Smethport, PA

Travel Guide

Central Pennsylvania which includes heritage elements and a hotel
Erie showing forests, building ruins and heritage elements
Northwest Pennsylvania showing a bridge and forests
Kinzua Bridge State Park which includes views and tranquil scenes
Kinzua Bridge State Park which includes forest scenes, tranquil scenes and views
Snap photos of the impressive courthouse, learn about the oil and gas trade during a museum visit and venture into the area’s forests to walk above the trees and spot wildlife.

Smethport is a charming town in the hilly area of the Pennsylvania Wilds. It serves as an ideal base from which to explore the spectacular scenery of the Allegheny National Forest and the Kinzua Bridge State Park. Wander through the quiet streets of this pretty town for a sense of its history.

See the majestic McKean County Courthouse and note the façade’s stone columns and pediment, white clock tower and redbrick flanks. Among the town center’s highlights is the McKean County Historical Museum, with its displays regarding oil and gas and the railroad.

Make your way to Kinzua Bridge State Park for its spectacular skywalk. The former bridge, which was once the longest and highest viaduct in the country, was converted into a vertigo-inducing walkway after half of it was destroyed by a tornado. Snap photos of the scenic views of the Kinzua Gorge and peek through the glass bottom of the bridge.

Venture into the nearby Allegheny National Forest and enjoy a picnic with picturesque views. The park is known for its huge reserves of oil and gas. Go camping and gaze up at the birds.

In winter bring warm clothes to Smethport, which has at times had the coldest temperature recorded in Pennsylvania. It is also one of the coldest parts of the U.S., with severe winters and mild to warm summers.

The town was set up in 1807 by Dutch settlers. It takes its name from the De Smeth family that bought land here. Note that the local economy was propelled by the timber boom, due to the town’s proximity to the dense forests of the Pennsylvania Wilds.

Find the town outside Allegheny National Forest in the northwestern part of Pennsylvania. It is not far from the borders with New York State and Canada. Fly to Bradford Regional Airport from Pittsburgh or Franklin and drive east for about 15 minutes to get here.

Smethport is a historic town surrounded by mesmerizing scenery.

Holiday Inn Express Bradford by IHG
Holiday Inn Express Bradford by IHG
2.5 out of 5
30 Tarport Drive Ext, Bradford, PA
The price is ¥16,228 per night from Apr 10 to Apr 11
¥16,228
¥18,014 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 10 - Apr 11
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Bradford. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (960 reviews)
"Walls paper thin lots of noise from room next to us"

Reviewed on Mar 18, 2025

Holiday Inn Express Bradford by IHG
Holiday Inn Express Olean by IHG
Holiday Inn Express Olean by IHG
2.5 out of 5
101 Main St, Olean, NY
The price is ¥17,280 per night from Apr 27 to Apr 28
¥17,280
¥20,390 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 27 - Apr 28
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Olean. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (665 reviews)
"Very nice place to stay, not too far from skiing resorts. Clean, beds are very comfy. I slept like a baby. Also, my friends and I were swimming in that pool, there were extra towels. I do recommend this hotel!"

Reviewed on Mar 23, 2025

Holiday Inn Express Olean by IHG
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Olean/Allegany
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Olean/Allegany
2 out of 5
3234 Nys Route 417, Olean, NY
The price is ¥13,581 per night from Apr 11 to Apr 12
¥13,581
¥15,346 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 11 - Apr 12
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Olean. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
Great stay
"Great stay! We will be back on our next stop in Olean!"

Reviewed on Mar 24, 2025

Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Olean/Allegany
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Camp Buttcheek Smicklesmirk
Camp Buttcheek Smicklesmirk
2 out of 5
Smethport
Stay at this cabin in Smethport. Enjoy a garden, an in-room coffeemaker, and air conditioning. Popular attraction Potato Creek Trailhead is located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
Extended Weekend trip
"Overall, very happy with our stay here - Wife and I spent three nights with our elementary school aged boys. Cabin was clean, comfortable, well cared for, and nicely appointed. Cozy atmosphere for sure. Well kept grounds - boys enjoyed playing outside in the field and down by the stream, as well ..."

Reviewed on Oct 18, 2024

Camp Buttcheek Smicklesmirk
Rustic Getaway In The Heart Of The Pennsylvania Elk Range
Rustic Getaway In The Heart Of The Pennsylvania Elk Range
Driftwood
Stay at this cabin in Driftwood. Enjoy a garden, patios, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Pine Tree Trail Natural Area and Little Museum are ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (201 reviews)
Peaceful
"Perfect cabin for a true getaway. Cabin was cozy and the sound of the creek out back was calming. We are planning to visit again in warmer months."

Reviewed on Jan 16, 2025

Rustic Getaway In The Heart Of The Pennsylvania Elk Range
Creek-Side Living In The Pennsylvania Elk Range
Creek-Side Living In The Pennsylvania Elk Range
Driftwood
Stay at this cabin in Driftwood. Enjoy a garden, patios, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Little Museum and Pine Tree Trail Natural Area are ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (210 reviews)
Very quant get away
"This is in a beautiful part of Pa. Nestled right beside the water. Very nice cabin all redone inside with all the entities of home and very clean. My wife and I needed an escape and this was just what the doctor ordered. Thank you !!"

Reviewed on Feb 10, 2025

Creek-Side Living In The Pennsylvania Elk Range
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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