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Allegheny National Forest, Pennsylvaniawildflowers

At Allegheny National Forest, the timing for wildflowers comes in 2 separate phases, each its own display, neither a peak: Spring wildflowers along Longhouse Scenic Drive, spring (Late April-May), offers the showiest display; and Mountain laurel at Jakes Rocks, Mountain Laurel blooms in early June. Its usual window for this year has passed.

Separate phases
  • April–MaySpring wildflowers along Longhouse Scenic Drivespring (Late April-May), offers the showiest display
  • JuneMountain laurel at Jakes RocksMountain Laurel blooms in early June
Each is its own display at its own spot: not one season, not a peak.

Right now at Allegheny National Forest

Right now in Allegheny National Forest · September

  • Rimrock Overlook open · Mar–Dec

Next 7 days at Allegheny National Forest

  • TodayAreas Of Fog then Mostly Cloudy77° / 58°52% rain
  • ThuChance Rain Showers81° / 60°51% rain
  • FriRain Showers76° / 47°92% rain
  • SatMostly Sunny69° / 46°13% rain
  • SunSlight Chance Rain Showers69° / 40°24% rain
  • MonMostly Sunny63° / 36°8% rain

Heads up: Near-freezing night (low 36°F): Monday Night.

Today: sunrise 7:13 a.m., sunset 7:02 p.m., light until 7:29 p.m. · moon waning gibbous, 78% lit (our calculation)

Your guide to the area

Best spots and nearby places

Best spots around Allegheny National Forest

  • Longhouse Scenic Drive, Kiasutha Campground to SR 321The most abundant stretch, with large expanses of white trillium and wild blue phlox; flowers on both sides of the road
  • Jakes Rocks Overlook and its access roadThe access road runs through abundant mountain laurel; pink lady's slippers may be found at the overlook in spring

Nearby

Straight-line miles; roads are longer

The year at Allegheny National Forest

  • Rimrock Overlook openNowMar–Dec
  • Showiest spring wildflowers on Longhouse Scenic Drive (late April-May)Apr–May
  • Mountain laurel at Jakes RocksJun
  • Peak leaf color at Jakes RocksOct

Questions people ask

When do wildflowers bloom at Allegheny National Forest?

In 2 separate phases, each at its own spot: Spring wildflowers along Longhouse Scenic Drive, spring (Late April-May), offers the showiest display and Mountain laurel at Jakes Rocks, Mountain Laurel blooms in early June. They're separate displays, not one long season, and neither is a peak.

Is it blooming in Allegheny National Forest right now?

Not now: its usual wildflowers window for this year has passed. Next time: Spring wildflowers along Longhouse Scenic Drive, spring (Late April-May), offers the showiest display.

Where are the most flowers?

On the southern part of Longhouse Scenic Drive, between Kiasutha Campground and SR 321, though you'll see flowers on both sides of the whole drive.Source: US Forest Service, Longhouse Scenic Drive wildflowers (Allegheny NF) ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Can I stop along the drive?

Yes, but pull fully off the road to look; the speed limit is 35 mph. If you walk along the road, face traffic and wear bright clothing.Source: US Forest Service, Longhouse Scenic Drive wildflowers (Allegheny NF) ↗ (opens in a new tab)

What's at Jakes Rocks?

No fee, picnic tables and vault toilets, but no drinking water. It's day-use only, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.; dogs are fine on a leash. Watch for tree roots and uneven footing near the overlook.Source: US Forest Service, Jakes Rocks Overlook ↗ (opens in a new tab)

How do I get on the drive from Warren?

Go east on SR 59 to the Allegheny Reservoir, then turn south on Longhouse Scenic Drive (FR 262) and follow it to SR 321.Source: US Forest Service, Longhouse Scenic Drive wildflowers (Allegheny NF) ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Where are the best spots in Allegheny National Forest?

Longhouse Scenic Drive, Kiasutha Campground to SR 321: the most abundant stretch, with large expanses of white trillium and wild blue phlox; flowers on both sides of the road; Jakes Rocks Overlook and its access road: the access road runs through abundant mountain laurel; pink lady's slippers may be found at the overlook in spring.

What is Allegheny National Forest like through the year?

Rimrock Overlook open (Mar–Dec), Mountain laurel at Jakes Rocks (Jun), Peak leaf color at Jakes Rocks (Oct) and Showiest spring wildflowers on Longhouse Scenic Drive (late April-May) (Apr–May).

How we know · Sources (4)