A Leaf Peepers Paradise - the Allegheny National Forest & the Kinzua Gorge
During fall foliage season, the lush greens of summer turn to sparkling yellow, ruby red and brilliant orange. Two nearby areas in Pennsylvania offer a leaf peepers paradise, the Kinzua Gorge home of the amazing Kinzua Sky Walk in the Kinzua Bridge State Park, and the mighty Allegheny National Forest with scenic overlooks and miles of twolane byways.
For prime leaf peeping plan your calendar for early October for the Kinzua Sky Walk and middle to late October for the areas in the Allegheny National Forest around the Allegheny Reservoir and the Allegheny River.
Fall color at the Kinzua Gorge is a spectacular sight when viewed from the Kinzua Sky Walk. The skywalk extends 624 feet into the gorge, at a height of 225 feet. Visitors can stroll the length of the skywalk to enjoy a 7-mile vista of breathtaking fall color. Kinzua Creek Trail is a challenging trail down the side of the gorge, the Knox & Kane Rail Trail offers family-friendly hiking and biking at the Park. The Kinzua Bridge Visitors Center is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.. The Park is open from 8 a.m. to Dusk, it is located at 296 Viaduct Road, Mt. Jewett, Pa. Admission is free.
There are approximately 80 tree species found in the Allegheny National Forest. Generally, it is the soft maples which reach peak color earlier in the season. One of the best ways to enjoy the fall color is by driving the Longhouse National Scenic Byway. Begin your loop from the village of Kane, along Rt. 321 and Rt. 59, stop at the developed overlooks of Rimrock, Kinzua Point and Jakes Rocks for spectacular views. Plan to stop and enjoy one of the many trails available for hiking and biking.
The Allegheny National Forest scenic drives are good anytime of the week. Mid-week during fall foliage season will be less busy than the weekends at the skywalk. A two to three day getaway will give you time to enjoy the scenic drives, the skywalk, and the trails, plus have time to explore the museums, shops, and restaurants in the area.
Be sure to make your overnight reservations early. There is something for every budget, from the inexpensive tent sites and cabins on the Forest, to full-service hotels. Or treat yourself to the rustic elegance of the full-service resort the Lodge at Glendorn. For more information go to www.visitANF.com.
This advertorial content is produced independently of the Pittsburgh PostGazette editorial staff.