|
 Two areas of the Allegheny National
Forest provide more than 100 miles of trails
for ATV usage. Marienville and Timberline
ATV Trails are open from the Friday before
Memorial Day to September 24 and December 20
through April 1. It is recommended to call
ahead as wet weather may necessitate
closing.
Allegheny National Forest
The Allegheny National Forest has more than
100 miles of ATV trails. Contact the ANF
Supervisor's Office at (814) 723-5150 for
trail information. Effective July 1, 2002,
the Allegheny
National Forest
implemented the Fee Demo Program for ATV and
motorized bike trails. An annual $35 permit
fee is required, and can be purchased from
any Allegheny National Forest office, and
some local vendors, or online at
www.fs.fed.us/r9/allegheny.
The Marienville
ATV/Bike Trail is a system of 37 miles
of interconnecting trails traversing scenic,
forested hills of the Marienville District
of the Allegheny National Forest. The trails
are designed for the enjoyment of ATV and
motorbike riders of intermediate and expert
skill levels. Inclement wet weather may
cause the trails to close in short
notice--when in doubt, please call ahead.
Finding
the Trail: Main trailhead
parking is located along State Route 66,
about fifteen miles southwest of Kane and 11
miles northeast of Marienville (maintained
for winter use). You can also access the
trail anywhere it crosses a public road.
This trail is located on the Lynch and
Russell City quadrangle maps.
This 14.2 mile loop system is
rated MORE DIFFICULT and is best suited to
ATV's. The ATV Trail uses old roads and
railroad grades. The trail is ONE-WAY except
where otherwise posted. This trail area is
open during both summer and winter.
Timberline ATV
Trail, accessed from State Route 948,
north of Ridgway. The Timberline ATV Trail
is a system of 38 miles of interconnecting
trails traversing scenic, forested hills of
the Allegheny National Forest. The trails
are designed for the enjoyment of ATV riders
at the beginner skill level. Other vehicles,
such as motorbikes, mountain bikes, and
snowmobiles can also enjoy this trail.
Inclement wet weather may cause the trails
to close in short notice--when in doubt,
please call ahead (814) 723-5150.
The trail ties into the Marienville ATV/Bike
Trail.
Finding
the Trail: The trailhead
parking lot is located on Forest Road 232,
one mile south of SR 948 and SR 66
intersection. Parking is also located along
Township Road 458 (FR 136) near Buehler
Corner and Township Road 322 at Pigs Ear
south of State Route 66. You may also access
the trail anywhere it crosses a public road.
This trail is located on the James City,
Hallton, Portland Mills and Russell City
quadrangle map.
State Game Lands
ATVs are not permitted on State Game Lands
except those used by disabled hunters
Partake in a great hiking adventure or
witness breathtaking vistas and landscapes
within our State Parks and other areas
throughout the Great Outdoors Region which
covers six counties including:
Cameron, Clarion, Elk, Forest and
Jefferson. Our land mass is equivalent to
the size of Connecticut so the opportunities
are endless. The Allegheny National forest
boasts over 600 miles of trails; let your
outdoor adventure begin.
Numerous trails in the area are ideal for a
day of hiking and enjoying the Great
Outdoors. They include:
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Beartown Rocks in Clear Creek State Park,
Jefferson County is 6 miles begin at the
beach parking area at Clear Creek State
Park off of PA949 approximately 4 miles
east of Sigel.
Download Printable Trail Directions (PDF)Directions
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Brush Hollow is approximately 6 miles and
is located just west of Big Mill Creek
along PA948 north of Ridgway. Primarily
intended for cross-country skiing, the
trail is also open to hikers and mountain
bikers year-round.
Download Printable Trail Directions (PDF)
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Clear Creek State Park Trail in Jefferson
County is 5.2 miles long. The trailhead
begins at the beach house parking area.
Download Printable Trail Directions (PDF)
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Cook Forest State Park Trail in Forest
County is about 6 miles long and begins
from the parking area at the Log Cabin Inn
Visitor Center on Vowinckel Road, 1 mile
north of the junction with PA 36 in
Cooksburg.
Download Printable Trail Directions (PDF)
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Buzzard Swamp offers 12 miles of trail
accessible at Forest Rd. 157 just one mile
south of Marienville on Loleta Rd.
Download Printable Trail Directions (PDF)
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The Mill Creek Loop is 16 miles long and
connects Brush Hollow & Twin Lakes Trails
located on Rt. 948, 10 miles north of
Ridgway.
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Minister Creek is 7 miles long and is on
Rt. 666, 18 miles northeast of Tionesta.
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The Twin Lakes trail is 14 miles on Rt.
321 northwest of Wilcox.
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Not far from the wild and scenic Allegheny
River and the Allegheny River Islands
Wilderness near Tionesta, backpackers can
trek on former Native American territory
on the 12-mile Tionesta Dam Trail.
For the backpacker or serious hiker there
are many longer trails:
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Near Clearfield, the Quehanna Trail system
constitutes 75 miles of pathways in the
state's most undeveloped region. Access is
available at Parker Dam and S.B. Elliott
State Parks as well as the Quehanna
Highway off of Rt. 555 at Medix Run.
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Two trails in historic Cook Forest State Park combine for more than
200 miles. The extensive Baker Trail's 140
miles connects to the North Country Scenic
Trail. Covering nearly 90 miles, the North
Country Scenic Trail crosses the Allegheny
National Forest extending to New York State.
Both trails can be accessed off of Rt. 36 in
Cook Forest.
- The Baker
Trail is a 140-mile trail in western
Pennsylvania extending from the
Allegheny National Forest to the
Pittsburgh area. The Baker Trail was
built and is being maintained by
Pittsburgh Council of American Youth
Hostels and by dedicated volunteers. A
portion of the trail is also used by the
North Country Trail. From the
north of Cook Forest State Park, take
Jack’s Hollow Road left to Maple Creek
Road; turn right, cross the bridge over
Maple Creek, and make a left off Maple
Creek Road at the yellow blazes.
Southbound at the park, turn right at
Maple Creek Road, cross the bridge over
Maple Creek, turn left on Jack’s Hollow
Road; in about 200 yards, turn right and
follow the yellow blazes into Cook
Forest State Park.
Follow the blazes at all times. Various
shelter areas are available along the
trail, tent-camping is also possible at
the Cook Forest State Park Campground (Cooksburg),
and anywhere in the Clear Creek State
Forest.
Road sections of the Baker Trail are not
always well-marked. Maps are available
at the Crooked Creek Lake recreation
area office.
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The Bucktail Path is a 30-mile stretch from Sizerville State Park
to the village of Sinnemahoning.
Pennsylvania is a leader in developing
former railroad right-of-ways into
user-friendly trails for hikers and bikers.
Numerous
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The Clarion/Little Toby is an 18-mile
trail from Ridgway to Brockway open to the
public for hiking, bicycling and
cross-country skiing. The route follows
the wild and scenic Clarion River and
winding Toby Creek, crosses a swinging
bridge, and passes through several old
ghost towns. Bike rentals are available
at the Clarion/Little Toby trailhead in
Ridgway. More than four miles on either
end is surfaced with original ballast in
between. The northern trailhead is located
on Water Street, one block off Main
Street, in Ridgway. Taylor Park, 7th
Avenue Extension in Brockway, provides
access to the southernmost trailhead.
Download Printable Trail Directions (PDF)
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Mill Creek trail has a natural and gravel
surface extending 5.6 miles from Brush
Hollow to Twin Lakes trails of the
Allegheny National Forest. Access is
available on Rt. 948, 10 miles north of
Ridgway.
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The Kellettville to Nebraska Trace is a
12.2-mile grass and dirt hiking trail
along scenic Tionesta Creek. The trail can
be accessed off of Rt. 36 in Tionesta and
Rt. 666 in Kellettville.
For additional Rails to Trails information
visit our friends at the Department of
Conservation and Natural Resources.
http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/
The Great Outdoors Visitors Bureau can
provide you with an Outdoor Discovery Map of
the Allegheny National Forest. Please call
800-348-9393 to request a copy.
Bicycling continues to ride on a crest of
popularity that makes it one of Western
Pennsylvania’s most popular individual and
family recreational activities. The bike
trails found in our state parks and other
areas in the Great Outdoors feature a
variety of lengths, terrain and scenic
views. An added bonus is that you can take
advantage of the many resources, facilities
and activities found within each park.
Bikers of all skill levels will find
something to enjoy on Pennsylvania trails.
With a terrain that ranges from steep and
challenging to gentle and pleasant, Western
Pennsylvania is a biker's paradise.
In addition, touring cyclists and cycling
fans have a lot to cheer for in our area.
Numerous racing events are held in the Great
Outdoors Region. Brockway holds its annual
12.5-mile sprint, the Star Spangled Bike
Race on July 4th each year. In
addition, Ridgway features their annual
Triathlon in April consisting of running,
biking and canoeing. Additional information
on these events and others can be found in
the “Events” section on
www.visitpago.com
Pennsylvania is also firmly committed to the
"Rails-to-Trails" concept. Over
800 miles of former railroad rights-of-way
have been converted to rail-trails for
biking and hiking throughout the state, with
more on the way. For even more on
Pennsylvania's biking trails, visit
www.pedaling.com
to search for trails in Western
Pennsylvania.
Mountain biking has increased in popularity
so much throughout the Allegheny National
Forest that it's not uncommon to see bikers
during all seasons. Most trails including
snowmobile trails, general open roads and
gated roads are available for use by
mountain bikers. A.T.V. trails are best
suited for expert or extreme riding; many
will find them too rough for riding. The ANF
has over 600 miles of trail where bikes are
allowed, but in actuality, many segments of
ANF trails, even though open for bike use,
do not provide a high quality experience for
bikers. The snowmobile routes provide a
scenic ride, but for the more adventurous,
purchase the administrative map at any
Ranger District office, and plan your own
trail experience.
Biking is allowed in most places in the ANF
where a Forest Service travelway exists -
for example, trails, gated roads, and open
roads. Respect the rights of private
landowners of travelways, and obtain
permission prior to using these private
roads.
Some biking trails in the area are:
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Alleghany River Trail the Allegheny
River Trail is the southern extension of
the Samuel Justus Recreation Trail.
Together, these two trails run from Oil
City to Franklin (the Samuel Justus
Recreation Trail segment) and from
Franklin south to Brandon (the Allegheny
River Trail segment). These trails will
eventually be part of an extensive trail
system that extends from the Great Lakes
to Washington, DC. They travel along the
Allegheny River in northwestern
Pennsylvania. For more information on
the Allegheny River Trail and the Samuel
Justus Recreation Trail go to the Trail
Website and click on "The Allegheny
River and Samuel Justus Trails."
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Marienville ATV/Bike Trail is a system of 36.8 miles of
interconnecting trails, located along
State Route 66 about 15 miles southwest of
Kane and 11 miles northeast of
Marienville. You can access the trail
anywhere it crosses a public road.
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Timberline A.T.V. Trail is a system of 38 miles of interconnecting
trails located on Forest Road 232, one
mile south of State Route 948 and SR66
intersection. You can access this trail
anywhere it crosses a public road. This
trail also connects to the Marienville
A.T.V. Trail.
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Bear Creek is a 16-mile ride that follows
a 3-mile section of Bear Creek. It has
lots of great scenery however some
sections have heavy brush and the trail
can be somewhat obscured. From Ridgway
take State Route 3002 (Laurel Mill Road)
west for 15½ miles to the parking lot at
the Bear Creek Recreational Facility.
Download Printable Trail Directions (PDF)
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Beaver Meadows is an 11-mile loop with no
major hill climbs, a variety of trail
types and enough miles to make a great
afternoon outing. From Marienville, take
Job Corps Road north for 5 miles. Turn
right at Beaver Meadows Recreational Area
and park here.
Download Printable Trail Directions (PDF)
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Brush Hollow Trail is comprised of three
trails developed by the Allegheny National
Forest for hikers, cross-county skiers and
mountain bikers. All of the trails are
relatively easy. This is one of the few
trails in the National Forest designated
for mountain bikes. The trails are wide
to accommodate cross-country skiers so are
not challenging but are enjoyable. In
order to accommodate all levels of riders
and skiers, the trail system is divided
into three loops. In order of increasing
difficulty, they are Brushy Gap, Elli, and
Challenger. Each is approximately three
miles long. For a family with young, less
aggressive riders, the beginning of the
trail system makes a perfect outing. From
Ridgway, take Route PA948 10 miles north.
There is a parking lot on the right-hand
side of the road with a sign that reads
Brush Hollow Trail. The trailhead starts
at the parking lot.
Download Printable Trail Directions (PDF)
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Duhring Ride is 17 mile back-road,
backcountry tour of Spring Creek and some
fine forest scenery. Most of the trip is
an easy cycle on packed roads. The trail
is easy to follow since it is marked with
orange diamonds. From Marienville take
Route PA66 north six miles. Just before
the Forest Ridge Motel turn right onto
Forest Road (FR) 131.1. Stay on FR131.1
for 5 ½ miles. Kelly Pines Recreational
Facility will be on the left.
Download Printable Trail Directions (PDF)
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Game land
Ride -
Elk County
- This
is an enchanting, historical ride whose
attractions include laurel tunneled
single-track, caves, scenic overlooks,
boulders to climb and a stretch of one of
the finest rail-trail this country can
boast.
Download Printable Trail Directions (PDF)
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Little Toby
East - Elk County - Except for one
long hill climb, this is an easy game
lands ride on gated
forest roads and undeveloped rail-trail.
The scenery is unsurpassed.
Download Printable Trail Directions (PDF)
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Little Toby
West - Elk County - Except for one
long climb, this is an easy tour of the
Little Toby valley and State Game land
food plots.
Download Printable Trail Directions (PDF)
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Ridgway
Race Course - Elk County - This is a
very demanding course. Some consider the
Ridgway ride as one of the best races in
the state. It begins with a long, hard,
paved climb that is followed by 14 miles
of difficult pipelines and forest roads.
Download Printable Trail Directions (PDF)
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Owl's
Nest - Elk County A moderately easy
loop over gated forest roads along the
banks of beautiful woodland streams.
Because the trail has a 1½ -foot deep
stream crossing, it s better to ride it in
warm weather. The ride also includes a 4-
mile side loop.
Download Printable Trail Directions (PDF)
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Salmon Creek - Forest County
This is a
long, demanding ride along dirt roads and
snowmobile trails.
Download Printable Trail Directions (PDF)
Maps of the Allegheny National Forest may be
picked up at regional offices or online at
www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/allegheny/
For additional Rails to Trails information
visit our friends at the DCNR.
http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/
The Great Outdoors Visitors Bureau can
provide you with an Outdoor Discovery Map of
the Allegheny National Forest. Please call
800-348-9393 to request a copy
Horses
and llamas are permitted on hundreds of
miles of forest service roads in the
Allegheny National Forest. Open riding is
permitted except on hiking and cross-country
skiing trails. Dispersed camping is also available in select areas.
Browns Run Trail in Cook Forest State Park is specifically designated for equestrian travel. State forest roads and old woods roads also provide access for horseback riding. Several private stables charter guided trail rides in the Cook Forest and Kellettville areas.
- The former rail system,
Clarion/Little Toby has been converted into well developed hiking and biking trails. Bike rentals are available at the Clarion/Little Toby trailhead in Ridgway.
- The Clarion/Little Toby is an 18-mile trail from Ridgway to Brockway open to the public for hiking, bicycling and cross-country skiing. The route follows the wild and scenic Clarion River and winding Toby Creek, crosses a swinging bridge, and passes through several old ghost towns.
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More than four miles on either end is surfaced with original ballast in between. The northern trailhead is located on Water Street, one block off Main Street, in Ridgway. Taylor Park, 7th Avenue Extension in Brockway, provides access to the southernmost trailhead.
- The trail follows the West Branch of the Susquehanna River passing through dense forests. Additional parking is located along Rt. 879 near Curwensville and in Grampian.
- The Mill Creek trail has a natural and gravel surface extending 5.6 miles from Brush Hollow to Twin Lakes trails of the Allegheny National Forest. Access is available on Rt. 948, 10 miles N of Ridgway.
- The Kellettville to Nebraska Trace is a 12.2 mile grass and dirt hiking trail along scenic Tionesta Creek. The trail can be accessed off of Rt. 36 in Tionesta and Rt. 666 in Kellettville.
Snowmobiling
 State Parks
and Forests
offer thousands of
miles and hundreds of acres of designated
snowmobile areas for exploration.
Opportunities range from scenic trails
through the woods, to straightaway runs on
roadways, to large, open spaces. State Parks
also provide trailhead access to snowmobile
trails on State Forest land. Trails open the
day after the last day of Pennsylvania's
regular or extended rifle deer season and
close April 1, or earlier as determined by
the district forester or park manager. For a
complete listing of snowmobile trails within
Pennsylvania State Parks visit
www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/recreation/snowmobile.aspx.
You may also call 888-PA-PARKS for a copy of
the printed publication. During the season,
DCNR operates a snowmobile hotline updating
snow and trail conditions twice a week. Call
toll-free 1-877-SNOMBLE before you head out.
Most state parks in the Great Outdoors
Region provide day-use parking for
vehicles/trailers for snowmobile visitors.
It is recommended visitors contact the park
for up-to-date information.
State Game
Lands
Snowmobilers may ride on State Game Lands
from the third Sunday in January through
April 1 on designated snowmobile areas,
roads and trails marked with appropriate
signs. For additional information visit
www.pgc.state.pa.us
Allegheny
National Forest
Hundreds of miles of snowmobile trails are
open in the 513,000 acre Allegheny National
Forest. Trails are open mid-December through
April 1, conditions permitting. Contact the
ANF Supervisor's Office at (814) 723-5150
for a recorded message of snow conditions.
Current snow/trail conditions can also be
found on line at
http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/allegheny/recreation/snowmobile_trails/
Trails maps for the Allegheny National
Forest can be downloaded at
http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry/snowmobile/maps/PAWILD_SnoMo_07.pdf
Additional trail information is available
online at
www.fs.fed.us/r9/allegheny
The PA DCNR has available a snowmobile
hotline (877-766-6253) with information on
snow conditions and grooming that is updated
every Tuesday and Friday.
Pennsylvania requires that persons be at
least 16 years of age and carry proof of
insurance to operate on any joint use road
(many ANF trails are joint use roads).
Pennsylvania also requires snowmobilers to
wear a helmet. For more information, please
contact the PA DCNR, Snowmobile/ATV Unit at
717-783-9227.
Trail Host Program: There are several trail
host locations along the Allegheny
Snowmobile Loop. These host houses offer
trails information, maps, directions and
safety assistance. Trail Hosts are
identified by orange vests and pennants.
Volunteers maintain these sites, located at
the following grid locations on the
PA Wilds Outdoor Discovery Map E-6 near FR 160 and
SR 59; and B-8 at Hickory Creek Wilderness
Ranch. These host locations are marked by a
red H on the map. The recreation map also
shows the location of recreation areas
(including longitude and latitude), hiking
trails, ATV trails, cross-country ski
trails, and the snowmobile trail system.
See also the Timberline Trail listed above,
which is also open to snowmobiles.
Pennsylvania Great Outdoors Visitors Bureau
has available the PA Wilds Outdoor Discovery Map which details outdoor
recreational opportunities and designates
trails and information. Please call
1-800-348-9393 to request a copy. |
