Pennsylvania - Allegheny National Forest Region Attractions

Accessible all year round the Allegheny National Forest, in the north-west of the state, is a paradise for walkers, campers, anglers and skiers.

Settled in 1796, the town of Brookville grew and became the county seat in 1830. Over 300 buildings from the 19th century are found throughout the historic district.

The Jefferson County History Center is located in the well- preserved N. G. Edelblute Building (1855-1875). Exhibits, research facilities, public programs, and materials related to Jefferson County are available.

The Sutton-Ditz House was erected in 1850 by Thomas Sutton, a young attorney, and purchased in 1908 by the Ditz family. Exhibits change on a regular basis featuring artifacts from the museum collections. Items on display include the iron, lumber and glass industries, Purinton pottery, an old-time country store, and Clarion County military.

The Grice Clearfield Community Museum houses a collection of 75 classic cars as well as mounted wild game and fish.

Cooksburg is located on the banks of the Clarion River. It is home to Cook Forest State Park.

Coudersport was founded by John Keating, a mercenary who managed the Ceres Land Company - they owned most of the county. The first 50 settlers received 50 acres of land.

Over 3,000 objects related to the lumber industry are on display at the Pennsylvania Lumber Museum including tools and a logging locomotive. Visitors can tour the recreated logging camp.

During World War II, Eldred was the site of a British and American munition plant which produced eight million bombs, mortar shells and fuses. It is dedicated to the memory of the local people who worked in the plant and those who served overseas during the war.

There are several major hiking and backpacking trails located in the Bucktail State Park area. Bucktail Trail, named after the famous Civil War Regiment of Woodsmen, the Bucktails or Bucktail Rangers stretches through a narrow valley. This is the old Sinnemahoning Trail used by native Americans on their way to and from the eastern continental divide between the Susquehanna and Allegheny rivers.

Greenville Railroad Museum is home to one of the largest switch engines in the world, Engine #604, is housed in the museum. A coal tender, hopper car, a 1913 Empire touring car and a 1952 caboose are also on display.

Kinzua Bridge State Park features the 2,053-foot railroad bridge that was completed in 1882. It was the highest railroad viaduct in the world when it was completed.

Punxsutawney is a famous small town in America thanks to a furry little guy named Punxsutawney Phil. Every year on Groundhog Day (February 2), thousands of people make the trek to Gobbler's Knob to hear Punxsutawney Phil's prediction for the length of winter.

The Elk County Historical Society is comprised of two buildings. The Robinson Museum, which houses the society and the Center House, an Italianate Victorian home built in 1882 that contains period furnishings.

Smethport features turn-of-the-century large wooden and brick homes built during the 1800's by the wealthy lumber barons. America's First Christmas store has Christmas past displays to be enjoyed by visitors.

Founded in 1842 by persecuted German Catholics from Philadelphia, St Marys became the center of the powder metal industry. Recreational and cultural opportunities are available throughout St Marys.

Founded by New England colonists in 1806, the town has many features that are reminiscent of Massachusettes or Vermont. Wellsboro offers year-round recreation opportunities.

Leonard Harrison State Park and Colton Point State Park are located on opposite sides of the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania. The depth of the canyon is about 800 feet and these park locations offer scenic overlooks.