Exploring Rimrock Overlook in Warren County

Looking north over the Allegheny Reservoir from Rimrock Overlook in Warren County.

Rimrock Overlook in Warren County offers visitors outstanding views of Kinzua Bay and the Allegheny National Forest which surrounds it.

A panoramic view of Rimrock Overlook on the eastern shore of the Allegheny Reservoir.
A panoramic view from the overlook, which lies on the eastern shore of the Allegheny Reservoir.

And while not literally roadside, if you can navigate a few flights of stairs, you can experience Rimrock Overlook yourself.

Staircase leading from the parking area to Rimrock Overlook.
Staircase leading from the parking area to the overlook.

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.

The turnoff for Rimrock Overlook along Route 59 in Warren County.
The turnoff along Route 59 in Warren County.

Follow Rimrock Road for 2 miles, until it dead-ends at the parking area for the Rimrock Overlook and picnic area.

Map to Rimrock Overlook in the Allegheny National Forest.
Map to the overlooks near the Allegheny Reservoir.

If navigating by GPS, use coordinates 41.84467, -78.94600 to find the Rimrock Overlook parking area.

Parking area at Rimrock Scenic Overlook in the Allegheny National Forest.
Parking area near the overlook.

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.

Rimrock Hiking Trail sign near the Rimrock Overlook parking area.
Rimrock Hiking Trail sign near the Rimrock Overlook parking area.

Follow this trail down a few flights of wooden stairs to the overlook.

Stairs leading from parking area to Rimrock Overlook.
Stairs leading from parking area to overlook.

Rimrock Overlook is actually a series of connected viewing areas, each one offering a slightly vantage point of Kinzua Bay below.

The fall foliage immediately surrounding Rimrock Overlook is already changing to yellows and golds.
Fall foliage surrounding the overlook in Warren County.

When I visited in early October, the leaves were already erupting in color right around the viewing areas.

Fall foliage views to the south from Rimrock Overlook in the Allegheny National Forest.
Fall foliage views to the south.

Since Rimrock Overlook is entirely surrounded by the Allegheny National Forest, there are almost no signs of commercial development from this vantage point.

Fall foliage at Rimrock Overlook as of October 6th, 2021.
Fall foliage views to the north.

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!

Staricase between the boulders at Rimrock Overlook in the Allegheny National Forest.
Staircase between the boulders that form the overlook.

The passageway through the rocks is narrow, but there is a handrail to help you navigate the steps.

Stairway through the boulders at Rimrock Overlook in Warren County Pennsylvania.
Stairway through the boulders.

The view from below emphasizes just how massive the boulders that form Rimrock Overlook really are!

Standing at the base of Rimrock Overlook along the Rimrock Trail in the Allegheny National Forest.
Standing at the base of the overlook along the Rimrock Trail in the Allegheny National Forest.

If you were to continue to follow the Rimrock Trail down the mountain for another mile, you’d reach Kinzua Beach.

Kinzua Beach below Rimrock Overlook in the Allegheny National Forest.
Kinzua Beach in the Allegheny National Forest.

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.

Entrance to Kinzua Beach in the Allegheny National Forest.
Entrance to Kinzua Beach along Route 59 in the Allegheny National Forest.

Either way, Kinzua Beach is an excellent spot to visit on its own merits, before or after you visit Rimrock Overlook.

Kinzua Beach in the Allegheny National Forest.
Kinzua Beach.

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!

One of the viewing areas at Rimrock Overlook in Warren County Pennsylvania.
One of the viewing areas at the overlook.

Nearby Attractions

Jakes Rocks Overlook is actually a series of overlooks, also located in the Allegheny National Forest and just a few miles west of Rimrock Overlook.

Jakes Rocks Overlook in the Allegheny National Forest.
Jakes Rocks Overlook in the Allegheny National Forest.

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.

Covered Bridge along the Marilla Bridges Trail near Bradford, Pennsylvania.
The Marilla Bridges Trail near Bradford, PA.

The Zippo/Case Museum is dedicated to telling the story of Zippo lighters and Case knives, two iconic products made in Bradford, Pennsylvania.

The Zippo/Case Museum in Bradford, Pennsylvania.
The Zippo/Case Museum 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.

Zippo-themed Harley on display inside the gift shop at the Zippo/Case Museum in Bradford, Pennsylvania.
Zippo-themed Harley on display inside the gift shop.

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.

View of Kinzua Bridge skywalk from footbridge over Kinzua Creek.

Logan Falls is a great little waterfall tucked away in the Allegheny National Forest, near Marienville.

Logan Falls near Marienville Pennsylvania
Logan Falls near Marienville in the Allegheny National Forest.

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Rusty Glessner
Rusty Glessner is a professional photographer, lifelong Pennsylvanian, and a frequently-cited authority on PA's best travel destinations.