Laurel Highlands Summer 2025 Weekend Trail Run Retreat (August 22nd-24th, 2025)
We're heading to Confluence, PA for an end-of-summer weekend getaway! Three glorious days of trail running (far removed from the pressures of race day) to unplug from city life, beat the summer heat of Pittsburgh and maybe crank out training miles before a big fall race. We will push it for those wanting to push it, but also pull it back for those wanting to chill and soak up the dog days of summer.
Unlike races, this unique running trip will provide extended time to connect with yourself, other outdoor enthusiasts and the broader creative community of the Laurel Highlands. Abundance of not only nature, but culture and art making in the towns of Confluence, Ohiopyle and Acme.
The mountains of the Laurel Highlands are a divine place for physical and spiritual connection. We're honored to explore and guide you in such an intimate, small group setting this August!
What's Included
- 2 nights stay at either Parker House or River's Edge
- 3 guided runs on specially designed routes
- Friday Lunch, Friday Night Dinner, Saturday Night Dinner and Sunday Lunch
- Yoga with Brynn Cunningham (Saturday afternoon)
- Massage by Mountain Laurel Massage (Saturday afternoon)
- Post-run relaxation at Confluence Creative Arts Center (Saturday afternoon)
- Private tour of Talking Leaves Printmaking Studio (Sunday)
- Tour of Tissue Farm Art Gallery (Friday)
- 10% off drinks (coffee and tea) at Tissue Farm Espresso Bar all weekend
- Transportation to/from Friday and Saturday runs
- Snacks, water and other hydration on the trail
- Running and Outdoor Mags curated by Paper & Dirt for weekend reading
What's Not Included
- Transportation to and from Confluence, PA
- Alcohol, other meals or beverages beyond those provided
- Breakfast or coffee
- Saturday Lunch is on your own
Please select from the dropdown menu for your requested room. River's Edge rooms (1 double bed) are $575 for the weekend. Parker House prices are between $655 and $685, depending on the rooms.
All trip participants are required to complete our Runner Profile form, sign our Waiver Agreement and agree Terms & Conditions before the trip begins.
FAQ
Who are the run guides and trip leaders?
1) Chas Wagner
Confluence has a soft spot in Chas’s heart, as it was the place where he curated his first art show, Hollow and Knobs, at the Tissue Farm Gallery in April 2023. Through his connection with Suzanne and Pope, the proprietors of Tissue Farm, he was able to connect with other community organizers and artists in the area, such as Jody and Jay Best at Confluence Creative Arts Center + Thomas and Starr from Talking Leaves Printingmaking Studio.
He loves the tranquility and wildness of the Laurel Highlands, but also the deep sense of community and creativity unique to Confluence. It’s calmer and less touristy than its GAP trail neighbor, Ohiopyle.
On the trail running side, Chas is the Race Director of The Frick Park Trail Race Series. He’s won the Glacier Ridge Ultra (20 Miler), Laurel Highlands Ultra (50K), Tapped for Sap (25K), Oil Creek (50K) and Cooper’s Rock 50KM. Running on trails - with new faces and good friends - gives him great joy and meaning in life.
Before he transitioned to the proper terrain, he ran the Boston Marathon in a previous running life, along with a couple Philly Marathons.
2) Brynn Cunningham
Brynn Cunningham first came to yoga as a runner at age 18 and fell in love with the practice.
Brynn received her 230-hour yoga instructor certification from Asheville Yoga Center (AYC) in North Carolina in 2015 and began teaching prior to that in 2009. She has studied and been a regular practitioner of Ashtanga, Anusara, Bikram, hot power yoga, yin yoga, vinyasa, kundalini and more. Brynn was a student of Yogi Wade, the former Ohiopyle Power Yoga teacher, who taught her to be herself as an instructor, have fun and most importantly to create a supportive environment for every body and level of practitioner.
She acted as Assistant Coach for Cross Country at Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus, during the 2016 season. For six seasons, she was a volunteer coach for her alma mater high school’s track and field girls sprint team, where she held the 400-meter dash record from 2001-2016. Brynn founded an all-female trail running group, the Trail Run Tribe, based out of Ohiopyle, Pa, in 2017. She was the trail race co-director of the 2019 Ohiopyle Falls & Trails Trilogy 10K, Half Marathon & Marathon. She is the six-time winner of the Mount Summit Challenge and has won and been on the podium for distances from 5K to 50K, including the Laurel Highlands 50K.
In addition to running and yoga, Brynn mountain and gravel bikes, white water kayaks, cross and backcountry skis, swims, lifts weights and backpacks. Volunteer commitments include the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail Ridge Runners and Ohiopyle Biking Club.
Brynn writes for running website WeeViews and works in the Wilderness Voyageurs Bike Tours department.
3) Christi Pletcher
Christi has completed several road marathons, the Laurel Highlands Fall Classic 50K, so many half marathons and is gearing up for another Boston Qualifying time this June 14th at the Jackson River Scenic Trail Marathon.
When does the trip start and end?
We will meet at Tissue Farm in Confluence, PA (446 Latrobe Avenue) at 10am on Friday, August 22nd.
The trip will end at approximately 3pm on Sunday, August 24th in Acme, PA.
Can you describe the rooms more at Parker House and River's Edge?
1) The Maple Room has a beautifully carved Maple poster bed. The private bathroom has a tub / shower unit.
2) The Twin Pines room is one of our most popular rooms because it has two queen beds. The private bathroom has a corner shower unit.
3) Mary’s Tree House is the master bedroom. The room is named from literally being carved out of the tree tops. A number of large branches from the 200 year old Sycamore tree in the front yard had to be trimmed in order to put on the roof! The five windows are on the river side of the house. The antique rocker is from the nurses’ quarters of the old hospital in town.
Mary’s Tree House has one queen bed and a single day bed. The private bathroom has a large soaking tub / shower unit
The River Room provides the best view of the Youghiogheny River, as well as the Great Allegheny Passage that is directly across the river. This room is provided with a double bed and a hand sink. It shares a full bathroom that is located just down the hallway.
The Front Room is filled with the warmth of the morning sun. It provides a double bed, a bath that includes a sink and a toilet and a double bed. It shares a full bathroom that is located just down the hallway.
Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Youghiogheny River along with a full view of the perennial garden.
The Garden room provides a double bed and a pedestal sink and is isolated from the other two rooms by the kitchen and living room. It shares a full bathroom that is located just down the hallway.
Can I share a room with a partner or friend?
Yes. The Parker House has queen beds, which is best for multiple people. Each additional person is $375; which includes guided runs, yoga, massage, meals and tours.
If you have are booking the Parker House's Tree House or Twin Pines Room and would like friends to stay with you, please pass along their name and contact info.
If you are open to staying with others in one of the above rooms, we'll try to pair you with other solo travelers.
Can I pay in installments?
Yes, we can take 50% upfront and 50% two weeks before the trip start. We'll either send a separate Shopify invoice or you can make two payments to our Venmo account (@paper-dirt).
Do you have the full itinerary of the weekend?
We are happy to send a more detailed schedule of the weekend in a separate email. Once booked, we will provide more specific timing for Friday, Saturday and Sunday plans. We also want to leave some unstructured time and not have every 30 minute time slot booked out.
What trails will we be running on?
The McCune and Canyon's Edge trail on Friday. The Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail on Saturday and Meadow Run on Sunday.
Do I have to do all the runs?
No. You are happy to stay in Confluence for the day. Other outdoor activities include biking or walking on the GAP trail or paddling on the Yough River. You can hang at Tissue Farm's Espresso Bar until it closes at 2pm on Saturdays.
What if I have dietary restrictions?
We will do our best to accommodate any meat, fish, nut, dairy or gluten allergies by working with partner restaurants beforehand.
How long and difficult are the runs?
Friday and Sunday runs will be between 4-7 miles with moderate difficulty. Saturday will be the long run with more technical terrain. Saturday's options are a 7-8 mile run or 12-14 mile run.
What is the booking deadline?
August 8th, 2025
What if I'm not fast enough?
This trip is meant for enjoyment of the natural surroundings, not blazing speed. We plan to divide into three smaller groups based on pace, with a guide ensuring everyone stays together.
How can I stay informed of the trip leading up to August 22nd?
We will have a pre-trip call the week of August 11th-15th to prepare for the weekend. We'll also invite you to our WhatsApp group to help coordinate rides, gear shares and/or lodging accommodations.
Where will we be eating?
We'll be trying out any of these fine establishments: Pamela's Pints and Provisions, River's Edge Cafe, Riverside Pizza, Falls City Pub and Mitch's Fuel and Food.
What is the suggested packing list?
- 1 pair of trail running shoes and 1 pair of sneakers
- Sandals, bathing suit and towel
- Rain jacket (breathable and lightweight)
- Running pack
- Hydration vest or belt
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Energy snacks (bars, fruit, gels)
- Sunscreen
- Hat or visor
- Sunglasses
- Clothing for yoga and casual wear
- Running bottoms (shorts and/or tights)
- Short-sleeved tops
- Personal medical kit (optional)
- Hiking poles (optional)
What is the cancellation and refund policy?
Things happen, from injuries to family commitments.
45 days or more = 100% refund
30-45 days = 75%
15 - 30 days = 50%
0 to 14 days = No refund
Further questions
Please email chas@paper-dirt.com with questions or to setup a call.