Finally found a way to cut 3 miles off the Laurel Highlands Trail without breaking any rules

I was so sick of that long gravel road section near the Ohiopyle end. It's like 4 miles of nothing but crushed rock and heat. Last trip I spotted a blue blazed side trail on my Gaia app that I always ignored. Decided to follow it and it cut through the woods and popped out right at the parking lot. Saved me like 45 minutes of boring walking. Has anyone else found hidden shortcuts like that on this route or other trails?

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chen.phoenix2d ago

yeah that makes me think of how people find these little workarounds in all parts of life... like in my neighborhood there's this alleyway that cuts through two blocks and everyone uses it but it's not on any map. feels like we're all just looking for the path that makes the most sense, even if it's not the official one. the trail systems are like that too, they got built by some ranger decades ago but the land itself has its own shortcuts if you pay attention. kinda makes you wonder how many other little secrets are hiding in plain sight just waiting for someone to notice them...