Set on the western slope of Laurel Mountain, Donegal Township is known as the “Gateway to the Laurel Highlands.” It’s also a popular exit off the Pennsylvania Turnpike for visitors traveling to the region’s natural attractions. “It’s just beautiful to live out here,” says Kathy Corbett, a Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices The Preferred Realty with more than 20 years of experience in the industry. “It’s close to so many outdoor activities, including the Seven Springs Mountain Resort.” Seven Springs is just one of four ski resorts in the Laurel Highlands, and Donegal Township takes advantage of its scenic surroundings with ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. While winter sports enthusiasts head to nearby resorts, anglers gather at Donegal Lake and hikers head to the Roaring Run Natural Area. With less than 2,200 people spread out across nearly 50 acres, the township attracts outdoor enthusiasts looking for tranquility in nature.
Donegal offers a quiet rural setting near the Laurel Highlands.
Donegal’s quiet landscapes offer space to unwind.
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Ski resorts, Roaring Run Natural Area and Donegal Lake
The Laurel Highlands is a four-season destination for outdoor recreation. It’s one of the snowiest regions in Pennsylvania, and spots like the Seven Springs Mountain Resort and Hidden Valley Resort take advantage of its abundant snowfall. Both resorts are less than 10 miles from Donegal Township and offer opportunities for skiing, snowboarding and tubing.
The Roaring Run Natural Area covers more than 3,500 acres in the southeastern corner of Donegal Township. Mature woodlands provide shade to its extensive trail network, which spans more than 18 miles and offers scenic vistas of Roaring Run Valley. Four Mile Run winds through town and feeds into Donegal Lake, a popular spot for fishing and paddle boating with two boat launches. The township surrounds the borough of Donegal, where the Donegal Borough Playground features two play areas, a basketball court and a picnic pavilion. Golfers can play a round at Donegal Highlands Golf Course, a public 18-hole course, or become members of the Pike Run Club & Lodge, which has a 9-hole course.
Donegal Highlands Golf Course offers an 18‑hole layout in the Laurel Highlands.
Donegal residents enjoy the Roaring Run Trail that runs through the town.
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Donegal Township has spacious lots and low inventory
Winding roads branch off the township’s main thoroughfares, rolling up and down through dense forests and acres of undeveloped farmland. A variety of architectural styles complement the town’s rural landscapes, including sprawling ranch-style homes and traditional farmhouses with a median lot size of two acres. The influence of nearby ski resorts can be seen in Adirondack-style log cabins and rustic A-frames, which are typically custom-built properties and can be more expensive than the average home in Donegal Township. Since the township is sparsely populated, homes rarely come on the market. Four homes sold in 2024, with prices ranging from $200,000 for an older farmhouse to $820,000 for a newer custom-built property. Most listings are manufactured homes in the Laurel Highlands Campland, a community with shared amenities for full-time and seasonal residents. It has more than 100 manufactured homes that typically sell for $60,000 to $115,000. The township has an overall CAP Index crime score of 1, the lowest possible score and significantly lower than the national average of 4.
Single‑story homes are common across Donegal’s rural roads.
Tree‑lined roads wind through residential areas of Donegal Township.
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Dual enrollment program at Mount Pleasant Area Senior High School
The township is part of the Mount Pleasant Area School District, which earns an overall grade of B-minus from Niche. Donegal Elementary School serves kindergarten through third grade, while Ramsay Elementary School covers fourth through sixth grade. Both elementary schools earn a B-minus from Niche. Mount Pleasant Area Junior High School earns a C-plus and shares a campus with Mount Pleasant Area Senior High School, which receives a B-minus. The district offers a College in the High School program through which students at the senior high school can earn college credit from local colleges and universities, including Westmoreland County Community College and Seton Hill University.
Mount Pleasant Area Junior and Senior High School supports local academic programs.
Mount Pleasant Area Junior and Senior High School offers frequent dual‑credit options.
Ramsay Elementary serves students in Donegal Township.
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Local businesses on PA-31 and running errands in Somerset
Shopping and dining are concentrated in the southern half of town along Pennsylvania Route 31. “A lot of the shopping here is just family-owned stores, but we are about a 20-minute drive from all the big stores,” Corbett says. Local businesses include Sarnelli’s Market, known for its homemade Italian dishes and full-service deli counter. There is no grocery store in Donegal Township, but residents can drive 15 miles east and run errands in Somerset. The borough has chain retailers like Walmart, Lowe’s and Giant Eagle Supermarket.
Dining options include casual spots like Silver Horse Coffee and the Country Pie Shoppe, a bakery that’s been serving the community for nearly 40 years. Out of the Fire Cafe offers scenic views of the mountains, and the rustic eatery is known for its signature smoked salmon. At HillBilly's Grub N’ Pub, wood-paneled walls and southern classics create a warm atmosphere. Its pub is open long after sunset and frequently hosts live music.
Out of the Fire Cafe in Donegal is known for its signature smoked salmon.
Donegal Village offers small shops along PA‑31.
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Events at the Caddie Shak Family Entertainment Center
Seasonal attractions like the Caddie Shak Family Entertainment Center and the Living Treasures Animal Park cater to full-time residents and travelers passing through the township on ski trips. With go-karts, mini golf and an arcade, Caddie Shak is a popular spot for kids. They also host events for the community, including car cruises and an annual Fall Fest Arts & Crafts Vendor Show. Just down the street is the Living Treasures Animal Park, home to more than 300 animals from around the world and a Holiday Light Extravaganza with more than 9,000 twinkling bulbs that illuminate the zoo.
Living Treasures Animal Park in Donegal offers family‑friendly exhibits.
Fall Fest at Caddie Shak features food trucks and local vendors.
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The Pennsylvania Turnpike and distance to Pittsburgh
There is no public transportation in Donegal Township, and its rural landscapes mean that residents typically rely on their cars to get around. The Pennsylvania Turnpike passes through town and offers a direct route to Pittsburgh, about 60 miles northwest. The closest airport is the Arnold Palmer Regional Airport, which is 25 miles away. For flights out of the country, Pittsburgh International Airport is around 75 miles from Donegal Township.
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