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Pennsylvania
119

Pennsylvania State Parks

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USA Parks
Pennsylvania
Southwest Region
State Forest Lands
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State Forest Lands © Anna Lee Simpson
State Forest Lands Forest Fog © Anna Lee Simpson
Fog lifts in the early morning to reveal a perfect winter day for cross country skiing.
State Forest Lands Blue Ridge Surprise © Anna Lee Simpson
October snow fall covers the foliage with a long off view of Little Gap.
State Forest Lands Winter Woods © Anna Lee Simpson
Wonderful hunting, serene cross country skiing.
State Forest Lands Fallen Leaves © Anna Lee Simpson
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STATE FOREST LANDS
STATE FOREST LANDS
The State Forest Lands in Pennsylvania encompass vast stretches of diverse and picturesque natural landscapes. Covering over 2.2 million acres, these public lands provide a haven of tranquility and outdoor recreation for residents and visitors alike. From dense forests of hardwoods and conifers to rolling hills, deep valleys, and sparkling streams, this expansive network of state-owned forests offers a sanctuary for wildlife and a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. These lands also serve as a valuable resource for sustainable timber management, water conservation, and habitat preservation, ensuring their long-term ecological health and economic benefits. With numerous trails, campsites, and recreational opportunities available, Pennsylvania State Forest Lands welcome all to explore and appreciate the beauty and serenity of these remarkable natural treasures.
History of the Area
Pennsylvania's State Forest Lands have a long and interesting history that dates back to the early 20th century. Here is a brief overview of the history:

1. Early Conservation Efforts: In the late 1800s and early 1900s, concerns about deforestation and the negative impacts it had on the state's natural resources, including water quality, wildlife habitats, and timber supplies, led to the establishment of various organizations and movements advocating for forest conservation.

2. Creation of the Pennsylvania Department of Forestry: In 1895, Pennsylvania established the Pennsylvania Department of Forestry, making it the first state in the United States to have a specialized agency dedicated to forest management and conservation. This marked a significant step towards the establishment of State Forest Lands.

3. The Weeks Act of 1911: The Weeks Act, a federal law passed in 1911, granted the authority to purchase and manage forest lands to states in the eastern United States. This allowed Pennsylvania to acquire additional lands for conservation and the establishment of State Forests.

4. Acquiring Lands for State Forests: Following the passage of the Weeks Act, Pennsylvania began acquiring large tracts of land to establish State Forests. Many of these lands were heavily logged or damaged by surface mining activities. Through reforestation efforts and sustainable forest management practices, these lands were restored and conserved for future generations.

5. Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and Work Projects Administration (WPA): During the Great Depression in the 1930s, the federal government implemented various programs to provide employment and promote conservation efforts. The CCC and WPA played a crucial role in the development and improvement of State Forest Lands by constructing infrastructure, such as roads, trails, fire towers, and recreational facilities.

6. Growth and Expansion: Over the years, Pennsylvania's State Forest Lands continued to grow through acquisitions and the consolidation of smaller tracts. Today, the state manages over 2.2 million acres of State Forest Lands, distributed across various regions and counties.

7. Conservation and Recreation: Pennsylvania's State Forest Lands have become popular destinations for outdoor recreation, including hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, and nature watching. The state has also implemented sustainable forest management practices to ensure the long-term ecological health and economic viability of these lands.

Pennsylvania's State Forest Lands have played a crucial role in conserving natural resources, preserving biodiversity, providing recreational opportunities, and supporting the state's economy.
Camping
1. Bald Eagle State Forest: Offers primitive camping for those who want to truly immerse themselves in nature.

2. Tioga State Forest: Provides both car and backpacking campsites, with some sites offering amenities like picnic tables and fire rings.

3. Susquehannock State Forest: Features a variety of campgrounds including the Lyman Run Campground which has modern facilities such as showers and flush toilets.

4. Delaware State Forest: Allows backcountry camping throughout most of its lands but also offers several developed campgrounds that provide more comfort-oriented features like restrooms, water sources, etc..

5. Michaux state forest: It is open year-round for dispersed or "primitive" camping on all district lands except during spring turkey season (mid-April through May).

6. Tuscarora state forest: Primitive Camping - Free while enjoying other recreational activities within Tuscarora's boundaries.

7. Moshannon:Quehanna Area: This area includes Moshannon & Quehana forests where you can enjoy free tent/car/bike/horse/primitive/organized group/backpacking/winter/rv/trailer/cabin/lodge/yurt/glamping/picnic/day use areas.

8. Rothrock:Trough Creek Area: Rothrock Trough creek provides options from cabin rentals to RV parks.

9. Buchanan's Birthplace:Warriors Path Areas: Buchanan birth place warriors path allows everything from Tent Sites,RV Hookup,Pets Allowed near Waterfront.

10. Caledonia:Greene Hills-Pine Grove Furnace Areas-Campers at Caledonia Greene hills pine grove furnace have access to hiking trails right outside their tents along with fishing opportunities nearby.

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Trails
1. Mid State Trail: This is a 327-mile trail that runs through the heart of Pennsylvania, including several state forests and parks. It offers challenging terrain with steep climbs and descents.

2. Black Forest Trail: Located in Tiadaghton State Forest, this looped hiking path spans approximately 42 miles featuring waterfalls, vistas overlooking Pine Creek Gorge (also known as The Grand Canyon of PA), dense woodlands and wildflower meadows.

3. Old Loggers Path: Situated within Loyalsock State Forest's boundaries, it's an old logging railroad turned into a scenic 27-mile circuit hike offering views over Rock Run Valley from Sullivan Mountain ridge tops along its course.

4. West Rim Trail: A moderate difficulty level trail located near Wellsboro in Tioga County; stretches about 30 miles alongside the western edge of Pine Creek Gorge providing stunning canyon overlooks throughout its length.

5. Quehanna Wild Area Trails System: Covering parts Moshannon & Elk state forest lands, these trails span around75-miles showcasing diverse wildlife habitats such as wetland complexes to large grassy openings created during Cold War era for deer herd expansion project.

6. Golden Eagle Hiking Trail: An almost nine mile long circular route situated inside Bald Eagle Forrest ; popular among hikers due to breathtaking vista points like Ravens Horn which provide panoramic view surrounding valleys.

7. Thunder Swamp Trail- Found Delaware Water Gap National Recreation area extending nearly thirty: two mi les across varied landscapes swamps bogs hardwood ridges rocky outcrops.

8. Susquehannock Loop system: Comprising six interconnected loops totaling more than eighty five distance traverses Potter Clinton counties highlighting natural beauty northern Appalachian Mountains region.

9. Standing Stone Trail Previously Link but renamed recently after native American artifact found nearby features rugged terrains spectacular rock formations spanning seventy: six total.

10. Hyner View Challenge Course: A challenging 50K ultra-marathon course that traverses through Sproul State Forest, featuring steep inclines and descents with breathtaking views of the West Branch Susquehanna River Valley.

11. Loyalsock Trail: This is a 59-mile trail located in Lycoming County within the Loyalsock State Forest offering hikers diverse landscapes including waterfalls, vistas over Endless Mountains region and footbridges across creeks.

12. Tuscarora Trail: An extension Appalachian runs approximately two hundred fifty miles from Blue Ridge Summit PA to Hancock MD passing Buchanan Michaux forests along way.

13. Chuck Keiper East Loop: Located Elk/Cameron counties, this twenty-three mile looped path provides opportunities for wildlife viewing as it winds its way around several streams bogs wetlands.

14. Lost Turkey Trail: Spanning forty-one length Bedford Somerset Counties offers rugged hiking experience deep into Gallitzin Forrester's remote sections showcasing scenic overlooks dense woodlands throughout journey.

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Area Campgrounds
Mirror Lake Camping
112 Trout Run Drive
New Florence, PA
L & M Campground
2743 Campground Road
Penn Run, PA
724-479-3264
Yellow Creek Campground
9681 U.S. 422
Penn Run, PA
724-465-4169
Area Fishing Related Businesses
Hornick's Sporting Goods Inc
316 Broad St
Johnstown, PA
(814) 535-7724
Mock's Sporting Goods
8501 Route 56 Hwy E
Homer City, PA
(724) 479-3243

Directions
1. Start by determining which specific State Forest Land you want to visit in Pennsylvania. The state is home to 20 distinct State Forests, each offering unique natural landscapes and recreational opportunities. Make sure to plan your visit to the specific forest you are interested in exploring.

2. Once you have identified the State Forest Land you want to visit, find the nearest city or town that serves as a gateway to that forest. For example, if you plan to visit Cook Forest State Park, near the Allegheny National Forest, the nearest towns are Cooksburg, Clarington, and Marienville.

3. Use a navigation device or app to get directions to the nearest city or town that leads to your desired State Forest Land. There are various GPS services available, such as Google Maps or Waze, which can provide accurate directions from your current location.

4. On the road, follow the signs indicating the way to the State Forest Land you wish to visit. The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) generally provides clear signage to guide visitors to forest destinations.

5. As you approach the specific State Forest area, use the trail maps, brochures, or any other resources provided by the DCNR to navigate within the forest. These materials can often be found at entry points or visitor centers.

6. Pay attention to any parking regulations or fees that the specific State Forest Land may have. Some areas may require permits or passes for parking, so make sure to check in advance and comply with any requirements.

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Pennsylvania
119

Pennsylvania State Parks

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