Overview

Farnsworth Cabin is tucked away in the Cherry Grove Township, in the northwest portion of Pennsylvania's Allegheny National Forest. Built in the 1930s by the Civil Conservation Corps, the stone cabin is conveniently located 8.5 miles northwest of Sheffield. It was renovated in 2010 and now provides a variety of modern amenities, including electricity and heating, as well as telephone service. Visitors to the area enjoy fishing, hunting and viewing wildlife.

The cabin can be accessed by vehicle, except during winter months when snowfall inhibits road travel. During the winter, guests may walk a short distance to the cabin. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring some of their own supplies.

Natural Features:

The cabin is set in a partially shaded area that has black cherry and beech trees, scattered hemlock and clumps of oak, maple and birch. In the nearby Hickory Creek area, there is an understory of abundant wildflowers, ferns, shrubs and mosses. Large white pine can be found scattered in open areas.

Bears, deer, turkeys, barred owls, and pileated woodpecker are common in the area. Small native brook trout can be found in the Farnsworth Stream, as well as other area creeks and streams, of which there are plenty.

Recreation:

A dam was also built at the hatchery in the 1930s, to slow and divert water flowing in the stream to the concrete raceways and ponds to provide cold water habitat to raise young trout fingerlings. Although fishing is not permitted in the hatchery ponds or raceways, nearby Farnsworth Stream is stocked and fishing is permitted.

The Hickory Creek Wilderness Area is just a few miles from the cabin. Chapman Lake in Chapman State Park, which is adjacent to the forest, Allegheny River and Tionesta Creek are also within a short distance of the cabin. Hunting on the area's ample public lands is also enjoyed by visitors to the area.

Facilities:

The two-bedroom cabin is fully accessible and includes a kitchen, living room and bathroom. Two queen-size beds, two sets of bunks and a sofa sleeper are provided with mattresses, to accommodate up to eight people. The kitchen has a refrigerator with freezer, a microwave, basic pots and pans, cooking and eating utensils, dishes, a small crock pot and a coffee maker. A table, chairs and other seating throughout the house is also provided.

The cabin is equipped with electricity, including heating, and also has a flat-screen TV. An electric fireplace is also provided. The cabin has running water and indoor plumbing, including hot and cold running water, a flush toilet and shower.

Outside is a yard with a fire ring, picnic table, outdoor furniture and a charcoal grill. Guests are required to clean the cabin, including dishes and floors, and carry out all trash prior to leaving. Basic cleaning supplies and equipment are available at the cabin (click here for a virtual tour of the cabin).

Guests will need to bring their own bedding, pillows, bath and kitchen towels, dish soap, food and beverages, including coffee supplies, garbage bags and other necessities. Guests may wish to bring a DVD player or rent one locally. While the cabin can accommodate up to eight people, it more comfortably suits four to six people.