Rocky Gap Allegheny National Forest is a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of activities and breathtaking natural scenery. Whether you’re an avid mountain biker, wildlife enthusiast, or off-highway vehicle (OHV) rider, this forest has something to captivate your senses and satisfy your adventurous spirit.
Mountain Biking in Rocky Gap Allegheny National Forest
The Rocky Gap ATV Trail is a 23.1-mile trail that is divided into two loops, with the southern loop being 10.8 miles and rated as “more difficult,” while the northern loop is 11.1 miles and rated as “most difficult.” This trail is shared with ATV users, so it’s essential to exercise caution during the open ATV season.
| Trail Segment | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|
| Southern Loop | More Difficult |
| Northern Loop | Most Difficult |
Wildlife Viewing in Rocky Gap Allegheny National Forest
The Allegheny National Forest is home to a diverse array of wildlife, with over 70 species of game and non-game fish, and over 300 species of mammals, including white-tailed deer, black bear, and wild turkey. When observing wildlife, it’s crucial to follow these guidelines:
- Never feed wildlife
- Don’t interfere with mating, predation, or other natural behaviors
- Keep a respectful distance
- Preserve habitat by following “leave no trace” principles
- Leave young wildlife where you find them
OHV Riding and Camping in Rocky Gap Allegheny National Forest
The Rocky Gap ATV Trail offers 23.1 miles of trails, with the northern loop rated as “most difficult” and the southern loop rated as “more difficult.” To ride on the trails, you’ll need an Allegheny National Forest annual or daily ATV or off-highway motorcycle permit, which includes an ATV/OHM trails map.
Camping is permitted along the trail, as long as your equipment doesn’t block the trail. However, camping is not allowed at the Rocky Gap trailhead. The daily pass costs $10.00 per vehicle, while the annual pass is $35.00 per vehicle per calendar year. The trails are open 24 hours during the open season, which runs from May to September.
Scenic Overlooks in Rocky Gap Allegheny National Forest
The Rocky Gap ATV Trail provides stunning views of the surrounding forest and hills, particularly during the fall season when the foliage is at its most vibrant.
Directions and Contact Information
To reach the Rocky Gap Allegheny National Forest, follow these directions:
- From the Mohawk exit of U.S. Route 6 in Warren, take Main Ave. for less than 1 mile to the intersection with Pleasant Drive/State Route 3005/337.
- Turn right onto Pleasant Drive/State Route 3005/337 and travel 5.6 miles.
- Turn left onto Log Road/Forestry Road, and the entrance is located on the left.
For more information, you can contact the Bradford Ranger District at:
- Address: 29 Forest Service Dr., Bradford, PA 16701
- Phone: 814-362-4613
- Email: sm.fs.anf@usda.gov
Additional Resources
To help plan your visit to the Rocky Gap Allegheny National Forest, you can refer to the following resources:
- Recreation Map: A map showing the recreational areas is available on the USDA Forest Service website.
- Regulations: Pennsylvania State Regulations apply to the operation of ATVs, dirt bikes, and other off-highway vehicles on the Forest, and can be found on the Pennsylvania DCNR website.
References:
– https://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/western/rockygap.aspx
– https://www.mtbproject.com/trail/762655/rocky-gap-atv-trail
– https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/allegheny/recreation/ohv
– https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/allegheny/recarea/?recid=6095
– https://www.riderplanet-usa.com/atv/trails/info/pennsylvania_09048/ride_9576.htm