Bicyclists and hikers alike enjoy the Rimrock Trail, a paved out-and-back trail. Along the beautiful Cascade Lakes Highway, the trail serves as a gateway for recreationists accessing the National Forest. A tunnel crosses the Cascade Lakes Highway along this trail, which is also commonly called “Good Dog.” This is a dirt- and rock-packed path that makes up most of the trail. In general, the rimrock trail is fairly moderate, depending on its condition. You can run, walk, bike, or snowshoe on this trail.
There is a gradual elevation change on the trail, with the majority of the trail being level. The trail becomes steeper as you climb up from Kinzua Beach. During the winter activity season, the access road to the overlook is designated as a cross-country ski trail.
From Kinzua Beach to Rimrock Overlook, this 1.3-mile trail offers a scenic hike of one and a half hours. There is a magnificent view of the Allegheny Reservoir from the overlook, which is popular among hikers and visitors alike. The Rimrock Overlook offers stunning views of Kinzua Bay, an extension of the Allegheny Reservoir to the southwest. A 200-foot elevation drop leads visitors from the parking area to the overlook.
It is possible to explore the area’s giant sandstone boulders, crevasses, and rock outcroppings from the overlook. It is allowed for visitors to climb to the overlooks by climbing stone steps, which are accompanied by handrails. Any time of year is a good time to visit this rimrock trail, but the fall is particularly beautiful.
Almost all of the rimrock trail is flat or has a gradual elevation change. One can reach Rimrock Overlook by moderate to steep sections. There is a large amount of mature oak forest along the rimrock trail, and it travels through a heavily forested area. The oak composition promoted by fire for thousands of years in the Allegheny watershed. The Native Americans were able to rely on acorn masts as a result. In the present day, this mast serves as a food source for bears, deer, grouse, and turkeys. You should always treat wildlife with respect and observe them safely if you encounter them.
Oak trees dominate the area where the trail passes. In addition to bears, deer, grouse, and turkeys, oak trees provide food for many kinds of wildlife. The Allegheny National Forest is home to more than 70 species of game and non-game fish. It is home to more than 300 species of mammals, including raccoons, gray squirrels, snowshoe hares, red and gray foxes, beavers, minks, and muskrats, as well as white-tailed deer, black bears, and wild turkeys.
Winter hiking is allowed on the Rimrock Trail. The Morrison Trailhead is the nearest trailhead where you can park your vehicle during the winter. Rimrock Overlook is accessible by National Forest System Road (NFSR) 454 in winter, which is closed to vehicle traffic. Winter conditions require you to dress in layers appropriate for the weather.
There is a possibility that hunters may be using this trail in the fall and spring. During this time period, hiking should be done in bright fluorescent clothing. Let’s don’t miss the Rimrock Trail and go whenever you have a chance.
Bicyclists and hikers alike enjoy the Rimrock Trail, a paved out-and-back trail. Photo credit: WanderInWordsAlong the beautiful Cascade Lakes Highway, the trail serves as a gateway for recreationists accessing the National Forest. Photo credit: USFS Allegheny National
Any time of year is a good time to visit this rimrock trail, but the fall is particularly beautiful. Photo credit: USFS Allegheny NationalIn general, the rimrock trail is fairly moderate, depending on its condition. You can run, walk, bike, or snowshoe on this trail. Photo credit: Curtis AbertThis is a dirt and rock-packed path that makes up most of the trail. Photo credit: GJHikes
