Hector Falls - Allegheny National Forest

All this rain may delay getting on the river, but there's plenty more to do! We got our bikes tuned-up at Allegheny Cyclery, and are heading out on a bike ride to Hector Falls in the Allegheny National Forest.

I've been quite a few times but this was the most water I've seen coming over them. Beautiful! We spent a couple hours hiking around and exploring a few caves. There was enough water to create some really cool streams under and through rock formations. I was thankful I wore my gaiters. :) Check out the pics!

To get there: From Warren go East on Rt. 6 to Ludlow (17 miles). Turn right onto South Hillside Avenue (also called South Hillside Road). At the T make a left onto Water Street, then your next right onto Scenic Drive. Cross the railroad tracks and follow FR 133 for 1 mile. Turn right onto FR 258 and go 2.1 miles until you reach gated FR 258H on your left. Park at the gate. (41'41.712N, 78'58.845'W)

When you reach the Y in the road (trail), head to the left down the steady decline. The road ends at a gas well in a grassy glade. To the right are a set of small boulders. This trail leads to Hector Falls, a short hike from this point.

Or you can stop in at Allegheny Outfitters outdoors store at 430 Pennsylvania Avenue West in Warren, PA to pick up a set of directions.

Allegheny Outfitters Outdoors store and Wilderness Trip Planning Center opens!

This spring, a longtime dream of ours became a reality when we opened the Allegheny Outfitters Company Store and Wilderness Trip Planning Center in downtown Warren. 

The store will carries gear for backpacking, adventure racing, camping, canoeing, kayaking, climbing and more, from brands like Old Town, Necky, Wenonah, Deuter, GoLite, MSR, CamelBak, North Face, Nathan, KAVU, Seal Line, Therm-A-Rest, Outdoor Research, Keen and Vibram, among others.

The Wilderness Trip Planning Center, located in the store, is a free resource for anyone who is looking to take an adventure down the Allegheny River or in the Allegheny National Forest (ANF). It includes a large table, and walls covered in maps of the ANF and Allegheny River. In addition, three-dimensional topographical maps of popular trails and recreation areas in the ANF are available so users can see the elevation changes they will face on their trip, water sources they can expect to run across and other details pertinent to wilderness trip planning.

The store is a big step for our family and staff and we want it to be a force for good in our region. We hope you’ll come check it out and get involved!

See you on the river and down the trail...

Hector Falls, Allegheny National Forest

Hiked down to Hector Falls today in the Allegheny National Forest. If you're looking for one of those "hidden treasures" in the ANF, this won't disappoint.

Green is starting to cover the forest floor and flowers are popping up through the fall leaves. I was surprised at the steady water from Hector Run trickling over t...he 22-foot tall falls considering we haven't had rain in quite a while. The kids had a blast checking out the falls, Hector Run and climbing through the other large rocks in the area. We're excited to return this summer!

From the upper gate this hike is roughly 2 miles downhill. The upper gate was open, so we were able to park in the lower section, making for a super quick hike of just a few minutes... and more time to play!