Rimrock Overlook in Warren County offers visitors outstanding views of Kinzua Bay and the Allegheny National Forest which surrounds it.
And while not literally roadside, if you can navigate a few flights of stairs, you can experience Rimrock Overlook yourself.
How to Find Rimrock Overlook in Warren County
From Route 59 two miles east of the Allegheny Reservoir, turn onto Rimrock Road when you see the sign below.
Follow Rimrock Road for 2 miles, until it dead-ends at the parking area for the Rimrock Overlook and picnic area.
If navigating by GPS, use coordinates 41.84467, -78.94600 to find the Rimrock Overlook parking area.
The Rimrock Trail
At the back edge of the Rimrock Overlook parking area, you’ll see a sign marking the start of the Rimrock Trail – this is the path you want to take to the overlook.
Follow this trail down a few flights of wooden stairs to the overlook.
Rimrock Overlook is actually a series of connected viewing areas, each one offering a slightly vantage point of Kinzua Bay below.
When I visited in early October, the leaves were already erupting in color right around the viewing areas.
Since Rimrock Overlook is entirely surrounded by the Allegheny National Forest, there are almost no signs of commercial development from this vantage point.
Staircase Through the Rocks
One unique feature of Rimrock Overlook is that you can follow a staircase down through the rocks that form the overlook!
The passageway through the rocks is narrow, but there is a handrail to help you navigate the steps.
The view from below emphasizes just how massive the boulders that form Rimrock Overlook really are!
If you were to continue to follow the Rimrock Trail down the mountain for another mile, you’d reach Kinzua Beach.
Or you could just go back up the stone and wooden staircases to your vehicle and drive to Kinzua Beach afterwards, which is what I did.
Either way, Kinzua Beach is an excellent spot to visit on its own merits, before or after you visit Rimrock Overlook.
So if you find yourself in the northwest part of Pennsylvania, make time to visit Rimrock Overlook in the Allegheny National Forest – you’ll be glad you did!
Nearby Attractions
Jakes Rocks Overlook in Warren County is actually a series of overlooks, also located in the Allegheny National Forest and just a few miles west of Rimrock Overlook.
Kinzua Beach in Warren County stretches roughly 450 feet along the banks of the Allegheny Reservoir, providing a serene and scenic spot for a day of relaxation and recreation.
Tidioute Overlook in Warren County features a pair of easy-to-reach vistas offering views of the Allegheny River and the quaint town of Tidioute.
The Marilla Bridges Trail is a gorgeous 1-mile loop trail around the Marilla Reservoir near Bradford, just a few minutes south of the Pennsylvania/New York border.
The Zippo/Case Museum is dedicated to telling the story of Zippo lighters and Case knives, two iconic products made in Bradford, Pennsylvania.
The 15,000-square-foot facility in McKean County includes the museum, a gift shop (naturally!) and the famous Zippo Repair Clinic.
Kinzua Bridge State Park in McKean County is home to what was once the longest and tallest railway bridge in the entire world – The Kinzua Viaduct.
Logan Falls is a great little waterfall tucked away in the Allegheny National Forest, near Marienville.
Did you enjoy this article?
If so, be sure to like and follow PA Bucket List on Facebook, Instagram, and/or Pinterest to learn more about the best things to see and do in Pennsylvania!
Click on any of the icons below to get connected to PA Bucket List on social media.
