Smethport Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Central Pennsylvania showing heritage elements and a hotel
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, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Express Bradford, an IHG Hotel
2.5 out of 5
30 Tarport Drive Ext, Bradford, PA
The price is Rp1.541.431 per night from 5 Dec to 6 Dec
Rp1.541.431
Rp1.710.989 total
includes taxes & fees
5 Dec - 6 Dec
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Bradford. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (921 reviews)
Nice stay
"Very comfortable and quiet. Water for shower wasn't very warm, but that was likely because I showered at 4am"

Reviewed on 30 Oct 2024

Holiday Inn Express Bradford, an IHG Hotel
Best Western Plus Bradford Inn
Best Western Plus Bradford Inn
3 out of 5
100 Davis Street South, Bradford, PA
The price is Rp1.376.707 per night from 17 Nov to 18 Nov
Rp1.376.707
Rp1.528.145 total
includes taxes & fees
17 Nov - 18 Nov
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Bradford. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (791 reviews)
Recommend
"Love this cute hotel. Breakfast is great and room is very clean. Restaurant located inside hotel is great too, nice price with tasty food and great service"

Reviewed on 4 Nov 2024

Best Western Plus Bradford Inn
Quality Inn & Suites
Quality Inn & Suites
2.5 out of 5
76 Elm St, Bradford, PA
The price is Rp1.006.848 per night from 18 Nov to 19 Nov
Rp1.006.848
Rp1.117.601 total
includes taxes & fees
18 Nov - 19 Nov
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Bradford. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (707 reviews)
"Centrally located cheerful staff"

Reviewed on 3 Nov 2024

Quality Inn & Suites
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.
Charming Emporium Home Near Hiking Trails!
Charming Emporium Home Near Hiking Trails!
3 out of 5
Emporium
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Emporium. Enjoy free parking and air conditioning. Popular attractions Cameron County Court House and Mini Park are located ...
Charming Emporium Home Near Hiking Trails!
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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