Historic National Road (Route 40)
The National Road – “The Road that built the Nation” – was America’s first federally funded highway. Begun in 1811, this corridor transported more than 200,000 people per year as well as goods to and from the heart of the new nation. Reborn as a favorite route for “auto touring” in the 1920’s, it still offers visitors the opportunity to relive the spirit of a growing America. Visit www.nationalroadpa.org or call 724.437.9877.
Generally the Pennsylvania proton of the national road is aligned with Route 40 through the southwestern corner of the state moving east to west from the Maryland state line to Addison, PA, to West Alexander, PA, and the West Virginia border. Access to Route 40 along the road’s 90 miles an be found on any Pennsylvania road map. touring the many stops along the road can take from 4 hours to several days.
Great Allegheny Passage
“One of the Worlds Places To Savor Great Scenery…”
(Travel and Leisure Magazine)
The longest rail/trail in the eastern United States, the Great Allegheny Passage runs 125 continuous miles from suburban Pittsburgh, through the heart of the Laurel Highlands, and into western Maryland. There it will join the C & O Canal Towpath and continue on to Washington, DC. This nearly level trail is surfaced with packed crushed limestone for a smooth hike or bike ride as you enjoy charming towns along the way. Visit www.atatrail.org or call 888.ATA.BIKE.
A bike trip to Confluence and back to Ohiopyle, with a meal
Touchstone Center for Crafts
Touchstone’s mission is to advance excellence in the arts and crafts by educating and encouraging individuals to develop technical skills, good design, and innovative expression. To realize this mission, the school offers workshops, exhibitions, lectures, demonstrations, and other forms of artistic and educational programming throughout the year.
Visit www.touchstonecrafts.org or call 800.721.0177.
Que Creek Mine
On a perfect day trip from the Historic Summit Inn Resort, visit the Flight 93 Memorial and Que Creek Mine. On July 24, 2002, eighteen coal miners at the Quecreek Mine in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, owned by Black Wolf Coal Company accidentally dug into the abandoned, poorly documented Saxman Coal / Harrison #2 Mine Saxman mine, flooding the Que Creek Mine with an estimated 50 million gallons of water. Nine of the 18 miners were trapped, and their subsequent rescue captivated the world. Inspiring hope to our Nation post 911.
Call The Summit Inn’s knowledgable staff at 724-438-8594 and let us help you plan your trip to Que Creek Mine. Visit http://www.quecreekrescue.org
Flight 93 Memorial
A perfect day trip from the Historic Summit Inn Resort is a visit to the Flight 93 Memorial, and Que Creek Mine. Flight 93 Memorial, was a common field one day. A field of honor forever… On Tuesday morning, September 11, 2001, the U.S. came under attack when four commercial airliners were hijacked and used to strike targets on the ground. Nearly 3,000 people tragically lost their lives. Because of the heroic actions of the 40 passengers and crew aboard one of the planes, Flight 93, the attack on the U.S. Capitol was thwarted. Pay tribute to these heroes and honor their memories.
Visit www.nps.gov/flni/indes.htm for more information or www.honorflight93.org to donate.
Ohiopyle State Park
A crown jewel of the Pennsylvania State Park System, Ohiopyle is situated where the slopes of Laurel Ridge meet the Youghiogheny River to create Pennsylvania’s deepest gorge. Sightseers and those seeking biking, hiking, or paddling adventures will enjoy waterfalls, natural waterslides, rock outcroppings, rare plant species, and amazing overlooks. Whitewater enthusiasts can test their skills on the Lower Youghiogheny, the busiest section of the whitewater in the Eastern United States. Those seeking something a little milder can take a float trip on the Middle Youghiogheny. Over 79 miles of trails provide biking or hiking in all four seasons. Rock climbing and repelling are also available. Whether you are looking for an afternoon stroll or a for the start of a 70-mile backpacking trip on the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail, Ohiopyle State Park will deliver. Visit www.visitpaparks.com or call Ohiopyle State Park at 724.329.8591. For outfitter information, call Laurel Highlands River Tours 800.472.3846 , Ohiopyle Trading Post 888.644.6795, White Water Adventurers 800.992.7238 or Wilderness Voyageurs 800.272.4141.
A trip to the falls, the overlook and a short visit in town requires 2 or more hours. A more intense visitor experience can involve 8 hours or multiple days.
Bear Run Nature Reserve
Bear Run Nature Reserve, located about 15 miles from The Summit Inn in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, is the largest property owned by the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. It’s located in the Laurel Highlands of southwestern Pennsylvania. Bear Run Nature reserve is managed to protect, conserve and restore land and water for the diversity of the region’s native plants, animals, and their ecosystems. Streams and watersheds, forests, and common and rare native species are the focus of management. BRNR is integral to biodiversity conservation in the Laurel Highlands and the mid-Appalachian region. Warm up with a hike on the trails at The Summit Inn, and then head off to see the beautiful sites of BRNR.
Call our knowledgable staff at 724-438-8594 for reservations or to learn more about Bear Run Nature Reserve. Visit www.paconserve.org.
The Christian W. Klay Winery
The Christian W. Klay Winery, one of Pennsylvania’s premiere wineries, is located in at 412 Fayette Springs Road in Chalk Hill just off the historic National Road and minutes from the Summit Inn Resort. The winery offers tours, entertaining special events, shopping in two locations, complimentary tastings of their award-winning vintages and a restored 1880’s antique barn which is perfect for private events. Visit www.cwklaywinery.com or Call 724-439-3424.
For more information about the Laurel Highlands region, please visit www.laurelhighlands.or
Phone: 724-438-8594
Toll Free: 800-433-8594
Golf: 724-438-8986
Email: info@summitinnresort.com
Address:101 Skyline Drive Farmington, PA 15437
All Fallingwater images used with permission of the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy