Allegheny Reservoir
Lush green forest surrounds the 7,647-acre reservoir that spans the border between Pennsylvania and New York. In Pennsylvania, the reservoir is completely surrounded by the Allegheny National Forest, and in New York State by Allegany State Park and the Allegany Indian Reservation of the Seneca Nation.
At normal summer pool level, the reservoir is 27 miles long, 14 miles in Pennsylvania and 13 miles in New York, with 91 miles of shoreline, and a maximum depth of 130 feet.
Despite how busy the reservoir can get in the summer, there are still places where you can experience the solitude and quiet of the forest. Amenities range from large campgrounds with electric hook-ups, showers, and flush toilets to boat-in campgrounds with simple outhouses.
The reservoir draws people from all over for the quantity and quality of the water activities it has available.
The walleye, trout, bass, pike and muskellunge are there and waiting for a fight. Several record-breaking fish have been caught in the reservoir. In the winter you can head out onto the ice for a little ice fishing. If you want to look, but not fish, stop by the dam and peek over the edge. The fish like to gather in the eddies at the edges of the reservoir near the dam. Please do not feed the fish.
The Kinzua Point Information Center boasts an impressive view of the reservoir. Two popular trails nearby include the Jakes Rock Extreme Mountain Biking Trails, and the shorter Rimrock Hiking Trail. After your ride or hike you can head over to the Kinzua Beach and cool off in the chill waters of the reservoir.
And no trip to the reservoir is complete without driving on Longhouse National Scenic Byway and up to the overlooks at Jakes Rocks and Rimrock to take in the endless view of the reservoir against the backdrop of the forest.
History of the Reservoir
The reservoir was created in the 1960s when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers constructed the Kinzua Dam on the upper Allegheny River. The reservoir water level and water surface are managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Only a few private landowners exist on the New York shoreline. The Allegheny Reservoir is unique because very little private commercial development exists along its shoreline. The majority of the existing developed recreation sites on the PA portion of the Reservoir are operated and maintained by the Allegheny National Forest.
Information Center
Managed by the Bradford Ranger District
Dewdrop Campground is located along Longhouse National Scenic Byway. This 11-acre campground is nestled on the shoreline of Kinzua Bay, which extends southwest fr
This small rustic campground is located on the east bank of the Allegheny Reservoir just north of Sugar Bay.
This rustic campground is located on the west bank of the Allegheny Reservoir just south of Webbs Ferry Boat Launch.
This small rustic campground is located on the east bank of the Allegheny Reservoir just north of Sugar Bay.
The campground sits on a large creek off the Allegheny Reservoir, offering countless water activities.
Located along PA Route 59, across from the Kinzua Wolf Run Marina, this area offers swimming, hiking, and a large, mowed lawn. The beach hosts the trailhead for t
The Kinzua Point Information Center is staffed seasonally by the Warren County Visitors Bureau to provide information about the forest and other local attractions.
This busy full-service marina is located on the Longhouse National Scenic Byway (State Route 59) just east of the Morrison Bridge at Wolf Run Bay of the Allegheny Reservoir
Longhouse Scenic Byway is a 36-mile loop byway that runs through the Allegheny National Forest.
This rustic campground is located on the east bank of the Allegheny Reservoir just east of Elijah Run Boat Launch on Morrison Bay a branch off of Kinzua Bay of the Alleghen
This small rustic campground is located on the east bank of the Allegheny Reservoir just north of Kinzua Wolf Run Marina.
Red Bridge is a popular recreation area located along Pennsylvania State Route 321, about 10 miles north of Kane.
Roper Hollow is a one-lane boat launch situated on the western shoreline in the middle of the Allegheny Reservoir.
This campground sits on a ridge top three miles east of the Allegheny Reservoir just minutes south of the PA/NY state border.
Webbs Ferry is situated on the western shoreline of the Allegheny Reservoir just south of the New York State line.
Willow Bay Recreation Area was built in the early 1960s by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers. When completed, it was transferred to the USDA, Forest Service.