Highlands Mountains

In 1740, a trail was carved through the rugged Highlands Mountains between what is now Cumberland, Maryland and Brownsville, Pennsylvania. The trailblazer was a native Delaware Indian Chief named Nemacolin.

Nemacolin's trail was later widened and used by Col. George Washington and General Edward Braddock during the French and Indian War. Fort Necessity was constructed near the trail and remains a nationally renowned point of interest today.

In the mid-1800s, Congress established the first National Highway utilizing Nemacolin's trail and extended it west. The highway became the major means of east-west transportation until the railroads were constructed some 50 years later. Today, Nemacolin's trail is known as U.S. Route 40.

During the 19th Century, the Laurel Highlands became popular and fashionable as a retreat for the wealthy Pittsburghers. Attracted by the natural beauty of the mountains, industrialists and merchants established vacation homes throughout the area.

One such family, the Kaufmanns of Pittsburgh department store fame, built Fallingwater in the thirties as their escape from the rigors of the city. The Kaufmann's architect was Frank Lloyd Wright. The home's architecture remains an outstanding example of Wright's genius and talent.

In 1968, Pittsburgh industrialist Willard F. Rockwell established a private game reserve on what is now Nemacolin Woodlands and named this property Nemacolin Trails Hunting Reserve. The Rockwells invited friends and business associates to hunt and fish the hundreds of acres, populated by silver fox, bear, and Russian white-tailed deer.

A hunting lodge was constructed in 1968, together with the golf course and airstrip. Lakes Louise and Carol were also added and Beaver Creek was developed into the excellent trout stream it is today.

In 1979, the property was sold to Cordelia Mellon Scaife, and became an exclusive corporate conference center.

Three years later, the inn returned to the Rockwell family. Kent Rockwell purchased the property and opened it to the public. In the years immediately following, the Maples and Laurel Ponds townhouses and a number of private homes were established on the estate.

Nemacolin was sold at auction in 1987 to Joseph A. Hardy, Sr., founder of 84 Lumber Company. Mr. Hardy promptly set about turning Nemacolin Woodlands into a world-class resort. The Tudor-style Lodge was expanded, and work on an elegant annex of 68 rooms commenced, together with the Executive Conference Center and new lobbies.

By the end of 1987, the Woodlands Golf Academy was established and within another year the Woodlands Spa opened. Soon afterward, the Gazebo, Lake P.J., and the Panorama Pavilion were constructed.

By early 1989, the Lodge Annex was followed by the Townhouses on the Links. At the grand reopening celebrations that Fall, guests were invited to join the Nemacolin 400 Club. The 400 Gala event featured performances by such artists as Ben Vereen, David Brenner, The Temptations, and Sergio Mendes.

In 1991, the Grand Ballroom addition to the Woodlands Executive Conference Center was completed.

In 1992, three grand openings occurred, including the Tavern, the Caddy Shack, and the Equestrian

Center. The Tavern serves as theresort's sporting club and bar, and features four antique billiards tables (circa 1880).

Fallingbrook miniature golf course, located next to the Caddy Shack, opened in July 1992. Putting under waterfalls and rock formations proved to be an enjoyable and challenging pastime for guests.

The Equestrian Center opened in August 1992 as one of Nemacolin's proudest achievements. It houses a 200' x 100' indoor arena and a 200' x 70' outdoor arena, each with its own sound system, bleacher seating, and amenities typical of a world-class center. Regulation polo grounds are also included.


1992 also marked the ground breaking for Nemacolin's second golf course, Mystic Rock. It was designed by international designer Pete Dye. The Grand Opening was held in the summer of '95 with the first Invitational on September 4th.

In May 1995, Nemacolin opened its $2 million Paradise Pool, adjacent to the Woodlands Spa. The larger-than-Olympic-size pool was built to resemble pools from the Riviera and Hawaii. Its distinctive design elements include intricate tile and ceramic border, a swim up bar, and a whirlpool for 12. Food and beverages are served on the sun deck.

To ensure the resort's place as a year-round destination, Mystic Mountain, a downhill ski area, opened December 1995. Five slopes tied together by 8 trails provide some 25 acres of ski terrain. Serviced by one chairlift and rope tow for beginners, Mystic Mountain was the first new ski facility to open in Southwestern Pennsylvania in more than 10 years.

Beginner, intermediate, and refresher instruction is available, as well as "Kidz Klub" programs. Miles of trails are perfect for cross-country skiing and sleigh riding.

The new Activities Center opened in June 1995, and houses the resort's popular "Kidz Klub" program. Featured in this program are video games, board games, organized activities, arts and crafts, miniature golf, and educational sports-related clinics.

At night, "Kidz Night Out" gives parents the opportunity to spend some time alone, while their children enjoy an array of fun evening activities. The Activities Center also houses the resort's rental facility, offering everything from mountain bikes to fishing poles. For kids both big and small, the Activities Center includes P.J.'s-an ice cream parlor straight out of the '50s-and a golf simulator.


Also opened in 1995 was Heritage Court, the resort's 55,000 sq. ft. shopping arcade. Located above the Activities Center, the year-round arcade offers children's toys and clothes; men's and ladies wear; sportswear; shoes; arts & crafts; an art gallery; and a logo shop.

Our crowning achievement to date has been the addition of the Chateau LaFayette. The grand opening was held on Memorial Day 1997. Highlighting the festivities was the '97 ProAm Charity Invitational, which included PGA greats Tiger Woods, John Daly, Greg Norman, and musician Vince Gill, to name a few.

Modeled after the grand hotels of Europe, the French renaissance-style Chateau offers 125 luxury guest rooms and suites. Included are the Grand Lobby, Lobby Lounge, the Tea Room, Cigar Bar, Hardy & Hayes Fine Jewelers, and Lautrec, our contemporary French restaurant.