Tionesta, Justus Lake, Kinzua

[American_Lesion]

Some time ago there was a question posted here about trails at the Tionesta Dam in Forest County, Pennsylvania. YES, there are trails around the dam. One of the mechanics at Greathouse's garage in Tionesta cued me in on the growing number of trails--authorized by the Army Corps of Engineers--that are springing up in the area. he even invited me along on their Sunday rides.

Trails at 2 Mile Run Park (Justus Lake) are still showing signs of damage from the massive downburst we had July 21st of last year. Portions are still closed.

For those that don't recall, it was that downburst that destroyed the Rail Bridge across the Allegheny north of Warren (Kinzua). The bridge was to be part of a rails-to-trails project and was the second highest in the nation. A real shame to lose it.

[Browne]

I was looking for trail near President at one point.

I didn't find much when I went exploring, save for some clear cut and a man with his son on the back of his quad sayin, "you know you're trespassin'?"

Interesting day I must say.

Good thing to know though, thanks for the info.

Do you have any links to maps or anything like that?

[jhl99]

Browne:

You probably were trespassing.

President isn't quite far Northeast enough to get you into legitimate public land. (there are some Gamelands nearby, but one would need to consult the 'designated routes' for legal trails. The Allegheny National Forest is legit. Some reaches of it make it to Tionesta/Tionesta Dam/Corp of Engineers.

As far as links:

http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/allegheny/recreation/trails/bikeanf.html

There are a number of resources for maps on the area:
1. Contact National Forest Service in Warren. For about $5.00 you can get a map that shows forest roads and public/private land. This map is required because there are in-holdings in the ANF that are private. This map is good for cruising forest roads, but not detailed enough to for rooting out single track.

2. There is a Hiking guide to the ANF that covers the hiking trails. Hickory Creek Wilderness ($12-$15?) (as all wilderness areas, as you know) are off limits to bikes.

3. Also consider the ATV, XC ski and snowmobile trails, you can find info on the web. (The ANF website has info)

4. The USGS 7.5 min maps can be downloaded from PASDA, the Penn State GIS server.

The ANF is not a developed ATB destination. As such, a trip there is what you make of it. Aligning your preparations and expectations are key.

---- Reqarding Legion's References to the Kinzua Viaduct, check out

http://www.bridgemeister.com/pic.php?pid=99 for pictures of when it was standing.

[American_Lesion]

I'll do a little research and see what I can dig up. Things are hectic here (illness in the family, finals), so forgive me if it takes a bit. Like I said, the trails outside of Tionesta just came to my attention. When my ol' lady's folks get back from Mexico with my digital camera, hopefully I can get a few snapshots of the trails.

[Nash]

Lesion...look up on German hill in Tionesta. We built a nice loop that heads down into town a few years ago. Havnt been up there in a while and suspect it would need cleaned up. The best place to pick it up at is behing the MT ZION church at the top of the hill. The trail head starts in the corner of the farmers field. Follow it, crossing jug handle rd...keep on going, and going and going and eventually it will take you into to town. It was a sweet loop.

[American_Lesion]

http://www.trailsource.com/scripts/three.asp?STATENAME=PENNSYLVANIA&TYPE=BIKE

http://www.pagreatoutdoors.com/destinations/tionesta.html

http://www.artsandmusicpa.com/home_and_garden/rec2.htm