North Country Trail (Allegheny National Forest Section)

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The North Country National Scenic Trail leaves Allegany State Park in New York and crosses the state line into the Allegheny National Forest in northwestern Pennsylvania. The trail winds along the scenic shoreline of the Allegheny Reservoir and through Hearts Content and Tionesta scenic areas.

The forest is dominated by tall, straight Cherry trees. Keep your packs off the ground if camping; this is bear country. For 100 miles, the NCNST travels through the ANF before entering into the hemlock canopy of Cooks Forest State Park area leading the hiker to the Clarion River. From the banks of the Clarion River, the trail continues out of state lands and into private lands of the Toby Creek watershed.

See northcountrytrail.org for more info!

With 96.3 miles of completed trails marked with blue diamonds, the North Country Trail is the longest trail in the Allegheny National Forest. It is one of three designated National Scenic Trails in Pennsylvania and provides vistas of the Allegheny Reservoir as it passes through rock outcroppings, open hardwoods, old growth forests and stands of hemlock.

A trailhead with a parking area is located along PA 346 west of the City of Bradford. From this northern point, situated along the New York-Pennsylvania state border, near the Willow Bay Recreation Area, the North Country Trail winds south to Tionesta Scenic Area. The trail then heads southeast to Nanson and southwest through Seldom Seen Corners to the ANF Boundary near Muzette.

This is perfect for backpacking and the northern section from Rt. 321 to the Red Bridge Recreational Area is approximately 29 miles, so allow 2-3 days. The difficulty level is moderate to difficult.