If you’re looking for the best scenic overlooks in the Laurel Highlands of Western Pennsylvania, you’re in the right place!
From the top of Mount Davis, the highest point in Pennsylvania, to the deck of the man-made Salisbury Viaduct along the Great Allegheny Passage, here’s how to find the 14 best scenic overlooks in Somerset, Fayette, and Westmoreland counties.
1. Baughman Rock Overlook
Baughman Rock Overlook at Ohiopyle State Park is not only one of the best scenic overlooks in the Laurel Highlands, but it may be THE BEST spot to catch a stellar sunrise!
Located along Sugarloaf Road in Fayette County, Baughman Rock Overlook easy to get to, no matter what season you visit.
One of the best “Instagram spots” at Ohiopyle State Park, you can find directions to Baughman Rock Overlook HERE.
2. Tharp Knob Overlook
Tharp Knob Overlook, located approximately 1/4 mile from the Tharp Knob picnic area at Ohiopyle State Park, offers a panoramic view into the town of Ohiopyle itself.
You can navigate to the Tharp Knob picnic area / parking lot at GPS coordinates 39.87057, -79.50627.
Tharp Knob Overlook itself can be found at GPS coordinates 39.87221, -79.50510.
3. Youghiogheny River Overlook
The Youghiogheny River Overlook is located along the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail as it passes through Ohiopyle State Park.
An uphill hike approximately 1.77 miles from the LHHT trail head in Ohiopyle, you can find the Youghiogheny River Overlook at GPS coordinates 39.85707, -79.46388.
4. Laurel Run Overlook
Laurel Run Overlook is located between mile markers 21 and 22 along the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail in Fayette County.
There are two viewing areas at Laurel Run Overlook, separated by approximately 50 yards of forest and trail.
5. Beam Rocks Overlook
Beam Rocks Overlook in the Forbes State Forest, Somerset County, in one of the best spots to view the vibrant fall foliage the Laurel Highlands is famous for.
Beam Rocks Overlook is located a half-mile from the Beam Rocks trail head along Laurel Summit Road, which you can navigate to at GPS coordinates 40.13467, -79.16372.
You can read an in-depth article about Beam Rocks Overlook, complete with maps and more photos, HERE.
6. Wolf Rocks Overlook
Wolf Rocks Overlook, also located in the Forbes State Forest, is located 2 miles from the Wolf Rocks trail head located off of Linn Run Road.
Another outstanding fall hike, Wolf Rocks Overlook offers a 180 degree view of Linn Run State Park and Westmoreland County.
You can read a complete write-up on Wolf Rocks Overlook HERE.
7. Mount Davis Overlook
At 3,213 feet above sea level, Mount Davis is the highest point above sea level in Pennsylvania.
An observation tower, located just a few yards from a parking area on top of Mount Davis, offers 360 degree views of the surrounding lakes and forest.
You can navigate to the Mount Davis Observation Tower parking lot at 39.78587, -79.17672.
8. High Point Lake Overlook
Located just minutes from the Mount Davis Observation Tower, the High Point Lake Overlook combines a small picnic area with an outstanding view of High Point Lake at the base of Mount Davis.
You can navigate to the High Point Lake Overlook at GPS coordinates 39.78209, -79.18090.
9. Camp Buckey Overlook
Camp Buckey Overlook is my favorite scenic vista on Mount Davis.
A 220 yard hike from a parking area along Camp Buckey Road brings you to this stunning lookout over Deer Valley Lake below.
You can navigate to the Camp Buckey Overlook parking area in the Forbes State Forest at GPS coordinates 39.80546, -79.19452.
10. Big Savage Overlook
The Big Savage Overlook is located near the southern end of the Big Savage Tunnel along the Great Allegheny Passage.
Another outstanding spot to view fall foliage in the Laurel Highlands, you can read a complete write-up on the Big Savage Tunnel and Overlook HERE.
11. Salisbury Viaduct Overlook
The Salisbury Viaduct is a man-made overlook in Somerset County that offers amazing sunrise AND sunset vistas.
This 101 foot-tall railroad bridge turned bike path is part of the Great Allegheny Passage.
You can navigate to a parking area next to the Salisbury Viaduct at GPS coordinates 39.83133, -79.03996.
A complete write-up on the Salisbury Viaduct can be found HERE.
12. County Line Vista
As the name implies, County Line Vista is located on the eastern edge of the Laurel Highlands, along the Somerset-Bedford county line.
Located along the County Line Trail in the Gallitzin State Forest, County Line Vista is located at the end of a relatively flat 1/2 mile trail.
13. Skyline Drive Vista
Skyline Drive Vista is a beautiful roadside overlook located just minutes from the County Line Vista parking area.
With sweeping views of Blair and Bedford counties, Skyline Drive Vista is one of the easternmost overlooks in the Laurel Highlands.
14. Scenic Overlook Tower at Laurel Hill State Park
The scenic overlook tower at Laurel Hill State Park offers visitors stunning 360-degree views of the Pennsylvania Laurel Highlands!
Originally built by a private party, this overlook tower and the surrounding 184 acres became part of Laurel Hill State Park in 2016.
Related Articles
If scenic overlooks are your passion, be sure to check out 77 of the Best Scenic Overlooks in PA for directions to the finest views in all of Pennsylvania!
Nearby Attractions
7 Man-Made Wonders of the PA Laurel Highlands is your guide to the 7 most iconic structures in the region.
Discover more of the Laurel Highlands most amazing natural attractions by checking out “24 Must-See Waterfalls in the Laurel Highlands of PA”.
If covered bridges interest you, then be sure to check out “Exploring the Covered Bridges of Somerset County”, where you’ll find driving directions to all 10 historic sites.
The Laurel Highlands was named by USA Today as one of the top destinations in the United States to view fall foliage.
The 12 Best Places to View Fall Foliage at Ohiopyle State Park will show you why!
10 of the Best Hiking Trails at Ohiopyle State Park will introduce you to some of the premier hiking trails in the Laurel Highlands.
Exploring Laurel Hill State Park in Somerset County will give you an overview of the best things to see and do at this historic Laurel Highlands destination.
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