The Allure of the Allegheny National Forest and the Surrounds

I was born in Oil City, Pennsylvania, and lived in the Guys Mills area for a few years before work took my parents out of the state and ultimately back to Virginia, their home. I worked on a farm, sold vegetables by the road, and picked sweet corn for a local farmer. Working with my hands came easy, but school came hard. I joined the fire department at age fifteen and finished high school with lots of wind in my sails. 

My parents thought a gap year program might benefit me, which is what brought me back to Pennsylvania – specifically, Spring Creek. My plan was to stay in PA for only a few months and then head back to Virginia, but apparently it wasn’t meant to be. Twenty-four years later, I still call Spring Creek, Pennsylvania home. I never left, and I don’t think I ever will. 

At first, I didn’t pay much attention to the mountains, snow, trout streams, and surrounding beauty. The Kinzua Bridge was still standing then, but I didn’t even know it existed! I lived here, but I didn’t really experience here. 

Photography, videography, and community involvement have been the gateway to being able to see this region for the unique gift that it is. It’s a special area to me because of the connections I’ve made, but it’s also perfect for entrepreneurship, ongoing discovery, and raising a family. There’s so much unique beauty to find in every season, but I especially love the breathtaking fall foliage in autumn. I’m always grabbing my camera and my family to go hiking and kayaking during that time of year. 

This incredible region is home to some of the most awe-inspiring destinations in the PA Wilds, which draw people of all ages and backgrounds here throughout the year. I’m sharing a few of my favorite destinations with you in hopes that you’ll plan a trip to discover the Wilds side and experience all that the Allegheny National Forest & Surrounds has to offer! 

Please take advantage of what this area offers, as I begun to do several years ago. I long to travel, but I also believe that exploring locally can be just as special. I still like to travel; Alaska, Thailand, and Mexico are amazing, but so are the PA Wilds. And I get to live here every day! 

I’ve always enjoyed taking the out-of-town family to Kinzua State Park. The Sky Walk offers a glass-bottomed observation deck extending over the historic Kinzua Viaduct remnants. The best time to go is when the foliage bursts into vibrant colors in the fall!

Surrounded by forest, the Kinzua Dam and Allegheny Reservoir are one of the largest and most popular outdoor recreation spots in the northeastern United States. Take a kayak or canoe, swim at the beach, take your fishing gear, or rent a campsite by the water for days of summer fun. 

Longhouse Scenic Byway is a 36-mile loop that runs through the Allegheny National Forest. I love a good road trip, and luckily, I drive this stretch of road frequently for work. It never gets old! Surrounded by tall hemlocks and oak trees, it sometimes feels like you’re driving in a tunnel. But at other times, you can look out to see water and beach on one side and boats galore on the other. It truly is a breathtaking journey! 

Mountain bikers come from far and wide to ride here in our backyard on the trails at Jakes Rocks! It is well known for its expertly designed 30+ miles of trails that wind through natural boulders and scenic forested landscapes. They have segments of trail to accommodate all skill levels and bring thousands of visitors to the Allegheny region each year. 

I’ve taken many trips to Elk Country in the fall to see the elk and visited the impressive Elk Country Visitor Center. Seeing an elk up close and personal is an unforgettable experience, and it can be done in the Elk Country landscape just next to the Allegheny National Forest & Surrounds. Elk Country boasts the largest wild elk herd in the northeastern U.S.!

When I moved here twenty years ago, I didn’t plan to stay long. But that is the allure of the Allegheny National Forest & Surrounds landscape of the PA Wilds: somehow, after all this time, I’m still making new and beautiful discoveries about this place. Honestly, the real beauty of this place is the people you’ll meet and the memories you’ll make along the way.

About the author, Donnie Rosie:

Rooted in the Pennsylvania Wilds and a professional juried artisan in the Wilds Cooperative of Pennsylvania, Donnie Rosie is passionate about storytelling through photography and videography. For the past 15 years, Donnie has run and operated Rosie Marketing LLC, based in Spring Creek, PA. He is an FAA licensed drone pilot and enjoys using the drone perspective for several clients to create dynamic art. When Donnie’s not behind the camera, you will find him fishing with his family on the Brokenstraw or sipping a latte with a good book. He also works as the CFO for a non-profit Christian summer camp and volunteers for his local fire department. He’s passionate about his community and giving back in as many ways as he can.