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Two somewhat recent events immediately come to mind when one hears of Somerset County
these days, namely the demise of Flight 93 on September 11, 2001 in a field near Shanksville,
and the successful rescue of 9 coal miners at the Quecreek Mine, situated between
Somerset and Jennerstown. These sites have become popular tourist destinations
for those inside and outside of the southwestern Pennsylvania area.
Somerset County is rural in nature, heavily forested along the ridges and mountains.
The entire county is relatively high in elevation and boasts the highest point in
Pennsylvania, Mt. Davis in Forbes State Forest (elev. 3213'). This is one of several
locations within the county that is popular with hikers and those who enjoy the outdoors.
The area is home to other diverse attractions such as the Jennerstown Speedway with
live racing every Saturday night during the fair-weather months, the extensive
Somerset Historical Center and the Windber Coal Heritage Museum. Seven Springs
Ski Resort is also located in Somerset County, very close to the Westmoreland border
on Laurel Hill.
Somerset County is primarily accessed east to west via the PA Turnpike and
US Route 30. US Route 219, which runs north to south in the valley, connects
several small towns, including Meyersdale, Berlin and Jerome.
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