The leaf-peeping season is a popular travel time alternative to the summer months, especially when it comes to the northeastern U.S. While many people head to states such as Massachusetts, Vermont, and New Hampshire to witness the woodlands exploding into a full-color array, some don't realize that right next door, the Allegheny Forest is home to some of the best foliage in the country.
There's no denying that at roughly 2,000 feet, the leaves and surrounding mountainscape look utterly breathtaking. However, there's one route, in particular, that will lead visitors to the best views in the Allegheny Forest, and it can be driven or hiked.
Start The Trip Off In Ellicottville
While the destination is incredibly beautiful, the Kunzua Route is unique in the sense that the entire drive is just as stunning. Travelers begin by heading out of Ellicottville, a town that seems to come to life during the fall season. Scenic roads through downtown give visitors those true autumn vibes, making them long for a cozy sweater and a cup of hot coffee. In these parts of Upstate New York, it's as though time has frozen for only a moment, allowing visitors to enjoy all there is to love about the fall season - especially its foliage.
Visitors should opt to spend some time in Ellicottville, as the Allegheny Forest is only a 20-minute drive south. It's a great place to cozy up in one of many accommodations. Some top-rated options include:
- Saisons Inn, a B&B starting at $317/night
- Windgate by Wyndham, a luxe hotel change starting at $139/night
- The Jefferson Inn, a Victorian B&B starting at $99/night
- EVL Lodge, a rustic cabin lodging starting at $130/night
Heading Out On Route 219
Once visitors have soaked up all the ambiance they can in Ellicottville, the trip should start with drivers heading out on Route 219. From the start, this road is incredibly beautiful and the latter half of the route was voted one of America's Top Scenic Drives by National Geographic. Therefore, one doesn't even necessarily need to be concerned with rushing to the destination - the journey is just as enjoyable!
The drive down Route 219 also could not be easier; this road should be taken the way to the fork where it and Route 6 meet, called Lantz Corners. From that point, drivers will make a left to continue down onto Route 6, and they'll already be halfway there. By taking Route 6, drivers will find themselves heading toward Mount Jewett, which is roadside stop number one.
Mount Jewitt Attractions
After crossing over the border into Pennsylvania and finding themselves in Mount Jewitt, visitors will also find themselves surrounded by its mountain town history. The town itself was settled by Swedish immigrants and much of that culture is still prevalent throughout the community today. According to the Allegheny Forest National Visitor's Bureau, there are several must-stops in town for newcomers:
- Kaffe Sol: A café and coffee shop that's dishing up traditional Swedish pastries, breads, breakfast, and lunch offerings in their dining room, called the Viking Room.
- Mount Jewitt Heritage Park: Found in the center of town, this is a must-stop to learn about the traditions honoring Swedish culture.
- Nebo Chapel: A historic chapel that was built in 1887, and was influenced by the design of Ersta Kyrka at Stockholm.
- Mt. Jewitt Swedish Festival: For those who wish to get a taste of this town's history and culture, this festival is held annually during the second weekend in August.
Kinzua Bridge State Park And Sky Walk
Mount Jewitt is also the gateway to the final stop, Kinzua Bridge State Park. Visitors will be able to find it by locating the brown sign indicating its entrance off Route 6, and it's a left turn off the main road. From there, drivers will be directed onto Kinzua Bridge Scenic Byway, which is an amazing lead-up to the Kinzau Sky Walk. The Byway will take visitors through mountain passes overlooking fields, valleys, wetlands, and forested conservation areas. It's also possible to spot various wildlife including turkeys and deer, so proceed slowly and with caution.
Kinzua Bridge State Park
Those looking to explore Kinzua Bridge State Park even further can take advantage of its shaded picnic areas and hiking trails. During the fall, the foliage is breathtaking and can be viewed practically anywhere in the park. The best time to see it is during mid-September because, by the second week of October, most of it has already disappeared.
- General Kane Hiking Trail: This trail is rated as easy and is only one mile in length before giving way to stunning views of the Kinzua Gorge below.
Kinzua Sky Walk
For the ultimate in scenic views, visitors should continue on to the Kinzua Sky Walk. The walkway extends out 600 feet into the overlook, which provides wonderful views of the mountain ranges surrounding. It also features a partial glass floor, through which visitors can observe the woodland and Kinzua Gorge below their feet. The line of sight is about eight miles all around, giving visitors a pretty good sense of being in the clouds with the gorge ravine just below.