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Morrison Hiking Trail

This trailhead offers access to the 12.6 mile (20.27 kilometer) Morrison loop trail. The three loops offer a 2-day backpacking experience or a short day hike. This trail leads to Morrison Campground, a boat access located on Kinzua Bay of the Allegheny Reservoir.

Slopes along the reservoir and along the small streams are steep. Large boulders can be found on the steeper hillsides. Most of the area is heavily forested in second growth timber; primarily oak and hickory. Hemlock is found in small groves along the streams, and some magnificent old white pines can be found in scattered locations.

Mid-to late June provides a perfect opportunity to view Mountain Laurel, the Pennsylvania State flower. Wildlife viewing is also abundant, as you are likely to see deer, squirrel, grouse, turkey, and other birds.

Native trout stream along back section of trail loop offers great fishing opportunities.

These trails are open for winter hiking. Remember to dress in layers appropriate for the weather conditions.

Specific Trail Information

Trail Number

85231

Trail Type

Standard/Terra Trail — A trail that has a surface consisting predominantly of the ground and that is designed and managed to accommodate use on that surface.

General Information

January - December

As a visitor to the National Forest, you are asked to follow certain rules designed to protect the Forest, natural resources and to provide for public safety of visitors. These rules are available to you on-line or at any office of the Allegheny National Forest. Please take time to read and understand them. General Topic orders apply across the Forest. 

Applicable Orders for this Site:

  • Allegheny Reservoir

Getting There

Directions

From downtown Warren

  • Travel south on Route 6/Crescent Park Drive for 2 miles.
  • Turn left/east onto Route 59.
  • Travel east on Route 59 for 13.5 miles.
  • Trailhead is located on the right.

Additional Information

Operated By

USDA Forest Service

Recreation Opportunities

Day Hikes Info

This 12.6 mile (20.27 kilometer) loop trail offers a pleasant 2-3 day backpacking experience or a shorter day hike.

Backpacking Info

This 12.6 mile (20.27 kilometer) loop trail offers a pleasant 2-3 day backpacking experience or a shorter day hike.

Fishing - River/Stream Info

Fish for native trout stream on the back side of this 12.6 mile loop trail.

For information on fishing regulations and season visit the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission website.

Geocaching & Letterboxing Info

Geo-caching is a permissible dispersed recreation activity on most areas of the Allegheny National Forest.

Areas where geocaching is not permitted include:

  • Hickory Creek Wilderness,
  • Tionesta Scenic and Research Natural Areas,
  • Hearts Content Scenic Area and
  • all developed recreation sites.

What You Need to Know About Geocaching:

  • No soil disturbance is permitted for any geocache placement on the Forest.
  • Caches should be covered with leaves or woody debris if the geo-cacher chooses to screen the cache at the site.
  • We ask all geo-cachers to remove their cache if the site receives a large number of visits by others as evidenced by a well-worn trail or path.
  • We ask that all caches be removed after one year regardless of site activity and moved to a new location or removed from the National Forest.

Last updated July 24, 2025