About Pennsylvania's State Forests & Parks
Mid-State Trail
Pennsylvania has a wealth of State Forests and Parks that is second to none. Its 2.1 million-acre Forest System is one of the largest expanses of public forest land in eastern United States, making it a truly priceless public asset. Its nationally-recognized system of 120 State Parks, with over 295,000 acres of land, provides an array of outdoor opportunities within 25 miles of every Pennsylvanian.
The integrity of this Forest and Park System is now at great risk.
Please read on.
Benefits of Pennsylvania's State Forests & Parks include but are not limited to:
Some of the more noted Wild and Natural Areas and trails within the State Forests include:
Some of the more noted State Parks include:
- High quality forestry products, which help support a forest products industry.
- A combined 2,395,000 million acre water treatment and air purification system.
- Nationally-recognized recreational, wilderness, and educational opportunities, as well as a multitude of natural, scenic, historic and esthetic resources, all vital to Pennsylvania’s tourism industry and the health of Pennsylvania’s citizens.
- The largest cumulative publically owned habitat for plants and animals, including many endangered, threatened and rare species, in the Commonwealth.
- Valuable mineral resources that have provided economic benefits for the acquisition of additional lands for the Forest and Park system, and for the development, operation and maintenance of the facilities serving this system.
Some of the more noted Wild and Natural Areas and trails within the State Forests include:
- Elk State Forest: Quehanna and Square Timber Wild Areas; Lower Jerry Run, Johnson Run, and Pine Tree Trail Natural Areas; Bucktail Path and Quehanna Trails
- Loyalsock State Forest: Kettle Creek Gorge, Tamarack Run, and Devil’s Elbow Natural Areas; McIntyre and Kettle Creek Wild Areas; Rock Run; Old Loggers Path and Loyalsock Trails
- Moshannon State Forest: Marion Brooks Natural Area, Quehanna Wild Area, Quehanna and Allegheny Front Trails
- Sproul State Forest: Letterman And Burns Run Wild Areas; Tamarack Swamp, Cranberry Swamp, and East Branch Swamp Natural Areas, Chuck Keiper and Donut Hole Trails
- Susquehannock State Forest: Hammersley Wild Area, Dutlinger Natural Area, Susquehannock Trail
- Tiadaghton State Forest: Bark Cabin and Miller Run Natural Areas; Wolf Run and Algerine Wild Areas; Golden Eagle, Mid-State, and Black Forest Trails, Pine Creek Rail-Trail
- Tioga State Forest: Reynolds Spring and Pine Creek Gorge Natural Areas, Asaph Wild Area, West Rim Trail, Pine Creek Rail-Trail
Some of the more noted State Parks include:
- Leonard Harrison and Colton Point State Parks: feature Pine Creek Gorge (National Natural Landmark)
- Ricketts Glen State Park: features Glens Natural Area (National Natural Landmark)
- Ohiopyle State Park: features Youghiogheny River (internationally-recognized white water boating), Ferncliff Park (National Natural Landmark), Youghiogheny River Rail-Trail
- Black Moshannon State Park: features Black Moshannon Bog (State Park Natural Area)
- Canoe Creek State Park: features one of the largest bat colonies in the Eastern United States
- Cherry Springs State Park: nationally recognized by astronomers for its dark skies
- Cook Forest State Park: features Forest Cathedral (National Natural Landmark)
- Hickory Run State Park: features Boulder Field (National Natural Landmark)
- Hyner View State Park: features one of Pennsylvania’s most scenic canyon vistas (West Branch Susquehanna River) and a favorite spot for hang gliding
- Jennings Environmental Education Center: features a 20-acre prairie ecosystem that is home to the blazing star prairie flower and the endangered Massasauga Rattlesnake
- Worlds End State Park: features spectacular canyon vistas and the Loyalsock Creek
gas well burn off
Particularly in the northcentral part of Pennsylvania,
these State Forests and Parks are rich in mineral resources, including the Marcellus and the even deeper Utica shale deposits.
And herein lies the conflict.
Please go to Shale Gas Industry Impacts & Threats