Last Updated on August 11, 2024
In the heart of Pennsylvania, the Allegheny National Forest (ANF) offers an adventure-filled escape for anyone looking to reconnect with nature and explore historic landmarks. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a history buff, an outdoor family, or a curious traveler, you’ll find something to do near the Allegheny National Forest.
My husband and I visited during the summer of 2024. Driving through the lush, vivid green forest was a treat. The area is highly rural, with much to do and see.
Kinzua Sky Walk
Embark on a thrilling journey along the Kinzua Sky Walk in Mt. Jewett, a former railroad bridge transformed into a pedestrian walkway. Stretching 2,053 feet in length and towering 301 feet, the viaduct was once the tallest and longest railroad structure globally, earning it the title of the 8th Wonder of the World.
A tornado destroyed the bridge in 2003, and in 2011, its remnants were turned into a pedestrian walkway. The Sky Walk, created out of the remaining portion of the bridge, is the highlight of Kinzua Bridge State Park. From the skywalk, you can see the bridge’s wreckage lying on the ground just as the tornado left it.
At 624-feet-long and 225-feet-high, the skywalk provides panoramic views of the Kinzua Gorge. Don’t forget your camera—this is a view you won’t want to miss! Located in McKean County, the 339-acre Kinzua Bridge State Park is home to the skywalk.
Fun Fact: The bridge was as high as the Statue of Liberty. A comparison exhibit is housed in the visitor center.
Note: If you haven’t yet viewed this fantastic bridge, you should plan a visit soon. The walkway will be closed in November 2024 for reconstruction and closed for approximately three years.
Zippo/Case Museum
Delve into the history of two iconic American brands at the Zippo/Case Museum. This Bradford museum is not just a collection of artifacts, but a living testament to the fascinating journey of Zippo lighters and Case knives, narrated through interactive exhibits, memorabilia, and even a functioning Zippo lighter repair clinic.
Zippo Lighters became famous during WWII. In fact, during the war, they stopped producing Zippos for consumer sales and only produced them for the military. Since then, soldiers have carried Zippos in many wars and conflicts. I loved the large American Flag display created with Zippo lighters.
Fun Fact: Zippo lighters saved several veterans’ lives during WWII when bullets hit their lighter instead of their bodies.
Kane Depot Museum and McCleery Discovery Center
Named after Civil War General Thomas L. Kane, who founded the town in the 1860s, Kane is full of history, and visiting the Kane Depot Museum is a great place to learn about it.
General Kane organized the Pennsylvania regiment called the “Bucktails” and was friends with Ulysses S. Grant. After the Civil War, he owned numerous businesses. His wife, Dr. Elizabeth Kane, was one of Pennsylvania’s first women to attend medical school. She was also a stellar photographer specializing in outdoor photography.
Their son, Dr. Evan O’Neill Kane, pioneered the use of local anesthesia. Unbelievably, he was known for repairing his hernia and removing his appendix under local anesthetic.
General Kane’s brother, Elisha Kent Kane, was an Arctic explorer who led the Grinnell expeditions to rescue the lost explorer Sir John Franklin, who was looking for the Northwest Passage.
The museum preserves artifacts offering a glimpse into the town’s early days, including the times it hosted presidents along with exhibits on the Lobo Wolves‘ and how they put Kane on the map.
Fun Fact: A tea set in the museum belonged to Kane’s grandparents. It was passed down through generations and used to serve Presidents Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, Van Buren, Tyler, Polk and Buchanan. Ulysses S. Grant was the last president to drink from the tea set.
Marilyn Horne Museum and Exhibit Center
Dedicated to legendary opera singer Marilyn Horne, this museum in Bradford showcases her illustrious career with exhibits, costumes and personal memorabilia
Horne was born in Bradford in 1934. She began formal voice training when she was four years old, earning her stripes as an opera singer in Europe, becoming the leading lady at the Metropolitan Opera for 26 years.
A circa 1931 Ard Deco building houses the Marilyn Horne Museum and Exhibit Center in Bradford’s downtown historic district. There, you’ll find a dazzling grand foyer with marble flooring and fascinating architectural details reminiscent of the 1930s. It’s a cultural gem that offers a glimpse into the world of opera and one of its most outstanding performers.
Fun Fact: Marilyn guest-starred on the “Carol Burnett Show” and “The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.” She also appeared as a special guest on “The Odd Couple” and “Sesame Street” and sang at President Bill Clinton’s inauguration in 1993.
Penn-Brad Oil Museum
Pennsylvania is known for many things, but you may not know that it was the birthplace of the oil industry. Pennsylvania had the world’s first commercial oil well, and over 90,000 were drilled in the area.
Dive into the rich history of the oil industry at the Penn-Brad Oil Museum in Bradford and learn about the early days of oil drilling, view vintage machinery and explore the oil boom’s impact on the region.
Fun Fact: The Bradford Oil Field produced over 83% of the total oil output in the U.S. in 1881.
Drake Oil Well
Known as the Valley that Changed the World, the first commercial oil well site and Oil Creek State Park are in Titusville, a short drive from the ANF. Drake Oil Well was the first well and continues to produce oil today. The well is run regularly throughout the year, and its sales cover the costs of preserving the site. The park showcases remnants of the first wells and drilling equipment.
Fun Fact: Drake is the oldest continually producing oil well in the world.
Smethport Mansion District Walking Tour
Take a stroll through the historic Smethport District on a walking tour that highlights the beautifully preserved mansions from the 19th century, offering a glimpse into the area’s architectural and cultural heritage.
Allegheny Mountain Art Gallery
This Bradford gallery features a wide variety of original art. The owners are two local artists who wanted to showcase the work of local artists and craftsmen.
All items are unique or handmade, including a selection of jewelry, soaps and t-shirts. I was impressed by the realistic paintings of musicians and movie stars.
Wilds Sonshine Factory, Inc.
Visiting the Kane Wilds Sonshine Factory is a unique experience that combines craftsmanship, agriculture and delicious beverages. This is the only distillery in the world creating spirits from sunflower seeds. Visitors can enjoy a facility tour, have a tasting experience and take home a bottle or two.
Their product is similar to moonshine, but since it’s made out of sunflower seeds, it’s called sonshine versus moonshine.
You’ll find an educational center, an artisan gift shop, an outdoor event center and a tasting room along with regularly hosted outdoor events and live music. I love sunflowers, so I had to purchase the plain flavor to get the bottle with sunflowers in the background. I also came home with a bottle of White Peach Sonshine.
Fun Fact: Wilds Sonshine Factory sports the world’s longest bar made from one continuous piece of wood. The gigantic slab of Eastern Hemlock is 43 feet and 6 inches and is located in the tasting room.
Serenity Glass Park
Serenity Glass Park is a small public park in Port Allegany. Glass block manufacturing is part of Port Alleghany’s history, and magnificent walkways, creative artwork, trees made from blue bottles and a glass castle are all part of the experience.
Fishing
Kinzua Dam in Warren is a popular fishing destination. Anglers can catch trout, bass and walleye. The area has boat launches and fishing piers, making it accessible for both shore and boat fishing.
Rimrock Overlook and Hiking Trail
There are dozens of hiking trails in the Bradford area. You’ll find the best views from the Rimrock Hiking Trail. Rimrock Overlook provides breathtaking vistas of the Allegheny Reservoir. The short 1.3-mile hike to the overlook is well worth it, especially during fall when the foliage bursts into vibrant colors.
Overlook visitors can explore the area’s giant sandstone boulders, crevasses and rock outcrops. Stone steps, complete with handrails, allow visitors to climb “up” the boulders for a spectacular perspective from the overlooks.
Morrison Hiking Trail
Morrison Trail is perfect for those seeking an extended adventure. This 10.4-mile loop trail in Bradford features a mix of terrains, including streams and lush meadows. It’s an excellent spot for a day hike or even an overnight camping trip.
Winter Activities
When winter blankets the Allegheny National Forest in snow, it’s the perfect time to strap on some snowshoes and explore the trails. Snowshoeing offers a peaceful and invigorating way to experience the forest’s winter wonderland anywhere in the Allegheny National Forest.
Cross-country skiing, ice fishing and snowmobiling are also popular activities.
Places to Stay
The Lodge at Glendorn, Kane Manor Inn and The Usonian Cottage at Lynn Hall are the top three places to stay when visiting the Allegheny National Forest.
The Lodge at Glendorn is a four-diamond, full-service luxury nature resort surrounded by streams, forests and lakes. Located near Bradford, it offers 16 uniquely designed accommodations, from lodge rooms and suites to one to seven-bedroom cabins.
My husband and I stayed in the spacious Green Suite on the lodge’s first floor. It provided easy access to the dining room and main lodge amenities. This is a beautiful place to immerse yourself in the majesty of nature.
The Kane Manor Inn is full of history and memorabilia. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Georgian Revival-style mansion offers 15 tastefully decorated rooms and includes a home-cooked breakfast. The inn is just a block and a half away from the Knox to Kane Rail Trail.
In Port Alleghany, the perfect place to say is the Usonian Cottage at Lynn Hall. This historic architectural gem is nestled into the hillside overlooking the Allegheny River Valley. The cottage is an example of early organic modern architecture and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Highlights include a main living area with a central fireplace featuring dramatic views of the valley and mountains beyond, a grotto perfect for forest bathing, an outdoor water feature and flora everywhere on the property.
