Gallitzin State Forest
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Detailed maps can help you plan your trip. Download the public use map and other trail and recreational activity maps. |
Gallitzin State Forest was named in honor of Dimetrius Augustine Gallitzin, Prince-Priest of the Alleghenies, who established a mission at Loretto in Cambria Country in 1795. The forest is composed of 24,183 acres in northern Somerset, Bedford Cambria and Indiana counties. Much of Gallitzin rests on the Allegheny Front and the Laurel Ridge.
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Don't Move Firewood To help protect the forest from invasive insects that can kill trees and devastate the ecosystem, please do not transport firewood over long distances. Firewood can harbor insects such as emerald ash borer. Cut or purchase your firewood where you intend to burn it.
History Coal mining has been an important industry in this area since the early 1900's. Many abandoned deep-mine tunnels have been ripped open by subsequent strip mining operations. Mining done today under improved mining laws and modern methods is doing much to heal the scars of the past. In 1991, 3,009 acres of surface land were deeded to the Bureau of Forestry in exchange for coal under 92.9 acres in previously mined areas of Pot Ridge. DCNR Bureau of Forestry manages our state forests for their long-term health and productivity while conserving native wild plants. These forests are “working forests” and provide a whole suite of uses and values to Pennsylvania citizens, all while maintaining the forest’s wild character. Our state forests are managed for pure water, recreation, scenic beauty, plant and animal habitat, sustainable timber and natural gas, and many other uses and values. The management of our state forests is guided by the State Forest Resource M Ecosystem Management The Bureau of Forestry has adopted “ecosystem management” as its principal strategy for managing state forests. This approach seeks to conserve the natural patterns and processes of the forest while advancing long-term sustainability. Ecosystem management promotes the conservation of plant and animal communities and the landscapes and habitats that support them. It also accounts for needs and values of people and communities. This results in a holistic, integrated approach to managing forest resources. A Working Forest As you travel throughout the state forest, you’ll see examples of our forests “at work.” Some of these management practices are more noticeable than others, such as active timber harvests, deer exclosure fences, natural gas drilling sites, prescribed fires and gypsy moth spraying. Others are more subtle, such as the protection of a vernal pool, the buffering of a stream from timber harvesting, or the setting aside of a special area to conserve its wild character or protect a rare plant community. Each of these management practices and activities play a vital role in the management and conservation of our state forest system.  Certified “Well Managed” Pennsylvania’s 2.2-million-acre state forest system is one the largest certified forests in North America. The forest is certified (FSC-C017154) by the Rainforest Alliance under the Forest Stewardship Council™ standards. The FSC® is an independent organization supporting environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial, and economically viable management of the world's forests. John P. Saylor Trail Lost Turkey Trail Bog Path Educational Trail County Line Trail Clark Run Trail Rager Mountain Trail Horseback Riding Mountain Biking Winter Activities Cross-country Skiing: The Babcock forest area off Route 56, offers seven miles of cross-country skiing trails in three loops graded according to difficulty. Many additional miles of roads and trials are available for cross-country skiing when snowfall is suitable. Snowmobiling: There are 9 miles of very popular snowmobile trails in the Babcock forest area north of Route 56, east of Ogletown. Two large parking areas are available along Rt. 56. There are 4 miles of trail in the Rager Mt. forest area off Route 403 near Cramer. Hiking Hikers can enjoy over 51 miles of trails on Gallitzin State Forest. Visit the "Trails" tab on this web page for details of the major trail systems. Shorter local trails are shown on the Gallitzin public use map available on the Gallitzin Maps page. Picnicking Camping Hunting Fishing / Boating Sightseeing Wolf Rocks, an interesting geological formation can be viewed while hiking the John P. Saylor Trail in the Babcock forest area. A short distance from Wolf Rocks along the Bog Path is a natural bog area. Horseback Riding Mountain Biking Winter Activities Cross-country Skiing: The Babcock forest area off Route 56, offers seven miles of cross-country skiing trails in three loops graded according to difficulty. Many additional miles of roads and trials are available for cross-country skiing when snowfall is suitable. Snowmobiling: There are 9 miles of very popular snowmobile trails in the Babcock forest area north of Route 56, east of Ogletown. Two large parking areas are available along Rt. 56. There are 4 miles of trail in the Rager Mt. forest area off Route 403 near Cramer. Pennsylvania’s state forest system includes dozens of special wild and natural areas set aside to protect unique or unusual biologic, geologic, scenic and historical features or to showcase outstanding examples of the state’s major forest communities. Natural areas are “managed” by nature and direct human intervention is limited. They provide places for scenic observation, protect special plant and animal communities and conserve outstanding examples of natural beauty. Wild areas are generally extensive tracts managed to protect the forest’s wild character and to provide backcountry recreational opportunities. Charles F. Lewis Natural Area Clear Shade Wild Area For more information and maps to these and other State Parks visit the "Find a Park" page. Blue Knob State Park Canoe Creek State Park Laurel Ridge State Park Prince Gallitzin State Park Yellow Creek State Park For more information about Gallitzin State Forest feel free to contact us at: Gallitzin Forest District |
anagement Plan. 