Allegheny National Forest
The Allegheny National Forest will be celebrating 100 years as an American treasure on September 24, 2023. The forest is located in northwestern Pennsylvania about 100 miles northeast of Pittsburgh. Situated on the Allegheny plateau, the forest covers over half a million acres of hardwood forests comprised of oak, black cherry, maples, and other hardwoods. The plateau is on located the western edge of the Appalachian Mountains. Certain areas on the plateau reach upwards of 2300 feet in height. Steep valleys drop 1000 feet below the ridges of the plateau.
Between 1890 and 1930, the wood chemical industry nearly decimated the forest in production of charcoal, methanol, acetic acid, and other similar products. Harvesting these products left hillsides unrecognizable. Once teeming with beech and hemlock trees, these hillsides were nothing but stumps. Thanks to the Weeks Act signed in 1911, the government began to purchase land to create national forests. The Allegheny National Forest was created in 1923 making it possible to recover from decades of decimation. It took over twenty years for the forest to regain a semblance of its former self. Today it stands as a beautiful example of the efforts of the US Forest Service to reclaim the land to its natural beauty.
The U.S. Forest Service brought new concepts in forest management to the Allegheny Plateau — multiple benefits, sustainability, and collaborative partnerships. The slogan “Land of Many Uses” captures our vision of a healthy, vigorous, working forest that provides timber and wood products, watershed protection, access to underground minerals, ties to cultural history, a diversity of wildlife habitats, and outstanding outdoor recreation opportunities — not only today but in a sustainable way so future generations can enjoy these benefits. USDA Forest Service
The main waterway through the forest is the Allegheny River which begins from a spring in a farmers field in Potter County in northern Pennsylvania. It empties into the Allegheny Reservoir created by the construction of the Kinzua Dam in the 1960’s. The dam helps with flood control of the lower Allegheny River. With the regular release of water, the lower river has become a recreational waterway. Kayaking and canoeing are popular on the river. In 1992, three sections of the river, nearly 87 miles in length, was designated as a component of the Wild and Scenic Rivers System by Congress.
The Allegheny National Forest has a wide-ranging trail system. Consisting of mountain biking, cross country skiing, off-roading, and hiking trails, the visitor has a wide array of how to see the forest. The North Country Scenic Trail runs partially through the forest for 96 miles of its 4800 mile length. Other trails offer over 200 miles to hike with a range of difficulties from easy to strenuous. Forest trails total over 500 miles of hiking, riding, and skiing.
The Allegheny National Forest has something for everyone. From the mountain vistas to the meandering creeks, visitors can explore the wild and beautiful Allegheny National Forest.
Need more information? Click on the links to see what the Allegheny National Forest offers in the way of activities, adventures, and destinations.
An Allegheny Autumn
