Thanks to Linda Devlin , The Allegheny National Forest Vacation Bureau for providing this most helpful information
Foliage.org: What are the projected dates for Eldred, Pennsylvania autumn fall foliage season?
Prime leaf peeping season is the last two weeks of September and the first two weeks of October.
Foliage.org: Are there areas, vistas, scenic lookouts or other destinations within Eldred that are known for their uniquely beautiful autumn foliage displays?
Travel PA Route 446 from Eldred through Farmer’s Valley, then along PA Route 46 to the Victorian village of Smethport. Views along the way include the Allegheny River and the rich colors of the diverse hardwood forest of the Allegheny Plateau.
PA Route 446, between Eldred and Port Allegheny, travels through farm and forestlands connecting to scenic Route 6 in Port Allegheny. Scenic Route 6 was named by National Geographic Traveler as “One of America’s Most Scenic Drives.”
Nearby, the Longhouse National Scenic Byway offers some of the most breathtaking views imaginable of forests and waterways in the eastern United States. The 29-mile loop-a designated National Forest Byway-circles the Kinzua Creek arm of the Allegheny Reservoir and allows visitors to enjoy the majestic splendor of the Allegheny National Forest along PA Route 59 and PA Route 321 and Allegheny National Forest Road 262.
Foliage.org: Are there historic or cultural sites that are popular destinations for Fall foliage travelers? What are they?
The Eldred War World II Museum is dedicated to those who were part of the dramatic war that changed the world forever. Located in Eldred, just 30 minutes from Bradford, this is history you can see, touch and feel. The museum is open Tues-Sunday 10 AM to 4 PM.
Saint Mary’s Church, Newell Creek Road, off PA Route 155, is located just outside of Eldred, Pennsylvania along a forested highway. The parish organized in 1847 is believed to be the oldest church within McKean County.
Foliage.org: What are some other popular tourist attractions for autumn travelers to Eldred. What are some of the less well known, but much loved local attractions?
Nearby, the Zippo/Case Visitors Center houses rare Zippo lighters and Case knives and a series of engaging interactive kiosks and exhibits. The museum is open daily and includes an extensive gift shop that offers one-of-a-kind prototype Zippo lighters.
Foliage.org: Are there favorite destinations for history, literature, architecture buffs, or antique collectors? What are they?
Nearby, the Smethport Mansion District walking tour provides a self-guided tour through a charming village built during the Victorian age by the lumber barons. The Route 6 Diner, located along Main Street, is a favorite stop for a hamburger and a shake. Lindgren’s Variety Store, 311 Main Street, is housed in a time honored “general store” facade. When the store first opened for business in 1901 it was the Clarke Millinery Store.
Foliage.org: What are some favorite destinations or activities of families traveling during the Fall travel season?
McKean County, Pennsylvania, is Trail Central. Families can enjoy more than 600 miles of trails for hiking, biking, backpacking and over 100 miles for ATV riding.
For those seeking a thrill, either by land or by air-
Majestic Kamps and Lost Trails offer year-round ATV trails, and ATV rentals are available from Allegheny Recreation Rentals.
Free Fall Oz offers tandem skydiving-a great way to view the fall foliage from above!
Foliage.org: What are some helpful resources for discovering local inns, bed and breakfasts, lodges, boutique hotels, and other local lodging and dining?
A free travel guide and map for the Allegheny National Forest Region, which includes Bradford, Kane, Smethport and other local communities, can be ordered by calling 800-473-9370 or clicking on visitANF.com
For Fall foliage viewing, a free Scenic Driving Tour brochure that features seven suggested tours, attractions, restaurants, lodging and a color-coded driving tour map is available by calling 800-473-9370, or e-mail info@visitANF.com.
Foliage.org: Is there anything else you would like to tell visitors thinking about traveling to Eldred for the fall foliage season?
In the Allegheny National Forest the sky is more vast, the mountains higher, the trees a bit taller. The fall foliage peeks early in the upper elevations of the Allegheny Plateau offering a wide spectrum of vivid colors due to the diversity of the hardwood forest. This is an area of winding roads, scenic byways, and low traffic. Travel Savvy Magazine named the Longhouse National Scenic Drive as one of the top six fall foliage drives in the United States. Fall really is bigger here!