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Camping in the Pennsylvania Wilds
What could be wilder than roughing it in Cook Forest State Park and the Allegheny National Forest? We'll get you back to nature by showing you the best parts of both of these gems. It's up to you to decide where to pitch your tent (or park your RV, if that's more your style). All along the way, you'll see scads of wildlife and the abundant natural beauty that makes the Pennsylvania Wilds such a soul-soothing destination.
- Day One
- Day Two
- Day Three
Cook Forest
Your roadtrip begins in the old-growth Cook Forest State Park, which was once called "The Black Forest." This park is famous for the Forest Cathedral---a breathtaking stand of towering white pines and hemlocks that's a designated Natural National Landmark. The Clarion River forms the eastern border of the park; it's popular for canoeing and rafting. You can rent equipment at Pale Whale Canoevv??v??????v???vv??????v???v???Livery or even book an overnight trip along this scenic river.
While you're here, you should also check out the Double Diamond Deer Ranch. Covered walkways and an observation deck let you observe whitetail deer in their natural habitat. If bigger animals are more your thing, take a horseback ride. Cook Forest Scenic Trailrides will hook you up. Camp just about anywhere; you'll find cabins and campgrounds all over the area.
Tionesta & Warren
Today you'll visit Tionesta and the Flying W Ranch. This 600-acre ranch in the Allegheny Mountains offers horseback rides, hayrides, and overnight camping on forest trails. The scenery can't be beat. If you're more of a river person, rent a canoe or kayak at Eagle Rock Canoe & Kayak Rental. If you've never tried canoeing, this is the perfect opportunity. The Upper Allegheny River, with its constant, gentle current, makes it easy to learn as you go. Whatever you do, don't miss the lighthouse along the Allegheny in downtown Tionesta. It's open periodically throughout the summer, but you can enjoy the beautiful scenery surrounding it any time of the year. (It's a great picture-taking spot, by the way.)
Next, drive down to Warren and stop at Buckaloons, a camping and recreation area along the Allegheny River. Another favorite site is the Whispering Winds Campground. Open all year, this campground features 63 sites plus a four-bedroom lodge. Although it's in a rustic setting, some modern comforts are available---like wireless internet and cable TV. How's that for roughing it?
Allegheny National Forest
Start off with a visit to the Hickory Creek Wilderness Ranch, where you'll find well-trained horses and comfortable accommodations. Or explore the Allegheny River Wilderness Islands on a canoe trip with Indian Waters Canoe Rental. Whatever you end up doing, be sure to check out the town of Tidioute. This Victorian village along the border of the Allegheny National Forest boasts beautiful architecture, plenty of shopping, lodging, dining, pubs, and a boat launch. (After all that camping, you might appreciate a return to civilization!)
This is the last day of your roadtrip, but you could spend another month exploring the Allegheny National Forest and still not see everything. But with 500,000 acres of wildlife, forestland, and scenic overlooks, you have to start somewhere. We suggest taking a hike or a bike ride along the many trails and then enjoying a picnic at Jakes Rocks.