Tionesta is a borough in Forest County , Pennsylvania , United States . The population was 615 at the 2000 census and has declined by about 4% since [1] . It is the county seat of Forest County GR6 . The name is a Native American word meaning "waters meet." Tionesta lies at the heart of a forested region that is a popular destination for hunters and other outdoor lovers. While the general area has seen some growth as a result of this tourist activity, the borough proper has suffered several setbacks in recent years including the closure of an Evenflo plant that was a major employer and a 2002 fire that leveled an entire block of the borough's downtown area. However, there have also been signs of progress, including the ongoing construction of a multimillion-dollar hunting and fishing museum.