WPMC 2026 Camping Weekend
Laurel Hill State Park
1454 Laurel Hill Park Rd
Somerset, PA 15501
https://maps.app.goo.gl/VEuiWw2TgujP7xx69
Join WPMC Mycologist John Plischke and host Eileen Schaffer, for a weekend of mushroom walks in beautiful Somerset County!
Laurel Hill State Park will serve as the meeting location for three walks that weekend: Saturday morning, Saturday afternoon, and Sunday morning.
The club has reserved the group camping site (pin dropped here https://maps.app.goo.gl/HJBkLDaDeNrR1RCa6) for the weekend. Pit toilets are available at the group camping area. There is no electricity at the group camping area and no Wi-Fi. Additional restrooms and showers are available near the RV area at the bottom of the hill. We ask those staying overnight Friday or Saturday to contribute $20 per tent to help pay for the group tent spot (not refundable). Registration for those spots is via the form below.
Not a camper? No problem! Members are welcome to join any one—or all—of the walks and skip the overnight stay.
Schedule:
Friday 7-10-26:
3PM John set up camp and check hiking locations. Those registered below to camp Friday or Saturday night are welcome to set up their tent in the group camping area after 3PM.
Sat AM 7-11-26:
(breakfast on your own)
9 AM – 9:30 AM sign in and safety briefing at the group camping area (pin dropped here https://maps.app.goo.gl/HJBkLDaDeNrR1RCa6)
9:30 AM – 10AM drive or walk to location of the group’s preference
10AM – 12PM hike and collect mushrooms
12PM – 12:30PM drive or walk back to the group camping area
12:30-2PM (lunch on your own) table the mushrooms from the morning’s walks
2-2:30 drive or walk to location of the group’s preference
2:30PM – 5PM hike and collect mushrooms
5-5:30 PM return to the group camping area
(dinner on your own)
7:30/8ish Fire (weather permitting) & socialize about the day’s finds
Sun 7-12-26:
(breakfast on your own)
9 AM – 9:30 AM registration and safety briefing at the group camping area (pin dropped here https://maps.app.goo.gl/HJBkLDaDeNrR1RCa6)
9:30 AM – 10AM drive or walk to location of the group’s preference
10AM – 12PM hike and collect mushrooms
12PM – 12:30PM drive or walk back to the group camping area
12:30-2PM (lunch on your own) table the mushrooms from the morning’s walks
2-3PM Pack-Up and clean up camp
3PM checkout
Option 1 for hiking – Hemlock Trail
Hemlock Trail: 1.2 miles, more difficult hiking Narrow at times and running along steep banks in places, this trail looping through the six-acre Hemlock Natural Area is comprised of old growth Eastern hemlock trees along a portion of Laurel Hill Creek.
Option 2 for hiking – Bobcat Trail
Bobcat Trail: 1 mile, most difficult hiking This rugged and remote trail, through a tunnel of thick mountain laurel, offers opportunities to view wildlife between Beltz Trail and Buck Run Road. The trail crosses Buck Run in numerous places that do not have foot bridges.
Option 3 for hiking – Tram Trail
Tram Road Trail: 1.7 miles, more difficult hiking This trail follows the general course of the logging railroad that traversed Laurel Hill State Park and Jones Mill Run in the early 1900s.
Option 4 for hiking – Pumphouse Trail
Pumphouse Trail: 1.6 miles, easiest hiking A slow, gradual incline leads from the Pumphouse Trail parking lot along a wide path to the Jones Mill Run Dam. Benches and large rocks provide a resting place where visitors can enjoy this scenic historic site built by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
https://elibrary.dcnr.pa.gov/GetDocument?docId=1753214&DocName=LAHI_ParkMap.pdf
If you are planning to camp with us, remember to bring:
– $20 for camping fee unless you signed up online already – see below – no refunds
– Tent & personal camping supplies
– Water for yourself – don’t forget the group camping area is pit toilets only
– Toiletries & personal items, medication
– Lawn chair
– “Hot dog” stick for the fire
– flashlight
– Reminder at State Parks do not permit alcohol
Additional items to bring:
– Mushroom Basket or similar
– Magnifying Glass
– Field Guides – make sure your name is on yours!
– Water
– Snacks
– Sunscreen
– Sturdy Shoes
– Dress for the weather and potential for insects
Needs:
– Anyone local available to supply firewood – no firewood allowed from other states
– Snacks to share
– Folding tables
– Sun awnings/canopy for overtop mushroom tables to provide us and the mushrooms shade
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