Allegheny National Forest Kinzua Creek Road

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.