Congressman
John E. Peterson

Forest County

Forest County was settled by Cyrus Blood, a pioneer who chose the name because the region was one vast, unbroken primeval forest. Pennsylvania's least populated county, Forest County was created from part of Jefferson County in 1848. The largest industry is lumber, although federal policies have significantly reduced the amount of trees available for harvest. A new multi-million dollar state correctional facility is scheduled for completion in 2004, and will become the county's largest employer.

With no traffic lights and no four lane highways, Forest County is the ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Two national wild and scenic rivers, the Clarion and the Allegheny, contribute more than 125 miles of waterways perfect for canoeing, rafting and fishing. And with most of the county located in the Allegheny National Forest, nature lovers flock to the region for the spectacular birdwatching at Buzzard Swamp, the Allegheny River Islands Wilderness, and numerous campgrounds and hiking trails in pristine natural settings. Be sure to visit Cook Forest which contains one of the finest stands of virgin hemlock and white pine timber in the eastern United States and has been designated as a national natural landmark. It was this pristine beauty that drove Cecil B. DeMille to use Cook Forest as the backdrop for Paramount Pictures' 1946 film 'The Unconquered' starring Gary Cooper and Paulette Goddard.

Located in a picturesque valley alongside the Allegheny River, the county seat of Tionesta hosts the week-long Tionesta Indian Festival every year to celebrate the town's Native American heritage. Famous for its ATV, mountain biking and snowmobile trails, the town of Marienville on scenic Route 66 hosts thousands of riders each year who enjoy the numerous family-owned restaurants, small shops and friendly local merchants. Other popular activities include horseback riding, fishing and boating on the Tionesta Lake, exploring specialty shops, or just spending a cozy weekend in a rustic lodge. This exciting part of the Allegheny National Forest region has something for every member of the family.

Visit Forest County:
Northwest PA's Great Outdoors Visitors Bureau
Allegeny National Forest
Allegheny Online Magazine
Nature Tourism in Northwest PA
Victorian Region of Northern PA

Local News:
Forest Press

Local Weather:
Weather in Tionesta

Economic Development:
Northwest PA Regional Planning and Development Commission
Ben Franklin Technology Partners
Northwest PA Industrial Resource Center
Northwest Pennsylvania Workforce Investment Area
Northwest Pennsylvania Business Retention Program
Small Business Development Center

Education:
Warren/Forest Higher Education Council
East Forest High School
West Forest High School
More information on Forest County schools

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