Discover the Allegheny National Forest Region
Discover the Allegheny National Forest Region
Nearby, But a World Away : The ANF Region Offers Forest Therapy
Are you seeking some refreshing forest therapy? That special feeling where your eyes open wide to the natural beauty surrounding you, where your heart rate slows, and you are enveloped in a feeling of calm wonderment? Then a trip into the Allegheny National Forest Region is just what your heart and soul require. With over 513,000 acres to explore, the Allegheny National Forest - located in northwestern Pennsylvania - offers four seasons of premier outdoor recreation, charming gateway communities surrounding the forest to explore, and many other exciting attractions including the world famous Kinzua Sky Walk.
THE LANDS OF KINZUA
This region is filled with attractions named Kinzua - the Kinzua Sky Walk, the Kinzua Bridge State Park, the Kinzua Gorge, Kinzua Creek, Kinzua Creek Trail, Kinzua Valley Trail and Kinzua Dam. The word Kinzua is a Native American word translated as “Fish on a Spear.” The sites named Kinzua stretch across most of McKean County and into parts of Warren County, Pennsylvania. The Kinzua name is used along the course of Kinzua Creek as it flows from its headwaters north of the Kinzua Gorge, past the village of Westline, along the Kinzua Valley Trail to the Kinzua Arm of the Allegheny Reservoir. Here the waters merge with the Allegheny River flowing south from New York. These waters become the Kinzua Dam, also known as the Allegheny Reservoir, one of the largest dams in the United States east of the Mississippi River. It is located within the Allegheny National Forest.
The Kinzua Sky Walk - “one of the top 10 most scenic skywalks in the world” according to the Culture Trip, U.K. - is an amazing site to visit. This marvelous structure is a juxtaposition of nature's beauty, engineering genius, and the power of the wind. When the Kinzua Viaduct was first built in 1882, it was the longest and highest railroad viaduct in the world. In 1900, it was rebuilt of steel to haul the rich resources of coal, timber and oil to the Great Lakes. Operating as an active railroad from 1882 to 1957, this railroad was remarkable for solving the engineering challenges of building a viaduct 2,053 feet long to cross the Kinzua Gorge. Early on, the railroad was used as an excursion train for travelers wanting to experience the thrill of flight as they crossed 321 feet above Kinzua Creek. Travelers came from near and far to “Walk the Tracks Across the Sky.“
In 2003, in the midst of a $12 million restoration of this National Engineering Landmark, an F1 tornado blew into the gorge and toppled 11 of the original 20 towers of the Kinzua Viaduct. Following this destruction, it was decided to honor the historic nature of this site by re-inventing a new engineering marvel - the Kinzua Sky Walk. Constructed using six of the original towers, the new skywalk features a partial glass floor overlook. The scenic views from the skywalk offer 360 degree views of the Kinzua Gorge. Spectacular year round, in the fall, the colors of the forest turn into a carpet of blazing orange, brilliant yellow and ruby red.
The towers toppled by the tornado remain where they fell as a testament to the power of nature. A new trail, the Kinzua Creek Trail, allows visitors to hike down the side of the gorge to view the fallen remains.
At the Kinzua Bridge Visitors Center travelers can discover both the power of man and the power of nature. Displays showcase the builders and engineers, including General Thomas L. Kane and Octave Chanute, who built the first viaduct in 1882. Other displays showcase the natural habitat of the gorge and surrounding forest. On the first floor, the Pennsylvania Wilds Conservation Shop features locally handcrafted and artisan items.
The Kinzua Sky Walk and the Kinzua Bridge Visitors Center are located within the Kinzua Bridge State Park, 296 Viaduct Road, Mt. Jewett, Pennsylvania. The park and the skywalk are open seven days a week from 8:00am-dusk. The Visitor’s Center is open from 8:00am-6:00pm daily, with seasonal hours during the winter season. Admission is free to the skywalk, the park and the visitors center. For more information call 814-778-5467 or go to visitANF.com/kinzua-sky-walk.
TRAIL CENTRAL
The Allegheny National Forest Region offers over 600 miles of multi-use, four-season trails. Promoted as Trail Central, this area boasts a wide variety of trails. The Marilla Trail System features a wooden covered bridge at Marilla Bridges Trail, massive rock formations along the Marilla Rocks Trail, and an old-growth forest along the White Pine Trail. Difficulty levels range from easy to more difficult. The Timberdoodle Flats Interpretive Trail is great for birders, and the North Country National Scenic Trail stretches 96.6 miles and offers backpackers a true deep forest experience. As you hike the forest trails you will discover local wildlife, birding sites, and the natural attributes of this hardwood forest known for producing the finest Black Cherry timber in the world.
The newest section of trail in the region is the Knox & Kane Rail Trail. This first section of the completed trail connects the Kinzua Bridge State Park to the village of Mt. Jewett and then on to Lantz Corners, Pennsylvania. This section of trail was selected as the “2023 Pennsylvania Trail of the Year.” There is interpretive signage and benches and public art along its length. An easy trail, it is family-friendly for both hiking and biking. In the winter, it is also open for snowmobiling, with Lantz Corners Getaway and High Pines RV Park (also rustic cabins) offering easy access to the trail with comfortable convenient overnight accommodations.
The second section of the Knox & Kane Rail Trail runs from the Kane Country Club, through Kane, south to Lamont. This is a wonderful trail for hiking, biking or cross-country skiing. It is non-motorized. Bike and E-bike rentals are available from Allegheny Adventure Rentals, along the trail at 6847 Highland Road, Kane, PA. Trail construction is currently underway to link both of these trail sections. When completed the entire rail corridor of 73.8 miles will be open for trail use.
The Marilla Trail System is an interconnected trail system of six separate trails of different difficulty levels. A local favorite is the Marilla Bridges Trail, which loops around the Marilla Reservoir. This 1-mile loop offers forest and water vistas. Highlights include a covered wooden bridge, three rustic wooden trestle bridges, and a delightful gazebo located at the southwestern corner of the trail. Fishing, ice-fishing and in-season canoeing and kayaking are allowed.
Other trails in the Marilla Trail System include Marilla Springs Trail - a 3.6-mile point-to-point trail which is slightly more aggressive, and Bullis Hollow Trail - an 8.3-mile trail connecting Marilla Springs Trail to Tracy Ridge Campground in the Allegheny National Forest via sections of the North Country Trail. The Cornelius Connection at Gilbert Reservoir is a 2.4-mile linear trail which spans from Marilla to Gilbert Reservoir. This is a dirt path trail through mixed hardwood forest and is great for snowshoeing. It is an un-groomed trail. A new public restroom has been added for trail users at the Gilbert Reservoir trailhead, across the road from the Marilla Reservoir. From Bradford, take PA Route 346 west for five miles to reach trailhead parking.
The Kinzua Valley Trail is a 7-mile biking, hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing trail. Trailheads are in Westline and at the Red Bridge Campground in the Allegheny National Forest. This 7-mile linear trail winds along picturesque Kinzua Creek. The surface of the trail is crushed limestone, and it is a family-friendly trail with easy access and slight grades, making it ideal for cross-country skiing in the winter. In the village of Westline, the Westline Inn offers delicious dining in a rustic atmosphere. It is perfectly acceptable to wear your outdoor gear in for a meal. Guest rooms offer charming old-fashioned brass beds and no electronics, making this an excellent getaway for those seeking an escape into nature. Trailheads are along the Westline Road, accessible from Route 219 and at Westline.
Seeking teeth chattering adventure? Jakes Rocks Mountain Biking Trail is a 30 to 40-mile system of trails designed by Trail Solutions, a world class trail company affiliated with IMBA (International Mountain Biking Association). This stacked loop mountain biking trail system appeals to riders of all skill levels. Jakes Rocks is located west of the Allegheny Reservoir; the village of Kane can serve as a great hub for riding, as bikers can travel from their room via PA Route 321 north to the Longhouse National Scenic Byway, then north on Forest Road - FR 262 to the trailhead. Lodging sites in Kane include Kane Manor Inn, Kane Tourist Home & Motor Inn, Fraley Street Lofts, Flats on Fraley and Kane RV Sites. Kane also offers wineries, Log Yard Brewery, CJ Craft Distillery and Wilds Sonshine Factory for some refreshing libations after a day outside on the trail.
ATV & SNOWMOBILING TRAILS
Majestic Kamps & Lost Trails offers year-round riding opportunities. The trails are all one-way, beginning and ending at the trailhead, with colored arrows to guide you. Multiple trails are available for different riding abilities. The Main Loop marked in green is an easy trail for beginners to intermediate. A variety of activities are held throughout the year including drag races and holiday celebrations. Lodging options include a beautiful log cabin which sleeps twelve, bunk houses, and rustic camping. Enjoy riding from your room. Fees are by the day, or an annual pass may be purchased. Majestic Kamps and Lost Trails is located along Route 46 in Rew, Pennsylvania. For information call 814-465-9979 or click on majestictrails.com.
Willow Creek Snowmobile Club is our newest and most active snowmobile club. Willow Creek is located in the most northern sections of the Allegheny National Forest along the PA/NY state line. Their new trail connections make it easy to connect to both the Kinzua Bridge State Park via trail, and to “the Loop” 300+miles of groomed snowmobile trails throughout the Allegheny National Forest. New this year is gas and trailer parking at Pine Acres Golf Course & RV Park which adds miles of new connector trails to existing snowmobile loops. Pine Acres will also be open for food and beverages on a limited schedule during the winter season. To find out the most up-to-date weather and riding conditions visit Willow Creek Snowmobile Club’s Facebook page or search their website on Google.
PLAN YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE
Maps, lodging, restaurant, and attraction information are all available at the helpful website of VisitANF.com. If you would like personalized assistance, please call 800-473-9370.