Looking for the best hikes in Allegheny National Forest? Check out my guide to some of my favorites!
Quick Picks for Best Hikes in Allegheny National Forest
- Best for Older Kids: Rimrock Overlook
- Best for Waterfall Lovers: Hector Falls
- Best Fall Foliage Viewing: Kinzua Bridge State Park
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Rimrock Overlook
Address: Forest Rd 454, Bradford, PA 16701
Best for: Exploring with older kids | Mileage: 0.4 from parking lot to overlook, up to 3 miles if exploring further | Difficulty Rating: easy if just to overlook, moderate if variants are used | Best Time of Year to Go: views of foliage are INSANE in the fall | Map: AllTrails
Rimrock Overlook in Warren County is one of the best scenic overlooks in the state. The views from the top are spectacular and the hike feels like exploring a medieval castle as it descends through giant sandstone boulders.
The parking lot has a pit toilet and a lot of parking spots. There’s multiple options for hiking. If you just want to hike to the overlook, it’s about a 0.4 mile out and back from the parking lot. I highly recommend exploring around the boulders. There’s a staircase in the middle of the overlook that takes you down below.
If you’re just headed to the overlook, it’s a relatively easy hike. If you’re adding on wandering around the cliffs at the bottom or the out and back to Kinzua Beach, there’s some elevation gain.
Insider Tip: This would be a good hike for older kids that are comfortable with steep cliffs, but I would not recommend for small children as there are sheer drop offs with areas without railings
If you want to make sure you never lose a route, upgrade to AllTrails+. Then you can download trail maps to stay on trail even when you don't have service!
Kinzua Bridge State Park
Address: 296 Viaduct Rd, Mt Jewett, PA 16740
Best for: fall foliage fiends | Mileage: | Difficulty Rating: relatively easy, although the walk back up to the visitor center has sneaky elevation | Best Time of Year to Go: Fall | Map: AllTrails
Note: the Skywalk and hike below are closed except for the fall season until 2027 for repairs. To make sure it’s open during your visit, check out the DCNR’s webpage. In 2026, the bridge is open until 10/31
Wander between the skeletal remains of what used to be the tallest viaduct in the world on this northern Pennsylvania hike. Start at the Visitor’s Center with walking onto the appropriately named skywalk, where you’ll get amazing views of the valley and bridge wreckage below.
Then head down the hill to walk amongst the wreckage (but make sure to not climb on or touch any of the bridge parts!) Afterwards, learn about the history of trains and how the bridge was built in the Park’s visitor’s center.
Insider Tip: This park is extremely popular and rangers will turn people away when the parking lot fills up. Get there early, especially in the fall, and don’t expect to have it to yourself.
For more information on visiting this park, check out my complete guide to visiting Kinzua Bridge State Park!
Hector Falls
Address: Forestry Road, Sheffield, PA 16347
Best for: waterfall lovers | Mileage: 2 miles | Difficulty Rating: relatively easy | Best Time of Year to Go: Spring or after a big rain | Map: AllTrails
This amazing waterfall is 20 feet tall, cascading into a secluded glen. This is one of my favorite waterfalls in northern Pennsylvania because it feels so private.
The hike is downhill on the way to the falls, following white blazes along a logging road. It turns into single track when you’re two tenths of a mile away from the waterfall. Use caution as you start to hear the falls, as Then turn around and head back uphill the way you came.
Insider Tip: The parking lot is small (with only room for 6-7 cars) so get there early. It is a pretty remote area so is unlikely to be crowded except in peak times.
This waterfall is near Kane, PA so if you're planning to visit the area, check out my guide to spending 24 hours in Kane.
Places to Stay Near Allegheny National Forest
Looking for the best place to stay for your Allegheny National Forest hiking weekend? Check out the map below!
Love Pennsylvania and can't get enough? Order my book, Scenic Natural Wonders of Pennsylvania, for detailed information about 84 amazing waterfalls, scenic overlooks, caves, and natural areas.