A popular trail in the Laurel Highlands, the short 1.4-mile loop to Jones Mill Run Dam via the Pumphouse and Tram Road Trails is mostly easy and runs through the beautiful Laurel Hill State Park.
It doesn’t take to complete this trail, so it’s the perfect activity before heading the beach during the summer months, or just a fun way to spend some time while camping at the park.
The trail is also a popular winter trail for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing!
If you are thinking about hiking to Jones Mill Run Dam at Laurel Hill State Park, everything you need to know is down below.
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A Little History
In the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps was established as part of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal. Pennsylvania was already set up and ready to go, thanks to Governor Gifford Pinchot, and had already started establishing work camps around the state. They eventually had 113 camps, second only to California.
The Jones Mill Run Dam was one of the Civilian Conservation Corps’ projects. Many of the Pennsylvania State Parks were camps before becoming parks. We’ve been able to explore and enjoy some of the program’s remnants, including a camp near the abandoned Pennsylvania Turnpike and trails at Promised Land State Park.
Prepare For Your Hike to Jones Mill Run Dam at Laurel Hill State Park
Parking
There is a decently sized lot at the trailhead for the Pumphouse Trail off Laurel Hill Park Road. We visited over the July 4th weekend and didn’t have any trouble finding parking. The Pumphouse Trail allows snowmobiling, so you might find the lot busier in the winter months.
Amenities
There are no toilets at the Pumphouse trailhead. However, there are several bathrooms at the beach area just down the road.
Pets
Leashed dogs are allowed on the trails at Laurel Hill State Park.
Wildlife
Pennsylvania is home to many kinds of animals, including black bears and poisonous snakes. Always be mindful of your surroundings and stay away from the wildlife.
Cell Service
Cell service is spotty along the trail
Map
Download a map of the trail before your visit.
Be a Responsible Visitor
Remember, as you visit this area, respect nature. Stay on established paths, pack out your trash (including food waste), and leave what you find behind.
The more popular these destinations become, the more we need to be diligent about keeping our parks and lands clean and safe for all. You can learn more here.
Hike to Jones Mill Run Dam at Laurel Hill State Park
| Trail Location: | The trailhead is at the west end of the parking lot on Laurel Hill Park Road. |
| Trail Length: | 1.4 miles |
| Trail Difficulty: | Easy side of moderate |
| Trail Type: | Loop |
| Elevation Gain: | 115 feet |
| Dog Friendly: | Yes |
Starting the Trail
You’ll see signs for both the Pumphouse Trail and the Water Line Trail at the end of the parking lot. Follow the signs for the Pumphouse Trail.
What to Expect on the Pumphouse Trail
The Pumphouse Trail is not very exciting. It’s built to allow snowmobiling, so it’s pretty wide and mostly flat, with very few tripping hazards along the route.
About 2/10 of a mile in, you’ll come across the intersection for the Shay Trail, which connects the Pumphouse to the Tram Road Trail. If you’d rather have a little more excitement on your approach to the dam, you’ll want to take the Tram Road Trail.
Jones Mill Run Dam
About 7/10 mile along the Pumphouse Trail, you’ll see a sign directing you to go left to reach the Jones Mill Run Dam. It’s just a short walk from there
The dam itself is so beautiful! It was built in the 1930s as part of the Civilian Conservation Corps program.
Returning Via Tram Road Trail
After enjoying the beauty of the dam, we followed the Jones Mill Run along the Tram Road Trail to return to the parking lot.
The trail has more interesting features than the Pumphouse Trail, including several footbridges.
About a half-mile along Tram Road, you’ll encounter a four-way intersection. To your right, a bridge crosses the Jones Mill Run, leading you to the Ridge Trail.
If you go straight, you’ll stay on the Tram Road Trail, eventually ending at Laurel Hill Park Road. However, to get back to the parking lot, you’ll want to turn left and follow the signs for the Pumphouse Trail. Once you reach the Pumphouse Trail, make a right to get back.
Other Trails at Laurel Hill State Park
Considering the size of Laurel Hill State Park, it feels like there should be more hiking available than there is. For example, Nockamixon State Park in eastern Pennsylvania is about 1000 acres larger than Laurel Hill (5200 acres vs 4000 acres), but it has over 2x the miles of hiking trails!
Regardless, Laurel Hill is still a beautiful place to hike, and there are multiple trails. One of the other popular trails is the Hemlock Trail, which is just over a mile long.
Jones Mill Run Dam Hike Wrap-Up
The Pumphouse and Tram Road trails loop to the Jones Mill Run Dam is a short but pretty trail to a beautiful dam and waterfall. If you’re in the Laurel Highlands, you’ll definitely want to visit this park and trail. During our visit, we also enjoyed a swim in Laurel Hill Lake! It was a great place to cool off after the hike.
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