Adventures in the Allegheny National Forest
Adventures in the Allegheny National Forest
An adventure into Autumn’s stunning beauty of fall foliage’s brilliant colors of ruby red, bright orange, and golden yellow await the traveler who ventures into the Allegheny National Forest and the Kinzua Bridge State Park located in nearby northwestern Pennsylvania. Fall color usually begins in early October at the higher elevations of Kinzua Bridge State Park, then along the Longhouse National Scenic Byway in the Allegheny National Forest, with the full color blooming last along the shorelines of the Allegheny Reservoir.
KINZUA BRIDGE STATE PARK AND KINZUA SKY WALK
The Kinzua Sky Walk is “One of the Top 10 Most Scenic Skywalks in the World.” The skywalk extends 624 feet into the Kinzua Gorge at a height of 225 feet. At the end of the skywalk is a partial glass floor. The skywalk offers amazing views year-round, but in the fall, this amazing vista is made even more spectacular by the colors of the fall foliage. The Park is open from 8:00am-dusk daily. Admission is free.
The Kinzua Sky Walk is constructed on six historic towers of the original Kinzua Viaduct, which when constructed in 1882 was the highest and longest viaduct in the world. In July 2003, an F1 tornado ripped through the park. Only nine of the massive steel towers remained standing; the other 11 towers are now laying where the wind placed them at the bottom of the gorge. During October, the forest-covered hillsides of the gorge are a bouquet of rich Autumn colors. Color does come early at the park, so for prime “leaf peeping” plan on visiting the park in early October.
The Park offers picnic areas, a children’s playground, a Visitors Center, Little Sisters-Big Rig food truck, two hiking trails, and one biking/hiking trail. The Kinzua Bridge State Park Visitors Center includes a wide array of interpretive displays and a gift shop. The Park Center is open from 8:00am-6:00pm daily.
The Kinzua Creek Trail winds down the side of the gorge. At the bottom hikers can view the massive steel towers which fell during the tornado; they’ll also have a wonderful view looking up at the skywalk.
The Knox & Kane Rail Trail connects the Kinzua Bridge State Park to the village of Mt. Jewett. It is an 8-mile linear trail, with a very easy incline, perfect for families to hike or bike. It includes interpretive panels along the trail, benches and it is another way to immerse yourself in the beauty of the fall colors.
The Kinzua Bridge State Park is located at 296 Viaduct Road, Mt. Jewett, PA. The access road to the park is the Kinzua Bridge Scenic Byway (Lindholm Road) located directly off scenic PA Rt. 6. A great stop along the way to the park is the Bear Hollow Country Store at 599 Lindholm Road. This store specializes in rustic carvings, walking sticks, benches, wooden chests, home décor, and handmade furniture fashioned by local artisans.
For an added adventure, after visiting the park, return to PA Rt. 6 and drive west to Flickerwood Wine Cellars. Located at 309 Flickerwood Road, enjoy a wine tasting of their award-winning wines and lunch or dinner from a menu which includes many Italian specialties. Flickerwood is offering their 1st Halloween Tastings & Trivia on Oct. 23rd. Costumes, prizes, and their new fall and Halloween Cocktails will add to the fun. Visit flickerwood.com.
ALLEGHENY NATIONAL FOREST, PENNSYLVANIA
The Allegheny National Forest is Pennsylvania’s only National Forest. The Longhouse National Scenic Byway which circles the Allegheny Reservoir offers a variety of scenic overlooks from which to view the vistas of fall color. Favorite viewing points 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 which ends at the shoreline of the Allegheny Reservoir. The trail is 1.3 miles in length and is considered easy to moderate. The elevation hiking back up to the top of Rimrock does take some extra effort. 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 fall foliage blanketing the shoreline of the reservoir. When the sunlight is just right, the reflection of the fall colors on the waters of the Reservoir are breathtaking.
Jakes Rocks offers scenic overlooks, a short hiking trail and for those who enjoy mountain biking it is the number one mountain biking trail in the Forest. To access Jakes Rocks from Kinzua Point, turn south to continue traveling the Longhouse National Scenic Byway, watch for the signage, and then turn onto Forest Road 492; it is approximately 1 mile to the trailhead parking. The first trailhead is for the 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 the boulders in this area. From the parking lot it is about a half-mile hike to the actual overlook.
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.
It is well documented that “Leaf Peeping” can make you hungry and thirsty. As you are traveling the Longhouse National Scenic Byway, at the southern tip before making the turn to travel north along the eastern shoreline of the byway, take a turn south along PA Rt. 321 to the village of Kane.
KANE, PENNSYLVANIA
Kane is a host to a wide variety of family-owned restaurants and shops, in addition to Flickerwood Wine Cellars, Logyard Brewing and CJ Spirits - a craft distillery. Bell’s Meat & Poultry is a must stop for all foodies. Bells is renowned for their 40 varieties of homemade sausage, their fresh meat, canned goods, specialty sauces and baked goods. Their outside food stand always carries a wide variety of farm fresh produce.
For those looking for household items, visit Homespun Treasures at 305 N. Fraley Street. This little shop is brimming with handmade decorations, cabinets fashioned of wood with punched tin decorations, benches, seasonal decorations, dishes, and hand-painted storage containers which are both decorative and useful. Many of their items are handcrafted in Kane.
Texas Hot Lunch 4-Sons, at 24 Field Street in Kane, has been a family business since 1914. They are known for their delicious Greek food, and of course, for their famous Texas hot - a hot dog with meat sauce. Shoppers will enjoy exploring Field Street Boots, 18 Field Street, for hunting, fishing, and all types of outdoor equipment. In addition, they offer name-brand outerwear, gloves, scarves, mittens, and of course - boots!
Table 105, at 105 Fraley Street, has a unique timber décor, honoring the timber industry of this charming village. They offer farm fresh dishes, homemade desserts and an ever-changing array of seasonal drinks served on their outside dining area. For something different, try their hamburger with peanut butter sauce … it is delicious!
Artworks on the Summit, 54 N. Fraley Street, is an artisan co-op offering carved wooden bowls, jewelry, scarves, prints and original paintings, and an ever-changing variety of handmade gift ideas. Down the street is Keystoned Café and Natural Shoppe located at 39 Fraley Street. Stop in for a caramel macchiato and a homebaked scone, pastry, or muffin. This shop offers a wide variety of natural foods including natural coffees and teas, vegan foods, raw honey, organic pastas, and other healthy food options.
Logyard Brewery Tap Room at 103 N. Fraley, is always offering a seasonal pint of brew and a variety of ever-changing tasty creations such as tangy Carolina pulled pork, smoked cheeseburger sliders, loaded taco nachos, and of course chips or soft pretzels with their very own IPA beer cheese.
Take a little side trip west on PA Rt. 6 to CJ Spirits, 120 Willow Run Drive, to experience tastings of their craft spirits which include Graveyard Sam’s White Whiskey, Rocksov Ultra-Premium Vodka, Wild Corn Vodka, Rum 6, and Wilds Fine American Gin. They also offer a creative selection of soups, appetizers, and sandwiches such as Breebird, Hager, Spackler and Uncle Vito, plus their famous Voodoo chili served with cheese, sour cream, and tortilla chips.
After such an adventurous stop in Kane, drive PA Rt. 321 north to return to the Longhouse National Scenic Byway and cruise along the highway to enjoy the views of fall foliage against the backdrop of the waters of the Allegheny Reservoir. Red Bridge Campgrounds is along this section of byway. This campground in the Allegheny National Forest offers cabins, tent, and RV sites. Reservations can be made at recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. If you are a hiker, a trailhead for the North Country Trail is also located along the byway.
Continue driving on the byway, past the Bradford Ranger Station to return to PA Rt. 59 where you started your adventure along the Longhouse National Scenic Byway.
ADVENTURE PLANNING MADE EASY
It is more fun if you stay over! Go to visitANF.com/lodging to review the many choices of overnight lodging. Something for every price point - from the rustic to the elegance of the Lodge at Glendorn. To assist with planning download the new “Adventure Guide” at VisitANF.com.