PA Scenic Overlooks

Exploring Beam Rocks Overlook in the Forbes State Forest

An October morning at Beam Rocks in the Forbes State Forest.

Beam Rocks Overlook is one of the most scenic mountain vistas in the Laurel Highlands of western Pennsylvania!

Summer blooms at Beam Rocks Overlook in the Forbes State Forest.

Located in the Forbes State Forest near the Westmoreland / Somerset County line, it offers a fantastic 180° view from high above the treetops and the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail below.

The hike to and from Beam Rocks Overlook is an easy one, provided you know where to start.

The Beam Rocks trail head in Somerset County Pennsylvania. — The Beam Rocks trail head in Somerset County.

A one mile out and back hike along a well maintained trail, with less than 100 feet of elevation change between the parking area and the overlook.

Beam Rocks Trail in the Forbes State Forest on a summer morning in the PA Laurel Highlands.

So where DO you start the hike to this outstanding overlook?

Beam Rocks on a summer morning in the PA Laurel Highlands. — Beam Rocks Overlook in Somerset County.

Getting There

How to Find Beam Rocks Overlook in the Forbes State Forest

From Route 30 near the Westmoreland / Somerset County line, turn onto Laurel Summit Road.
Travel 4 miles on Laurel Summit Road.
The first 2 miles will be paved road. After passing Laurel Mountain Ski Area, the last 2 miles will be dirt state forest road.
Arrive at Beam Rocks parking area at GPS coordinates 40.13467, -79.16372 .
Proceed down the Beam Rocks Trail from the back of the parking area.
Arrive at Beam Rocks Overlook after hiking 0.5 miles.

Exploring Beam Rocks Overlook

First a few words on safety.

BE CAREFUL!

Heed the warnings posted by the DCNR.

Having said that, Beam Rocks Overlook is a very relaxing place.

Relaxing at Beam Rocks in Somerset County.

It offers fantastic views and stellar “leaf peeping” in the fall.

Fall foliage around Beam Rocks in the Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania.

How far you can see depends on the weather, of course.

Beam Rocks on a summer morning in Somerset County Pennsylvania. — Beam Rocks on a summer morning in Somerset County.

On a foggy morning, you’re lucky if you can see a hundred yards.

A foggy morning at Beam Rocks in Somerset County.

Whereas on a clear day, you can see for what seems like a hundred miles.

Exploring the Crevices At Beam Rocks

In between several of the enormous rocks are crevices large enough to walk through.

A crevice between rock formations at Beam Rocks.

As I mentioned earlier, use caution when exploring these areas between the rocks.

The Return Hike

Returning to your vehicle is a simple matter of backtracking for a half-mile along the Beam Rocks Trail.

Beam Rocks Trail in the Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania.

The return hike is ever so slightly uphill – 90 feet of elevation change over the course of the 0.5 mile trip.

Hiking to Beam Rocks in the Winter

Beam Rocks Overlook is beautiful in the winter!

Beam Rocks Overlook in the Forbes State Forest on a winter afternoon.

Getting to the trailhead can be tricky, as Laurel Summit Road is typically NOT plowed past Laurel Mountain Ski Area.

Beam Rocks Trailhead on a winter day in the Forbes State Forest.

But if you’re able to get to the trailhead, the hike itself is relatively easy as far as winter hikes go.

Beam Rocks Trail in the Forbes State Forest covered in snow.

And that view – well worth the effort!

The author at Beam Rocks Overlook on a snowy day. — The author at Beam Rocks Overlook on a snowy winter day.

Final Thoughts

Beam Rocks Overlook makes for an excellent beginner’s hike – a one mile out and back hike to a superb vista and rock formation, with very little elevation change.

A young hiker on the Beam Rocks Trail in the Forbes State Forest.

If you’re exploring the best vistas in the Laurel Highlands, then Beam Rocks Overlook has to find its way onto your bucket list!

Beam Rocks Overlook in the Forbes State Forest on a summer morning.

26 Must-See Pennsylvania Rock Formations showcases more of the state’s most incredible geological features—proof that “Rocksylvania” is more than just a nickname.

Hiker standing beneath massive stacked conglomerate boulders at Boxcar Rocks in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, with fog drifting through the surrounding forest.

Nearby Attractions

25 Must-See Attractions in Somerset County showcases more remarkable sights and experiences near Beam Rocks Overlook.

A collage of four images showcasing attractions in Somerset County, Pennsylvania. The top left image features a fisherman by a creek in front of a picturesque red covered bridge surrounded by autumn foliage. The top right photo shows a person standing on a rocky outcrop overlooking a vast landscape of colorful fall trees under a clear sky. The bottom left picture captures a well-lit tunnel with multiple lights creating a starburst effect. The bottom right image is a tranquil scene of a park with a bicyclist on a path next to a lake reflecting the vibrant autumn trees and blue sky.

A Smarter Way to Explore Pennsylvania

Explore Pennsylvania like a pro with the interactive PA Bucket List Travel Map, showcasing over 1,000 memorable destinations I’ve personally visited across the Keystone State.

Did you enjoy this article?

If so, be sure to like and follow PA Bucket List on Facebook, Instagram, and/or Pinterest to stay up-to-date on my latest write-ups about the best things to see and do in Pennsylvania!

Click on any of the icons below to get connected to PA Bucket List on social media.