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Tionesta Scenic Area and Hiking Trail
This small trailhead offers access to over 2,000 acres of old-growth (virgin) timber with significant stands of northern hemlock. This tract of land was purchased by the Allegheny National Forest in 1934, together with an addtionnal 2000+ acres, now the Tionesta Research Area located in the southeast, which was set aside for monitoring and research of a natural unmanaged old-growth forest.
This trailhead offers access to a short trail and a portion of the North Country National Scenic Trail (NCNST) passes through the Tionesta Scenic Area. NCNST can be accessed along the entrance road and is marked with blue diamonds. The Twin Lakes Trail, marked with off-white diamonds, traverses the southern part of the Scenic Area. Twin Lakes Trail connects the NCNST with Twin Lakes Recreation Area and is 15.8 miles long.
Both the Tionesta Scenic Area and Research Natural Area are notable for the tremendous effects of a F4 tornado that struck in May of 1985, causing widespread blowdown and windthrow. The tornado plowed through Pennsylvania for a total of 70 miles, uprooting over 90,000 trees in a path nearly two-thirds of a mile wide. It was one of 20 tornados that ripped through Pennsylvania on May 31, 1985. Now, over 30 years later, visitors to the area can see the regeneration of the forest from the mass destruction so many years ago.
At a Glance
| Operational Hours: | Open 24 Hours |
|---|---|
| Fees: | No fee |
| Permit Info: | No permit required |
| Open Season: | January - December |
| Usage: | Light |
| Restrictions: | The trail is for hiking, skiing and mountain biking. 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. General Topic orders apply across the Forest. Applicable Orders for this Site:
|
| Closest Towns: | Ludlow, PA |
| Water: | None |
| Operated By: | Forest Service |
| Information Center: | Bradford Ranger District Address: 29 Forest Service Dr., Bradford, PA 16701 Phone: 814-362-4613 Email: sm.fs.anf@usda.gov |
General Information
Directions:From Kane
- Travel south on PA-66
- Turn left onto Route 66
- Travel on Route 66 for approximately 2 miles
- Turn right (West) onto JoJo Road/FR 133 and follow for several miles
- Turn left/southwest onto 133E
Activities
Day Hiking
A portion of the North Country National Scenic Trail passes through the Tionesta Scenic Area. This trail can be accessed along the entrance road and is marked with blue diamonds. The Twin Lakes Trail, marked with off-white diamonds, traverses the southern part of the Scenic Area. This trail connects the North Country Trail with Twin Lakes Recreation Area and is 15.8 miles long.
| Fire Information | Campfires are permitted if maintained in a fire ring, and completely extinguished. |
| Difficulty Level: | Intermediate |
|---|
Backpacking
A portion of the North Country National Scenic Trail passes through the Tionesta Scenic Area. This trail can be accessed along the entrance road and is marked with blue diamonds. The Twin Lakes Trail, marked with off-white diamonds, traverses the southern part of the Scenic Area. This trail connects the North Country Trail with Twin Lakes Recreation Area and is 15.8 miles long.
| Fire Information | Campfires are permitted if maintained in a fire ring, and completely extinguished. |
| Difficulty Level: | Difficult |
|---|
Viewing Wildlife
You may encounter white-tailed deer, black bear, fishers, and several bat species. Bird watchers can search for numerous species that prefer old growth forests, like barred owls, northern goshawks, pileated woodpeckers, flycatchers, thrushes, and warblers.
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.
Viewing Scenery
This secluded area is nearly roadless and offers great opportunities for solitude and nature study.
| Difficulty Level: | Intermediate |
|---|
Location
