In August of 1774, governor of Virginia John Murray, 4th Earl of Dunmore issued the following proclamation: “ ..whereas the Province of Pennsylvania has unduly laid claim to … His Majesty’s territory….

South of the Youghiogheny Gorge, a short ridge, generally still labeled Laurel Hill, at the edge of Ohiopyle State Park, reaches above 2,920 feet (890 m).

Laurel Hill is made up of Mississippian and Pennsylvanian clastic sedimentary rocks, consisting mostly of conglomerate, sandstone, and shale.

The mountain ridge is oriented at right angles to approaching weather systems, forcing prevailing westerly airflows upward.

Laurel Hill may also act as a barrier to weather systems and slow the movement of storms, which has an impact on the local area and forms a microclimate.

Ravens and wild turkeys are frequently seen, while the hermit thrush, Canada warbler, brown creeper, and winter wren all nest near the bog at Spruce Flats.

Snakes including the timber rattlesnake and eastern copperhead also make their home on Laurel Hill around rocks and scree areas.