By Wes Bower While there are 155 National Forests scattered throughout the U.S., Pennsylvania is home to only one of these public areas. However, the Keystone State's outdoors enthusiasts aren't complaining. The 500,000-acre Allegheny National Forest offers enough recreational activities to satisfy even the most adventurous traveler.  While outdoor opportunities stretch out over a large area, Bradford, located in northern McKean County near the New York state border, is generally considered to be the centerpiece of all these outdoor safaris.  Water enthusiasts will attest that the gem of the Allegheny is the Kinzua Dan. It impounds the 12,080-acre Allegheny Reservoir, which has 7,783 acres within Pennsylvania. The reservoir is 27 miles long with 90 miles of shoreline. All types of boating, fishing, and varied water activities are available.  Most of the 106-mile stretch of the Allegheny River between the Kinzua Dam and Emlenton is considered a National Wild and Scenic River. But local anglers don't care how this river is classified; they mostly care that it provides excellent fishing opportunities. The Clarion River, particularly the parcel located in Northeastern Elk County, is a well-known fishery. In addition to the Allegheny River, favorite McKean County trout streams include Marvin Creek, Meade Run, Willow Creek, Chappel Fork, and Hamlin Lake. In addition to the Clarion River, trout anglers would be well advised to spend some time at Crooked Creek, Mill Creek, Millstone Creek, or Powers Run. And Medix run is particularly aesthetic. If water recreation isn't to your taste, there are plenty of backcountry roads, hiking trails, and bike pathways. While "nimrods" can enjoy 37 wildlife species to hunt or trap, there is a combined total of 312 wildlife species for all to see and enjoy. In 1997, fishers were introduced into the region; seeing one is an unexpected bonus. A bald eagle sighting is always a possibility. In addition, a section of scenic Route 6 meanders through this area. Pennsylvania's free-running elk herd, which now consists of about 566 animals, is scattered out over a large area. Potential sighting areas include southwestern Cameron and southeastern Elk counties. The best opportunity to see an elk is in the Benezette-Medix Run-Hicks Run area of Elk County.  In addition, whitetail deer abound and an early evening drive through backwoods country almost guarantees sightings. But a word of caution: Each year in Pennsylvania, about 45,000 are killed along highways. Drive carefully. There are over 600 miles of hiking trails located in Elk and McKean counties. The 87-mile North Country National Scenic Trail is broken into parcels of different lengths. And the avid golfer will discover five courses scattered throughout the twin counties of McKean and Elk. Family camping facilities are easy to locate, particularly in the Allegheny National Forest area. Here, there are 16 campgrounds with over 600 sites. The Willow Bay Recreation area is also a popular site. Bring along a mountain bike--it's a great way to enjoy what this region has to offer. If sightseeing is your passion, investigate the Kinzua Viaduct. Completed in 1882, it is the fourth-largest railroad viaduct in the entire world. Viaduct Bridge, Elk, and Bendigo State Parks are worthy of visits, while the Holgate Factory Toy Store and Museum in Kane is a great stopover for young children. Other should-see excursions include the Zippo factory, Straub Brewery, Wilcox Winery, Penn-Brad Oil Museum, McKean County Historical Society, Bradford Landmark Society, Elk County Historical Society, Crook Farm, Old Power House Museum, and the Allegheny Arms and Armor Museum. Of interest to all is the Eldred WWII Museum, located on Main Street in Eldred. It is dedicated to preserving the history of World War II.  On a different note, the St. Joseph Monastery, Deckers Chapel, Olmsted Manor, and the General Thomas L. Kane Memorial Chapel provide opportunities to relax and reflect. Although this mostly forested area has a low population, it nevertheless offers opportunities for fine cuisine. The Bavarian Inn, Kane Manor Country Inn, Mountain Laurel Inn, Towers Victorian Inn, Towne House Inn, and Beefeaters all come highly recommended. Accommodations such as motels and Bed and Breakfasts are readily available.  Special activities to consider includes the ANF Forest Fest and Glory on the Mountain, which will be held June 16 through June 18. Kightlingers Second Annual Car Show will be available on June 17, while the 17th and 18th of June offer the Living History Days at the Allegheny Arms and Armor Museum. The Elderhostel CCC Camps programs are scheduled June 18 through June 23. For information on any or all of these recreational possibilities, contact the Allegheny National Forest Vacation Bureau at PO Box 371, Bradford, PA 16701. The Bureau's Web site is www.allegheny-vacation.com ,  and its e-mail address is ldevlin01@aol.com  Or, call them at 814-368-9370.  For more information on this and other Jeep Jamborees, please visit http://www.jeepunpaved.com/jamboree/index.html Copyright © 2000 by Wes Bower. All rights reserved.

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