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Jakes Rocks Overlook

Wander on hardened paths through the woods to the overlook. Stand on the rock outcrop to see expansive views of Jackson Bay on the Allegheny Reservoir, Kinzua Dam and the surrounding forest.

As you walk, look for the wide array of fungus in multiple colors that grows along the path. Stop and wonder at the trees growing through, and sometimes on, the large boulders. Picnic in the shade of the trees after your walk. Always be cautious of tree roots along the paths and uneven footing near the overlook.

General Information

January - December

Day use only: open 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

As a visitor to the National Forest, you are asked to follow certain rules designed to protect the Forest, natural resources and to provide for public safety of visitors. These rules are available to you on-line or at any office of the Allegheny National Forest. Please take time to read and understand them. 

Applicable Orders for this Site:

  • Allegheny Reservoir

No fees are required for this site

Trail Use

Dogs are allowed on hiking trails, as long as they are kept on a leash. Unleashed dogs can pose a danger to your pet, the natural resources of the area, and other forest visitors.

Wildlife

  • Do not allow them to interact with wildlife

Offices - Bradford Ranger Station

Address: 29 Forest Service Dr. Bradford, PA 16701
Phone: 814-362-4613
Hours: Monday to Friday: 8:30 am to 1:00 pm and 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm (Closed on federal holidays)
Office Email: sm.fs.anf@usda.gov

Getting There

Latitude / Longitude

Latitude: 41.84694444

Longitude: -78.98166667

Directions

From downtown Warren

  • Travel south on Route 6/Crescent Park Drive for 2 miles.
  • Turn left/east onto Route 59.
  • Travel east on Route 59 for 10 miles.
  • Turn right onto Longhouse National Scenic Byway.
  • Travel on Longhouse National Scenic Byway for 1 mile.
  • Turn right onto Forest Road 492.
  • Travel on Forest Road 492 for 1 mile.
  • Follow Forest Road 492 to the right when it splits and follow it to the parking area, approximately 1 mile.

Parking

Parking is available at the overlook.

Facility and Amenity Information

Restrooms

Restrooms are available at this site.

Water

Potable water is not available at this site.

Picnic Tables

Picnic tables are available at this site.

Nearby Trails

Recreation Opportunities

Day Hikes Info

There is a trail that loops around the day use area past large boulders and to the overlook built onto a large boulder.

Viewing Scenery Info

There are several places on the trail where you will see glimpses of the Allegheny Reservoir and/or Kinzua Dam. The trail loops around at an overlook built onto a rock outcropping where you will have panoramic views of the reservoir and dam. This is a particularly good location to view fall color on the forest.

Jakes Rocks is located off of Longhouse National Scenic Byway. The road loops around and there are several pull-offs where visitors will be able to stop and view the reservoir and dam.

Viewing Plants Info

Jake's Rocks Overlook access road goes through a heavily forested area with abundant Mountain laurel. As you walk try to glimpse the different wildflowers, mosses and fungus throughout the area.

Mountain Laurel blooms in early June, peak leaf color occurs the second week of October.

For more information about the types of plants and trees you may see on the Allegheny:

Viewing Wildlife Info

Over 70 species of game and non-game fish live in the Allegheny National Forest. Over 300 species of mammals, including raccoon, gray squirrel, snowshoe hare, red and gray fox, beaver, mink, and muskrat as well as game species suck as white-tailed deer, black bear and wild turkey.

Be wary of friendly chipmunks at the picnic tables, they will beg for your lunch.

For information on species common to Pennsylvania, and the Allegheny National Forest visit the Pennsylvania Game Commission website for game and nongame species information.

When you see wildlife, please remember:

  • never feed wildlife
  • don't interfere with mating, predation or other natural behaviors.
  • keep a respectful distance
  • preserve habitat by following "leave no trace" principles.
  • leave young wildlife where you find them.

If you think you've found a sick or injured animal please call the Pennsylvania Game Commission.

Picnicking - Single Info

Picnic tables, grills and vault restrooms available. Scenic view of Allegheny Reservoir.

Picnicking - Groups Info

Picnic tables, grills and vault restrooms available. Scenic view of Allegheny Reservoir.

Scenic Driving Info

Jakes Rocks is on Longhouse National Scenic Byway. The road leading up to the day use area loops around and has several scenic pull-offs where visitors can stop and view the reservoir.

Biking - Mountain Info

The overlook is also a trailhead for the Jakes Rocks trails.

The Trails at Jakes Rocks:

Easiest Trail Segments

  • Coal Knob 2.3 miles
  • Grouse 0.3 miles
  • Kinzua Point 0.9 miles
  • Tuttletown 2.5 miles
  • Tuttletown-Coal Knob Loop 4.8 miles

More Difficult Trail Segments

  • Bent Run 1.9 miles
  • Cornplanter 1.4 miles
  • Deerfoot 1.3 miles
  • Dewdrop 1.7 miles
  • Elijah (Coal Knob to FR263) 2.5 miles
  • Elijah (Longhouse Scenic to FR 263) 3.3 miles
  • Laurel 2.3 miles
  • Longhouse 2.1 miles
  • Seneca 1.5 miles
  • Ohi:Yo Way 0.7 miles
  • Three Sisters 0.3 miles
  • Vulpes 0.5 miles

Most Difficult Trail Segments

  • Bald Eagle 2.2 miles
  • Devil’s Drop 0.9 miles
  • Ursus 1.2 miles

Gravity Trail (one-way travel)

  • Blacksnake 0.6 miles

Last updated July 16th, 2025