Jacobs Creek Falls
The Falls at Jacobs Creek are a must-see. Tucked away behind the main office, the Falls range in volume from a trickle during the dry season to a roaring cascade in wetter times. It’s a great place to go for a swim, fish, or just relax to the sounds of rushing water.
Learn more about the falls at Jacobs Creek.
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Sunset Hill
Named accordingly, Sunset Hill offers you a great vantage point from which to watch the sunset year-round. Overlooking the foothills of the Laurel Highlands, Sunset Hill is a terrific hiking destination and spot for a campfire. While you’re there, take time to prayerfully walk through our labyrinth.
Learn more about the prayer labyrinth.
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Split Rock
Making it to Split Rock is a camp favorite. This geological wonder—a large slab of granite weighing several tons—sits several hundred feet above the main campus at Laurelville. The strenuous Red Trail leads to Split Rock and is the most common route used, but both the moderate Yellow and White Trails are also points of access to Split Rock (Note: The White Trail is absorbed by the Yellow Trail not far from Split Rock. Take a left on the Yellow Trail once the White Trail ends).
Learn more about the hiking trails.
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Petrified Rock
Halfway up the Red Trail sits the “petrified rock.” This landmark is actually a slab of granite, but its intricate wrinkles and detail give the appearance of a petrified log. A placard marks it along the trail, but you do have to keep your eyes open or you might walk right past it.
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Bear Cave
The bear cave isn’t known to inhabit any bears at all, but its mysteriousness catches the eyes and attention of passersby on the Red Trail. Located roughly two hundred feet below Split Rock, the bear cave is formed by large outcropping of granite on the steep hillside. Crawling into the cave is not recommended, but a stop to peer inside is a worthwhile experience.
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Chief Jacobs Memorial
After whom is Jacobs Creek named? Some assume the creek is named after the Father of Israel, Jacob son of Isaac. Others suggest the name is derived from an early white settler with the last name Jacobs. This monument suggests another possibility—perhaps the most accepted theory in the region—attributing the creek to Chief Jacobs, a Native American who was an early inhabitant of the region. See the stone carving across from Jacobs Creek and learn more about the history of this region.
To get to the sculpture, you must follow the beginning of the Red Trail. Once you have passed Danzig Cabin and Germantown (private residence) and walked through the brick pillars, you will find a narrow path cut into the woods on your right. Follow this detour to find the Chief Jacobs memorial.
Note: The Chief Jacobs sculpture is on private property; please be respectful of our neighbors while you visit this landmark.
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Jacob’s Well
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Challenge Course
The Challenge Course is located near the head of the White Trail, behind the Meetinghouse. This space is used in conjunction with our teambuilding curriculum but is off limits without the presence of a certified facilitator from Laurelville. If you would like to see the course, please ask a staff member from Guest Services to give you a quick tour.
Learn more about our teambuilding and challenge course curriculum.
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Outdoor Chapel
The outdoor chapel was once a central space for meeting and worship for summer campers. Now slightly less used, the chapel nevertheless carries a sacred aura. Tucked away above the Laurel Youth Village, it’s a worthwhile detour en route to Sunset Hill for a brief prayer or moment of silence.
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Tree Identification Walk
Across campus you’ll find small wood posts bearing numbers. Visit our office our Dining Hall lobby to pick up a tree identification brochure and learn more about the flora of Laurelville.
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Here’s four more points that aren’t quite off the beaten path (all are within 100 paces of the Dining Hall) but are worth checking out while you’re here.
Wood-fire Kiln
In 2008, Laurelville partnered with The Union Project to erect a Makigama-style kiln. When stoked for a firing, it heats up to 2300°F and fires some 500 pieces of pottery.
Learn more about the kiln at Laurelville.
Compass
A longstanding Laurelville tradition has been the repainting of the campus compass. Orient yourself outside the Dinging Hall using this large compass.
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Rocks
Many visitors young and old have enjoyed these granite rocks as places both for play and rest. Take a moment to enjoy this outcropping of granite outside the Dining Hall entrance.
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Covered Bridge
The covered bridge at Laurelville serves as a crossing from the central part of campus to the Solarhouse and Laurel Youth Village. Even if you’re not staying in one of these facilities, enjoy a stroll across the bridge and begin to explore the recreation possibilities at Laurelville, including the Shenandoah, Sunset Hill and the outdoor recreation facilities.
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Duck Pond
Once actually home to ducks, the duck pond is now just a relaxing spot for passersby to enjoy the flowing sounds of water. While you’re here, take up a game of tetherball or sit for a while in the gazebo overlooking the pond. It’s a great spot to relax.
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