Occupying over half a million acres and a sizeable portion of four counties, the pristine ALLEGHENY NATIONAL FOREST affords a bounty of opportunities for engaging in outdoor pursuits like hiking, fishing, snowmobiling and, best of all, admiring the fall foliage which rivals any in New England. In the north there are several points of interest within easy access of Hwy-6, the major route through the forest. Entering the region from the east, on the highway, it is worth a stop to admire the Kinzua Viaduct railroad bridge, the highest and longest in the world when constructed in 1882, which is accessible by foot and allows tremendous views of the creek below. It is possible to ride over the bridge on the Knox Kane Kinzua Railroad , whose office in Marienville (tel 814/927-6621) to the southwest can provide fare and schedule information. The dominant feature of the forest's northern section is the huge Kinzua Reservoir , created by a dam at the southern end. Swimming is possible at Kinzua and Kiasatha beaches or you can enjoy a picnic at Rimrock Overlook or at Willow Bay in the very north. The summer-only Kinzua Point Information Center on Hwy-59 (tel 814/726-1291) has details on trails and private campgrounds, or you can make camping reservations directly for any of the forest's 715 state-run sites on 1-877/444-6777.

Allegheny National Forest

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