Passes
Many recreation activities in the Allegheny National Forest are available at no cost to the recreational user.
Where developed recreation areas are concerned, however, there is a cost to operating these areas that is recouped through the use of day use fees.
To provide an affordable alternative for frequent visitors to the forests, or for folks who make their National Forests a destination for a week's vacation, we offer a variety of recreational passes and permits that help you save money on day use fees.
Annual and Lifetime Passes
Forest and Interagency passes are good for one (1) year.
- Annual Forest Passes - Only good on the Allegheny National Forest
- Interagency Passes - Good at any Forest Service, National Park, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, or US Fish and Wildlife Service site. Campground Concessionaires are only required to honor Senior and Access Passes. Inquire locally about discounts on standard and expanded amenities, typically 50 percent off camping and launch fees.
Big changes are here – the America the Beautiful Passes are going digital!
Digital Annual Passes will be available for purchase through Recreation.gov beginning November 20, 2025, making it easier than ever to plan trips! Digital Annual Passes allow you to:
- Easily access, store, and manage your pass alongside other reservations in one centralized location
- Save your pass directly to your mobile wallet on your mobile device for ease of access once you arrive
This modernization is part of the federal government’s Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act to simplify and enhance public access to federal lands.
We are hard at work to make navigating these changes as smooth as possible for our visitors, as we transition through the new year. We appreciate your patience as we lay the groundwork for a more connected, visitor-friendly future.
Stay tuned for other passes in the America the Beautiful Pass series (Senior Annual, Senior Lifetime, Military Annual, Military Lifetime, Every Kid Outdoors 4th Grade, and Access) going digital in January 2026! https://www.recreation.gov/pass
Available for purchase by anyone for $65.00. Good for the full calendar year (Jan 1 - Dec 31).
How to Order
Please mail your application form and check or money order to the Allegheny National Forest Headquarters, indicating which pass you wish to purchase. Make checks/money-orders out to "US Forest Service". Allow 7-10 days to receive your pass.
More Information
Per vehicle per year.
This pass is accepted at boat and canoe launches, picnic areas, and other day-use recreation sites that charge a fee.
This pass does not cover camping fees.
This pass is not accepted at Kinzua Wolf Run Marina.
Senior Annual Pass
Anyone 62 or older can purchase the Senior Annual Pass for $20.00. Good for the full calendar year (Jan 1 - Dec 31).
Lifetime Senior Pass
Anyone 62 or older can purchase the Senior Annual Pass for $80.00. Good for pass holder's lifetime.
More Information
Learn more about Senior Passes on the USGS Site.
Available at no cost ($10.00 shipping fee) for anyone that has been medically determined to have a permanent disability. Good for the pass holder's lifetime.
More information on the Access Pass is available on the USGS website.
Military Annual Pass
Available at no cost for Active Military and their dependents ($10.00 shipping fee). Good for 1 year from date of purchase.
Active Military must show a Common Access Card/Geneva Conventions ID Card. Dependents must show a Uniformed Services ID Card - DD Form 1173.
Military Lifetime Pass
Available at no cost for Veterans and Gold Star Families ($10.00 shipping fee). Good indefinitely.
- Veterans: Provide serial number from ID card on the fee payment envelope.
- Gold Star Families: Download and print a voucher from the National Park Service website.
Gold Star Families as defined by DoD are next of kin of a member of the United States Armed Forces who lost his or her life in a “qualifying situation,” such as a war, an international terrorist attack, or a military operation outside of the United States while serving with the United States Armed Forces. The paper voucher itself can serve as the pass.
Available at no cost for 4th Graders/4th Grade Teachers/Homeschool and free-choice learners 10 years of age. Good for the duration of the 4th grade school year through the following summer (Sept- Aug).
Create and Print Voucher Online
More Information
Visit the Ever Kid Outdoors website for information on what the pass covers, what it doesn't cover and what types of sites it can be used at.
Digital versions of the paper pass (such as on smart phones or tablets) will not be accepted. You must have a printed voucher from the Every Kid Outdoors website.
Available Day Passes
Available at $5.00 for anyone. Good for one day.
Where to Purchase
This fee ONLY applies at sites that charge a day-use fee. At locations that charge a day-use fee, you can pay the daily fee on-site by cash or check.
More Information
- Sites that may charge a day use fee: Trailheads, boat/canoe launches, picnic areas, and other "day use" recreation sites.
- This pass does not cover camping fees and is not accepted at Concessionaire operated sites.
ATV/OHV/OHM Permits
Anyone who rides a motorized vehicle on the ANF designated motorized trail system is required to purchase an ATV/Trail permit. Yearly and Day Permits available.
Where Can I Buy A Pass?
Buy Online
Order Interagency Passes through the U.S. Geological Survey online or by phone (888) 275-8747.
Buy In Person
Order any pass by calling or visiting any Allegheny National Forest Office
Find a Location
Interagency Passes can be purchased from other federal agencies. Find one near you.
Recreation Enhancement Act (REA)
The Recreation Enhancement Act (REA) benefits visitors to federal public lands. Ninety-five percent of fees paid through the Recreation Enhancement Act stay local to help the Forest maintain high quality recreation facilities and trails. The fees go towards:
- increased field patrols by wilderness rangers/portage crews
- wilderness maintenance for trails, portages, campsites
- increased visitor contact by interpreters and other education projects
- area-specific maps, brochures, travel planners, etc.
- specific campsite cleanup and human waste removal
- special field projects like boardwalks, weed removal, campsite restoration
- volunteers supporting the wilderness program
- administration of outfitter guides and cooperators
- wilderness character monitoring and possible mitigation actions
- safety advisories & training (blow down events, fires, etc.)
- maintenance of entry point facilities (kiosks) and access to entry points (ramps)
- permit reservation system support
- support of emergency medical and rescue services
- special orders, like fire, or other emergency closures