Filed Under: Camping, Cultural, Cycling, Fishing, Hiking, Horseback, Hunting, Paddling, Skiing
You'll find many recreation opportunities here, including swimming, fishing, boating, water skiing, hiking and camping, and leisurely scenic drives.
Several reservoirs and over 700 miles of streams offer outstanding fishing opportunities.
Congress designated 87 miles of the Allegheny River, as a component of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System to protect its natural, cultural and recreational features. There are over one hundred undeveloped islands, including seven wilderness islands included in this stretch of river. The Hickory Creek Wilderness, Allegheny Islands Wilderness, and Allegheny National Recreation Areas offer rare opportunities to view unique ecosystems in a quiet, undisturbed setting.
Camping
Camping is permitted almost anywhere in the Allegheny National Forest. Camping restrictions are as follows: Camps may not be set up on the shores and within 1500 feet inland of the timberline around the Allegheny Reservoir, or the shore of Tionesta Lake, except in a developed campground area designated for such use. No camping is permitted within Jakes Rocks and Rimrock Overlooks, and in Old State Road Recreation Area (which has been closed); within 1500 feet either side of the center line of the Allegheny Reservoir Scenic Drive (includes Longhouse National Scenic Byway and portions of State Routes 59, 346 and 321) and the main access roads into Jakes Rocks and Rimrock Overlooks. Camping is also prohibited in Hearts Content Scenic Area and Tionesta Research Natural Area, along Loleta Grade between Loleta Recreation Area and Forest Road 592 from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and in the Duhring area near Spring Creek. Camping is not permitted within 1500 feet of either side of the main channel of Kinzua Creek from Red Bridge upstream to Mead Run. Dispersed camps must be at least 200 feet from any stream, and you cannot camp in excess of 14 days at any site or relocate within 1500 feet of the site just occupied.
Biking
Dirt bikers, ATVers, cross country skiers, mountain bikers and snowmobilers will love the loop trails that wind throughout the hills. Foot trails ranging from one half mile interpretive trails, to the 87 mile North Country National Scenic Trail, traverse the terrain.
Mountain biking has increased in popularity so much so on the Allegheny National Forest that it's not uncommon to see bikers during all seasons. And biking has become an all season sport in the Atlantic and southern mid-western states. Join us as we tour biking spots on the Allegheny National Forest (ANF).
Most trails including snowmobile trails, general open roads and gated roads are available for use by mountain bikers. ATV trails are best suited for expert or extreme riding; many will find them too rough for riding. The ANF has over 600 miles of trail where bikes are allowed, but in actuality, many segments of ANF trails, even though open for bike use, do not provide a high quality experience for bikers. The snowmobile routes provide a scenic ride, but for the more adventurous, purchase the administrative map at any Ranger District office, and plan your own trail experience.
Biking is allowed in most places on the ANF where a Forest Service travelway exists - for example, trails, gated roads, and open roads. Respect the rights of private landowners of travelways, and obtain permission prior to using these private roads.
Fishing
On the Allegheny National Forest, we offer the angler a variety of fishing opportunities, from small native brook trout streams to trophy fishing for musky, pike and walleye in the Allegheny Reservoir. As you use our site, we hope you find much useful information to guide you in your fishing adventures.
Horseback Riding
Thanks for your interest in horseback riding in the Allegheny National Forest (ANF). Although horse use is allowed in most places on the ANF, there are few developed facilities to accommodate horses. If you are prepared to camp in the forest without modern amenities, and blaze your own trails, you have come to the right place. First off, we recommend purchasing an Allegheny National Forest map. This road map will show you where all the Forest Service land is.
We permit open riding...that is, you are allowed to ride anywhere with a few exceptions. Hiking and cross-country ski trails are off-limits to horses and pack-stock. They are marked with yellow paint, and gray, white and blue diamonds. These trails were not built to withstand horse use and would quickly become unsuitable with a small amount of horse use.
There are hundreds of miles of primitive roads, pipelines and motorized trails (orange and yellow diamonds) on the ANF that are available for horse use, and you are welcome to ride cross-country. Do not mark your favorite trail. We recommend purchasing a topographic map for the area you plan to ride, and carry a compass. If trailblazing is not your style, there are outfitter-guides that operate on the ANF that will be happy to show you around for a small fee.
Skiing
There are miles of trail designated for X-C skiing. The only groomed cross country ski trails on the Allegheny National Forest are Laurel Mill Cross Country Ski Trail (outside of Ridgway), and the access road to Rimrock Overlook (off SR 59 east of Warren), all other trails are not groomed.
Regulations: Trails are clearly marked with blue diamond-shaped markers on trees. The trails are designated as EASIEST (for warmup and new skiers), MORE DIFFICULT (for advanced beginners and intermediate skiers) and MOST DIFFICULT (for experienced skiers). The loops designated more difficult have a few hills and turns. The hills are clearly marked on the map and on the ground. The loops designated most difficult should be attempted by experienced skiers only. Please ski safely and within your limit of control. Ski to the right when approaching other skiers or when being passed by other skiers. TRACK RIGHT!
Directions
Located in the rugged plateau country of northwestern Pennsylvania, the Allegheny National Forest is within easy driving distance of several metropolitan areas including Lake Erie to the northwest, Buffalo, New York to the north, and the Youngstown-Akron-Cleveland, Ohio areas to the west.
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