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Allegheny National Forest is a national forest covering an area of 513,175 acres (801.8 sq mi, 2076.7 km2) in Mckean, Warren, Elk and Forest counties. Warren is the administrative headquarters of the Allegheny National Forest.
The National Forest has two ranger stations, one in Bradford, Mckean County, and the other one in Marienville, Forest County. The Allegheny National Forest consists of some of the most extensive tracts of remaining old-growth forests in Pennsylvania, totalling about a thousand acres.
Where is Allegheny National Forest
Allegheny National Forest is situated in northwestern Pennsylvania, about 100 miles northeast of Pittsburgh, Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachians.
Places to Visit Nearby
- Kinzua Bridge State Park and Kinzua Skywalk
- Zippo/Case Museum
- Elders WWII Museum
- Hickory Creek Wilderness Area
- Allegheny Island Wilderness Areas
- Hearts Content Scenic Area
- Tionesta Scenic and Research Natural Areas
- Thompson’s Island
- Twin Lakes Recreation Area
- Beaver Meadows Recreation Area
Things to Do
Tourists visiting Allegheny National Forest can indulge in various recreational activities. It is a premier destination for outdoor recreation. Some of the popular activities are:
- Scenic Drive
- Canoeing and Kayaking
- Wildlife viewing and Bird watching (Buzzard Swamp and Little Drummer)
- Hiking and Mountain Biking
- Horseback Riding
- Fishing and Swimming
- Ranger-led Programs
- Camping and backpacking
- Winter activities (cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing)
- Picnicking and Naturalist Tours
Hiking
The Allegheny National Forest has over 200 miles (322 km) of hiking trails. The region includes 96.3 miles (155 km) section of the North Country National Scenic Trail (4600 miles, 7403 km). The National Forest has over 150 miles (240 km) of biking trails, over 100 miles (160 km ) of courses accessible to ATVs and dirt bikes, and about 53 miles (85 km) of cross-country ski trails.
Best Hiking Trails in Allegheny National Forest
Allegheny Reservoir Area: The famous trails in this area are Rimrock Overlook Trail, Jakes Rock Extreme Mountain Biking Trail, Morrison Trail, Tracy Ridge Hiking Trail, and Coal knob Loop Trail.
Bradford Ranger District (ANF North)
: The significant Trail in this area includes Heart’s Content Interpretive Trail, orienteering Trail, Hickory Creek Trail, and Twin Lakes Trail.
Clarion Wild and Scenic River: Popular Trails in this region includes little Drummer pathway, laurel mill trail system, and Clarion little Toby trail
Marienville Ranger District (ANF South)
: The most famous trails in this region are Beaver Meadow Trail and The Brush Hollow Trail System.
Facts
- Allegheny National Forest was established on September 24, 1923.
- The Kinzua Dam is situated within the Allegheny National Forest, and it impounded the Allegheny River to form Allegheny Reservoir. In 1965 the creation of Allegheny Reservoir was completed with a length of 27 miles (43 km) and 91 miles (146 km) of shoreline.
- Allegheny National Forest is only 40 miles (64 km) from the site of the first commercial oil well in the United States at Titusville, Pennsylvania. The national forest lies in the heart of Pennsylvania’s gas and oil region.
- The Allegheny National Forest lies within the Allegheny Highlands forest ecoregion. About 90% of the area of the National Forest approximately is covered in forests.
- The coal knob is the highest and most prominent peak of Allegheny National Forest.
Best Time to Visit
Allegheny National Forest is a four-season recreation experience as it offers something different each Time you visit. The best Time to see Allegheny National forest is from May through September.
Ticket Prices
Allegheny National Forest is open year-round, 24 hours a day except for national holidays, and one does not require a pass or permits to enter the national forest, though Fees are charged at some sites. Some of the sites require a “day use” of $5, and some recreation activities require a permit.
- America the Beautiful-National Parks & Federal Recreational Lands Annual Pass: $80
- Allegheny National Forest Annual Forest and Pass: $55
- ATV/OHV Passes: $35.00 (Yearly/Annual)
- ATV/OHV Passes: $10.00 (Day Use)
- Interagency Senior Lifetime Pass: $80
- Interagency Senior Annual Pass: $20