Longhouse National Scenic Byway in the Allegheny National Forest

Visiting the Allegheny National Forest, Pennsylvania’s only National Forest, offers spectacular fall foliage viewing, camping and fishing opportunities, along with a variety of hiking and mountain biking trails. This byway curves and winds along the shoreline of the majestic Allegheny Reservoir making it an easy drive by car, motorcycle or for the fit bicyclist, a fun 36-mile loop from Kane, Pennsylvania.

The Longhouse National Scenic Byway circles the Kinzua Creek Arm of the Allegheny Reservoir through some of the most beautiful scenery on the Allegheny National Forest. Kinzua (pronounced Kin-zoo) is a Native American word meaning Land of Big Fishes.

Leave Kane on Route 321 North. This road enters the Allegheny National Forest just outside of Kane. The actual start of the scenic byway is about eight miles from Kane at the intersection with Longhouse Drive. Continue on Route 321 past the campground Red Bridge. This is the head of the Kinzua Creek Arm, in total the Allegheny Reservoir boasts a 100-mile shoreline making it an outdoor recreation destination year-round for fishing, boating, kayaking and in the winter ice fishing.

Route 321 follows the reservoir a short distance and then begins to rise into the highlands through a beautiful forest of hardwoods and hemlock. Over 80 species of trees are present in the Allegheny National Forest, this variety of tree species offers a robust palette of fall color-rich ruby red, sparkling yellow and brilliant orange during late September and the first two weeks of October. Nearing the top of the plateau, you pass the Old Powerhouse Museum, an original timepiece from the glory days of oil in this region.

The Bradford Ranger Station is located at the intersection of Routes 321 and 59. You can find virtually any information about the Allegheny National Forest here, including topo maps for trail enthusiasts. The ranger station also carries a nice selection of books and other forest themed items.

Turn left on Route 59 toward the Allegheny Reservoir. Along this stretch of the loop, you pass the trailhead for Morrison Trail. This trail has two loops, the 5.3-mile Morrison Trail Loop which passes boulder fields and forgotten homesteads, and the 8.3-mile Rimrock Trail Loop, which drops to the shore of the Allegheny Reservoir.

About a mile past the Morrison Trailhead is the entrance to Rimrock, a magnificent rock outcrop and overlook above the Kinzua Creek Arm of the Allegheny Reservoir. This area offers picnic areas and hiking/biking trails.

Return to Route 59, as you drive west, you will see the Kinzua Wolf Run Marina on your right, just before crossing the Allegheny Reservoir on the Morrison Bridge. Immediately past the bridge, turn left onto Longhouse Drive. Jakes Rocks, is a large rock outcrop, it offers a spectacular vista over the Allegheny Reservoir and mountain biking trails.

Longhouse Drive continues a winding course high above the Kinzua Creek Arm, passing the Dewdrop Recreation Area, Elijah Run Boat Launch and Kiasutha Recreation Area before ending back at Route 321. Turn right to return to Kane.

Kane is a “Star in the Forest” with five rural highways bisecting in one town. It is located along scenic Route 6 which is an east-west byway that traverses 400-miles of the northern tier of Pennsylvania, from the Erie Great Lake Region to the Poconos on the east. In Kane, you will find the McCleery Wolf Center which tells the tale of the first effort in America to save a species from extinction, the Lobo Wolves. ArtWorks on the Summit offers artisan crafts and local wood products produced locally. Foodies will enjoy a stop at Bell’s market for a sampling of their specialty foods and home-canned goodies. A variety of restaurants offer a choice of dining options from farm to table at Table 105, to a local favorite, Texas Hot Lunch/4 Sons which has been in business since 1914. Logyard Brewery’s Tasting Room, CJ Spirits Craft Distillery and Flickerwood Winery offer locally crafted wine, brews and spirits. For lodging options, the Allegheny National Forest offers both cabins and campsites for RV and tent. Kane Manor is a historic home now open for travelers as a Bed & Breakfast.

For more information on the region, maps and personalized assistance call 800-473-9370 and click on: www.visitANF.com.