Allegheny National Forest Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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

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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$112 per night from 25 Aug to 26 Aug
AU$112
25 Aug - 26 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 (1,006 reviews)
"Friendly"

Reviewed on 4 Aug. 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 AU$123 per night from 22 Aug to 23 Aug
AU$123
22 Aug - 23 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! (405 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 AU$154 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
AU$154
17 Aug - 18 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! (279 reviews)
"Very nice stay. Will definitely be back! 🙂"

Reviewed on 11 Aug. 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.
Majestic Campfires Under The Stars, String Lights, and Tall Evergreen Trees

Majestic Campfires Under The Stars, String Lights, and Tall Evergreen Trees

Marienville
Stay at this cabin in Marienville. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios.
8.6/10 Excellent! (29 reviews)
"Fun get away ! Awesome quiet place to stay. Close to trails and the forest."

Reviewed on 13 Aug. 2025

Majestic Campfires Under The Stars, String Lights, and Tall Evergreen Trees
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)
Mother daughter road trip
"Brittany was a very good host. We stayed in one of her lovely cabins. Brittany went above and beyond to make our stay as comfortable as possible. The gigantic Sasquatch on the property as well as the axe throwing made our stay even more enjoyable. Everything in the cabin was provided from shampoo ..."

Reviewed on 24 Jul. 2025

Romantic getaway or family fun, packed w/amenities - mins from dozens of trails
Cozy Cottage near Cook Forest Park & ANF

Cozy Cottage near Cook Forest Park & ANF

Vowinckel
Stay at this cottage in Vowinckel. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Cook Forest State Park and Red Bandana Winery are ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (28 reviews)
Time to decompress
"I was there with my wife and one of our daughters to attend a memorial for a deceased family member. My wife of 56 years has Alzheimer's so travel can be challenging, but our stay was very enjoyable even with the challenges. The property is excellent but I think it was the communication with our ..."

Reviewed on 12 May 2025

Cozy Cottage near Cook Forest Park & ANF
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.