The Big Bend Access Area
The Big Bend Access Area is located along Route 59 just North of Warren, Pa. This access area provides a spectacular view of the Allegheny River and the Kinzua Dam. There is a boat launch, a nearby overlook, as well as a bird viewing platform provided at Big Bend. Trails, playground equipment, restrooms, and a visitor/information center can also be found at the Big Bend Access Area. Besides the outstanding recreation opportunities available here, the scenery found at Big Bend and at the surrounding Allegheny National Forest is remarkable.
The Big Bend Access Area is popular with anglers who pursue both warmwater/coolwater and coldwater species that inhabit the waters below the Kinzua Dam. This area is of particular interest to trout anglers. There is a Miscellaneous Waters with Special Regulations section that extends 8.75 miles from the outflow of the Allegheny Reservoir downstream to the confluence of Conewango Creek. Here trout have ideal conditions to reach great size. From Labor Day until 8am on the opening day of trout season the following year, no trout may be killed or had in possession. From the trout opener until Labor Day, anglers can keep 2 fish over 14 inches. This is another reason why these fish can attain such large sizes in the river. Many anglers continue to enjoy catch and release fishing in the river throughout the year. During my most recent visit, I caught a dozen chunky rainbows while fishing the riffles. A fly fishermen who made his way down to the river said these fish were stocked in June and were growing fast. Before he ventured downstream to swing wooly buggers, he added that tens of thousands of brown trout fingerlings were stocked recently. Brown trout have been known to grow over ten pounds in the river.
The boat launch at the Big Bend Access area can accommodate everything from canoes/kayaks to larger boats. Paddling the Allegheny River is a great experience. The section of the river from the Kinzua Dam to Tionesta has been designated as a Wild and Scenic River. Recreation opportunities here should not be overlooked. Besides canoes and kayaks, jet boats and drift boats are also common. They make it easier to navigate the shallower sections of the river. Boat launches a few miles downstream at nearby Betts Park, Starbrick, and Buckaloons, allow boaters a place to pull out of the river. Allegheny Outfitters offers a shuttle and guide service for 7-100 mile trips downriver. This makes transportation for inexperienced paddlers a little easier. Contact them at http://alleghenyoutfitters.com/
Another great way to enjoy the Big Bend Access Area is by watching the valley for birds. We watched kingfishers, blue winged teals, common mergansers, a lone double crested cormorant, and bald eagles all during our trip to Big Bend. The fertile waters and wooded areas provide suitable habitat for many species throughout the year. The Big Bend Bird Viewing Platform is an ideal place for birdwatching and enjoying the view of the river valley below.
The Big Bend Access area is close to many recreation and overlook areas within the Allegheny National Forest. Lodging, food, and service accommodations are available in nearby Warren,PA.
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