Allegheny National Forest, set along the Allegheny Plateau in northwest Pennyslvania, stretches for more than 517,000 scenic acres, nearly 90 percent of which are forested. The area serves as a natural habitat for more than 300 animal species, such as black bears, beaver, red and gray foxes, white-tailed deer and wild turkey. Pennsylvania's only national forest also provides an array of recreational activities, including hiking, swimming, fishing and canoeing. For riders of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), the forest is most known for its more than 100 miles of ATV trails, the easiest of which is the Timberline Trail.
The main trailhead for Allegheny National Forest's Timberline ATV Trail lies along Forest Road 232, a mile south of the intersection of state highways 66 and 948, in the forest's Marienville Ranger District. The trail, open 24 hours per day, can also be accessed via two smaller trailheads with parking areas near the communities of Buehler Corner and Pigs Ear. The 38-mile trail is open to ATVs, motorcycles, mountain bikes and horses from Memorial Day weekend to the last weekend in September. During the winter season, typically from mid-December to early April, the trail is open to snowmobiles, mountain bikes and horses, but not ATVs or motorcycles. A daily or annual ATV trail permit is required, and users must also have proof of registration and insurance in their possession.
The Timberline Trail, designed for ATV users at the beginner skill level, is clearly marked with yellow diamond markers. The series of interconnecting trails, old forest road and railroad grades consist of wide, mostly level riding surfaces that wind through scenic forested hills. Two-way traffic is permitted on the Timberline Trail, which connects with the Marienville ATV/Motorcycle Trail to the east. The 37-mile Marienville Trail is more difficult and not recommended for inexperienced riders. The Timberline Trail has vault restrooms at trailheads but no water is available along the trail, so riders should bring a sufficient amount.
Children under 8 are not permitted to ride double on an ATV dirt bike. Children required to ride in a child safety or booster seat in an on-highway vehicle must do the same on the trail via a side-by-side ATV with seat belts. Children from ages 8 to 15 must be supervised by an adult and must have completed an ATV safety course and have the safety certificate in their possession. All operators are required to wear a helmet, stay on designated trails and must not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The trail is open 24 hours a day, and the lights on your ATV must be used between sunset and sunrise. Because trail conditions can change rapidly, always call or check the Allegheny National Forest website for updated trail reports before your visit.
The Allegheny National Forest offers a number of recreational opportunities. The forest is home to the Allegheny Reservoir, two scenic rivers, six boat launches, six canoe access sites, numerous hiking trails and more than 600 campsites, including a rustic camping area near the main Timberline trailhead. Allegheny National Forest also has two other ATV trails -- Rocky Gap and Willow Creek -- in its Bradford Ranger District to the north.