Nearby, But A World Away
Nearby, But A World Away
Escape into nature in the Allegheny National Forest Region of Pennsylvania; camping now open for the season.
The Allegheny National Forest (ANF) in Pennsylvania is a refreshing, relaxing escape into nature. Located a mere 45-minute drive south from Ellicottville, the landscape changes into a wonderland of green trees, songbirds, wildlife, rushing mountain streams, and the large still waters of the Allegheny Reservoir.
Pick your pleasure … a stroll along a 1-mile loop trail at the Marilla Reservoir, an exciting, adrenaline pumping mountain biking adventure at Jakes Rocks, or a laid-back retreat in a woodland cabin. Hit the water and spend some time kayaking or test your skill fishing for wild brook trout or feisty walleye.
RECREATION SITES ARE OPEN FOR THE SEASON
The ANF offers 15 campgrounds with more than 1,000 sites. Each campsite contains a picnic table, fire ring or grill, parking for two vehicles, a wheeled camping unit, large RV or tent. There are even some sites accessible only by boat.
Willow Bay Recreation Area, located 15 miles west of Bradford, PA along Rt. 346, is the largest recreation unit in the Forest offering 101 camping sites. Tent and RV campground sites are available near the shoreline or in forest loops by small fishing streams. Rustic cabin rentals are also available. A large boat launch with parking for trailers is located along the edge of Willow Bay, part of the Allegheny Reservoir. Bring your kayak and rent a site close to the shoreline for an extremely relaxing getaway. No kayak? Kayak rentals are available. Campsite fees start at $18 to $32 a night. Rustic cabins are $55 to $65.
NEARBY IN BRADFORD
In Bradford, you will find the Zippo/Case Museum, the Penn Brad Oil Museum, and a downtown with shopping, restaurants, a brewery, and a movie theater. For groceries, Bradford Sav-a-Lot is perfect to stock your campsite or RV. Don’t forget to pick up the ingredients for the all-time favorite camping treat: s’mores. If you have never made s’mores, you will need graham crackers, large white marshmallows, and Hershey chocolate bars. At camp, prepare the base: take a square section of graham crackers for the top and bottom, add a layer of the chocolate bar, melt your marshmallow over the fire, then quickly add it to the graham cracker and chocolate. Yum!
Red Bridge Recreation Area is located further south along Rt. 321 close to Kane, Pennsylvania. This site offers 67 campsites in addition, a limited number of deluxe cabin rentals designed in the “rustic tiny house theme” with a kitchen, living room, bathroom and a 6-ft. x 14-ft. porch are available. The open floor plan bedroom on the first floor is furnished with a full-size bed. Two sofa chairs in the living room fold out into single beds. The low ceiling sleeping loft can sleep four. Linens are not provided, and you bring your own kitchenware. Cabins have heat and AC, and electric lighting inside and outside of the cabin. A picnic table and fire ring are located along the backside of the cabin. Prices start at $120 per night for up to four people, then $10 per night for additional people. There is a $25 pet fee.
NEARBY IN KANE
In Kane, you will find the McCleery Discovery Center where you can learn about the history of Lobo Wolves. Shopping is centered along Route 6, which is Fraley Street in Kane. ArtWorks on the Summit is where you will find a wide variety of artisan creations. CJ Spirts Craft Distillery, three wineries (Flickerwood Wine Cellars, Twisted Vine and Bear Creek Winery), and Logyard Brewery give you a chance to taste, sample and then stock up for your getaway.
Foodies will enjoy a stop at Bell’s Market which offers a variety of fresh meats, sausage, smoked goods, home canned goodies, fresh produce, local baked goods, and their famous “griller.” The griller is creation of a tenderized boneless, skinless chicken breast with a layer of Virginia smoked ham, Swiss cheese, and their best-selling Greek sausage (spinach & feta) rolled into a roast, covered in bacon and a rotisserie seasoning. Bring your empty cooler to stock up!
ADDITIONAL CAMPING SITES
Additional sites in the ANF include: Kiasutha, Buckaloons, Hearts Content, Loleta, Minister Creek, Tracy Ridge and Twin Lakes. For additional information and photos go to http://www.alleghenysite.com/
Farnsworth Cabin is a historic stone cabin built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. during the 1930s. It is a two-bedroom cabin with a kitchen, dining room and living room. It features Internet, TV and phone. It is located near an active trout hatchery and a stocked stream. Farnsworth Cabins is located at 6200 Farnsworth Road, Clarendon, PA 16313. For reservations: http://www.alleghenysite.com/farnsworth-cabin
DAY TRIPPING
Rimrock Overlook is one of the favorite day trips in the ANF. Rimrock Overlook consists of massive rock formations, a developed overlook with stunning views of the Allegheny Reservoir, and a 1.3-mile pedestrian trail from the overlook to Kinzua Beach. During June, the mountain laurel will be in bloom creating a pretty carpet of pink flowers under the green canopy of the trees. Picnic areas are available onsite. Located along Rt. 59 between Bradford, Marshburg and Warren, watch for the large brown sign. From Rt. 59, you will drive 2.7 miles on the Rimrock Access Road before arriving at the overlook.
Kinzua Beach is a free access, day-use beach along the shoreline of the Allegheny Reservoir. It has a nice grassy area for people to relax and throw a ball around and take in the beauty of the water. The water is clean and usually on the chilly side. The park is dog friendly but dogs must be kept on a leash. The site has plenty of parking for large RVs and bathrooms. A trail leads from the beach to Rimrock Overlook.
Kinzua Wolf Run Marina is located along the Allegheny Reservoir, 14 miles west of Bradford along Rt. 59. The Kinzua Wolf Run Marina offers boat and kayak rentals, a boat launch, and a general store selling tackle and night crawlers. Families can enjoy the fun of feeding the carp from the docks. Docksiders Café, the seasonal restaurant at the marina, is a full-service restaurant with outdoor seating - a great place to relax and watch the sunset after a day of hiking or boating in the ANF. For hours or reservations call 814-726-1650.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
For all the information on the above sites, more ideas of things to see and do, additional cabins, lodging and restaurant information, call 800-473-9370. For a FREE Travel Guide, call or order online at www.VisitANF.com. Hiking maps, the travel guide, and more are also available on the website. Follow @ANFvisitorsbureau or #anfvisitorsbureau on Facebook and Instagram.