Find Springtime Fun in the Forest
Find Springtime Fun in the Forest
Discover Your Perfect Trail in the Allegheny National Forest Region of Pennsylvania : Whether It’s on Foot, on Two Wheels, or on the Golf Green
Photos / ANF Visitors Bureau
Springtime offers a feeling of renewal in the Forest. The leaves are a special spring green - a light lime with a glow of sunshine yellow. Bird songs fill the air and everything looks new and fresh. If you are lucky, you might even spot a baby fawn while hiking a trail.
The Forest offers a variety of adventures, both the relaxing, take it easy version, and the adrenaline pumping sport of mountain biking. Add local restaurants, a variety of golf courses, amazing attractions… and you have the perfect destination for your next adventure.
HIT THE TRAILS: ON BIKE OR ON FOOT
For adrenaline seeking adventurers Jakes Rocks is a world class mountain biking trail system. It offers a wide degree of challenges - from the gentler loop of the Tuttletown and Coal Knob trails to the one-way, epic Blacksnake gravity trail. There are over 35 miles of networked trails in this system which includes Jakes Rocks Trailhead, Elijah Run Boat Launch, Bent Run Parking Area, Forest Service Road 507 Devil’s Elbow, and the Kinzua Point Information Center. The trails connect to the Dewdrop Campground for a convenient overnight stay. If you prefer to stay overnight in an inn or Airbnb, Kane Manor Inn, the Flats on Fraley, and the Lofts on Fraley offer convenient locations from which you can bike Route 321, along the Longhouse National Scenic Byway, to the mountain biking trails. The Jakes Rocks Trailhead is a favorite for those using the trail system for the first time.
ONLY FOR THOSE UNAFRAID OF HIGH PLACES
The Kinzua Sky Walk is located high above the Kinzua Gorge. It extends 624 feet into the gorge at a height of 225 feet, with a partial glass floor at the end. As “One of the top 10 most scenic skywalks in the world,” you will have amazing views of Kinzua Creek far below, the forest covered gorge, and the 2003 tornado scattered ruins of 11 of the original viaduct’s towers.
The skywalk is the reinvention of six of the historic towers left standing after the tornado. A wonderful interpretive display area within the Kinzua Bridge State Park’s Visitors Center tells the storied history of the Kinzua Viaduct. The viaduct, when first constructed in 1882, was the world’s highest and longest railroad viaduct. There are three trails at the park. The General Kane Trail is family friendly. The Knox & Kane Rail Trail runs from the park to the village of Mt. Jewett; it is open for both hiking and biking. The Kinzua Creek Trail winds down the side of the gorge; it is for experienced hikers only. We recommend taking water with you and wearing hiking boots. No flip-flops please.
The park also offers picnic areas, a children’s train themed playground, and during the main travel season a food truck. The park is open every day from 8:00am to dusk. Admission is free. Dogs are welcome, but they must be kept on a leash. The Kinzua Bridge State Park is located at 296 Viaduct Road, Mt. Jewett, PA.
FORE! GOLF
Our area offers two public golf courses plus a private golf course with an Airbnb which offers Play & Stay packages.
Kane Country Club is a public 18-hole golf course which blends the natural beauty and terrain of the Allegheny National Forest with well-maintained greens and tree lined fairways. The par 70 course offers a scenic challenge for beginners and accomplished golfers alike. The Kane Country Club is located at 6654 Route 6, Kane, PA, phone 814-837-9491. Learn more at kanecountryclub.com.
Pine Acres Country Club is an 18-hole champion golf course open to the public. This gem of a golf course has a 3-½ star rating from Golf Digest Magazine. With tight tree-lined fairways and fast sloping greens, it has earned its 136-slope rating. The Pine Acres Country Club is located at 1503 Pine Acres Golf CRSE, Bradford, PA, phone 814-362-2005. Book your tee time at pineacrescc.com.
New to the area is the Pennhills Country Club & Golf Course Airbnb. The Pennhills Club is a private country club with an 18-hole, par 70 professional golf course. Join as a member to enjoy golf, swimming, indoor and outdoor dining, and special events throughout the year. Or book a Stay and Play package at their four-bedroom, one bath, Airbnb rental which offers a variety of packages at discounted rates. Phone Mary Jo at 814-368-6159 regarding Stay & Play packages. Pennhills Club is located at 146 Pennhills Drive, Bradford, PA. More information can be found at pennhillsclub.com.
PLAN YOUR STAY
The new Allegheny National Forest Adventure Guide & Map includes listings for local restaurants, accommodations, wineries, breweries, distilleries, miles and miles of trails, fishing sites, a waterway map along with a full list of things to see and do. Download a free copy of the guidebook from VisitANF.com or phone 800-473-9370 or email info@visitANF.com to request a free Adventure Guide be mailed to you.