Jakes Rocks

Located in Warren County, Pennsyvania, Jakes Rocks is a beautiful hiking area located on a plateau overlooking the Kinzua Dam.

The hiking trail at Jakes Rocks is paved with asphalt, and many signs warn hikers to stay on the trail due to sharp drop-offs and cliffs. The trail makes a loop around impressive quartz-conglomerate boulders, which were left by receding glaciers.

Directions to Jakes Rocks:

From the Kinzua Dam visitor's center in Warren, PA, take Rte. 59 past the dam. Turn right on Longhouse Scenic Drive (watch for cyclists who frequently ride on this road). Turn right onto Forest Road 492, and turn right again at the stop sign. Bear right at the triangular intersection and continue on to the second parking area. The trailhead is on the right.

Amenities:

• Picnic Area
• Pit toilets
• Hiking trails
• Scenic overlooks

Jakes Rocks is best visited in the spring, summer, or fall seasons. Remember to watch young children carefully to ensure they stay on the trail. There is no cost to enter Jakes Rocks, and the views are spectacular over the Allegheny River. We often combine this trip with a trip to the Kinzua Dam.

Kinzua Dam

Kinzua Dam is a fun, educational place to visit with children. Located in Warren, Pennsylvania, the dam is only a short distance from Jamestown, NY. The dam has abundant wildlife, several hiking trails, a local waterfall, and a visitor's center.

Kinzua Dam Address:


Kinzua Rd, Mead Twp, PA 16365
(814) 726-0661

Directions to Kinzua Dam from Jamestown, NY


From downtown Jamestown, go south on Main St. (Rte. 60) and turn left on Foote Avenue. Take Foote Avenue/Rte 60 Arterial Highway for approximately four miles to US-62 S. Turn right on US-62 S: this highway will take you into Warren, Pennsylvania. Stay on US-62 S for about 15 miles. Turn right onto 4th Avenue in Warren, PA and then make a slight left onto Crescent Rd/Crescent Park. Follow Crescent Park and take the second left to US-6 E. Make a slight left onto Kinzua Road/PA-59 and follow this road for approximately 5 miles. The visitor center will be to the left of the road, about 1/4 mile ahead of the dam.

Kinzua Dam Amenities

• Visitor's Center, open seasonally (closed in winter and early Spring).
• Nature Trail
• Hiking Trails
• Playground

The Kinzua Dam playground is simple, but fun for small children. The playground is located next to the visitor's center and may be used year-round.

Take note that the visitor's center is closed in the winter and early Spring, which means there are no available restrooms during this time of year. The visitor's center features bathrooms and information about the dam in the summer months.

The Kinzua Dam nature trail is short and features beautiful trees and rocks, with some trees actually growing around the giant boulders. My two young sons (ages six and four) spent a lot of time climbing over the rocks and tree roots. There are also letterboxes hidden in the local area, for families who enjoy that activity. 

Be sure to take the short trail to the stream bed, as there is a lot of wildlife down by the river. My boys enjoyed skipping stones and watching the rush of water from the dam. Obey all safety signs and do not go past the marked boundaries, as the river may suddenly rise if the dam spillways are opened.

This area is a fantastic place to stop for a picnic lunch and a short hike. Bald eagles are often spotted in the area on migratory flights and you are sure to see birds, dragonflies, and other wildlife during most of the year. We often make day trips to the dam and nearby Jake's Rocks and Rimrock, which are Pennsylvania state parks.

Viewing the dam from an observation deck. 

Kinzua Dam as viewed from an overview at Jake's Rocks.