Smethport Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Central Pennsylvania showing heritage elements and a hotel
Erie featuring a ruin, heritage elements and a bridge
Northwest Pennsylvania which includes forests and a bridge
Kinzua Bridge State Park showing views and tranquil scenes
Kinzua Bridge State Park showing views, forests and tranquil scenes

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.

Quality Inn & Suites
Quality Inn & Suites
2.5 out of 5
76 Elm St, Bradford, PA
The price is ₹6,564 per night from 16 Jul to 17 Jul
₹6,564
₹7,286 total
16 Jul - 17 Jul
includes taxes & fees
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! (815 reviews)
"Was pleasantly pleased with our room , bed was try comfortable and the staff very helpful … would have liked more options for breakfast .. all and all is was a very nice stay !"

Reviewed on 7 Jul 2025

Quality Inn & Suites
Best Western Plus University Inn
Best Western Plus University Inn
2.5 out of 5
3051 W State Street Olean, Olean, NY
The price is ₹9,469 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
₹9,469
₹10,700 total
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Olean. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (732 reviews)
"Nice place, quiet,"

Reviewed on 10 Jul 2025

Best Western Plus University Inn
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 ₹9,589 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
₹9,589
₹10,835 total
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Olean. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
"Good"

Reviewed on 6 Jul 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.
Philadelphia Suites-Extended Stay
Philadelphia Suites-Extended Stay
3.5 out of 5
4630 Island Ave, Philadelphia, PA
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly aparthotel in Philadelphia. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,181 reviews)
"Nice pool and overall property was nice and clean."

Reviewed on 9 Jul 2025

Philadelphia Suites-Extended Stay
4211 Suites
4211 Suites
4.5 out of 5
4211 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Philadelphia. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and valet parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Rittenhouse Square ...
9/10 Wonderful! (357 reviews)
Very good hotel / apartment
"The apartment style rooms were very convenient for a family stay. Clean and spacious, excellent location. I would stay here again."

Reviewed on 10 Jul 2025

4211 Suites
Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy The Heid Apartments Loft District
Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy The Heid Apartments Loft District
3.5 out of 5
325 North 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Philadelphia. Enjoy a rooftop terrace, a fitness centre and concierge services. Popular attractions Rittenhouse Square and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (554 reviews)
"This was a perfect size for our family of 6. The loft for our boys, the couch for our girls, and the bedroom for us. Two bathrooms was a must and everything was clean enough. Definitely could use some fresh caulking around the shower. Loved the industrial vibes. The AC made a crazy noise when not ..."

Reviewed on 5 Jul 2025

Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy The Heid Apartments Loft District
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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