About the Allegheny National Forest (ANF)
Within the forest boundaries, the motto is “Land of Many Uses” and any visitor to the ANF will find out what that means. The forest provides an environment for watershed protection, wildlife habitats, and recreational opportunities, as well as sustainable forestry.
Completely surrounded by the ANF, Kinzua Dam and the Allegheny Reservoir are in the heart of one of the largest and most popular outdoor recreation areas in the northeastern United States. Learn about an important piece of history by visiting the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Big Bend Visitor Center just downstream of the Kinzua Dam.
The southern gateway to the ANF is in Marienville – home to the bi-annual Tour-De-Force and epic motorized recreation trails. The town of Tionesta provides access to the scenic Minister Creek hiking trail.
If traveling on the Longhouse Scenic Byway, include a stop off at the breathtaking vista on the way to Jakes Rocks, a mountain-top hiking area with stunning views of the Kinzua Reservoir. In addition to hiking, Jakes Rocks is also home to the newly built Mountain Bike Trails at Jakes Rocks, a world-class trail installation for mountain bikers at all skill levels.
Want more big rocks and big views? Across the Reservoir is Rim Rock, another well known mountain-top hiking area among massive boulders, offering wide views of the Reservoir.
A hiking journey on the North Country National Scenic Trail and a paddling voyage on the National Wild & Scenic Allegheny and Clarion rivers, are just some of the best ways to experience this landscape. Hike among the Big Trees at Heart’s Content, and take in the serenity of this vast expanse of nature. The ANF is known as “Trail Central” with hundreds of miles of trails for hiking, biking, cross-country skiing and snow-shoeing, horse trails, ATV Trails, and snowmobile trails.
The ANF and Surrounds are home to unforgettable and unexpected places, like the towns of Warren and Kane, and Kinzua Bridge State Park, home to the Kinzua Viaduct and Skywalk. Once the world’s longest and tallest railroad structure, the Viaduct was partially destroyed by a tornado in 2003. In 2011, the engineering masterpiece was reinvented as a new pedestrian walkway where visitors can stroll 600 feet out on the remaining support towers, peer miles out into the Kinzua Gorge as well as peer down into the partial glass platform at the end of the walkway. Picnicking and trail opportunities are available.
A road trip via the Kinzua Experience or Scenic Route 6 journeys will take you east towards the town of Smethport, on the edge of the Dark Skies region.
Your visit to the ANF and Surrounds requires a few nights stay to enjoy the wonders of the natural environment and excitement of modern advances that have made this Landscape one of the most special here in the Wilds and the United States.
TAKE HOME A PIECE OF THE WILDS
Visit the PA Wilds Conservation Shop at Kinzua Bridge State Park or at the Four Seasons Trail Hub Marienville to find unique and locally made souvenirs, as well as other awesome gifts and keepsakes. You can also shop online at the PA Wilds Marketplace.
