Overview
The Morrison Trail is the best long day hike in Allegheny National Forest, and it is underappreciated outside the region. The 11.7-mile loop starts near Kinzua Dam in Warren County, circles through beech-maple forest, touches the shores of a Kinzua Reservoir arm, and returns through quiet interior forest that manages to feel genuinely remote despite being less than 10 miles from Warren.
The trail's moderate rating comes from its length, not its terrain. Total elevation gain of 1,000 feet is spread across nearly 12 miles, so the climbs are gradual and the descents easy on the knees. The result is a long, steady, satisfying day in good Pennsylvania hardwood forest with enough variety, creek crossings, reservoir views, interior plateau, shoreline, to stay interesting throughout.
No permit required. Dogs welcome on leash. No facilities at the trailhead; no facilities on the route.
The Route
Miles 0 to 2.5: Trailhead to the first reservoir view. The blue-blazed trail begins on Morrison Run Road near the Kinzua Dam access road. The opening miles move through a mix of younger hardwoods and beech-maple forest, crossing Morrison Run Creek twice in the first mile (rock hops in dry conditions, wet crossings in spring). The trail climbs steadily to a high point that delivers the first view of a narrow Kinzua Reservoir arm below, a long, still ribbon of water flanked by dark green forest with no development visible in any direction. This view is more striking than the better-known Rimrock Overlook view because it feels earned.
Miles 2.5 to 5.5: The interior. The trail drops from the first overlook into a broad valley, crosses several smaller tributaries of Kinzua Creek, and climbs back onto the plateau surface. The forest in this section is primarily mature beech and sugar maple, with occasional big yellow birch in the wetter creek margins. In October, this section lights up in shades of yellow, gold, and copper.
Wildlife is often seen in this quiet interior stretch. White-tailed deer are common; wild turkey flush from the trail edges. The mix of mature forest and creek corridors creates excellent habitat for woodland birds, and birders doing the loop in May and June will find good warbler diversity, ovenbird, black-throated green, and Blackburnian warblers all nest in the mature hemlock and hardwood forest here.
Miles 5.5 to 8.0: The eastern section and shoreline. The eastern arm of the loop descends toward the Kinzua Reservoir shoreline and briefly touches the water's edge before climbing back into the forest. The shoreline section is brief, less than a mile, but the contrast between the enclosed forest trail and the open water is welcome. Osprey fish the reservoir year-round; bald eagles are increasingly common in the Kinzua area and occasionally visible from the shoreline segment.
Miles 8.0 to 11.7: The return. The final section climbs back to the plateau via a long, gradual ridge and then descends to the trailhead on Morrison Run Road. The return route passes through some of the oldest beech forest on the loop, trees large enough to suggest they were young adults when the timber operators arrived in the 1870s and somehow escaped the saws. Trail quality in this section is consistent; the USFS has maintained the blazes well.
When to Hike
May and June are good for wildflowers (early May) and the full green canopy. Creek crossings are highest in early May. The forest is beautiful but the views are somewhat obscured by full leaf-out.
July and August: Hot and humid on the plateau, but the trail's creek crossings and shaded forest make it more pleasant than open trails. Start by 7 AM in summer to cover distance before afternoon heat peaks.
September and October are the best months. October beech color is the highlight. The trail is dry and well-packed. Early October weekdays are ideal if you want solitude; the Kinzua Dam area sees leaf-peeper traffic on October weekends.
November through April: The trail is hikeable in good winter conditions. Snow on the plateau makes for excellent snowshoeing on the flat sections. Ice can make the creek crossings tricky in late fall and early spring.
What to Bring
At 11.7 miles, this loop warrants a full day kit. Many hikers carry 2 to 2.5 liters of water; stream crossings provide nearby sources, but treat all water before drinking. Bring lunch, a first aid kit, and a map, the trail's remoteness means a twisted ankle or wrong turn becomes a more serious situation than on shorter hikes.
Trekking poles are recommended for the creek crossings and the longer descent sections. Blaze orange is worth packing in October and November when deer and bear hunting seasons overlap with prime hiking conditions.
Trailhead Access
From Warren, take US-6 east toward Kinzua Dam, then PA-59 south toward the dam. Before reaching the dam itself, look for Morrison Run Road on the left (east) side; the trail parking area is on Morrison Run Road. No signage from US-6 beyond standard forest road markers. Download the USFS Allegheny National Forest map before leaving home.
From Bradford, head west on US-6 toward Warren. The drive from Bradford to the trailhead is about 40 minutes.
Nearby
The Rimrock Overlook Trail (1 mile, easy) is on the Longhouse Scenic Byway about 15 minutes from the Morrison Trail trailhead and gives a different perspective on the Kinzua Reservoir. The Chapman Dam Overlook Trail (3 miles, easy-moderate) is another accessible option in the Warren County area. Review our Leave No Trace principles before any backcountry outing.