Things to See & Do in the Allegheny National Forest
Things to See & Do in the Allegheny National Forest
Play golf at Pennhills Club, explore over 100 miles of multi-use trails, or take to the water for fishing, boating and swimming
The Allegheny National Forest (ANF) is a premier outdoor destination. It is the only National Forest in Pennsylvania! During summer, it is a lush green forestland with hiking and biking trails, boat launches, fishing, a marina, and 15 campgrounds with over 1,000 sites for tent or RV camping. It is the perfect nearby summer getaway.
Willow Bay Recreation Area, one of the northern recreation sites in the ANF, is easily accessible from Ellicottville, NY, and points north. Simply drive Route 219 south to Bradford, at Bradford turn west onto Route 346 and you will see the entrance to the ANF in about 36 minutes. Willow Bay is located along the shoreline of the Allegheny Reservoir and offers easy access for camping, boating, kayaking, and fishing. Rustic cabins are also available. The campsites include a fire ring, picnic table and parking for two vehicles. Schedule a getaway by calling 1-877-444-6777 or go to recreation.gov.
Kayaks and canoes are available for rent at Willow Bay. Phone 1-814-368-4158 or click on alleghenysite.com.
LET’S PLAY IN THE WATER
The Allegheny Reservoir is large! Both motorized and non-motorized boating are allowed in the reservoir. There are multiple boat ramps: Elijah Run, Webbs Ferry, Roper Hollow, Kiasutha Recreation Area and Dewdrop Recreation Area. The largest boating ramp and parking area is at Willow Bay. Willow Bay charges a daily fee for parking of your vehicle. The parking spaces are large enough for a boat trailer. The most prominent fishing species in the reservoir include “water species” such as bass, muskie, walleye, crappie, catfish and panfish. Get your cast iron skillet ready for a fresh fish fry over the campfire!
If you desire a fishing guide, Fin & Fly Adventures is an experienced guide on the Allegheny River and nearby streams. Call or text 814-598-7035. One, two and three-day tourist fishing licenses are available for Pennsylvania at 877-707-4085 or online at fishandboat.com.
Kinzua Beach, a free-swimming site in the ANF, is located along Route 59, southwest of Bradford. It is a cement beach with fantastic views of the Allegheny Reservoir. The picnic area features a series of wooden picnic tables open for public use. There is plenty of parking for large RVs and cars with trailers. There are no lifeguards at this site.
For those seeking adventure, a trailhead at the end of the beach area leads to the Rimrock Trail. Rimrock Trail is a 1.3-mile hiking trail which climbs up, and up even farther, to a series of rock steps, which lead to the massive stone overlook at the top - Rimrock Overlook. This is a steep trail, so be sure to were appropriate footwear. (This is not a trail for flip-flops.) Please be kind to the Forest and remember to “Pack In-Pack Out.” Learn more at visitanf.com/allegheny-reservoir.
The Kinzua Wolf Run Marina is located along Route 59 on the right heading west. Make sure to turn off before Morrison Bridge which crosses the reservoir. This is a full-service marina with boat slips. A favorite family activity is to feed the carp from the boat slips - you may buy food for the fishes onsite. The marina also rents kayaks, DMBs, pontoon boats and houseboats.
What fun to rent a houseboat for your family and spend a week or a few days exploring the 100 miles of shoreline, inlets, and bays of the Allegheny Reservoir. Go to kinzuawolfrunmarina.net to get started!
FUN ON THE GROUND: PLAY GOLF AT PENNHILLS CLUB
Pennhills features a superb Tudor-manor style clubhouse, fashioned of brick and slate. It is nestled between the softly rolling Allegheny Mountains of northern Pennsylvania. Recognized for their unparalleled service and exceptional menu, the club offers both social and golf memberships.
Famed amateur golfer, golf writer, and course architect Walter Travis designed the golf course for Pennhills, and was also responsible for the Golf Digest and Golf Magazine award-winning courses of Garden City Golf Club in Garden City, NY, and Ekwanok Country Club in Manchester. His design trademarks of undulating landscapes, strategic use of large old trees and natural rock formations have created a course which entices players to use nearly every club in their arsenal.
The par 70, 18-hole course has a rating/slope of 71.0/133. John Rook, Pennhill’s in-house PGA golf professional, invites you to become a member to enjoy their beautiful and challenging course.
This summer, on June 27, 2021, from 1:00-7:00pm, Pennhills Club will be open to the public - rain or shine - for a special event: “Chuck Sirko & Bad Influence - a Day of Celebration in Music.” Special guests will be Second Act, Marshmallow Overcoat and the Voice, J.D. Casper. Pre-sale tickets are $25 per person, $40 per couple. At the door, tickets are $30 per person, and $50 per couple. A BBQ Buffet & soft drinks are included.
Pennhills is located at 146 Pennhills Drive, Bradford, PA. For more information call 814-368-6159 or click on pennhillsclub.com
EXPLORE OVER 100 MILES OF MULTI-USE TRAILS
The diverse offering of trails within the Allegheny National Forest Region makes this a hub for outdoor recreation. Find beautiful, scenic hiking trails for both the novice and the experienced backpacker. Bring your mountain bike to enjoy the trails at Jakes Rocks or have fun outside riding ATVs and dirt bikes at Majestic Kamps & Lost Trails.
Timberdoodle Flats Interpretive trail, with two loops of various distances, is a great trail for families with young hikers, and it is handicap accessible. Kinzua Valley Trail, a 7-mile linear trail, extends from Westline to Red Bridge Campground in the ANF. It is suitable for both hiking and biking, and runs along the Kinzua Creek through the forestlands. The Knox & Kane Rail Trail links the Kinzua Bridge State Park to Mt. Jewett; a second section runs from Kane to Lamont. It is an easy grade, crushed limestone surface. Multiple trailheads are located along the trail for easy access in Kane, Mt. Jewett or at the Kinzua Bridge State Park. The trail offers great scenery and is open for biking and hiking.
Marilla Bridges Trail System, located just west of Bradford, features a variety of trails from the scenic 1-mile loop around the Marilla Reservoir to the challenging Marilla Springs Trail, Marilla Rocks Trail or Bullis Hollow Trail. In all, there are over 40 miles of trails around Bradford, making it a great overnight hub for those interested in hiking or backpacking.
ATV Trail Riding, for those who enjoy motorized sports, should check out Majestic Kamp & Lost Trails. They offer 41 miles of technical and challenging forest trails offering lots of fun for all age groups. Both day and seasonal passes are available. Majestic Kamps & Lost Trails is located at 2503 Route 46, east of Bradford. For information phone 1-814-465-9979 or go to majestictrails.com
PLAN YOUR TRIP
The Allegheny National Forest Region in Pennsylvania is a perfect location for a quick golf getaway, an outdoor trail adventure, or fun in the water on a hot summer day. For more information on additional things to see and do, a listing of lodging options, wineries, breweries, distilleries and local restaurants, call 800-473-9370 or click on visitANF.com.