Farnsworth Cabin

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. The cabin can be accessed by vehicle, however mud during the rainy seasons can inhibit road travel, so guests 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. 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, though the cabin more comfortably suits four to six. 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, telephone service, a television and dvd player with Direct TV, wireless internet, and an electric fireplace. It 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. Visitors to the area enjoy fishing, hunting and viewing wildlife. A dam was built at the hatchery in the 1930s to slow and divert water flowing in the stream to the concrete raceways and ponds, providing cold water habitat to raise young trout fingerlings. Guests are expected to respect the trout hatchery: absolutely no fishing in the ponds or raceways, and while the trout can be viewed, nothing should be disturbed. Nearby Farnsworth Stream is stocked and fishing is permitted there. The Hickory Creek Wilderness Area is just a few miles from the cabin, and Chapman Lake in Chapman State Park, the Allegheny River and Tionesta Creek are also within a short distance. 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, and large white pine can be found scattered in open areas. Bears, deer, turkeys, barred owls and pileated woodpeckers are common in the area, and small native brook trout can be found in the Farnsworth Stream, as well as in other area creeks and streams.