August Events, Rail Trail & Fall Adventures Await in Pennsylvania's Allegheny National Forest
August Events, Rail Trail & Fall Adventures Await in Pennsylvania's Allegheny National Forest
From festivals and family fairs to the newly expanded Knox & Kane Rail Trail and the limited-time reopening of the Kinzua Skywalk, discover why Pennsylvania's Allegheny National Forest region is the perfect late-summer and fall road trip from Western New York.
Hey Ellicottville, are you ready for an unforgettable road trip? Just a short, beautiful drive south across the New York border lies the Allegheny National Forest region - a sprawling, emerald playground that we proudly call Trail Central. As the summer heat finally mellows into crisp, late-summer evenings, our welcoming mountain towns are gearing up for a spectacular lineup of August events. Paired with a massive trail expansion and a highly anticipated, limited-time reopening of our most famous landmark, your ultimate autumn escape is already calling.
August: A Month-Long Celebration: August in McKean County is a vibrant celebration of heritage, art, and local flavor. Mark your calendars for these massive community events:
Phlash Phelps Day | Bradford (August 1): Kick off the month at Allegheny Mountain Arts Gallery with SiriusXM 60’s Gold host Phlash Phelps! Meet the famous DJ, snap a photo by his custom Bradford mural, enjoy local food and drinks, and groove to 60s rock-n-roll all afternoon from 10:00am-4:00pm.
Festive Italiano | Bradford (August 6-8): Expect incredible, authentic food, live music, and a vibrant street-fair atmosphere that will have you shouting "Mangia!" all weekend long.
Mt. Jewett Swedish Festival | Mt. Jewett (August 7-9): Head to the "Swedest Place on Earth" to honor the town’s Scandinavian roots. Don't miss the traditional Smorgasbord, Maypole Dance, Norseman Viking Ship races, parade, and spectacular fireworks! Learn more at facebook.com/mtjewettswedishfestival/.
McKean County Fair | Smethport (August 15-22): Bring the family to Smethport for thrilling rides, grandstand events, livestock shows, and your absolute favorite deep-fried fair foods. Learn more at McKeanCountyFair.net.
Wilds Sonshine Factory Sunflower Festival | Kane (August 28-30): Close out the month surrounded by brilliant fields of gold! Celebrate the harvest at the only place in the world making spirits from locally grown sunflowers. Sip a signature cocktail at their Guinness World Record-holding 43.5-foot continuous wood bar! Learn more at WildsSonshineFactory.org.
The Big News: 31 Continuous Miles of Trail: If you prefer your outdoor adventures on two wheels, the highly anticipated Knox & Kane Rail Trail expansion is officially finished! You can now safely bike, hike, or jog a continuous 31-mile stretch of perfectly graded, crushed-limestone trail. Make the vibrant town of Kane your basecamp to hop on the trail right in town and ride seamlessly to Kinzua Bridge State Park. Afterward, roll right back into Kane to reward yourself with craft spirits, local wine, or a famous "Texas Hot."
A Fall Exclusive: The Kinzua Skywalk Returns: The legendary Kinzua Skywalk - voted the #1 State Park in Pennsylvania - is currently undergoing an extensive preservation project. However, it is opening its gates for a very special window. The Skywalk will be open to foot traffic exclusively in September and October! This is your rare, fleeting opportunity to walk 624 feet out into the stunning Kinzua Gorge and look directly down through the partial glass floor, suspended 225 feet in the air. Timing this perfectly, you will step out onto the tracks right as the forest erupts into its world-famous autumn colors.
Play Along: McKean-Co Bingo! Make the scenic drive even more fun with our accompanying McKean-Co Bingo card! Challenge your friends and family to this ultimate road trip game as you crisscross the region. The board is packed with iconic sights and hidden gems. See if you can spot the historic Zippo sign in Bradford, marvel at the historic tank at the Eldred WWII museum, or find the quirky Reclaimed Metal Fish Sculpture in Kane.
Plan Your Detour Today: Start here. Stay longer. Explore deeper. Check out PATrailCentral.com or call 800-473-9370 to plan your trip, request your Free Adventure Guide, and ignite your path!