Mother Nature’s ‘Show’ Should PeakBeginning of October in ANF Region

By Sandra Rhodes
Visitor & Member Services
Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau

Mother Nature’s premier show of the year has just begun and promises to have at least a two-week run in the Allegheny National Forest region.

Fall is Bigger in Pennsylvania and a prime example of that is in the Allegheny National Forest region, 513,000 acres nestled in the hills of northwestern Pennsylvania, located 90 minutes south of Buffalo, N.Y. This beautiful forest of hardwoods and hemlocks offers the perfect place to see the grandeur of autumn color at its best.

The “show” in this area is always a feast for the eyes with vibrant hues of scarlet, orange and butterscotch yellow. Local forestry officials anticipate Oct. 2-10 as the peak for the best color this season, and are predicting vivid color due to the early warm temperatures and cool nights in the higher elevations of the Allegheny Plateau.

One great way to see this canopy of color is to “Do 6” – meaning Route 6, the major west-east corridor in northern Pennsylvania. National Geographic Traveler named this roadway as “One of America’s Most Scenic Drives.”

Meander through the rolling forestlands of Sheffield, Ludlow, Kane and Smethport as the terrain turns into increasingly rugged hills.

Circling around the Allegheny Reservoir, with two distinct overlooks - Jakes Rocks and Rimrock - the Longhouse National Scenic Byway was named by Travel Savvy Magazine as one of the top six fall foliage drives in the United States. The Longhouse National Scenic Byway, is just north of the village of Kane, a 27-mile loop along Route 321 and Route 59, circling back to Kane.

This byway also provides access to a variety of hiking trails so those looking to connect with nature via a brisk fall walk can enjoy Rimrock Trail or the Morrison Trail loop. Picnic tables are also available at the Rimrock Overlook.

While in Kane, be sure to stop at Jack’s Meat & Poultry on North Fraley Street to purchase some of the local fall harvest of apples, squash and pumpkins. Jack’s family recipes are used to make more than 17 varieties of sausage, including Swedish korv, apple, and Greek. This is a delightful stop and taste for “foodies.”

Call ahead at 814-837-7321 to order Jack’s invention, a one-of-a-kind “griller” – chicken or pork stuffed with sausage and cheese and topped with bacon.

The ArtWorks at the Depot, located in a restored railroad station, at the intersection of Route 66 & Route 6, in Kane, is open on the weekends during the fall foliage season. This artisan co-op features a collection of quality collectables, including watercolors by Dennis Driscoll and hand-crafted bowls crafted from the “heart” of the local black cherry hardwoods.

Stop at the Allegheny Cellars Winery in Sheffield, the Winery at Wilcox or in Kane, Flickerwood Wine Cellars & Lounge to wet your whistle with some award-winning wine. Wine tasting at the Flickerwood Wine Cellars includes six samples of wines along with a complimentary wine glass.

A nice side trip off Route 6 is the Kinzua Bridge Scenic Byway which leads to the Kinzua Bridge State Park, one of the top leaf-viewing locations in McKean County.

The Kinzua Viaduct, once the highest railroad bridge in the world, was partially destroyed by a tornado in 2003. The Viaduct is being reborn as the Kinzua Sky Walk, which will include an overlook with a partial glass floor so visitors can look at the vast Kinzua Gorge as well as peer down into the deep valley. Entrance to the park is free and there are a picnic area, hiking trail and scenic overlook for visitors to enjoy.

For those who want see a little of the grandeur of days long ago, take time to do the Mansion District Tour in Smethport, a self-guided walking tour that offers visitors a chance to see the beautiful homes of McKean County’s most prominent residents built during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Notable architectural styles include Victorian, Colonial Revival, and English Gothic.

A trip to Bradford is a must to satisfy your sweet tooth with homemade fudge, European-style croissants or baklava at the John Williams European Pastry Shop. Located within the Bradford National Historic District are a variety of antique and gift shops, including the Main Street Mercantile, a Pennsylvania Wilds Artisan Shop featuring a wide variety of local crafts, books and fine-art photography.

For additional leaf-peeping suggestions, please visit www.visitANF.com which offers driving tour suggestions as well as downloadable maps and guides. Or call the Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau at 800-473-9370 for a free brochure that features seven scenic driving tours with driving directions and mapping.

Pictured, Jack’s Meat & Poultry on North Fraley Street in Kane is a must stop for those seeking just-harvested fruits and vegetables as well as homemade sausage. There are many scenic driving trails within the Allegheny National Forest region that will take the visitor on fantastic rides to see Mother Nature’s autumn show.
Photos courtesy of the ANFVB