Dennison Point Overlook: A Beautiful View at Clear Creek State Forest

Dennison Point Overlook: A Beautiful View at Clear Creek State Forest

This overlook is hidden away in Northwestern Pa is not one to miss!

Address: Dennison Point Overlook

Category: Hiking, Overlook, State Forest

Duration: Few Hours


Overview

Looking to get away from the city or from people? This overlook provides a wonderful hike and stunning view of the Allegheny River and Kennerdell in Venango County. This area of the Allegheny River has been the home to humans for thousands of years.

Location

Dennison Point Overlook is located within Clear Creek State Forest. The easiest hike to the overlook is parking in the state parking lot located at the end of Dewoody Rd. The lot is free to park in and has plenty of parking spaces available.

Hiking to the Overlook

The overlook is about a 1.5 miles from the lot. You will travel down a gravel road that leads to the Dennison Point hiking trail. This road is not accessible by motor vehicle.

Gravel road that leads to the Overlook Trail entrance

On the left side of the road, you will see the marked entrance that leads to Dennison Point Overlook. You can also access other trails from this path such as the Bullion Run Trail that leads to the Bullion Iron Furnace.

Be sure to follow the yellow trail markers on the trees and trail signs on your way to the overlook. Deviating from the trail could result in you becoming lost and unsafe position.

During your hike, you may encounter some wildlife including birds, deer, squirrels, chipmunks! This chipmunk was having a bite to eat when we encountered him on our walk to the overlook. The trails are also filled with a variety of plants including the Mountain Laurels, Pennsylvania’s State Flower.

As you approach the overlook, you will see a small platform and information board. A bench is available for you to rest and enjoy the view!

Local History

The Allegheny River Valley has been the home to human inhabitants since at least 6500 B.C. Sandstone Petroglyphs once existed along the east bank of the Allegheny river, but were ruined by erosion and vandalism.

Information board at Dennison Point Overlook
Information board at Dennison Point Overlook

As the Seneca Tribe of the Iroquois Confederacy occupied this land as European settlers first arrived in the 1740s. With them brought a variety of businesses such as lumber, iron, oil, and many more. Its location along the river provided essential trade routes down the Allegheny to Pittsburgh. Trade even went as far as New Orleans at times!

Kennerdell viewed from Dennison Point Overlook

A map and guide are available to download below. Map and guide provided by the DCNR.