Farnsworth Cabin

Overview

Farnsworth Cabin is tucked away in the northwest portion of Pennsylvania's Allegheny National Forest. Built in the 1930s by the Civilian 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, Direct TV, and internet. Visitors to the area enjoy fishing, hunting and viewing wildlife.

The cabin can be accessed by vehicle, however mud during the rainy seasons can inhibit road travel. They should be aware of current weather conditions and the weather during their stay. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring some of their own supplies.

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. Guests are expected to respect the trout hatchery. Absolutely no fishing in the ponds or raceways. The trout can be viewed, but nothing should be disturbed. 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 and electric forced air heating. There is a television and dvd player, along with Direct TV. Wireless internet is also available. 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.



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. While the cabin can accommodate up to eight people, it more comfortably suits four to six people.

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.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (814) 363-9090.

Charges & Cancellations

Cancellations or changes must be made through Recreation.gov

Camp site features

Across 1 camp site:

  • Water hookups: all 1 sites
  • Picnic table: all 1 sites
  • Pets allowed: all 1 sites
  • ADA accessible: all 1 sites
  • Longest rig: 20 ft
  • Largest party: 8 people

Fees

Fee to reserve is $145 per night for 4 people. $10.00 per night for additional people above the four. You will receive an email, or call, Allegheny Site Management with a credit card for deposit. Also, a $25 per pet, per stay will be charged at this time. Please call the office with any questions, 814.363.9090

Directions

If traveling on Route 6, in the town of Claredon, turn at the street light onto Railroad Road, continue toward Chapman Dam. Turn left on Farnsworth Rd., travel approximately 7 miles and the cabin will be on your right, look for the Trout Hatchery sign. For details, click here, look for Clarendon, the cabin is located approximately where the stream intersects Forest Road 154, which is Farnsworth Road.

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 11 AM.

Reviews

19 reviews
5 stars
7
4 stars
6
3 stars
3
2 stars
2
1 stars
1
Kristy M
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Reviewed 12 days ago
Get new mattresses. Otherwise, great.
Brenda C
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Reviewed a month ago
Our family of four really enjoyed our time at the cabin. Having read some of the other reviews, the cabin exceeded our expectations as far as cleanliness and the provided items. The kitchen was well-appointed; there wasn't a thing we'd wished we had. There is a dehumidifier, and you should keep it running and empty it. This cabin is nearly 100 years old and nicely updated, but some previous reviewers may have had unrealistic expectations. The outdoor space was nicely managed, and we enjoyed the fire ring and the grill. I'm rating 4 stars only because the queen-sized beds were very hard- bringing a mattress topper might do the trick. In our 4 days, there were only 4 cars total at the adjacent fish hatchery and zero noise from their visitors. The Starlink internet was especially nice. Allegheny Management was great in answering questions that I had. We enjoyed the closeness of Chapman State Park, and we hiked to Hector Falls and at Minister Creek.
Meghan C
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Reviewed a month ago
The cabin had many broken glass windows that were not repaired, leaving behind sharp edges and repairs with cardboard taped over them. The cabin smelled of rodent poisoning. Upon opening the closet in the kitchen, we found a bucket full of rat poison and a bunch of other cleaning supplies on a shelf that were labeled poison. We woke up with sore throats the next morning and left because of it.
Christian O
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Reviewed 4 months ago
We stay here every year for our annual trout camp and it’s always a great experience. The cabin is a perfect setup for our group, plenty of space, great location, and everything we need for a long weekend. It’s consistently clean, well kept, and exactly what we expect each time we come back. This place has become a big part of our yearly tradition and it never disappoints. Already looking forward to next year’s trip.
Melora P
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Reviewed a year ago
Farnsworth Cabin was a big disappointment for us. The location is not as isolated as we’d hoped, with the Fishing Club on the same property, and people around all the time. The biggest issue was the mouse poops-in all the kitchen drawers and cabinets! We had to sterilize /wash the dishes and utensils before we could use them. The beds were not as uncomfortable as previous reviewers said. Be sure to bring your own pillows in addition to sheets and towels! The outside seating consisted of just one old picnic table; it would be great if a few chairs were on the lovely covered porch area.
Ivette V
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Reviewed 2 years ago
Had a good time, but had to do some light housekeeping when I got there, especially the bathtub. Cabin also needed to be aired out, very musty.
Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Popularity: Moderate

Busiest in August, when about 46% of guest capacity is reserved. Based on 11 years of reservations.

Camp Sites

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