Buckaloons

       There is a national forest recreation area near town called Buckaloons that is used mostly by local people for walking their dogs or loading and unloading watercraft. About a level mile in circumference it used to be a primary camping place for Seneca Indians until white people arrived when-predictably- they were decimated by war and disease. Today there are 60 campsites used by people looking to get away for a day or two, although busy roads are within one half mile so this is not a pristine wilderness. Still, it remains a refuge for wildlife-fox and squirrel and deer and nuthatch and whatever else exists in the broader Allegheny forest-for despite the roads there is access to the thousands of acres beyond. The Brokenstraw and Irvine creeks flow into the Allegheny river within the area, and offer habitat for fish and water birds; I have caught bass and chubs in the rivers and no doubt that is why the Indians favored this spot. To me, this is one of those areas great for day use or for travelers to stay over night if passing through the forest. There are more remote places to camp and hike but the convenience of this location ensures its popularity.    ...click on pictures to enlarge them