Buzzard Swamp Wildlife Management Area Trails

Allegheny National Forest
Allegheny Region

Wildlife
Directions & Trail Description
Forest Trail Regulations & Information

Location: Allegheny National Forest, about 25 miles north of Clarion.

Length/Configuration: 9.6 mile system of interconnecting trails.

Terrain/Surface: Relatively flat, through forest and over meadows.

Technical Difficulty: Easy, on cross-country ski trails.

Elevation Change: Flat. (if you bike from Marienville, there will be short climbs and descents on roads leading to the trails).

Caution: This is a multi-use trail shared with hikers. Some trails out in open areas with little protection rom sun and wind. Avoid hunting season during late fall. Trails can be wet or muddy during the Spring. Entry into waterfowl propagation area prohibited - do not disturb nesting birds.

Other Area Trails

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Note: The trail maps on this website have been simplified to provide an overview with approximate locations of trails and special features. Read Full Disclaimer.

Directions:
Two trailheads provide access to the area. The southern trailhead is located on Forest Road 157, 1 mile south of Marienville on Loleta Road. The northern trailhead is located on Forest Road 376, 2.5 miles east of Marienville on Lamonaville Road.

General Description:

See Allegeheny National Forest for trail regulations and other important information.

Buzzard Swamp Wildlife Management area is located within a special management area that emphasizes wildlife management and recreational opportunities, it offers some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in the Forest. A mecca for waterfowl, during spring migration, 20-25 species of waterfowl can be seen around the swamp. If you are observant you might see bear, deer, beaver, coyote, snapping turtles, turkey, osprey, and bald eagles.

This is a good place to take older children who enjoy the outdoors for a mountain bike ride. Maps of the trail can be picked up at the Marienville Ranger Station directly north of town.

The Trails:

In the early 1960’s the US Forest Service and the PA Game Commission created a chain of 15 ponds for fish propagation. Today, the dikes and meadows around these ponds offer a 9.6 mile system of interconnecting trails for an easy mountain biking ramble. The wide, grassy cross-country ski trails travel on relatively flat terrain over meadows, by several man-made ponds, and through a beautiful mixed forest of black cherry, maple oak, ash and poplars. The Forest Service occasionally mows the meadow grass but in between those time the grass can get quite high.

Most of the trails are not marked, so watch the informational signs for directions. Some of the trails are located within meadows with little protection from the sun and wind. Be prepared. In the Spring or after a downpour the trails can be extremely wet, muddy and practically under water in spots.

These trails are for hiking, skiing and mountain biking. Motorized vehicles, ATVs, and snowmobiles are not allowed on any of the trails. Many trails through Buzzard Swamp use gated roads and are available for use by mountain bikers.

For more information:

Allegheny National Forest:
PO Box 847
Warren, PA 16365

Phone: (814) 723-5150
TTY: (814) 726-2710

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