Donegal Travel Guide

Explore the beauty of Donegal, a small town located in Laurel Highlands, Pennsylvania with this ultimate travel guide, including places to visit, where to stay, eat, and what to do.


Introduction to Donegal

Donegal is a small town located in the Laurel Highlands region of Pennsylvania, known for its charming small town vibe, beautiful natural scenery, and numerous outdoor activities. The town is located within the Pittsburgh Region, making it easily accessible from nearby metropolitan areas. Donegal offers visitors a chance to explore the rich cultural history and incredible natural beauty of the region through various museums, historical sites and state parks.

List of Places to Visit in Donegal

Donegal is a great place to visit for all types of travelers, from adventure enthusiasts to nature lovers. The town offers a wide range of attractions, including museums, natural attractions, and outdoor activities. Here is a list of places to visit in Donegal:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Fort Ligonier: A historic site that played a critical role in the French and Indian War. The museum’s artifacts include muskets, uniforms, furniture, and more.
  • Compass Inn Museum: A restored 19th-century stagecoach stop with original furniture, textiles, and other exhibits.
  • Quecreek Mine Rescue Site: A site that commemorates the rescue of nine miners who were trapped in a mine in 2002.

Natural Attractions of Donegal: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Laurel Hill State Park: A state park with over 4,000 acres of beautiful woodland. Visitors can enjoy hiking and biking trails, fishing, boating, and camping.
  • Laurel Mountain State Park: A state park with over 5,000 acres of beautiful forest land. Visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain bike trails, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling during the winter.
  • Ohiopyle State Park: A state park that features over 20,000 acres of rugged natural beauty. Popular among families and adventure enthusiasts, the park offers a range of outdoor activities including whitewater rafting, kayaking, and mountain biking.
  • Seven Springs Mountain Resort: A popular year-round resort with skiing, hiking, golfing, and more.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Donegal

Donegal is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering numerous hiking and biking trails that suit all levels of experience. Here are some of the best hiking and biking trails in Donegal:

  • Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail: A 70-mile hiking trail through the Laurel Mountains and Ohiopyle State Park.
  • Great Allegheny Passage: A 150-mile rail trail that connects Pittsburgh to Cumberland, MD through Laurel Highlands.
  • Bear Run Nature Reserve: A 5,000-acre reserve with trails that lead to the iconic Fallingwater designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

Best Things to Do in Donegal: Activities and Tours

Aside from hiking and biking, there are plenty of other activities and things to do in Donegal, including:

  • Whitewater Rafting: Ohiopyle State Park is a popular destination for whitewater rafting on the Youghiogheny River.
  • Horseback Riding: Enjoy scenic trail riding at Thunder Mountain Equestrian Center.
  • Skiing and Snowboarding: Seven Springs Mountain Resort offers skiing and snowboarding during the winter season.
  • Wine Tasting: Visit the Ridge Runner Distillery for tastings and tours.
  • Farm Tours: Family-friendly activities offered by Stone Villa Wine Cellars, including petting zoos, wagon rides, and grape stomps.

Week-Long Itinerary for Donegal

Here’s a suggested week-long itinerary for visitors to Donegal:

Day 1 Arrival and sightseeing in Downtown Donegal
Day 2 Visit Fort Ligonier, Quecreek Mine Rescue Site, and Mount Pleasant Glass Museum
Day 3 Explore Ohiopyle State Park, enjoy whitewater rafting or hiking
Day 4 Horseback riding at Thunder Mountain Equestrian Center
Day 5 Skiing and snowboarding at Seven Springs Mountain Resort
Day 6 Visit the Ridge Runner Distillery for wine tasting and tours
Day 7 Departure from Donegal

Food and Drink Scene of Donegal

Donegal is known for its farm-to-table cuisine which uses locally sourced produce, and meats to prepare hearty dishes. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Pierogis: Traditional Polish dumplings filled with cheese and potatoes
  • Chicken and Biscuits: Slow-cooked chicken served with freshly made biscuits
  • Pot Roast: Slow-cooked beef served with a side of vegetables

Local Beverages

  • Birch Beer: A popular local soft drink that is like root beer, but less sweet.
  • Apple Cider: Freshly pressed apple cider that is perfect for cold weather season.

Where to Stay in Donegal: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Donegal has a variety of accommodations for all types of travelers, offfering everything from hotels, bed and breakfasts, to guesthouses. Here are some popular choices:

  • High Ridge RV Park: A park that offers sites for RV’s and campers and is located less than a mile from Seven Springs Mountain Resort.
  • Holiday Inn Express & Suites: A budget-friendly hotel in Donegal that offers free breakfast and Wi-Fi.
  • Log Cabin Lodge & Suites: A rustic-style lodge with rooms that include a fireplace, Jacuzzi, and mountain views.
  • Stone Villa Wine Cellars: Stone House Inn: A charming bed and breakfast located on a vineyard in Donegal.

What to Buy in Donegal: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Donegal offers some unique souvenirs that would make for perfect gifts to bring back home. Here are some things to buy in Donegal:

  • Pottery: The Artisans of Donegal Pottery is one of the most famous pottery shops and offers unique, artisan-style pieces that are perfect for gifts.
  • Leather Goods: The Hidden Valley Leather shop has beautiful leather bags, wallets, and belts that are handmade.
  • Maple Goods: The Wild Purveyors has a range of products including maple syrup, candy, and cakes that make for a sweet souvenir.

Local Culture and Customs of Donegal

Donegal is a blend of ethnic traditions and customs often reflected in its architecture, language, and food. Worth noting is that residents are quite friendly and welcoming.

Best Time to Visit Donegal

The best time to visit Donegal is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild, and the foliage is beautiful. Summer is also a popular time to visit for outdoor activities, but it can get crowded. Winter can be a good time for skiing, but Donegal is not as crowded then.

Do’s and Don’ts of Donegal

Here are some dos and don’ts to keep in mind while visiting Donegal:

Do:

  • Take lots of pictures and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings.
  • Sample local cuisine and beer.
  • Be respectful of the locals and their customs.

Don’t:

  • Litter or leave trash in public places.
  • Get too close to the wildlife or disturb their habitats.
  • Drink and drive.

Safety and Health

Safety in Donegal

Travelers to Donegal need to be aware of the typical precautions like not to leave valuables unattended, not walk in poorly lit areas at night and to leave electronic devices in a safe place. During the winter months, snow and sleet can make driving conditions dangerous and icy surfaces can be slippery. Be extra careful while driving and take necessary precautions if you’re going hiking or skiing.

Health in Donegal

Donegal does not pose any major health risks. It is recommended that visitors have their routine vaccinations up to date, and ensure that they wear sunscreen while engaging in outdoor activities during summer months. Visitors should be cautious about Lyme disease during hiking trails.

Getting to Donegal: Transportation Options and Logistics

Donegal can be easily accessed via Pittsburgh via various modes of transportation. Here are some options:

Airports Near Donegal

  • Pittsburgh International Airport: Located roughly an hour’s drive from Donegal.
  • Arnold Palmer Regional Airport: A regional airport with daily flights to destinations including Myrtle Beach, Savannah, and Boston.

Bus Stations Near Donegal

  • Greyhound: A bus station located at Johnstown that provides access to Donegal.

Other Options

  • Car Rental: The most convenient way to get around and see the region is by renting a car.
  • Uber, or Lyft: Like in larger metropolitan areas, ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft are a good choice. There is no public transit functioning within Donegal.

How to Get Around in Donegal

With no public transit, renting a car is the best option to navigate around and discover the best of Donegal. Uber and Lyft are also alternatives, though they aren’t as common.

Where to Go Next from Donegal: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

There are many charming towns and cities located within a short distance from Donegal. These include:

  • Pittsburgh: A bustling metropolitan offering plenty of museums, historical spots, and restaurants.
  • Fallingwater: A national landmark and architectural masterpiece designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.
  • Johnstown: A historic town located to the west of Donegal and is famous for its historic flood.

Conclusion

Donegal is a hidden gem that offers visitors a chance to explore the natural beauty of Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands. Whether you’re interested in hiking, exploration of natural parks, food tasting, or just relaxing in beautiful surroundings and charm, Donegal has something for everyone. Its convenient location within Pittsburgh Region, makes it easy to access for those traveling from nearby cities. So, if you’re heading towards Pennsylvania, consider stopping by Donegal for an experience never to forget.