Scenic Areas The U.S. Forest Service has not designated a new scenic area in the Allegheny National Forest in over 30 years. Opportunities to promote and preserve highlights in the scenic beauty of the Allegheny have remained untapped for much of that time. Under the Allegheny Wild! proposal, travelers who are interested in what the Allegheny has to offer will be introduced to scenic areas that demonstrate the unique beauty the Allegheny has to offer. As proposed, the new Bogus Rocks Scenic Area would include a new trailhead, scenic trail, and scenic campground within this easily-accessible gem. Tionesta Scenic Area (existing) This Scenic Area forms half of a 4,100-acre of original Eastern Hemlock-Northern Hardwoods old growth forest. Recognized as a National Natural Landmark this area features the North Country National Scenic Trail and Tionesta Scenic Interpretive Trail. Heart's Content Scenic Area (existing) This National Natural Landmark features a 120-acre stand of virgin white pine, eastern hemlock, and American beech. One of the best known places in the Allegheny National Forest.
The proposed Bogus Rocks Scenic Area provides an unusual opportunity to promote the unique beauty that is the Allegheny National Forest in a fashion that is environmentally responsible and attractive to nature-loving forest users. Easily accessible from Routes 66 and 948, two of the main forest travel routes, the Bogus Rocks Scenic Area features some oustanding rock outcroppings and overlooks that make the Allegheny a unique land worth protecting. Primarily a roadless habitat, this area features the proposed Bogus Rocks Scenic Trail which traverses through a stand of oaks and mountain laurel on its way to the stunning main outcropping. Historic Areas Currently, there are no areas in the Allegheny National Forest designated as Historic Areas. Yet, the Allegheny has an incredible natural and human history worth studying. Under Allegheny Wild! the Allegheny Defense Project has proposed several new historic areas that will begin the process of historic study and education in the forest. Much of the Allegheny National Forest's historic heritage, both natural and human influenced, remain largely untapped. The Forest Service has no cohesive plan to the preservation of this history, its interpretation, or its management. Bull Hill Historic Area This Civilian Conservation Corps Camp was used as a Prisoner of War Camp during World War II. Although foundations are all that remain today, several buildings constructed when this site was used as a Youth Corp Camp in the 1970's remain. Currently little-used this site received limited use by a local Boy Scout Troop and provides an excellent opportunity for interpretive work and a visitors center. Colosmos Historic Area The proposed Colosmos site features an interesting intersect between human history and natural history. The small cave for which this area is known provided a refuge to a wayward hunter during a blizzard some years ago. Ths site is positioned near several historical artifacts. Little Drummer Historic Area This area includes many historic relics from the extraction period between 1880 and 1920. Currently home to the Little Drummer Historic Pathway this site has excellent potential as an interptetive historic area. Unfortunately, this will require that current interpretive literature be replaced with unbiased, empirically supported historic interpretation. |
Bogus
Rocks Scenic Area (proposed) 