Fall Fun in the Allegheny National Forest
Fall Fun in the Allegheny National Forest
Take in the View of Autumn’s Spectacular Show - Hike, Bike, Explore!
The Longhouse National Scenic Byway is a 27-mile loop around the Allegheny Reservoir with three developed overlooks within the Allegheny National Forest.
Photos / ANF Visitors Bureau
Fall Fun in the Forest
As Pennsylvania’s only National Forest, the Allegheny National Forest is always a stunningly beautiful location to experience the brilliant fall colors of ruby red, brilliant orange, and golden yellow. Fall color usually begins in early October at the higher elevations of the Kinzua Sky Walk at the Kinzua Bridge State Park, then color will peak mid-to-late October along the Longhouse National Scenic Byway in the Allegheny National Forest alongside the shorelines of the Allegheny Reservoir.
Fabulous Fall Foliage Overlooks
The number one location for viewing fall foliage is the Kinzua Sky Walk. The skywalk is “One of the Top 10 Most Scenic Skywalks in the World,” by Culture Trip. U.K. The skywalk extends 624 feet into the Kinzua Gorge at a height of 225 feet, with a partial glass floor overlook at the end. The views are breathtaking!
Plan to hike the Kinzua Valley Trail down the side of the gorge to see the massive steel towers up close. Then enjoy a picnic in the park, followed by a hiking or biking on the Knox & Kane Rail Trail which was selected as the “2023 Pennsylvania Trail of the Year.” Explore the history of the skywalk in the large, modern interpretive building at the on-site Kinzua Bridge Center. The park and skywalk are open from 8:00am to dusk, the interpretive center opens at 8:00am and closes at 6:00pm. Dogs are welcome on a leash in the park, but they are not admitted into the Kinzua Bridge Center. The Kinzua Bridge State Park is located at 296 Viaduct Road, Mt. Jewett, PA. Admission is free to the park and the skywalk.
Nearby restaurants include the charming Swedish restaurant, Kaffe Sol for breakfast and lunch and Lick N’ Sip for ice cream, wine and more in Mt. Jewett. Lodging in Mt. Jewett/Lantz Corners includes The Post, an Airbnb in Mt. Jewett, High Pines RV Park offers camping and cabins. Lantz Corners Getaway amenities include bike rentals, lodging and the Barrel House Restaurant is within walking distance. Nearby in Kane, visit Texas Hot Lunch/4 Sons for their famous Texas Hots, Table 105 for farm to table, or Peppe’s Pizzeria for a brew and pizza. Also located in Kane are multiple wineries - Log Yard Brewery, CJ Spirts and Wilds Sonshine Factory for libations.
ANF Scenic Overlooks
Located within the Allegheny National Forest, the Longhouse National Scenic Byway circles the Allegheny Reservoir. This 27-mile byway offers three developed scenic overlooks from which to view the vistas of fall color. Favorite overlooks include Rimrock Overlook, Kinzua Point, and Jakes Rocks. Along with scenic drives, the Forest offers a wide variety of hiking trails. Depending on the weather, viewing the fall foliage while kayaking is also a fun and different way to enjoy the colors of fall.
Rimrock Overlook offers a picnic area, and trails through the forest to gigantic rock formations with stunning vistas of the fall foliage. From the overlook you can access Rimrock Trail. This trail features stone steps carved into the rock formations which lead to a hiking trail that ends at the shoreline of the Allegheny Reservoir. The trail is 1.3-miles in length and is considered easy to moderate. Hiking back the trail to the top of Rimrock does require extra effort because of the steep incline in elevation. Be sure to bring water and wear hiking boots if you are planning on hiking the trail. Rimrock Overlook is located along PA Rt. 59, approximately 19 miles from Bradford. Along Rt. 59, there is a very large sign at the Rimrock turnoff, you will drive 2.7 miles into the Forest to access the parking/picnic area.
Kinzua Point is located along PA Rt. 59, west of Rimrock Overlook on the western side of the Allegheny Reservoir. Drive across Morrison Bridge which spans the Allegheny Reservoir, and Kinzua Point is located on the right. This is a developed overlook with plenty of parking. The vista is miles of colorful shoreline with the colors of the fall foliage beautifully mirrored by the waters of the Allegheny Reservoir.
Jakes Rocks offers scenic overlooks, a short hiking trail and the best mountain biking trails in the Forest. To access Jakes Rocks, turn south from Kinzua Point to continue traveling the Longhouse National Scenic Byway. Watch for the overlook signage, and then turn onto Forest Road 492. It is approximately 1-mile to the trailhead parking. The first trailhead is for mountain bikers, parking for the overlook is beyond the parking for the bike trails. At the overlook, stand on the massive rock outcrop to see the expansive view of Jackson Bay on the Allegheny Reservoir, Kinzua Dam, and the surrounding forest. There is an interesting array of trees growing through and on massive boulders in this area. From the parking lot it is about a ½ mile hike to the actual overlook.
To add some adventure to your “leaf peeping”, bring your mountain bike. Jakes Rocks Mountain Biking Trail is a 30+ mile trail designed by Trails Solutions. It is a stacked loop mountain biking trail system which appeals to riders of all skill levels. A trail map may be found at visitanf.com/download maps-guides.
Plan to use Braford, PA. as your hub for hiking the 50+ miles of scenic woodland trails of the Tuna Valley Trail system. The Marilla Bridges Trail, a 1-mile loop trail around the Marilla Reservoir with a wooden covered bridge, is very picturesque. Lodging is available at the Best Western Plus Bradford Inn, the Quality Inn, the Hay-Den-Airbnb, and the Mountain Laurel Bed & Breakfast. Downtown offers the Braford Brew Station, along with multiple restaurants, shops, and museums including the Zippo/Case, Marilyn Horne and Penn Brad Oil Museums.
Festivals in the Forest
Fall’s schedule of activities offers fun beginning Oct. 6 & 7 with a Pumpkin Walk in Kane, PA. Then on Oct. 7, participate in the Marilla Trail Race as you run or walk around the beautiful Marilla Reservoir with a backdrop of colorful fall foliage. Other activities on Oct. 7 include a Scavenger Hunt Beer & BBQ at Bear Creek Wines, the 3rd Annual Jarrett Costanzo Jeep Run starting at Flickerwood Wine Cellars in Kane, Rusty Rooster’s Customer Appreciation Party in Portville, NY, and Majestic Trails Halloween in Rew, PA. For a wonderful adventure in the outdoors plan to sign up for the Photography Retreat at Olmsted Manor from Oct. 18-20, 2023, in Ludlow, PA. For the full list of upcoming fall events go to www.visitANF.com/events.
Plan your Fall Getaway
It is more fun if you stay over! Click on the website visitANF.com/lodging to review the availability and pricing of lodging within the region. There is something for every price point, from a rustic cabin to the elegance of the 4- star Lodge at Glendorn. To assist with planning download the new “Adventure Guide” at VisitANF.com or call 800-473-9370 for personalized assistance.
