May 31, 2024
Discover the Beauty of Mountain Laurel
The Mountain Laurel, Pennsylvania’s state flower, is a breathtaking sight and one of the most beautiful native American shrubs. Its large, rhododendron-like leaves retain their deep green hue throughout the year, creating a lush backdrop in any season. However, it is in late May through mid-June that this plant truly dazzles.
During this period, the Mountain Laurel blooms in spectacular clusters of pink and white flowers, transforming Pennsylvania's forestlands into a vibrant and enchanting landscape. Its thick foliage provides essential cover for wildlife, including deer and various bird species, contributing significantly to the vitality of the forest.
Field of Dreams
The Laurel Fields in Clear Creek State Forest, often referred to as the "Field of Dreams," is a cherished natural attraction. Established in 1929 when a regional natural gas company allowed the area to revert to its natural state, the fields boast a dense concentration of mountain laurel. Open to the public since 1935 and managed by the state’s Bureau of Forestry since 2006, these fields offer a stunning display of blooming mountain laurel from late May to mid-June. Visitors can enjoy this vibrant spectacle, making the Laurel Fields a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts.
Brookville Laurel Festival
Brookville Laurel FestivalThe area's Laurel Festival is a beloved annual event that began before WWII in 1936 and has since grown into a major community celebration. Originally called The Western Pennsylvania Laurel Festival and held at the Laurel Fields, the festival now takes place on Main Street in Brookville, bringing together residents and visitors for a week of festivities.
Old and new events fill up the festival continuing tradition with the anticipated queens pageant, a car show, the annual sidewalk sale, Art in the Park and the Grand Parade. Many new activities introduced over the years to include Relay For Life, Family Fun Day, Manufacturing Tours, and Power Lifting Competition.
Visit BrookvilleLaurelFestival.com for more information and follow Brookville Laurel Festival on Facebook.
Make a day of it...
Beyond the Laurel Fields, the 16,000-acre Clear Creek State Forest offers an abundance of mountain laurels and rhododendrons, along with miles of trails to explore. Beartown Rocks is a popular attraction featuring massive boulders formed by glaciers. The forest also boasts diverse trees, a variety of birds, and abundant wildlife. Equestrian and mountain bike riding are permitted, making it a perfect destination for nature enthusiasts.