Completed in 1966, this flood-control facility harnesses the Allegheny Reservoir, a 12,000 acre impoundment. Snuggled in rugged plateau country, the forest's rolling, sometime steep topography, cut deeply by hundreds of miles of creeks and streams, boasts elevations ranging from 1,000 to 2,300 feet. Seven National Forest campgrounds are located along or a short distance off the trail. In addition, primitive camping is permitted anywhere within the forest, but not within 1500 feet of the Allegheny Reservoir or roads along the reservoir. Other excellent trails maintained by the Forest Service, including the Black Cherry and Tracy Ridge National Recreation Trails, connect with the North Country Trail.
Black bear are present in the forest, with hundreds of sightings each year.
Bear precautions should be taken. The Allegheny National Forest, along with other national forests, has been working hard to improve the quality of informational material about the trail in the forest. A new and informative brochure on the trail in the forest, along with specially marked forest maps, is available from Allegheny National Forest, PO Box 847, Warren PA 16365. The Allegheny Outdoor Club offers a patch for users completing the trail in the Allegheny National Forest. For more information, contact Don and Brita Dorn, Star Route Box 476, Sheffield, PA, 16347.