Stroll under a canopy of hardwood forest, marveling at the colorful display of nature. Cross the pedestrian bridge spanning the Youghiogheny River for some stunning photo ops.
If you’ re up for hiking a bit farther, you’ ll be rewarded with one of the best views in the Laurel Highlands. Near the Confluence GAP trailhead, a signed path leads you to the Joshua C. Whetzel Jr. Memorial Recreation Area trailhead. A well-marked half-mile dirt path climbs through the forest to a small observation area overlooking Confluence, the Great Allegheny Passage, Casselman River and the Youghiogheny River.
The view encompasses miles of forest, rivers and farmland woven together in a rich tapestry of color.
For the next leg of the drive, turn right on Route 281 South, leaving Confluence. About half a mile down the road you’ ll see the entrance for Youghiogheny River Lake Recreation Area / U. S. Army Corps of Engineers on the left. Turn onto Flanigan Road and follow the signs to the dam overlook and picnic area. Enjoy the pristine lake views atop the 184-foot dam, a peaceful spot to conclude your autumn drive.
MOUNT DAVIS AND FORBES STATE FOREST
Approximately 2 hours from Pittsburgh
This drive takes you into another corner of the Laurel Highlands and some of the highest elevations in Pennsylvania. Elevated areas reach their peak fall color before the valleys, so it’ s an ideal adventure for early October. Although Forbes State Forest is about a two-hour drive from Pittsburgh, the journey will be
rewarded with spectacular mountain views and dense hardwood forests painted in vibrant colors.
Begin on Mount Davis Road, which winds through the forest to Pennsylvania’ s highest point, Mount Davis, at 3,213 feet above sea level. Follow signs for the observation tower and take a short walk from the gravel parking lot. Climb several flights of metal stairs to enjoy panoramic views that stretch for miles.
Take the short drive to Baughman Rocks( not to be confused with Baughman Rock Overlook in Ohiopyle). Just a mile from the tower, a short trail to the rocks is flanked by mountain laurel, the official state plant of Pennsylvania. There is an observation deck, but the foliage has filled in so much since its creation that the view is obstructed by the forest. The rocks themselves are massive sandstone boulders separated by deep crevices, so watch your step.
Continue to South Wolf Rock Road, which winds peacefully through Forbes State Forest until you reach High Point Lake Overlook. A viewing platform offers a stunning vista of this mountain lake, with calm waters reflecting the brightly colored foliage.
If you’ re not yet ready to head home, explore the network of rural roads surrounding Forbes State Forest, where scenic farmland and forested hillsides provide even more opportunities for leaf peeping. n
SPONSORED CONTENT BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT SPONSORED CONTENT
Monark Student Transportation Corp.
DELIVERING THE MOST PRECIOUS CARGO
For more than 20 years, Monark Student Transportation Corp. has been the pinnacle of school bus transportation excellence in the region.
Owner Mark D. Schmitt said that the reason Monark has thrived throughout the years is because the company operates the safest buses on the market, hires the best drivers, provides outstanding fleet maintenance, and always puts the students first.
“ Every day, hundreds of thousands of students are transported in the safest place they can be— the school bus, the safest form of transportation in the world. But in smaller capacities, there are children being transported in the same van a plumber or carpenter uses and that was not acceptable to us,” Schmitt said.“ Our School Bus Constructed Vehicles or SBCVs are built to full school bus construction design and can be operated without a commercial driver’ s license. We bring the level of safety to these vehicles so that every child is afforded the same level of protection no matter what Monark bus they ride, from an 84 passenger Blue Bird All American to 9 passenger SBCV.”
Monark is always looking for applicants willing to drive in the West Allegheny, Quaker Valley, Hampton, North Catholic and Union City area school districts.
A CDL isn’ t necessary as drivers start out on the 9-passenger SBCVs. If they desire to drive full-sized buses, Monark has an in-house training program and testing facility, and will walk applicants through their CDL application process. Driving is a part-time commitment during the school year, and school bus drivers are eligible for compensation during the summer months, or they can elect to work other duties for Monark.
For more information on Monark Student Transportation Corp. or to apply for a driver’ s position, go to monarktrans. com / employapp and fill out the application or call 888.317.4144.
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