Allegheny National Forest Centennial: 100-Year, 100-Mile Paddle Challenge!

Allegheny National Forest 100 Year Paddle Challenge


Hard to believe the Allegheny National Forest (ANF) turns 100 years old this year. If you’re unfamiliar with its fascinating history, this is a great article that explains the twists and turns through time, from clear-cut hillsides as far as the eye could see, to the lush forest it is today.

In celebration of its Centennial, we’ve created the 100-Year, 100-Mile Paddle Challenge. The short explanation is this: paddle (canoe, kayak, stand-up paddleboard - or any mashup of the three!) a combination of any 100 miles on waterways that touch the ANF and keep track of those miles in a log book. (Bonus points if you tag AO on social media with pics of those trips!) When you’ve reached 100 miles, pop in the shop, show us your log, and receive a commemorative sticker, along with a high-five!

Have questions? Below you’ll find answers to the most common questions we’ve gotten thus far.

  • The Challenge runs through the entire summer of 2023 and ends September 24, 2023, the Centennial.

  • Any waterway that touches the ANF. This includes the Allegheny River, Clarion River, Kinzua Lake, Brokenstraw Creek, and Tionesta Creek.

  • Basics. We’re looking for date, waterway, starting and ending points, and mileage. Of course we encourage you to journal a bit more if you feel the need.

  • Yep.

  • Yeah, the bonus points really don’t mean anything. BUT, by doing so you may inspire the next person to get outside, and we’re all about that. :)

  • Not at all! This is open to anyone and everyone, regardless of whether you’re using our services.