Stepping Stone Farm Bed & Breakfast

One mile from the ATA bike trail near Confluence, PA.  Fallingwater, Kentuck Knob, Ohiopyle/Yough River Rafting, Nemacolin Woodlands, Seven Springs, Mt. Davis, Ft. Necessity, and more - a short drive away in the Laurel Highlands of SW PA.

"Your Country Home Away From Home"

OUR GOAL

As our guest, we want you to feel at home.
We provide clean, hospitable family lodging in a relaxed,
friendly atmosphere where you can rest and recharge
for your next day's adventures and travel.

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OUR PURPOSE

A Bag of Tools
by R. Lee Sharpe

Isn't it strange how princes and kings,
and clowns that caper in sawdust rings,
and common people, like you and me,
are builders for eternity?

Each is given a list of rules;
a shapeless mass; a bag of tools.
And each must fashion, ere life is flown,
A stumbling block, or a Stepping-Stone.

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OUR SETTING

The Laurel Highlands: An Area of History, Local Culture, and Outdoor Adventure

Our roomy farmhouse is located on 31 acres of fields and woodlands three miles from Confluence, PA. We reside in the "Lower Turkeyfoot" river valley rich in Appalachian culture, flora, fauna and history. It was so named by the young surveyor George Washington during the French and Indian Wars. He surveyed the area and mapped the three beautiful rivers, the Laurel Hill, the Casselman and the Youghiogheny that form a turkeyfoot where present day Confluence exists. As the early American population grew westward, towns in the Appalachians grew up around the river valleys where the railroads developed in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Confluence, PA, was booming at the turn of the century with abundant commerce in lumber, hides, coal and more because of the introduction of the railroad. Already by the 1960s, the railroads were in decline and so was Confluence. The Western Maryland Railroad closed on the west side of the Casselman River; but the B&O on the east side survived and eventually became the CSX railroad. It still runs at the edge of the farm today, a reminder of a historical presence that has defined the culture and history of this area for over 100 years.

The abandonned Western Maryland rail was developed into the Great Allegheny (the bike trail from Pittsburgh to DC) with the first 9 miles opening in 1987 from Confluence to Ohiopyle. Now it is completed for 305 miles from Pittsburgh to DC. The GAP/ATA passes through Confluence and has road access one mile from our farm at the Harnedsville trailhead (see instructions below: "Arriving by Bicycle"). Fallingwater, Kentuck Knob, Ohiopyle, Seven Springs, Nemacolin Woodlands and Ft. Necessity, among others are a short, scenic drive away (See "Nearby Attractions" below for descriptions and other links).

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  STEPPING STONE TOUR

Good morning! Good morning! Its time to rise and shine.

Come down to the heart of our home, the pleasant country dining room and kitchen to enjoy a home made breakfast with our own hens' eggs, fresh fruit (from our garden in season), and juice, coffee and tea to get you going.

Perhaps you'd like to step out onto the open-air porch to enjoy your breakfast as you breathe in the fresh morning air. You might hear the whistle of an approaching train, maybe the AMTRAK, as it comes past the farm.

Sometime during your visit, take a walk up the lane to see the morning fog resting in the Casselman river valley or meander down the lane to the Casselman River to sit on the "Indian Washing Rocks". We enjoy numerous sightings of squirrel, white-tailed deer, wild turkey and other wild birds in season from the house and around the property.  Or just stretch out on the hammock under the pines, or relax at the gezebo near the stream.

When you are ready, launch out on your day's adventures in the Laurel Highlands and seize the day. 

After your day of experiencing the Laurel Highlands, head back to the farm for an evening to relax.

Pour a glass of iced tea, or a cup of coffee and enjoy the countryside setting  from the front stone porch, or the deck off the upper wing guest rooms.

Request a campfire and it'll be blazing in no time.

Later, come inside the house and find a comfortable spot in the upper wing's cozy library 

or the farm's main living room to read a book, chat with family or folk, or play a board game.

And now?     Ahh....lights out!!.

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ACCOMMODATIONS & RATES

Here at Stepping Stone Farm B & B, we welcome the solo-bicyclist, couples, family and friend groups.

Great for reunions, bicycling/rafting/kayaking groups, church groups, etc.

Reserve one room, several rooms, or the whole guest quarters.

The whole guest quarters includes 5 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, 2 equipped kitchenettes, 2 common areas.

There are 11 beds (1 queen bed, 4 double beds and 6 single beds) with bedspace for 11-16 people.

Prices include a tasty breakfast.

The accommodations are set up in the manner described below.

The Farm's "Get-a-way" Suite

A private suite with bed space for 1-5 people including the following:

A family room with a day bed and trundle, a couch and easy chair, a DVD/VCR, dining table and chairs.

Equipped kitchenette includes:
fridge, sink, microwave, electric stove/oven, electric frying pan, dishes, etc.

A full, private bathroom.	One large bedroom with 2 double beds and 1 single.

First and Second Night @ $100.00 + tax, 2 adults
($30.00 for each additional adult)

Children 0-12, add $20.00.

10% discount for the third night and after. May through October, weekends two night minimum.

The Farm's Upper Guest Wing

Book each room separately or all together. See room descriptions and rates as follows:

BLUE HEMLOCK SUITE:

One bedroom w/queen bed and private bath for $90.00 + tax, 1-2 persons. Add $10.00 + tax for private use of Bird Nest Den w/kitchenette.

THE BIRDNEST DEN has a small kitchenette and a comfy sitting area convenient for reading, relaxing, and visiting.

THE SUNRISE HALL

Offers 3 bedrooms (with 2 full and 3 single beds for 5-7 people), with one full bath for $250 + tax for the 1st night.

Each room is described w/rates below:

GREEN GARDEN ROOM (1 full bed + 1 single bed): $80.00 + tax, 1-2 persons. $30.00 for 3rd adult. Children 1-12, add $10.00

RED POSEY ROOM (1 full bed): $70.00 + tax, 1-2 persons.

YELLOW FLUTTER ROOM (2 twin beds): $70.00 + tax, 1-2 persons.

Enjoy the SUNRISE DECK overlooking the fields and garden accessed from the SUNRISE HALL and an exterior stairway.

The UPPER WING includes both the Blue Hemlock Suite and the Sunrise Hall:

This includes four rooms w/6 beds (1 queen, 2 fulls, & 3 singles) to accommodate 6-9 people. Two full bathrooms available, plus two common areas - the Bird Nest Den with a small kitchenette, and the Sunrise Upper Deck.

The rate for 6-9 people in the UPPER WING is $340 + tax.

10% discount for the third night and after.

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AMENITIES & SERVICES

Complimentary breakfast served  This includes fresh fruit, our own hens' eggs, OJ, coffee/tea, whole wheat bread or muffin w/ jam, etc. Vegetarian breakfast prepared on request.

Need supper at the farm? Pre-order w/ credit card from restaurants below. We will pick-up meals to be served at the house at time requested.

Pedal directly to farm (one mile from the ATA @ Harnedsville - see below). Or request Courtesy Shuttle for Bicyclers arriving in Confluence.

Linens, towels, courtesy soap provided.

Campfire provided on request.

Ask about petting and feeding the farm's goats, and chickens, too.

Pick raspberries and strawberries from the garden in season.

Three porches off of the house and thirty-one 31 acres of property to enjoy.

Summer evenings in the Laurel Highlands are usually mild, but we have fans in each room to keep comfortable. October-April, we have plenty of warm blankets and a well-heated home.  Enjoy the woodburning stove in the dining room.

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POLICIES

To guarantee a reservation, please send a deposit to cover the cost of the first night's stay. To be received within 5 days of making the reservation .

Cancellation or Changes: Deposit, minus a 20% cancellation/change fee, remitted when canceled 2 weeks prior to reservation date.

Sorry, we don't take credit cards. We accept cash, money orders and personal checks made out to "Victoria Rempel"

Check- in time is after 4 pm or by arrangement. Check-out time is by 10 am unless otherwise arranged.

This is a smoke-free home. No alcohol or drugs. No provision for pets.

The room rates have an additional 9% tax (3% local bed tax and 6% state tax).

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HOW TO FIND US

ARRIVING BY CAR

DRIVING DISTANCES

Our location in SW PA is within easy driving distance of major eastern cities.

DRIVING DIRECTIONS

We are well-situated within 30 minutes of two major freeways:

US 68 (great access from DC/ Baltimore and points south)

and the PA Turnpike (US Route 70/76).

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ARRIVING BY BICYCLE

Take advantage of the courtesy shuttle to/from Confluence, or pedal directly to the farm.

COURTESY SHUTTLE If you are arriving by bicycle from the Great Allegheny Passage or the ATA, we can arrange to shuttle your party and gear from Confluence to Stepping Stone 3 miles away. Enjoy refreshments at one of our local restaurants while you wait for pick up.

PEDAL DIRECTLY TO THE FARM:  (Not for Those Arriving by Automobile)
From Pittsburgh Toward DC  (NW to SE):	From D.C. Toward Pittsburgh (SE to NW):
Pedal past Ohiopyle to Confluence. Continue past Confluence 2 miles to the Harnedsville trailhead. Exit the GAP/ATA rail-trail and turn left onto SR 3047 or Hogback Rd.	Pedal past Rockwood 15 miles toward Confluence. At the Harnedsville trailhead parking, 2 miles before Confluence, SR 3047 (Hogback Rd.) and the trail intersect. Exit the GAP/ATA rail-trail  and turn right onto Hogback Rd/SR 3047 to the north.
Look for white signs with blue Stepping Stone Farm or SSF lettering and a blue bicycle icon. Continue as follows: Pedal on SR 3047 (Hogback Rd) 1/4 mile. This is a small 2 lane state road with good visibility. Some drivers drive fast, but generally give wide berth to bicyclers. (If you are not comfortable with pedaling with automobiles, you are welcome to make arrangements for a shuttle ahead of time). Just before RR tracks, turn RIGHT onto Colflesh Rd., a graveled township road. Go Downhill 200 yards. Road parallels the Casselman River for  next 1/3 mile past 2 cabin/homes on the left. Turn left onto first private lane. It has a green metal gate and a bicycle/pedestrian opening. The lane is heavily graveled, so you may want to walk your bike the last 2/10 mi to the farm. We have "right-of-way" on this lane for ourselves and our guests. Go past log home on right. Wave a friendly "hello" to the O'Connor Family. Continue 75 yards uphill on graveled trail. The road levels out for the last 100 yards. Go through narrow gate just before the paved RR crossing. Listen for any trains and proceed carefully. Stepping Stone Farm is just ahead. Continue up lane to the far side of redwood farmhouse where you'll find the front entry porch. Ring the door bell or just open the door and holler "HELLO"! WELCOME!

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NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

You'll be pleased to discover the delightful range of experiences that are within a short, scenic drive from Stepping Stone.

Here are some of the focal points in our area:

(1 m) Great Allegheny Passage / Allegheny Trail Alliance : Nearly 200 miles of continuous bicycle/hiking trail; from Pittsburgh to Washington, DC; follows the old B&O Railroad bed and the C&O Canal. Our favorite segment is the 20 miles roundtrip from Confluence to Ohiopyle.

(3 m)Confluence, PA and the middle Youghiogheny River. . Riversport is our local outfitter for raft and kayak trips on the Youghiogheny and Casselman rivers.

(3 m) Youghiogheny River Lake - swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, and camping

(3 m) Lower Humbert Covered Bridge- plus 10 others in Somerset Co.

(19 m) Fallingwater and (24m) Kentuck Knob - Homes designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

(19m) Braddock's Grave - Final resting place of Major General Braddock.

(20 m) Fort Necessity National Battlefield - Site of the opening battle of the French and Indian War.

(25 m) Laurel Caverns - Pennsylvania's largest cave.

(20 m)Penn Alps Craft Village and the Amish-Mennonite Communities of Springs, PA and Grantsville, MD.

(11 m) Mt. Davis - Hike, picnic, or climb the observation tower at the highest point in Pennsylvania.

Resorts - skiing, golf, water slides, miniature golf, dining, etc.
(20 m) Nemacolin Woodlands Resort and Spa
(20 m) Seven Springs Mountain Resort
(25 m) Hidden Valley Four Seasons Resort

Numerous opportunities to bargain/treasure hunt within the area, especially along Old US Route 40, the original National Highway, or on your way to an activity.

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CALENDAR OF FESTIVALS

Local festivals and events are held in every season throughout the region.

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LOCAL DINING AND SERVICES

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