Allegheny Reservoir

Area Status: Open

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. Facilities range from large campgrounds with everything from electric hook-ups, flush toilets and playgrounds to boat-in campgrounds with simple outhouses and hand-pumps for water.

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.

There are two major trails in the area, Jakes Rock Extreme Mountain Biking Trail, and the short, but intense, Rimrock 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 the 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.

Scroll down to find out more about the activities available on the reservoir.

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 is 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.

At a Glance

Reservations:	Reservations are needed at the following sites/areas: Dewdrop Kiasutha Red Bridge Willow Bay To make a reservation visit recreation.gov or call 1-877-444-6777.
Fees:	Fees are charged at the following sites: Dewdrop Elijah Boat Launch Handsome Lake Hooks Brook Hopewell Kiasutha Kinzua-Wolf Run Marina Morrison Red Bridge Roper Hollow Webbs Ferry Willow Bay Camping fees must be paid within 30 minutes of arrival at the campground. Don't forget to put your site number and your license plate number on your fee envelope.
Restrictions:	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. Site Specific Orders: Allegheny Reservoir Rimrock Recreation Area Bicycles on Forest Trails
Closest Towns:	Bradford, Warren, Scandia, Marshburg, Kane, Ludlow, Mount Jewett
Information Center:	Bradford Ranger District Address: 29 Forest Service Dr., Bradford, PA 16701 Phone: 814-362-4613 Email: sm.fs.anf@usda.gov

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Sand Play

Areas for Sand Play at Allegheny Reservoir

Kinzua Beach

Mountain Biking

Morrison Trail

A 12.6 mile loop trail. The trail leads to Morrison Campground, a boat access located on Kinzua Bay of the Allegheny Reservoir.

Jakes Rocks

The trail is located just before Jakes Rocks overlook and is an "extreme" mountain biking trail. Two sections, Ursus and Black Snake are very difficult, six sections are moderately difficult and seven are considered "easy".

Areas for Mountain Biking at Allegheny Reservoir

Campground Camping

Dewdrop Recreation Area

Large, 74-site campground. The campground has water, a dump station, hot water showers, paved roads, a 2.5 mile interpretive trail and a one-lane boat launch.

Handsome Lake Boat Access Campground

This 20-site campground is accessible by boat or from the North Country National Scenic Trail. The campground has shoreline campsites, picnic tables, fire rings, vault toilets, a hand-pump for water and self-service pay station.

Hooks Brook Boat Access Campground

A 32-site campground with shoreline campsites, picnic tables and fire rings, vault toilets, a hand-pump for water and a self-service fee station. Access is by boat only.

Hopewell Boat Access Campground

A 20-site campground with shoreline campsites, picnic tables and fire rings, vault toilets, a hand-pump for water and a self-service fee station. Access is by boat only.

Kiasutha Recreation Area

A 90-site campground with flush toilets, pressurized water fountains, hot showers, dump station, paved roads and parking spurs. The large, grassy, swimming beach and picnic area can accommodate up to 900 people. The day use area includes a playground, boat launch and bathhouse.

Morrison Boat Access Campground

A 38-site campground with shoreline campsites, picnic tables and fire rings, vault toilets and a self-service fee station. Access is by boat or from the Morrison Hiking Trail.

Pine Grove Boat Access Campground

A 13-site campground with shoreline campsites, picnic tables and fire rings, vault toilets, a hand-pump for water and a self-service fee station. Access is by boat only.

Red Bridge Recreation Area

A 67-site campground with waterfront, full hookup (electric, water and sewage), electric only hookup or walk-to tent only campsites. The campground has flush and vault toilets, pressurized water fountains, hot showers, dump station, paved roads and parking spurs.

Willow Bay Recreation Area

A 102-site campground with flush and vault toilets, pressurized water fountains, hot showers, dump station, paved roads and parking spurs. There is a board, concrete boat launch, courtesy dock and picnic area with restrooms and picnic pavilion.

Areas for Campground Camping at Allegheny Reservoir

RV Camping

Dewdrop Recreation Area

Large, 74-site campground. The campground has water, a dump station, hot water showers, paved roads, a 2.5 mile interpretive trail and a one-lane boat launch.

Kiasutha Recreation Area

Red Bridge Recreation Area

A 65 RV sites with waterfront, full hookup (electric, water and sewage), or electric only hookup campsites. The campground has flush and vault toilets, pressurized water fountains, hot showers, dump station, paved roads and parking spurs.

Willow Bay Recreation Area

Areas for RV Camping at Allegheny Reservoir

Group Camping

Dewdrop Recreation Area

Dewdrop has one group site that can accommodate up to 50 people.

Areas for Group Camping at Allegheny Reservoir

Dewdrop Recreation Area

Cabin Rentals

Willow Bay Recreation Area

Willow Bay Recreation Area overlooks the south shore of Willow Bay, a small arm on the eastern side of the Allegheny Reservoir just south of the New York State line.

There are 11 rustic cabins available at Willow Bay. The cabins measure 10 by 12 feet and each has a 6 foot porch. Other amenities include fire pits, grills, heat and electric. Each cabin comes furnished with one double bed and one set of bunk beds.

Red Bridge Recreation Area

Red Bridge Campground sits on the eastern shore of the Kinzua Arm of the Allegheny Reservoir in northwest Pennsylvania, offering a peaceful getaway for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

There are three cabins available at Red Bridge Recreation Area. All cabins have water and electricity hookups, and allow pets.

Areas for Cabin Rentals at Allegheny Reservoir

Lake and Pond Fishing

Both Elijah Run and Webbs Ferry have paved trails with benches along them to accessible fishing piers.
Kiasutha and Willow Bay both have concrete boat launches with courtesy docks.
Ropers Hollow is not recommended for vehicles towing boats longer than 16 feet.

See the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission website for information on seasons and regulations.

Fish Species

smallmouth bass, muskellunge, walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, channel catfish and some brown trout

Areas for Lake and Pond Fishing at Allegheny Reservoir

River and Stream Fishing

Areas for River and Stream Fishing at Allegheny Reservoir

Ice Fishing

The Allegheny reservoir is a popular ice fishing area during winter months. No motorized vehicles are allowed on the reservoir ice during the winter.

See Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission for seasons, regulations and safety tips.

Fish Species	smallmouth bass, muskellunge, walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, channel catfish, white bass, crappie, and bullhead catfish and some brown trout.
Fishing Platform	Platforms are available at Elijah and Webbs Ferry boat launches

Areas for Ice Fishing at Allegheny Reservoir

Day Hiking

Morrison Trail

A 12.6 mile loop trail. The trail leads to Morrison Campground, a boat access located on Kinzua Bay of the Allegheny Reservoir.

Jakes Rocks Overlook and Mountain Bike Trail

Hardened trails provide visitors access to the overlook, as well as several large boulders and house-sized rocks.

North Country National Scenic Trail

The trail passes near the Handsome Lake Boat-to/hike-to Campground, Hopewell Boat Access Campground, Pine Grove Boat Access Campground, Red Bridge Recreation Area and Willow Bay Recreation Area.

Rimrock Overlook and Trail

There is a short, steep stairwell to rock outcropping and an overlook of the reservoir. There is a short 1.3 mile hike from the overlook to the reservoir.

Tracy Ridge Hiking Trail System

Connection provided via North Country National Scenic Trail. The trail passes the Handsome Lake boat-to/hike-to Campground

Areas for Day Hiking at Allegheny Reservoir

Backpacking

Morrison Trail

A 12.6 mile loop trail. The trail leads to Morrison Campground, a boat access located on Kinzua Bay of the Allegheny Reservoir.

North Country National Scenic Trail

The trail passes near the Hopewell Boat Access Campground, Pine Grove Boat Access Campground and Willow Bay Recreation Area

Tracy Ridge Hiking Trail System

Connection provided via North Country National Scenic Trail.

Areas for Backpacking at Allegheny Reservoir

Viewing Wildlife

The forest is rich with wildlife, from birds to mammals to fish and other amphibious life.

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.

Areas for Viewing Wildlife at Allegheny Reservoir

Viewing Plants

Many native plants can be found throughout the Allegheny National Forest. The most common is Mountain Laurel, the Pennsylvania state flower.

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

Areas for Viewing Plants at Allegheny Reservoir

Viewing Scenery

There are several locations around the reservoir where visitors can view the reservoir and surrounding forest.

Both Jakes Rocks and Rimrock have overlooks with picnic areas and short hiking trails.

Kinzua Point Information Center is one of the places where visitors can look out over the reservoir from the Kinzua Dam.

Longhouse National Scenic Byway has several locations where visitors will see views of the reservoir.

Areas for Viewing Scenery at Allegheny Reservoir

Geocaching & Letterboxing

Areas for Geocaching & Letterboxing at Allegheny Reservoir

Morrison Hiking Trail

Picnicking

Areas for Picnicking at Allegheny Reservoir

Group Picnicking

Areas for Group Picnicking at Allegheny Reservoir

Scenic Driving

Areas for Scenic Driving at Allegheny Reservoir

Boating - Motorized

Information you should know before boating on the Allegheny Reservoir:

No horsepower limit for boats
12,080 surface acres at summer pool
average width is 3/8 of a mile
length is about 29 miles
average depth is 48 feet
8 boat launches (including the marina).

Rules for use of the reservoir come from 3 different jurisdictions; the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Seneca Nation of Indians and New York State. There are reciprocal boating agreements. Rules may very according to which portion of the reservoir you boat in.

To find out water depth and temperature visit the USGS water data website.

Boats are limited to slow, no wake speed in some areas. Visit the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission website for more information (select Warren from the list of counties).

Areas for Boating - Motorized at Allegheny Reservoir

Boating - Non-Motorized

Things you should know before paddling on the reservoir:

No horsepower limit for motorized boats
12,080 surface acres at summer pool
average width is 3/8 of a mile
length is about 29 miles
average depth is 48 feet
8 boat launches (including the marina).

To find out water depth and temperature visit the USGS water data website.

Motorized boats are limited to slow, no wake speed in some areas. Visit the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission website for more information (select Warren from the list of counties).

Areas for Boating - Non-Motorized at Allegheny Reservoir

Swimming

There is one designated swimming beach on the reservoir, at Kinzua Beach.

All other areas for swimming that are identified are places where there is shoreline access near a boat launch where you can swim.

Kinzua Beach, the campgrounds and boat launches are not staffed by a lifeguard, swimming is at your own risk.

To find out water depth and temperature visit the USGS water data website.

Areas for Swimming at Allegheny Reservoir

Tubing

Information you should know before tubing with a motorized boat on the Allegheny Reservoir:

No horsepower limit for boats
12,080 surface acres at summer pool
average width is 3/8 of a mile
length is about 29 miles
average depth is 48 feet
8 boat launches (including the marina).

To find out water depth and temperature visit the USGS water data website.

Boats are limited to slow, no wake speed in some areas. Visit the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission website for more information (select Warren from the list of counties).

Areas for Tubing at Allegheny Reservoir

Waterskiing

Information you should know before waterskiing on the Allegheny Reservoir:

No horsepower limit for boats
12,080 surface acres at summer pool
average width is 3/8 of a mile
length is about 29 miles
average depth is 48 feet
8 boat launches (including the marina).

To find out water depth and temperature visit the USGS water data website.

Boats are limited to slow, no wake speed in some areas. Visit the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission website for more information (select Warren from the list of counties).

Areas for Waterskiing at Allegheny Reservoir

Windsurfing

The reservoir is a "flat" water windsurfing experience. While the reservoir has currents, it has few to no waves, other than boat wake.

Things you should know about the reservoir before windsurfing:

No horsepower limit for motorized boats
12,080 surface acres at summer pool
average width is 3/8 of a mile
length is about 29 miles
average depth is 48 feet
8 boat launches (including the marina).

To find out water depth and temperature visit the USGS water data website.

Boats are limited to slow, no wake speed in some areas. Visit the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission website for more information (select Warren from the list of counties).

Areas for Windsurfing at Allegheny Reservoir

XC Skiing/Snowshoeing

North Country National Scenic Trail

The trail passes near the Handsome Lake Boat-to/hike-to Campground, Hopewell Boat Access Campground, Pine Grove Boat Access Campground, Red Bridge Recreation Area and Willow Bay Recreation Area.

Rimrock Overlook and Trail

There is a short, steep stairwell to rock outcropping and an overlook of the reservoir. There is a short 1.3 mile trail from the overlook to the reservoir that is good for snowshoeing, because of the incline this trail is not recommended for cross-country skiing.

Tracy Ridge Hiking Trail System

Connection provided via North Country National Scenic Trail. The trail passes the Handsome Lake boat-to/hike-to Campground

Areas for XC Skiing/Snowshoeing at Allegheny Reservoir