History Trail of the Highlands of the Allegheny National Forest, Pennsylvania

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Experience another way of life as you tour the historic and natural attractions nestled within the scenic beauty of the Allegheny National Forest Region.

Day One- Smethport’s Charms

The Smethport Mansion  District Walking Tour is a self-guided tour of this charming Victorian Village located along Route 6. The tour offers a short history of over 30 architectural gems constructed by the Lumber Barons during the 1800s. The Old Jail Museum, local shops, restaurants, walking trails, and Hamlin Lake all add to the charm of Smethport. Two mansions offer overnight lodging the Blackberry Inn and the Mansion District Inn.

Day Two- Lynn Hall to Zippo

Lynn Hall is a stunning example of Allegheny Modernism. Tours may be arranges by appointment. Serenity Glass Park, just east along Route 6, is a creation of artistic glass towers and sculptures located in Port Allegany. Drive north through the hardwood forests of the Allegheny National Forest to Penn Brad Oil Museum to learn the history of wildcatters, hurry-up sticks and moonlighting from the men who discovered the first billion dollar oil field.

Drive to Bradford to tour the Zippo/Case Museum to learn the story of this American icon, the Zippo lighter, invented in Bradford. Spend your day touring the National Historic District of Downtown Bradford where the eclectic architecture showcases the tastes of the original Oil Barons who built them. Two distinctive Art Deco Buildings, the Hooker-Fulton Building and Marilyn Horne Hall, named for the famous opera star born in Bradford, bookend Main Street.

Enjoy Bradford’s shops, restaurants, and brewery including the Bradford Chocolate Factory, the Bradford Brew Station, a choice of restaurants includes Beefeaters, the Option House, or a Taste of the 80s. Or grab you hiking shoes, or bike to explore the over 40-miles of trails which are part of the Tuna Valley Trail System connecting Bradford to the Allegheny National Forest and the Allegany State Park in New York.

Rest your head in a hotel or local bed & breakfast. Other lodging choices include  “The Skinny Building, or the “Flat Iron Building,” both great examples of the architectural styles of this city. Or for a real treat, experience rustic elegance at the Lodge at Glendorn-a 4-star resort at the edge of town.

Day Three- Kinzua To Kane

 

Travel to the Kinzua Bridge State Park in Mt. Jewett, to experience the Kinzua Sky Walk, “One of the top 10 most scenic skywalks in the world,” The Culture Trip. Walk the tracks across the sky 624 feet into the Kinzua Gorge, at a height of 225 feet, for a 360 degree view of the Kinzua Gorge. Peer down through the partial glass floor to view the massive understructure of the skywalk and Kinzua Creek far below.

Hike to the bottom of the gorge to view the towers toppled from the original viaduct by the tornado of 2003. Or hike or bike the 3.8-mile linear Knox & Kane Rail Trail to Mt. Jewett. Grab a bite to eat at the food truck at the park, or while driving to Kane, stop a Kaffee Sol for their home-made cinnamon buns and a coffee. Kane is a 20 minute drive along scenic Route 6.

In Kane, visit the McCleery Discovery Center to learn the history of the first effort in America to save a species from extinction-the Lobo Wolves. Shop for artistic treasures at the ArtWork at the Summit an artisan co-op featuring creations from local artisans. Foodies will enjoy shopping at Bell’s Market, a real old fashioned grocery store. A variety of restaurants focus on farm to table like Table 105, or dine at a local favorite Texas Hot Lunch-4 Sons a family business since 1914. The relax and add a beverage at your days end of exploring at Flickerwood Winery, Twisted Vine, Logyard Brewing Tasting Room or CJ Spirts-Craft Distillery.

Stay an extra night at the historic Kane Manor or the Olmsted Manor for a day exploring the Forest.