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 ₹6,591 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹6,591
₹7,316 total
27 Jul - 28 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! (820 reviews)
"I was pleasantly surprised. The property has had a recent refresh with new broadloom, etc. The rate was also favourable. The only less than satisfactory thing was breakfast. Not a single condiment for the sausage and eggs. However, these chain hotel breakfast are generally poor."

Reviewed on 13 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 ₹9,508 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹9,508
₹10,745 total
27 Jul - 28 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! (737 reviews)
"Friendly staff. Convenient location."

Reviewed on 15 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 ₹9,629 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹9,629
₹10,881 total
27 Jul - 28 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! (1,006 reviews)
"Its always a very nice place to stay. This was my first time back since renovations were done and I love it. The staff is always awesome and friendly."

Reviewed on 17 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! (1,193 reviews)
"Cost effective, staff was very accommodating and polite"

Reviewed on 16 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! (369 reviews)
"Great service and room for price."

Reviewed on 18 Jul 2025

4211 Suites
The Lodge Luxury Resort At Lake Harmony

The Lodge Luxury Resort At Lake Harmony

3 out of 5
6 Lake Dr, Lake Harmony, PA
Stay at this 3-star golf holiday home in Lake Harmony. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Popular attractions Split Rock Resort Indoor Waterpark ...
6.8/10 (89 reviews)
"Property was nice"

Reviewed on 24 Jun 2025

The Lodge Luxury Resort At Lake Harmony
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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