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Allegheny National Forest section of the North Country Trail.


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Map Key

101.2

Miles

162.9

KM

94%

Runnable

2,121' 647 m

High

1,158' 353 m

Low

11,558' 3,523 m

Up

11,320' 3,450 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

34%

Max Grade (19°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Overview

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 runner 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.

Need to Know

See northcountrytrail.org for more info!

Runner Notes

You are extremely alone on this trail, so bring what you need, and take out what you bring in.

Description

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.

Contacts

Shared By:

Kevin Ketchman

Trail Ratings

  4.4 from 8 votes

#2629

Overall
  4.4 from 8 votes
5 Star
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4 Star
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3 Star
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Recommended Route Rankings

#46

in Pennsylvania

#2,629

Overall
27 Views Last Month
6,466 Since Apr 1, 2015
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88%
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Photos

At Johnnycake Run - Tracy Ridge and North Country Scenic Trails
Nov 21, 2021 near Russell, PA
Johnny Cake Run as it enters the reservoir
Apr 28, 2018 near Russell, PA
From the trailhead off Route 59, this section of the North Country Trail traverses scenic woodlands on its way to Sugar Bay.
Mar 31, 2017 near Warren, PA
Whiskey Run at Tracy Ridge
Apr 2, 2019 near Russell, PA
Start of North Country Trail heading south in Allegheny National Forest.
Apr 1, 2015 near Russell, PA

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