Allegheny National Forest

Travel Guide

Northwest Pennsylvania showing forest scenes and general coastal views
Northwest Pennsylvania featuring forest scenes
Northwest Pennsylvania showing island views, general coastal views and a beach
Allegheny National Forest
Northwest Pennsylvania featuring forest scenes and rainforest

Hike, camp, fish, canoe and enjoy dozens of other recreational activities in the rolling hills of this picturesque forest.

Allegheny National Forest is Pennsylvania’s only national forest, encompassing 513,000 acres (208,000 hectares) of virgin hardwood forests, gushing streams, pleasant beaches and campgrounds. Engage in a diverse range of outdoor activities, from cycling in the summer to snowmobiling in the winter. 

Many of the recreation areas are concentrated around the Kinzua Dam and Allegheny Reservoir, which sit at the heart of the forest. The reservoir is a wonderful spot for fishing, with typical catches including northern pike, brown trout, walleye and channel catfish. Swim on one of the two beaches and rent a canoe, kayak or motorboat to take out on the reservoir.

The forest has plenty of trails, geared towards hikers of all levels. Many trails are also open to all-terrain vehicles, mountain bikers and cross-country skiers. Plan a multi-day hike on the 96-mile (155-kilometre) North Country National Scenic Trail, the longest trail in the forest. This scenic route passes through old-growth forests and offers gorgeous views of the Allegheny Reservoir. 

For something a little less strenuous, follow the 2-mile (3-kilometre) Shawmut Trail, which runs through open meadows and wooded areas. An all-season trail, Shawmut can also be used for biking, snowshoeing and skiing. 

Spend a night or two on one of the forest’s 16 developed campgrounds. Some cabins include heated swimming pools, hot tubs, playgrounds and free Wi-Fi. If you prefer a more down-to-earth camping experience, choose one of the primitive reservoir campgrounds accessible only by boat. Backcountry dispersed camping is allowed in most areas.

Drive along the beautiful Longhouse National Scenic Byway, which stretches for 29 miles (46 kilometres) through the park. One of the state’s most scenic roads, the byway offers a number of stunning viewpoints that are particularly lovely during autumn when the leaves turn bright shades of red, orange and yellow.

Allegheny National Forest is located in northwest Pennsylvania, 129 miles (208 kilometres) from Pittsburgh and 111 miles (179 kilometres) from Buffalo. It is best reached by car. The forest is free to enter, although there may be additional fees for camping and other activities.

Days Inn by Wyndham Warren
Days Inn by Wyndham Warren
3 out of 5
210 Ludlow Street, Warren, PA
The price is RM292 per night from 16 Jul to 17 Jul
RM292
RM324 total
16 Jul - 17 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Warren. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
6.8/10 (1,004 reviews)
Needs a refurb
"The hotel is undergoing a refrub project so the pool and breakfast were not available. The elevators need an update. The room was nothing fancy but was clean and the bed and pillows were comfortable. The worker at the front desk was personable and nice."

Reviewed on 23 Jun 2025

Days Inn by Wyndham Warren
Quality Inn & Suites
Quality Inn & Suites
2.5 out of 5
204 Struthers Street, Warren, PA
The price is RM306 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
RM306
RM340 total
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Warren. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.2/10 Good! (392 reviews)
"Room was clean and service was great"

Reviewed on 8 Jun 2025

Quality Inn & Suites
MJ Inn and Suites
MJ Inn and Suites
2.5 out of 5
252 Cherry St, Marienville, PA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM382 per night from 14 Jul to 15 Jul
RM382
RM425 total
14 Jul - 15 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Marienville. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (265 reviews)
"convient"

Reviewed on 10 Jul 2025

MJ Inn and Suites
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Hominy Ridge Cabins and Gift Shop
Hominy Ridge Cabins and Gift Shop
3 out of 5
13964 Pennsylvania 36, Clarington, PA
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Clarington. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a gift shop. Popular attractions Cook Forest State Park and Clear Creek State Park ...
Hominy Ridge Cabins and Gift Shop
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.