The Rim Rock Overlook and Picnic Area offer spectacular views of the Kinzua Valley, the Allegheny…read moreReservoir, and the dam. It's comprised of a mountaintop series of huge sandstone boulders. The huge rocks are a lot of fun to climb about but beware of rattlesnakes. I was born in the Town of Kinzua which, despite the objections of the Seneca Indian Nation, which had a treaty signed by George Washington covering their sections of land for as long as the grass grew and the sun shined, was broken, and flooded. So, as striking as the view may be, you're looking at yet another despicable act of a broken treaty with an Indian Nation. For the view, 5 Yelp Stars, for its appalling background of perfidy, I'll let you decide. By the way, the lake is commonly known as Lake Perfidy by the indigenous Seneca people.

This is a beautiful area that overlooks the Allegheny Reservoir. You can park near Kinzua Beach and…read morehike up to the Rim Rock Overlook or you can drive up and park at the top and take a short walk to the overlook. There are a lot of large rocks and boulders that make for interesting exploration opportunities. There's a narrow staircase that cuts right through the rocks as part of the trail between the beach and the overlook. Whichever option you choose, the overlook is gorgeous and worth checking out the view!

Beautiful space on top of the mountains overlooking the beautiful mountains, truly the "top of the…read moreworld." Parking lot was clean but could use a trash can as there were some random items of trash littered all around. Also so many cigarette butts!!!!! Ew. There are a few small benches around and an information kiosk. The road to get here is 2 miles up the mountain on a narrow, very steep road. I probably wouldn't advise driving up here in a car, you need an suv atleast. There is also no signage on 555 for this. You have to know where to look. A hidden gem in the PA Wilds.

It's a great place to take the family, there are things for all ages from just sitting on the sand…read morewhile soaking up the sun, to swimming to renting a paddleboard or canoe to walking around the dam. There are pavillions, playgrounds, a learing center with educational events (not during Covid-19), a small store to buy hot prepared food (hotdogs, french fries, etc...), cold drinks and other items. The beach area is finally smoke free for those of us who are allergic to cigarettes, it's a true relief. We can enjoy the day without worrying about our eyes swelling shut because the people next to use wont stop smoking and just throwing the butts on the sand. There are designated smoking areas for those who must smoke. Pets are welcome.

Nice and clean. Easy trails. Beautiful on a fall day. Easy…read moreto drive to. Camping is easy

One of our favorite trails. Quiet and serene. Good packed surface and well maintained. Be sure to…read morestop at the swinging bridge six miles from Brockway and take a break!

What can I say about the best hiking/biking trail in the region? The 18-mile surface was a formerly…read morea railroad, but now hosts thousands of visitors year round who enjoy the peaceful calm of being in the Allegheny National Forest with their loved ones or alone. Dogs love it and you will find them on each section of the trail. The views are breathtaking and it follows the wild and scenic Clarion River. There are picnic benches or benches to stop and have your lunch or just watch the ducks, geese, bald eagles or other wildlife. Incredible opportunities for photographers. Not to be missed.

Please note that the address shown isn't either end of the trail, nor is it the trailheads. It's…read morebased on the Trail Link maps of where the parking is at the east end. And it's not even close to where my husband Rick and I began our ride on the trail. Anyway, the Clarion Highlands Trail is part of a network of bike trails centered around the Oil City/Franklin/Emlonton/Polk, PA areas. The cluster of trails includes the Sandy Creek Trail, the Allegheny River Trail, the Samuel Justus Trail, as well as this one. You can ride them in any and all combinations for a truly fascinating ride. I should let you know that the Clarion Highlands Tail is the roughest of them all. The trail is not only the highest in Pennsylvania, it's also in many places a dirt trail with only ruts to bike through. And it's not always well marked. A good map or your GPS will help while cycling. And a mountain bike is an absolute must--no other bike can traverse this trail in places. Finally, the trail is isolated and only experienced cyclists, or newbies with a guide, should attempt it. But if you are an experienced cyclist, the trail is a very rewarding ride. My husband Rick and I combined it with a trip on the Sandy Creek Trail. We began our ride on the Sandy Creek Trail and headed east out of the junction with the Samuel Justus Trail and the Allegheny River Trail. We saw some restrooms at the junction. If you're beginning your trip on the Sandy Creek Trail like we were, better stop here. These are the only restrooms on the trip. The segment on the Sandy Creek Trail was easily the easiest on the trip. The trail is paved all the way and it's the most scenic. About 2/3rds the way between the trail junctions and Cranberry Rockland Road, we passed through a couple of tunnels. But so much for the Sandy Creek Trail--this review is after all about the Clarion Highlands Trail. We reached the trail at Lake to the Seas Highway/28th Division Highway. As I mentioned before, here the trail turns more difficult. While this is a rails-to-trails conversion, I've been unable to determine the history of the route. You should also be aware that a lot of the bridges that used to carry the rail tracks across the local roads have been removed. There are some very steep downgrades at these crossings. Just after picking up from the Sabdy Creek Trail, the Clarion Highlands Trail passes south of State Gamelands #45. It heads along in an ESE direction, passing a golf course before coming up to one of the trailheads. At Ashland, PA it passes Phipps Cemetery, near Elmo, PA. This is the highest point on the trail, some 1,472 feet above sea level. From there it curves into a NE direction before turning east. A couple miles east is the aforementioned parking lot, but Rick and I toughed it out another mile or so to the end. Oh and the trail ends in the middle of nowhere at a side road. So after a rest stop here, we headed back and while I enjoyed the ruggedness of the trail, I was sure glad to get back to some pavement on the Sandy Creek Trail. Anyway, this is a very rewarding ride but again, it isn't for the faint of heart. If you do decide to take it, please take the necessary preparations. 1) As usual, make sure you and your bike are in tip-top condition. 2) Make sure you either bring a good map or a GPS. The trail is poorly marked. It's path isn't always obvious. 3) Make sure you bring plenty of water and snacks (especially if you're a diabetic like I am). There are no places anywhere along the trail to obtain them. Dried fruits, nuts, apples, Cliff Bars, raisins, and peanut butter sandwiches travel well. 4) Make sure you have a tire repair kit, mini pump, and a chain tool. 5) A mountain bike is a necessity. 6) It's a fun trail. Have fun.

3rd time there never get tired of the views. The quietness is a big plus as well. I am sure we will…read morebe back again.

Great shows ,awesome people service dog friendly, very clean tolits and awesome coffee and staff…read moreare very helpful they even gave me a backrub

very pretty, kinda hard to find if your not from the area but definitely worth to seeing if your…read morewilling to look !

What a beautiful hike! The boys loved the waterfall and furnace. It was like a shaded magical…read morewonderland.

This is a lovely hike in Chautauqua county. There's a very small parking lot to access the hike…read more The trail is wide and well groomed. Even after some rain recently, there isn't really any mud on the trail. The trail takes you up to loop hike where you get some nice view with the gorge.

We Did the blue, red and yellow trails around the ponds off of Vail rd . Before that we started…read moredown the Cattauragus creek trail on other side of gorge but we decided we were not up for THAT challenge this time w/ 300 ft decend and climb. Fall colors were perfect and temp in 60s was great. Area is Somewhat developed but trails are rough and narrow in many places.

Have been going to Zoar Valley since my Dad started taking me back in the late 40's. The only…read morereason I gave it 4 stars is that it is not an area to mess around playing superman and such. There are people that need to get way to close to the unseerable overhang. They can and have taken a very long drop to the bottom. Play safe and it is a great place to enjoy hiking and swimming. Seem to have lost my pics. Figures.

Wow so amazing to see. The museum inside has a wealth of information also. Fall time here has to be…read morebeautiful!!

Beautiful views! Highly recommend checking this park out. There is also a nice free museum inside…read moreof the visitor center that's worth looking through.