogheny River Gorge. Its grounds include a sculpture collection with works by Andy Goldsworthy and Harry Bertoia. After rafting, cycling or touring, Falls City Restaurant & Pub in Ohiopyle is the casual stop, with hearty food and a large beer selection. Electric Bicycle Rental Viator (affiliate) [### Electric Bicycle Rental](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/rvyPw46hAaTOf3OkMQk4vg.2418) [See Current Price](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/rvyPw46hAaTOf3OkMQk4vg.2418) Promoted by FlowAds ## Riding The Great Allegheny Passage Or The Quemahoning Trails The Great Allegheny Passage runs 150 miles from Pittsburgh to Cumberland, Maryland, and passes right through Ohiopyle at mile 72. It's nearly flat, and the 11-mile stretch between Ohiopyle and Confluence follows the river. Several Ohiopyle outfitters rent bikes by the hour or the day, so nobody has to haul a bike from home for an easy ride. If the group turns it into a longer ride, know [what to do if injured on a bike tour](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/what-to-do-if-injured-on-a-bike-tour.html) before anyone clips in. The Quemahoning Trails in Somerset County are the more serious ride. The network around Quemahoning Reservoir reached 40 miles of machine-cut singletrack with its final expansion in May 2026, and it's laid out as beginner, intermediate and technical loops. The main loop around the reservoir runs about 16 miles. Starting counterclockwise gives you about two and a half miles of easier terrain, while a clockwise start drops you straight into rocky intermediate climbs and descents. There's no rental shop at the trailhead, so arrange bikes before you arrive. ## Sporting Clays, Steaks And Whiskey At Shamrock In Rockwood Shamrock Sporting Clays in Rockwood runs a 15-station course along a one-mile trail through the woods, with four clay sizes and more than 30 target throwers. It opened in 2025 on a property built around a repurposed barn and silo. You don't need to bring your own gun. Non-member gun rental is $35 per person and a box of 25 shells is $18, and introductory instruction is available for anyone who hasn't shot clays before. That makes it a good fit for a mixed group, whether it's a weekend with the guys or a group of work colleagues. Dinner is on the same property. The Shamrock Whiskey & Cigar Bar serves steaks, seafood, craft cocktails and an extensive whiskey selection, and the Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association named it the Pittsburgh region's Best New Restaurant. Keep the shooting ahead of any drinks. ## Rye Whiskey At Ponfeigh Distillery Ponfeigh Distillery offers tours, tastings and cocktails in a spacious tasting room, built around locally produced rye whiskey. Its Westsylvania Rye earned Double Platinum honors and was named Best Single Barrel Rye at the ASCOT Awards. Plan Ponfeigh for the third day rather than after the sporting clays, and line up a designated driver for anyone tasting. ## Lots Of Options On Where To Stay: Seven Springs Resort Or A Laurel Highlands Trail Shelter While Hiking Seven Springs Mountain Resort works as the base for most groups, with hotel rooms, condos and cabins that fit a group, plus several places to eat and drink. The Foggy Goggle serves pub food and drinks back at the resort. In October, the resort's Autumnfest usually runs across two weekends with scenic chairlift rides, live entertainment and seasonal food and drinks, so check the dates when you book. For a more rugged trip, swap part of the resort stay for a night on the 70-mile Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail, which starts in Ohiopyle. The trail has eight shelter areas spaced six to 12 miles apart, and each one has five Adirondack-style shelters with fireplaces that sleep four to six people. Shelters must be reserved through the Pennsylvania state park reservation system, up to 11 months ahead, and you're limited to one night at each shelter area. Treat an overnight hike as its own plan rather than stacking it on top of a full day of rafting or riding. ## Flight 93 And Johnstown: History Stops Near Somerset The Flight 93 National Memorial is about 20 minutes from Somerset on Route 30, near Shanksville. Admission is free. The first thing you see is the Tower of Voices, a 93-foot tower holding 40 wind chimes, one for each passenger and crew member who died on September 11, 2001. About a half hour north of the Flight 93 memorial, the Johnstown Flood National Memorial preserves what's left of the South Fork Dam, which failed on May 31, 1889, and killed 2,209 people in the Johnstown valley below. It's also free, and the Lake View Visitor Center has two floors of exhibits on the disaster. In Johnstown itself, the Inclined Plane was built after the flood to carry residents up the hillside, and Guinness lists it as the steepest vehicular inclined plane in the world. Johnstown sits in Cambria County on the northern edge of the Laurel Highlands, so it works best as a stop on the way home rather than part of the main loop. ## When To Plan A Fall Laurel Highlands Trip Mid-October is the best window. Late-season rafting is still running, the cooler temperatures suit mountain biking, hiking and fishing, and Shamrock's main course is still open before it closes for the season at the end of the month. That same stretch usually lines up with Seven Springs Autumnfest. Fall color reaches the higher elevations around Somerset County and Seven Springs first, then moves down into the Youghiogheny River Gorge at Ohiopyle, so you can follow it across the region over a three-day weekend. ## Splitting A Mixed Group Between The Lower Yough, Middle Yough And GAP The Laurel Highlands make it easy to plan around a mixed-fitness group, because the Ohiopyle options all finish in the same small town. The Middle Yough ends in Ohiopyle, the Lower Yough starts there, and the Great Allegheny Passage runs through the middle of it. That means the guys who want Class IV rapids, the guys who want an easy float and the guys who'd rather ride 11 flat miles from Confluence can split up in the morning and still meet at Falls City for lunch. Book the Lower Yough trip first, since those departures are the hardest to move, then time the Middle Yough rental and the bike pickup so every group lands in Ohiopyle within the same hour. Details Written by: James Hills Last Updated: 25 September 2026 ### 🚢Ready To Book A Vacation? Let us help you plan a cruise, all-inclusive resort, or tour for your next guys trip, family vacation, or romantic getaway. Click here to [**Book Your Next Vacation**](https://www.mantripping.com/vacation-planning.html). #### Which Style Of Amazon Cruise Should You Pick To Explore World's Largest River? Aug 17, 2026 [Which Style Of Amazon Cruise Should You Pick To Explore World's Largest River?](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/amazon-river-cruise-planning-ship-options.html) [Plan Your Next Vacation Today!](https://www.mantripping.com/vacation-planning.html) ### Products & Gift Ideas #### LiberNovo Maxis Chair Review - Finally A Seat That Lets Big Dudes Feel Comfortable At The Desk Sep 10, 2026 [LiberNovo Maxis Chair Review - Finally A Seat That Lets Big Dudes Feel Comfortable At The Desk](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/libernovo-maxis-big-and-tall-office-chair-review.html) #### FRESKO 4-in-1 Immersion Hand Blender Review Sep 09, 2026 [FRESKO 4-in-1 Immersion Hand Blender Review](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/fresko-4-in-1-immersion-hand-blender-review.html) #### UGREEN Air Review: Four Slim Chargers And Power Banks I Traveled With This Summer Aug 25, 2026 [UGREEN Air Review: Four Slim Chargers And Power Banks I Traveled With This Summer](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/ugreen-air-chargers-power-banks-review.html) ### Top Guys Trip Ideas: #### Cruises Are Expensive, Here's How to Finance Your Guys Trip Without Sinking Your Wallet Jun 20, 2026 [Cruises Are Expensive, Here's How to Finance Your Guys Trip Without Sinking Your Wallet](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/financing-guys-cruise-vacation-guide.html) #### Tropicana Resort Is The Perfect Spot For A Vegas Guys Getaway On A Budget Jan 19, 2022 [Tropicana Resort Is The Perfect Spot For A Vegas Guys Getaway On A Budget](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/tropicana-resort-is-the-perfect-spot-for-a-vegas-guys-getaway-on-a-budget.html) #### Interview with Vegas VIP Host Manny Kess Jul 30, 2017 [Interview with Vegas VIP Host Manny Kess](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/interview-with-vegas-vip-host-manny-kess.html) ### Related Articles #### How To Commemorate A Guys Trip With A Custom Challenge Coin [How To Commemorate A Guys Trip With A Custom Challenge Coin](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/custom-challenge-coin-guys-trip.html) #### From Pontoon Parties to Property: A Guy's Guide to Buying a Lake of the Ozarks Vacation Home [From Pontoon Parties to Property: A Guy's Guide to Buying a Lake of the Ozarks Vacation Home](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/lake-of-the-ozarks-vacation-home-buying-guide.html) #### European River Cruises Made for a Guys Trip: Rhine, Bordeaux, Douro, and Rhône [European River Cruises Made for a Guys Trip: Rhine, Bordeaux, Douro, and Rhône](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/european-river-cruises-guys-trip.html) #### 10 Things That Changed in Las Vegas Since Your Last Guys Trip - Updated 2026 [10 Things That Changed in Las Vegas Since Your Last Guys Trip - Updated 2026](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/whats-new-las-vegas-guys-trip.html) #### More Than Caribbean Beaches, Eight All-Inclusive Resorts Built for The Perfect Father-Son Getaway [More Than Caribbean Beaches, Eight All-Inclusive Resorts Built for The Perfect Father-Son Getaway](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/all-inclusive-resorts-father-son-getaway.html) - [**](https://www.mantripping.com/search.html) - [**](https://www.mantripping.com/sitemap.html) - [** Polls](https://www.mantripping.com/polls.html) - [Community Login](https://www.mantripping.com/registration/login.html) - [Brand Engagement Newsletter](https://www.mantripping.com/pr-ops-newsletter.html) - [Links](https://www.mantripping.com/links.html) - [Pitch Portal](https://www.mantripping.com/pitch.html) - [Men's Travel Survey](https://www.mantripping.com/the-mantripping-guys-trip-report-spring-2026.html) --- *Source: [Rafting, Rye & Sporting Clays: Pennsylvania's Laurel Highlands Can Be A Great Fall Getaway](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/laurel-highlands-pennsylvania-guys-trip.html)* **Tags:** Pennsylvania Guys Trip Ideas, Travel Ideas, Guys Trip