Rimrock Trail
Hiking area
4.7 (62)
PA-59, Bradford, PA 16701
LakePA
Elijah Rock
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.
The Forest Service supports shoreline swimming beside Elijah Run's launch depending on water level. Check the closed fishing pier and separate Kiasutha status.
Swimming restriction
Manager-supported shoreline swimming is level-dependent. No rock jumping, fixed depth, guarded beach or permanently usable shore inferred. Follow launch traffic and posted boundaries.
Official sources checked:
Water type
Lake
Access
Informal
Fee
Manager lists a $5 vehicle daily launching fee and $65 seasonal launching pass, collected April 1-October 31. These are launch charges, not a separately verified swimming admission.
Best season
Reservoir level governs shore access. Elijah's general year-round listing is not a guaranteed swimming condition. Kiasutha's separate recreation page currently says Site Closed
Nearby towns
Warren, Kinzua Dam
Water body
Allegheny Reservoir At Elijah Run
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
Warren, Kinzua Dam
Access location not verified
KINZUA DAM, PA
Approximate location based on the nearest town. Confirm the exact spot and access before you go.
Sources & checks
This is a desk-researched listing. A record update or map check does not confirm current swimming permission or water conditions.
- Swimming rules
- Official sources checked . See the rules above and check for current closures.
- Access location not verified
- The recorded location has no completed source check. Confirm the entrance, legal access, and parking before travelling.
- Record updated
- · This is a data update, not a field visit.
Found an error? Send a correction with the location and a source. How we research listings.
Shoreline swimming without the old rock-jump promise
The Elijah Rock archive leads to Elijah Run on the Kinzua Arm of the Allegheny Reservoir. The current Forest Service page explicitly describes swimming from shoreline on either side of the boat launch depending on water level. That positive swimming context does not verify the named rock as a maintained jumping platform.
The fishing pier is a different facility
Current conditions mark the fishing pier temporarily closed for repairs. A hardened shoreline trail and benches are described, but their presence is not a surveyed accessible bathing entrance. Do not use the closed pier or a courtesy dock intended for loading and unloading as a swimming platform.
Keep reservoir services and fees distinct
Use current Elijah Run directions and authorized parking on Longhouse National Scenic Byway. Ask the manager which shoreline is usable at the current reservoir level; do not rely on the old trail-end rock description.
Manager describes a shoreline path, benches and restroom-stop function; no drinking water is available. The fishing pier is temporarily closed for repairs. Manager lists a $5 vehicle daily launching fee and $65 seasonal launching pass, collected April 1-October 31. These are launch charges, not a separately verified swimming admission.
Permission, season and overnight planning
Manager-supported shoreline swimming is level-dependent. No rock jumping, fixed depth, guarded beach or permanently usable shore inferred. Follow launch traffic and posted boundaries. Reservoir level governs shore access. Elijah's general year-round listing is not a guaranteed swimming condition. Kiasutha's separate recreation page currently says Site Closed. Dewdrop and Kiasutha are separate campground destinations with their own operation and reservations. Shore access does not authorize overnight use at the rock.
Current destination planning sources
Getting There
Use current Elijah Run directions and authorized parking on Longhouse National Scenic Byway. Ask the manager which shoreline is usable at the current reservoir level; do not rely on the old trail-end rock description.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
Use current Elijah Run directions and authorized parking on Longhouse National Scenic Byway. Ask the manager which shoreline is usable at the current reservoir level; do not rely on the old trail-end rock description.
Plan Your Visit
Parking & Access
Confirm the entrance, parking arrangements, and legal access with the land manager. A map pin does not establish a public right of access. Follow posted routes and never block gates or driveways.
Regulations & Fees
Manager-supported shoreline swimming is level-dependent. No rock jumping, fixed depth, guarded beach or permanently usable shore inferred. Follow launch traffic and posted boundaries. Public park access does not necessarily include permission to swim. Respect private property and posted restrictions.
Seasonality & Flow
Water conditions can change quickly. This listing does not provide a current safety or water-quality assessment. Check official alerts and avoid entering water when conditions or permission are uncertain.
What to Bring
Bring sturdy water shoes to protect your feet on rocks and slippery surfaces. A waterproof dry bag keeps your phone, keys, and valuables safe. Pack a quick-dry towel, sun protection, and drinking water - never drink from the natural water source.
Nearby Facilities
Nearby places from saved public map data, not necessarily facilities at the swimming spot. Confirm access, hours, fees, and amenities with the operator before you drive.
Map data retrieved 2026-06-15
Jakes Rocks Overlook and Mountain Bike Trail
Park
4.8 (227)
Warren, PA 16365
Picnic tablesPublic restroom
Vault Toilet
Public bathroom
5 (2)
R2X9+F4, Warren, PA 16365
Kinzua Dam Parking Lot
Parking lot
4.9 (8)
Warren, PA 16365
Tailwater Access Area
Parking lot
5 (1)
Warren, PA 16365
Big Bend Visitor Center
Visitor center
4.8 (17)
Warren, PA 16365
Restroom
Red Bridge Campground
Campground
4.6 (214)
Kane, PA 16735
Public restroomPublic showerRestroomRunning water
Bradford Ranger District
Visitor center
4.9 (11)
29 Forest Service Dr, Bradford, PA 16701
Restroom
Frequently Asked Questions About Elijah Rock
Does the manager actually allow swimming here?
The Forest Service describes shoreline swimming on either side of the Elijah Run launch depending on reservoir level. This does not establish permission to jump from the archived rock.
Can I use the fishing pier?
Current manager conditions say the fishing pier is temporarily closed for repairs. Do not treat its hardened approach as an open swimming platform.
Is the water deep enough to jump from Elijah Rock?
No current depth or inspected jumping area is established. The old deep-enough claim is withdrawn.
Is the posted $5 charge a swimming ticket?
The Forest Service identifies it as a vehicle launching fee collected April 1-October 31. Confirm any separate day-use requirements rather than relabel that charge.
Is Kiasutha an open beach backup today?
Its manager describes a genuine seasonal swimming beach but currently marks the recreation area Site Closed. Obtain an actual operating confirmation before choosing it.
Is drinking water supplied at Elijah Run?
The current manager page lists no water. Bring drinking water and confirm presently available restroom services separately.
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
- Do not jump, dive, use rope swings or improvise bank descents
- Follow posted water boundaries and avoid high or rising flow
Cultural & Historical Context
Historical Background
Historical directions preserved separately, not presented as current visitor authorization.
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
Use lawful viewpoints and respect other visitors' privacy. A historical photograph is not current bathing access, depth or water-quality proof.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
Use authorized routes, respect private property and closures, protect creek banks and pack out waste.
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At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Reservoir level governs shore access. Elijah's general year-round listing is not a guaranteed swimming condition. Kiasutha's separate recreation page currently says Site Closed.
Difficulty Level
Use the selected manager's current entrance and route. No generic easy descent, safe depth or accessible water entry inferred.
Fee
Manager lists a $5 vehicle daily launching fee and $65 seasonal launching pass, collected April 1-October 31. These are launch charges, not a separately verified swimming admission.
Facilities
Manager describes a shoreline path, benches and restroom-stop function; no drinking water is available. The fishing pier is temporarily closed for repairs.
Activities
Manager-supported shoreline swimming is level-dependent. No rock jumping, fixed depth, guarded beach or permanently usable shore inferred. Follow launch traffic and posted boundaries.
Phone
814-363-9090
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
Camping Information
Dewdrop and Kiasutha are separate campground destinations with their own operation and reservations. Shore access does not authorize overnight use at the rock.
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Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
- Do not swim where swimming is prohibited, unsafe, or not clearly allowed.
- Follow posted signs, local regulations, closures, and private-property boundaries.
- Assess conditions on site. Water flow, depth, temperature, and underwater hazards change quickly.
- Never jump or dive without personally confirming depth and underwater obstacles.
- Swim with a buddy and consider flotation for weak or non-swimmers.
- Pack out all trash; respect wildlife and fragile environments.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
J
Joshua Havens
Founder & Editor, Hidden Swimming Holes
Joshua Havens created Hidden Swimming Holes to make it easier for people to find — and safely visit — natural freshwater swimming destinations across the United States. He researches access conditions, water quality resources, and land management rules so you don't have to start from scratch. He holds a strong belief that good outdoor recreation information should be accurate, honest about its limitations, and freely available.
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