Outdoor Activities

As a small rural area, Warren County has a number of resources to enjoy the great outdoors. Situated by the Allegheny National Forest and with access to state gamelands, Warren County has a lot to offer both visitors and residents. The Allegheny Reservoir also provides water-based recreation, making this an area rich with outdoor activity.

Allegheny National Forest

The Allegheny National Forest was established in 1923 and encompasses over 500,000 acres. It is the only national forest in the state of Pennsylvania and lays claim to five niches unique to the region. Among these are the Allegheny Reservoir, Nationally designated trails, rivers, and areas, heritage sites and stories, road based recreation, and an ATV/trailbike riding system. The trees in the National Forest are predominantly hardwoods, including the Allegheny hardwoods: black cherry, yellow poplar, and ash. It is the home of countless woodland creatures and game animals including deer, bear, squirrels, and turkey.

Recreational sites and opportunities on the Allegheny National Forest include, but are not limited to, campgrounds and picnic areas, hiking trails, boating and canoeing, fishing, swimming, and horseback riding. There are also scenic overlooks where one will find a majestic views of the Allegheny Reservoir and surrounding area. Winter activities include cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing.

Chapman Dam State Park

This state park, named in honor of Dr. Leroy Chapman, State Senator from 1929 to 1963, opened its 800-acres to the public in 1951. The dam was constructed near what was once an earthen dam for Bucher Mill Log Pond. Chapman Dam State Park features campgrounds and picnic areas, hiking and bicycling trails, and swimming and boating on Chapman Lake. During the winter months Chapman Dam State Park features ice fishing, ice skating, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and sledding and tobogganing.

Kinzua Dam/Allegheny Reservoir

Situated in the heart of the Allegheny National Forest, the $108million hydro-electric/flood-controlled Kinzua Dam was completed in 1965 by the u.S. Army Corp of Engineers. The area features a scenic overlook, guided tours through the structure, and a Visitor Center with wildlife displays and exhibits. The Kinzua Dam holds back the waters of the vast Allegheny Reservoir, a hotspot for water-based activities. Boating, fishing, swimming, and waterskiing are among the more popular activities on the Allegheny Reservoir.

PA State Gamelands

Hunting is an ever-popular sport in Warren County. Whether it is deer, wild turkey, grouse, squirrel or other game, the surrounding woods are full of wildlife. Warren County is home to over 37,000 acres of state game land, including 14,271-acre Game Land 86 in Pleasant Township and 9,363-acre Game Land 29 in the Chapman Dam area. Refer to the Pennsylvania Game Commission website for additonal information.

Golf

Golf is a sport for everyone in Warren County. Whether young or old, you will discover that people of all ages are out enjoying the greens. Warren County is home to one private and three public golf courses. Each one is unique and offers panoramic views of the surrounding Pennsylvania hillsides.

Yearly Events

From Sheffield's Fireman Field Days to the Warren Jaycees Fourth of July Parade and YABA Days in Youngsville, there is always something going on in Warren County. A comprehensive list of upcoming events is available from Northern Alleghenies Vacation Region.

Warren County Fair
Every year in mid-August, the people of Warren County and surrounding communities come together in Pittsfield for the annual Warren County Fair. Tracing its roots back to the mid-1800s and operating at its current location since 1967, the Fair has been a longstanding county tradition of fun and socializing for people of all ages. The event attracts 50,000 visitors and is a great chance to visit with friends, co-workers, and members of the community. Residents enter their livestock, agricultural products, and hand-made crafts to be judged and displayed at this week-long event. Local community organizations run many concession stands. In addition to carnival rides and booths, the Fair also boasts live music and entertainment as well as animal shows and tractor pulls.

Wild Wind Festival
2011 marks the 32nd anniversary celebration of the award-winning Wild Wind Folk Art & Craft Festival at the Warren County Fairgrounds, Route 6, Pittsfield, PA. Open for one weekend in September, the Festival is held rain or shine as most exhibits are under cover. Visitors will be treated to the sights and sounds of a truly American festival. A select group of 120 artisans from throughout the United States gather at this prestigious show each September to display and sell their wares to the sounds of live music and the smells of delectable foods. For more information call (814) 723-0707 or (814) 563-4726.

Tidioute Fishing Tournament
Situated along the Allegheny River is the community of Tidioute, home to the annual Pennsylvania State Championship Fishing Tournament. Tidioute resident, Jim Latimer, along with the Chamber of Commerce of Tidioute, organized the first Championship Fishing Tournament in 1960. Tidioute is a prime location for easy boat access into the Allegheny River, drawing people from across the state for a great fishing experience. The tournament has evolved into a family weekend packed with fun. Beyond displays and sales organized by local businesses, there is a parade, a craft show, and special events on the weekend of the tournament. The tournament is catch-and-release, where the total weight of the catch determines who goes on to the National Fishing Championship.

Canoe Races
Since 2000, Warren County has been home to the Pennsylvania State Canoeing and Kayaking Championship. The Allegheny River is a great location for the races as the Army Corps of Engineers can control the water level and conditions. Because of successful races in prior years and the popular location, Warren also hosted the USCA National Championships in 2003, 2005, 2007 and 2009. The national competition will be held here again in 2012.

APBA Powerboat Racing
This year marks a new event on the Allegheny Reservoir: the American Power Boat Association Stock Outboard Divisional Championships. Small outboard motor watercraft, ranging from 10 to 14 feet in length, raced through the waters of the Allegheny. Due to the size and configuration of the Reservoir, racers are able to turn their craft comfortably without losing as much speed as they would on traditional river courses. Spectators can readily view the course from the Kinzua Beach area.

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