Buzzard Swamp 157 Trailhead

Area Status: Open

This parking area offers access to 11.2 miles of interconnecting trails which offer excellent opportunities to view wildlife, hike or cross-country ski, mountain bike or go fishing. The Songbird Sojourn Interpretive Trail (1.5 mile loop self-guided nature trail) starts at the trailhead.

View/Print Trail Brochure - pdf

At a Glance

Fees:	No fee
Permit Info:	No permit required
Open Season:	January - December
Usage:	Light
Restrictions:	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: Buzzard Swamp Recreation Area
Closest Towns:	Marienville, PA
Water:	None
Operated By:	Forest Service
Information Center:	Marienville Ranger District *Address:* 131 Smokey Lane Marienville, PA 16239 *Phone:* 1-814-927-6628 Email: sm.fs.anf@usda.gov

General Information

Directions:

157 Trailhead

From Marienville

Travel south on PA-66 for 1.6 miles
Turn left onto S. Forest Street
Travel on S. Forest Street for .7 miles
S. Forest St. becomes Loleta Road
Travel on Loleta Road for .6 miles
Turn left onto Buzzard Swamp Road
Travel 2.4 miles on Buzzard Swamp Road to trailhead

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Mountain Biking

Joint use with hikers

Difficulty Level:	Easy

Lake and Pond Fishing

Hiking trail to man made lakes.

Difficulty Level:	Easy

Day Hiking

The Songbird Sojourn Interpretive Trail is a 1.5 mile long self-guided nature trail. The trail starts at the Forest Road 157 trailhead, and is marked with off-white diamonds.

Fire Information	Campfires are permitted if maintained in a fire ring, and completely extinguished.
Difficulty Level:	Easy

Viewing Wildlife

Buzzard Swamp offers some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities on the Forest. The area is an important link in the Atlantic flyway during the waterfowl migration. During spring migration, 20-25 species of waterfowl can be seen around the swamp. An observant hiker could see bear, deer, beaver, coyote, snapping turtles, turkey, osprey, and bald eagles. Don't forget your binoculars or spotting scope for great views of the native fauna.

The forest is rich with wildlife, from birds to mammals to fish and other amphibious life.

For information on species common to Pennsylvania, and the Allegheny National Forest visit the Pennsylvania Game Commission website for game and nongame species information.

When you see wildlife, please remember:

never feed wildlife
don't interfere with mating, predation or other natural behaviors.
keep a respectful distance
preserve habitat by following "leave no trace" principles.
leave young wildlife where you find them.

If you think you've found a sick or injured animal please call the Pennsylvania Game Commission.

Species	During spring migration, 20-25 species of waterfowl can be seen around the swamp. An observant hiker could see bear, deer, beaver, coyote, snapping turtles, turkey, osprey, and bald eagles. Don't forget your binoculars or spotting scope for great views of the native fauna.
Difficulty Level:	Easy

Viewing Plants

The wildlife propagation area is protected from entry. Minimizing access to this small propagation area (40 acres) has enabled essential vegetation to proliferate, providing critical habitat for nesting waterfowl. Excellent wildlife viewing opportunities are possible from trails bordering the propagation area. We ask for your cooperation in retaining this unique habitat.

Many native plants can be found throughout the Allegheny National Forest. The most common is Mountain Laurel, the Pennsylvania state flower.

For more information about the types of plants and trees you may see on the Allegheny: