Today we went on a family hike, as promised. Setting our sights on the Wolf Rocks Trail in Laurel Summit State Park. This was a straight-shooter. No hidden trails or following gas lines or anything like that. This was a nice, easy trail to follow. 
Starting out at the park office, the Wolf Rocks Trail is but one of several trails that start from this point. There is ample room for parking here, along with picnic areas and restrooms. The trail is well marked and proceeds in a fairly straight line directly into the woods. As outlined in 50 Hikes in Western Pennsylvania, we turned left to take the Wolf Rocks Loop Trail at 0.6 miles. 
It was, in many ways, a nice day for a hike. The forest has started to reemerge from its hibernation and embrace the warmer days of spring. We saw several types of wildflowers and lots of fiddlehead ferns. The moss was perhaps the most exceptional part, however; blanketing the rocky trail like a plushy carpet.
After we rejoined Wolf Rocks Trail at the end of the loop, it was only a short distance to the rocks, themselves. At the end of the trail is a large, rocky outcrop that gives a rewarding view of the valley below. We spotted a large hawk circling above and took a moment to savor the breathtaking vista. Going back was straightforward. We simply had to reverse direction and go back the way we came, this time omitting the extension of the loop trail. In a short while, we were back at our car, heading home.
This hike was not the idyllic, romantic sight-seeing venture I had hoped. For starters, the weather was cold and windy. I would have preferred to do this in warmer weather (today's high was 57 degrees!), but today was my only day off until next Monday. It was now or never. Compounding this issue, my wife and I forgot/chose not to wear warmer clothes. Moreover, this hike takes place at a high elevation (over 2000 feet), and the wind can get really serious at that height. At times, it sounded like a jet engine. Not that our entire hike was cold. At times, the sun would peek out from behind the clouds, bathing our backs in its brief, but welcome warmth.
The rocks were another issue. My wife found the rocky terrain most difficult to traverse. The dogs didn't mind so much, but by the time we got to Wolf Rocks, my wife was ready to call it quits. My opinion is that her boots have not broken in fully yet. However, the rocks on this trail are a challenge for anyone's ankles. 
Overall, I give this hike a 5/10. The view is truly spectacular. It is an easy hike, but the rocks abound, so wear your hiking boots. Finding one's way is not an issue here, as the trail is short, well-marked and mostly straight. Also, pick a sunny, warm day for this one. Even on a warmer day, remember to bring a jacket, just in case the wind whips up like it did on us. Also, plan on seeing plenty of other hikers since the view is a popular attraction. You will likely encounter mountain bikes, as we did today, as well. Unfortunately, they have claimed this trail as their own. Probably because it is quite level with no significant climbing. The best part of this hike was the hamburger on the way home.
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