Fall Foliage in the Forest is Picture Perfect

Mother Nature is painting the Allegheny National Forest Region in picture perfect fall colors. Bright orange, brilliant yellows and rich reds dot the hillsides and roadways. As you travel through the Forest you will feel like you are driving through a box of crayons. To enjoy the fall colors take a scenic drive in the forest to one of the suggested overlooks below, or sign up to participate in the Fall Foliage Photo Trek.

The Fall Foliage Photo Trek will be Saturday, October 5, 2013. Plan to join award-winning photographer Ed Bernik on a guided excursion into the Allegheny National Forest Region. The photo trek includes photography instruction, breakfast and a full-day of photography, including a photo critique. The best photos will be featured on the regional tourism promotion site-www.visitANF.com.

Scheduled during the peak of the fall foliage season, you will learn how to capture that perfect shot while enjoying the natural beauty that surrounds you. Dress for hiking; bring comfortable walking shoes and clothing, rain gear, a digital SLR camera and a tripod. Participants will car pool to the locations. Trek will occur rain or shine.Fee includes a box lunch. Accommodations are available at local hotels and bed and breakfasts.  For a full list of accommodations please go to www.visitANF.com. The fee of $55 includes your lunch. Meet at the Frame-Westerberg Commons, at Pitt-Bradford, 300 Campus Drive, Bradford, PA. The fall foliage trek is from 10 AM to 6 PM. To register for the Fall Foliage Photo Trek call 800-872-1787 or e-mail continued@pitt.edu

Picture Perfect Sites to Visit in the Forest

Grab your camera and make some memories by visiting these suggested sites within the forest region.

Longhouse National Scenic Drive- Designated one of the top 50-scenic drives in the United States by U.S.A. Today, this 27-mile loop circles the Allegheny Reservoir. Three scenic overlooks-Rimrock Overlook,Jakes Rocks and Kinzua Point provide stunning vantage points to photograph the forest and the waters of the Alleghenies.

Kinzua Bridge State Park- the Kinzua Bridge State Park is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year. To visit, log
in 1721 Lindholm Drive, Mt. Jewett, Pennsylvania in your GPS unit. The park is a day-use park, open from dawn to dusk; admission is free, as is walking on the Kinzua Sky Walk. Weddings and special events can be scheduled at the park. There is a park pavilion available for rent. If you have a group of 20 or more, and you would like to schedule an interpretive program, on the history of the bridge, apple-cider making, use of a GPS-geocaching or other free programs offered by the Kinzua Bridge State Park, please call the park office at 814-965-2546.

Smethport Mansion District-Plan a road trip into Smethport, Pennsylvania, to view the 32 homes highlighted within the Smethport Mansion District Walking Tour Brochure. You can pick up a copy of this brochure in the outside kiosk located in front of the McKean County Courthouse. The map inside takes you past homes built during the Gilded Age. Victorian Queen Anne, English Gothic, Italianate, and Colonial Revival are just some of the architectural styles you can photograph. A stop at the Old Jail House Museum, 502 W. King Street, will offer you some additional prospective on the pioneers and industries that shaped the communities of McKean County, Pennsylvania.

Bradford National Historic District- Built by the oil barons during the late 1800's and early 1900's, Bradford's downtown features a wide variety of architectural styles. Of particular note is the Hooker-Fulton Building, a stunning example of Art Deco architecture. Old City Hall was recently completely renovated and features a mural of the city in the first floor reception area. One of the quirks of the city is the operating oil well in the drive-thru area of the local McDonalds; a historic foot-note to the region's industrial riches.

Plan Your Trip. For a free copy of the Allegheny National Forest Visitors Guide & Map, or the Smethport Mansion
District Brochure, or the Bradford National Historic District Walking Tour, and a full list of accommodations, restaurants and local shops, please call 800-473-9370 or visit us on-line at visitANF.com.