The U.S. Forest Service is accepting public comments regarding future recreational additions at Kinzua Beach and the Kinzua Point Information Center in the Bradford Ranger District of the Allegheny National Forest. Sites are located on the Allegheny Reservoir, along State Route 59, in Warren County. Both sites are included in consideration because of their proximity and current conditions. USDA officials said both locations typically have few visitors and there are no current partnerships to support long-term maintenance and upkeep.

The Forest Service is interested in hearing your comments regarding the future of recreation at Kinzua Beach and Kinzua Point Information Center. Share your ideas and suggestions by submitting the following survey,” a document posted on the Forest Service website earlier this week states. “What characteristics, qualities, activities, or other conditions would you like to see maintained for present and future generations? What changes would you like to see at Kinzua Beach and Kinzua Point Information Center? How would these changes better serve the needs of visitors and local communities?”

According to a document posted on the Forest Service website, the recreational uses and volume of visitors to Kinzua Beach and Kinzua Point Information Center has changed over time. Both locations are dated and do not meet current accessibility standards.

Kinzua Point Information Center is typically utilized as a rest stop for visitors to use the restroom, find local information, and view the Allegheny Reservoir. The center is staffed in the summer, from Memorial Day until September, by the Warren County Visitors Bureau. During this time, the Warren County Chamber of Business and Industry provides free WiFi at KPIC for visitors. The center is an access point to the Jakes Rocks Mountain Biking Trails , named the 2024 Pennsylvania Trail of the Year by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

Swimmers are pictured at Kinzua Beach.

Kinzua Beach contains three paved parking lots, a pavilion, bathhouse, concrete beach ramp, and grassy picnic area. The site is also an access point to hiking, biking, and backcountry camping trail systems. The location is popular for hosting weddings and other large events, including the annual Jakes Rocks Trail Festival.

“Assessing the current facilities and public demand will allow for more informed decision making,” the document states. “All submitted comments will be considered, though, prior to making any land management decisions, the Forest Service will assess the potential environmental effects of all proposed actions.”

Among the issues the Forest Service wants to address is pavement in parking lots and walkways that have become damaged and uneven and don’t meet federal accessibility standards. Additionally, over time it’s become difficult to perform routine maintenance on the sites’ water systems and landscaping, leading to declining infrastructure that is in need of significant repairs, according to the Forest Service. To participate find the survey link at www.fs.usda.gov/r09/allegheny/recreation/kinzua-beach-and-kinzua-point-information-center-reimagined. Comments are due by Sept. 30.

“The result of this planning process will be the development of design scenarios for Kinzua Beach and Kinzua Point Information Center. Scenarios will be utilized for future NEPA projects. Additionally, we hope this process builds stronger relationships and partnerships between Forest Service managers, recreationists, and others who care about these special places,” the Forest Service states.