McKean County Residents Invited to Stop Being Locals for a Day and Experience the “Backstage Pass” to the ANF heartland.

Bradford, PA | You’ve lived in McKean County your whole life and you think you know what makes this area a great place to live and visit, but do you really? On Friday, May 1, Trail Central – Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau is opening the vault and inviting the public to experience Bradford, Smethport, and Kane through a curated “Behind the Scenes” tour.

The Backyard Tour 2026 is designed to give locals a VIP lens on the heritage, flavors, and hidden gems that travelers from across the globe come to see. The expedition begins at 8:00 a.m. at the Marilyn Horne Museum and Exhibit Center, followed by an insider’s look at the Zippo/Case Museum and Flagship Store.

The “Backstage Pass” continues in Smethport at the McKean County Historical Society before a full lunch and program at Pine Acres Country Club. The afternoon features the high-energy Kane Children’s Museum, the “Timeless Elegance” of the Kane Manor Inn, and a craft-distillery session at CJ Spirits. The day concludes with a scenic sweep of the Longhouse National Scenic Byway, guided by a National Forest Ranger, before returning to Bradford at 5:30 p.m.

“This isn’t just a bus ride; it’s a mission to rediscover the legends in our own backyard,” said Rustin Lippincott, Executive Director, Trail Central – Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau. “We are taking the icons locals see every day and giving them the VIP treatment. We’ll fill the day with trivia, conversations with civic leaders, and the kind of ‘Greatest Hits’ stories that prove you haven’t seen everything McKean County has to offer until you’ve seen it with us.”

The Catch? Seats are strictly limited to the public to ensure an intimate, high-quality experience. Tickets are $50 and include luxury motorcoach travel, lunch, tastings, snacks, and an exclusive McKean County welcome bag.

YOUR MISSION: Last year’s seats vanished fast. To secure your spot on the bus for the Backyard Tour 2026, call 800-473-9370 or email info@patrailcentral.com.