Allegheny National Forest Kinzua Creek Road
Railroad ghost road through PA's deepest wilderness
Forest Road 262 cuts through the heart of the Allegheny backcountry, following the ghost of the old Kinzua Creek Railroad grade through some of Pennsylvania’s most remote timber country. The route starts near Hearts Content and winds 18 miles through old-growth hemlock stands, crossing Kinzua Creek multiple times where the original railroad bridges once stood. You’ll pass the crumbling stone foundations of Camp 18, a logging camp that housed 200 men during the timber boom of the 1920s.
This is moderate 4WD territory requiring high clearance and decent tires — the creek crossings can be tricky after spring melt or heavy rains. Summer and early fall offer the best conditions, though hunters pack these roads during deer season in November. No permits required, but fuel up in Kane or Sheffield before heading in. You’re looking at 6-8 hours of slow going, but you’ll have some of the state’s best wilderness camping and might spot elk in the clearings.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 18 mi / 29 km |
| Duration | 6-8 hours |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2100 ft |
| Best season | June-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Kane, PA |
| Land manager | USDA Forest Service |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | fs.usda.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Jeep Wrangler or 4Runner handle Kinzua Creek Road without modifications?
Yes — a stock high-clearance 4WD like a Wrangler or 4Runner is the minimum you need here. Lifted rigs will have more buffer on the creek crossings and rutted sections, but bone-stock is workable in dry conditions.
Is Kinzua Creek Road accessible in spring or after heavy rain?
Avoid it in spring (April–May) — snowmelt and rain turn the dirt surface into axle-deep mud and the creek crossings run high and fast. Stick to June through October for reliable conditions.
Do I need a permit or is there a fee to run this trail?
No permit and no fee required — it's a Forest Service road on Allegheny National Forest land. Dispersed camping is free; just follow the 150-foot setback rule from water and roads.
What's the hardest part of the trail and what should I actually be ready for?
The creek crossings are the crux — water depth varies significantly by season and recent rainfall, and there's no bail-out bridge option mid-route. A few sections also have washed-out ruts that'll hang up low-clearance vehicles. Scout crossings on foot before committing.
Is there any cell service on the trail, and how far is the nearest gas from the trailhead?
Zero cell service for the entire 18 miles — this is not a 'maybe spotty' situation, it's a dead zone. Fill up in Kane, PA before you head out; it's your last reliable gas stop and sits roughly 15–20 miles from the trail start.
Trail track
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