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 Olean by IHG
Holiday Inn Express Olean by IHG
2.5 out of 5
101 Main St, Olean, NY
Fully refundable
The price is ¥16,396 per night from Apr 27 to Apr 28
¥16,396
¥19,346 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! (668 reviews)
"Clean, convenient. We like to have AC running all night, and this one didnt. We were overly warm and the bed was hard."

Reviewed on Apr 15, 2025

Holiday Inn Express Olean by IHG
Quality Inn & Suites
Quality Inn & Suites
2.5 out of 5
76 Elm St, Bradford, PA
The price is ¥9,725 per night from Apr 21 to Apr 22
¥9,725
¥10,795 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 21 - Apr 22
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Bradford. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (766 reviews)
"Stayed here on the way to Niagara Falls. Downtown is not lively, attractive, nor busy. This hotel entrance is puzzling, not typical. But the room was clean and spacious. The wall unit was rather loud every time it turned on. Overall, it was perfect for our short stay."

Reviewed on Apr 14, 2025

Quality Inn & Suites
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 ¥12,810 per night from Apr 25 to Apr 26
¥12,810
¥14,474 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 25 - Apr 26
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"Staff was very friendly, rooms were extremely clean."

Reviewed on Apr 16, 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
Smethport Vacation Rental w/ Fireplace & Lake View
Smethport Vacation Rental w/ Fireplace & Lake View
Smethport
Stay at this apartment in Smethport. Enjoy balconies, in-room fireplaces, and air conditioning. Popular attraction Potato Creek Trailhead is located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)
Fishing trip
"The owner, Ryan met us upon arrival to go Over the place. He gave us some extra perks I’m not at liberty to say what however. The restaurant below is very good. Both Ryan and his wife, Kelly, are very nice and friendly. We only ate downstairs once but only bc we left to fish before they open and ..."

Reviewed on Jul 7, 2024

Smethport Vacation Rental w/ Fireplace & Lake View
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! (203 reviews)
Shed hunt
"I have stayed at Camp Can’t Keep Up twice now, and have enjoyed each stay. This year, the hot water heater quit working during our stay. I contacted the owners before going out for the day. By the time we returned they had already been there and installed a new water heater. Very good people to work ..."

Reviewed on Apr 1, 2025

Rustic Getaway In The Heart Of 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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