Allegheny National Forest

Travel Guide

Northwest Pennsylvania showing general coastal views and forest scenes
Northwest Pennsylvania which includes forest scenes
Northwest Pennsylvania featuring general coastal views, island images and a sandy beach
Allegheny National Forest
Northwest Pennsylvania showing forests 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-kilometer) 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-kilometer) 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 kilometers) 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 kilometers) from Pittsburgh and 111 miles (179 kilometers) 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €75 per night from 31 Jul to 1 Aug
€75
31 Jul - 1 Aug
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 (1,009 reviews)
"Rooms are being beautifully renovated. So impressed with the upgrades! Was a little disappointed the continental breakfast was on pause due to the renovations and wish the pool was kept warm enough to enjoy. I have been coming to this hotel for 30+ years to visit family, and I’m so happy to see it ..."

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Days Inn by Wyndham Warren
Quality Inn & Suites

Quality Inn & Suites

2.5 out of 5
204 Struthers Street, Warren, PA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €77 per night from 31 Jul to 1 Aug
€77
31 Jul - 1 Aug
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. ...
7/10 Good! (398 reviews)
"Staff was extremely helpful and knowledgeable"

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Quality Inn & Suites
MJ Inn and Suites

MJ Inn and Suites

2.5 out of 5
252 Cherry St, Marienville, PA
The price is €86 per night from 5 Aug to 6 Aug
€86
5 Aug - 6 Aug
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! (270 reviews)
"We come to this hotel every year. It is so clean and the staff is wonderful. We love it here. We visit friends every year in the area and I’m so thankful for this place."

Reviewed on 25 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.
Maple Creek Cabin, minutes from Cook Forest & ANF

Maple Creek Cabin, minutes from Cook Forest & ANF

Vowinckel
Stay at this cottage in Vowinckel. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Cook Forest State Park and Red Bandana Winery are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (36 reviews)
Great place
"We loved our stay at the cottage. It was clean, in a great location, and had everything we needed. Evenings around the fire were great!"

Reviewed on 7 Jul 2025

Maple Creek Cabin, minutes from Cook Forest & ANF
Campfire Swings Under The Stars, Nestled Under The Tall Pines. Pets Welcome!

Campfire Swings Under The Stars, Nestled Under The Tall Pines. Pets Welcome!

Marienville
Stay at this cabin in Marienville. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios.
9.2/10 Wonderful! (28 reviews)
Great place!
"Great hosts, great place with lots of outdoor activities."

Reviewed on 9 Jul 2025

Campfire Swings Under The Stars, Nestled Under The Tall Pines. Pets Welcome!
Romantic getaway or family fun, packed w/amenities -  mins from dozens of trails

Romantic getaway or family fun, packed w/amenities - mins from dozens of trails

Marienville
Stay at this cabin in Marienville. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios.
8.4/10 Very Good! (38 reviews)
"Property was nice and clean, had a great weekend."

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

Romantic getaway or family fun, packed w/amenities - mins from dozens of trails
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.