Open skies, rolling mountains, and forest abound in the Allegheny National Forest (ANF), Pennsylvania's only National Forest.
This National Forest, which celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2023, was established in 1923 and covers 517,000 acres. That’s public land… set aside for folks from all walks of life to be able to enjoy, explore, relax, and appreciate.
The Allegheny National Forest's motto "Land of Many Uses" speaks to the balance of outdoor recreation, watershed protection, wildlife habitat management, and sustainable forestry practices.
The Allegheny National Forest offers over 15 campgrounds with more than 1,000 sites, and rustic cabins with amenities ranging from full service with electricity and showers to primitive. You’re sure to find somewhere that the whole family can slow down, spend quality time together, and listen to the sounds of nature.
What kinds of trees will you see in the Allegheny National Forest! Nowadays, the forest is full of black cherry, maple and other hardwoods. However, 200 years ago, the forest was mostly pine and other soft woods.
The story of Pennsylvania and the PA Wilds is one of resilience and stewardship. It’s a true comeback story! Much of the forest in Pennsylvania was clear-cut, as the timber in these woods was used to build the infrastructure throughout the United States. This clear-cutting left our landscape barren. The Forest Service and other groups helped to replant trees and create the beautiful green landscape we know and love today.
Some folks keep an eye out for tasty treats and forage while they’re in the Allegheny National Forest. The forest abounds with berries, mushrooms and other edible plants. Foraging can be a fun afternoon activity, but do exercise some simple precautions: make sure you know what you’re picking, follow all foraging guidelines, be aware of wildlife, and don’t strip an area of all of its resources.
The ANF is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise, with endless outdoor recreation opportunities, ranging from camping and kayaking, to camping, hiking and mountain biking.
Parts of ANF are known as “Trail Central” with hundreds of miles of trails for hiking, biking, cross-country skiing and snow-shoeing, horse trails, ATV Trails, and snowmobile trails. The ANF also contains an 87-mile meandering northward segment of the North Country National Scenic Trail (NST).
Want to take home a piece of the PA Wilds and remember the incredible memories you made in the Allegheny National Forest? Consider purchasing a souvenir from one of the many artisans that live in the Allegheny National Forest and Surrounds landscape of the PA Wilds.
Don’t forget to check out the new PA Wilds Conservation Shop located in the Allegheny National Forest & Surrounds Landscape! The PA Wilds Conservation Shop at Marienville is situated inside of a former historic train depot, along the Knox and Kane Rail Trail in Forest County. You’ll find fantastic souvenirs, and 90 percent of the products in PA Wilds Conservation Shops are created or designed inside the rural 13-county PA Wilds region by local artisans… meaning your dollars are reinvested here!
