Lackawanna 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. |
Lackawanna State Forest is named after the Native American phrase, "a place where the river forks." The forest's 27,345 acres blanket more than a few of the mountains near the confluence of the Susquehanna and Lackawanna rivers, thus its moniker. Tracts are located in Lackawanna and Luzerne counties.
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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 The name Lackawanna is the English spelling of an Indian word which means “a place where the river forks”. Within the boundaries of the Lackawanna Forest District are a county and river that also bear this name. Thus naming the state forest “Lackawanna” was a perfect fit for the regional area this district covers. The Lackawanna State Forest began in 1902 with the purchase of 2,854 acres of land in Lehigh Township, Lackawanna County, from William and Catherine McMurtry for $3,567.40. Several other acquisitions between 1902 and the present day have increased land holdings on the Thornhurst tract to the present day acreage of 10,722 acres. In addition, approximately 1,404 acres of land near West Nanticoke in Luzerne County was purchased in 1957 from the C. Arch Smith estate and heirs, adding an additional county and state forest land to the Lackawanna. In 2005, significant acreage in Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties was added to the Lackawanna State Forest through transactions with Theta Corporation, Earth Conservancy, and several private landowners. These transactions increased the state forest from 7,735 acres to the present day acreage of 27,345 acres.  Much of the early land acquisitions were areas that had been cut over by loggers in the late 1800’s seeking lumber for the rapidly developing industrial revolution. In addition, a high demand was placed on timber resources in Northeast PA through the 1940’s for supplying forest products for the active anthracite mining industry in the region. Large scale forest fires were a common threat to forest health and productivity until suppression efforts took hold in the 1930’s. Adding insult to injury, the American Chestnut Blight all but eliminated American Chestnut from Pennsylvania Forests by 1940, including present day areas of the Lackawanna State Forest. Gypsy Moth was first discovered in Pittston, Pennsylvania in 1975, and periodically continues to cause forest health problems on the Lackawanna State Forest. Combating many of the forest fire problems in the Thornhurst area, as well as contributing many long hours of forest road building, tree planting, and facility construction, was the formation of a Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) camp (Bear Lake Camp #140) near Thornhurst in 1933. A sign recognizing the crucial importance of the CCC to the early years of the Lackawanna State Forest stands near a pine plantation at the Manny Gordon Picnic Area across Bear Lake Road from the Thornhurst Forest Headquarters. These pine trees were originally planted on the site of the CCC camp sometime between 1933 and 1937, the latter year being when the CCC camp officially closed. Since the closing of the CCC camp, other youth oriented development programs such as Youth Conservation Corps (YCC), Young Adult Conservation Corps (YACC), and the still active Pennsylvania Conservation Corps (PCC) have worked with several projects on the Lackawanna including facility construction, tree planting, gate installation, road maintenance, boundary line maintenance, and trail construction. The Lackawanna State Forest truly would not be resting on as solid ground as it is today without the hard work of these dedicated groups.
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. Pinchot Trail This 26-mile trail offers hikers a choice of short, easy walks or overnight backpacking to remote areas of the Thornhurst Tract. The trail head, located off Bear Lake Road just west of the intersection of Pittston Road, has ample parking and a picnic area. A variety of different forest types can be found along the trail which will take the hiker through several bogs where spruce, fir, and tamarack predominate. The 5 mile Watres Loop is a recently constructed district trail that winds through recent land purchases along Painter and Panther Run. Both the Pinchot and Watres Trails are rated as easy to moderate in difficulty. No other developed hiking trails are currently available on other Lackawanna State Forest tracts at this time, however all state forest roads, the snowmobile trail, and lands not developed with trail signage are open for foot travel. Hunting Hunting and trapping are two uses of the Lackawanna State Forest that attract many visitors each year. Deer, turkey, grouse, squirrels, and rabbits are plentiful and there are occasional black bear sightings. Snowshoe Hare populations are present in some areas of the Lackawanna State Forest as well. Various species of ducks also have been noted to occur where streams, beaver dams, and other wetlands occur. Common fur bearers seen or identified by scat and tracks include coyote, raccoon, weasel, mink, bobcat, skunk, beaver, muskrat, and opossum. The complex diversity and overall positive health of forest habitats found on the Lackawanna State Forest ensures that many of these species will be sustained in stable populations for the hunting and trapping public to enjoy. Please follow all rules and regulations for hunting and trapping set forth by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Use extreme caution with firearms at all times. Other visitors use the forest during hunting seasons. Fishing Trout fishing is available during designated seasons in several creeks and streams that run throughout the forest. Harvey’s Creek is a popular stocked trout stream and is accessed along Rt. 29 in Luzerne County. Ceasetown Reservoir provides walk in anglers with a chance to pursue warm water species such as bass, pickerel, and crappie. Ceasetown Reservoir is owned and operated by the PA American Water Company, and contains a 500 foot land buffer surrounding the lake. Fishing is only permitted from shore, and no ice fishing is permitted on the lake itself. Choke Creek, which makes up the southern boundary of the Thornhurst tract, attracts anglers who appreciate the challenge of fishing for the elusive native brook trout. Wild trout are also found in Butler Run, Spring Run, Painter Creek, Panther Creek, and Sand Spring Creek. Trout fishing may also be pursued in Pine Creek on the Crystal Lake Tract. Crystal Lake itself is not open to the public for fishing, or any other type of recreation. Fishing for cold and warm water species can be had on the Blue Ridge/Lehigh Tract for a distance of 2 miles along the Lehigh River. Kayaking & Canoeing The Blue Ridge/Lehigh Tract provides 2.5 miles of river frontage on the upper Lehigh River, including a 4 acre access point between the River Road and the Lehigh itself. This small piece of land is known as the Evergreen Forest, and lies about .7 miles north of the intersection of Bear Lake Road and River Road. Pond Creek, a local tributary to the Lehigh River, enters the Lehigh just downstream of the Evergreen Forest. Hiking The 26-mile Pinchot Trail offers hikers a choice of short, easy walks or overnight backpacking to remote areas of the Thornhurst Tract. The trail head, located off Bear Lake Road just west of the intersection of Pittston Road, has ample parking and a picnic area. A variety of different forest types can be found along the trail which will take the hiker through several bogs where spruce, fir, and tamarack predominate. The 5 mile Watres Loop is a recently constructed district trail that winds through recent land purchases along Painter and Panther Run. Both the Pinchot and Watres Trails are rated as easy to moderate in difficulty. No other developed hiking trails are currently available on other Lackawanna State Forest tracts at this time, however all state forest roads, the snowmobile trail, and lands not developed with trail signage are open for foot travel. Picnicking The Thornhurst Tract features the Manny Gordon picnic area with two pavilions and several picnic tables as well as charcoal grills at each location. This is a popular picnic spot with snowmobiling enthusiasts. Picnic tables are also available at the trailhead for the Pinchot Trail. Ensure that all trash is disposed of in proper containers prior to leaving. Leave No Trace. Camping Primitive camping is permitted along the Pinchot Trail. Please follow all State Forest rules and regulations and practice Leave No Trace. Sightseeing There are many opportunities to see wildlife, but please observe from a safe distance and do not feed wildlife. The State Forest is a good place to see turkey, grouse, white-tailed deer, black bears, and a wide variety of song birds. There is an observation deck at Pine Hill on the Thornhurst tract that provides a sweeping panoramic view of the Pocono plateau and the start of the ridge and valley system. Fall foliage viewing attracts many visitors each year to the various tracts of the Lackawanna State Forest. Winter Activities An extensive 24-mile snowmobile and cross-country ski trail is well marked and opens following deer season. Snowmobile off loading areas are located at the Manny Gordon Picnic area and near the intersection of Pittston Road and Bear Lake Road. This trail system remains open until late spring. State Forest Roads offer the enthusiast the chance to cross country ski and snowshoe in the winter time on the Thornhurst and Harveys Creek Tracts. Horseback Riding Horses may be ridden on all state forest roads and most trails on the LackawannaStateForest, including the Snowmobile Trail. The Spruce Swamp Natural Area, Pinchot Trail, and Watres Loop are closed to horseback riding. Horseback riders should use caution when riding on the LackawannaStateForest as other users, including mountain bikers, hikers, hunters, and fishermen may be nearby. Mountain Biking Mountain bikes may be used on most roads and trails on the LackawannaStateForest, unless otherwise posted. The Snowmobile Trail is open to mountain biking. The Spruce Swamp Natural Area, Pinchot Trail, and Watres Loop are closed to mountain biking. The degree of riding difficulty varies considerably throughout the forest district.
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 back country recreational opportunities. Spruce Swamp Natural Area This 87-acre site located on the Thornhurst tract is noted for its glacial bog where native spruce, balsam fir, and tamarack are found. Labrador Tea and Bog Roseary, not commonly found in Pennsylvania, also grow here. Surrounding the bog and acting as a buffer is a typical hardwood forest interspersed with hemlock and assorted pines. For more information and maps to these and other State Parks visit the "Find a Park" page. Tobyhanna and Gouldsboro State Parks These adjacent parks are located in Monroe and Wayne counties and total some 8,240 acres. These parks offer picnicking, biking, and hunting, as well as hiking on 12 miles of trails. The 170 acre lake offers swimming, boating, and fishing, as well as a boat rental, mooring, and launching. Camping is available on 140 campsites and organized group tenting is available. Winter activities include cross-country skiing and snowmobiling on five miles of trails. Ricketts Glen State Park Located in Luzerne, Wyoming and Sullivan Counties is this 13,050 acre recreational gem. Mountaintop, Lake Jean provides boating and fishing opportunities. Kitchen Creek gorge with 28 waterfalls and old growth hemlock and hardwood forests provide scenic hiking trails. Camping and cabins are available and in demand. Reservations are recommended. Lackawanna State Park Located in Lackawanna County, this 1,411 acre park includes a 198 acre lake that is home to bass, muskellunge, panfish, and trout. Camping, hiking, picnicking, swimming, and mountain biking are popular park activities. Frances Slocum State Park This 1,035 acre state park located in Luzerne County offers camping, picnicking, hunting, fishing, and hiking on over nine miles of trails. There is a swimming pool in the park and a 165 acre lake where visitors can enjoy fishing and boating. Winter activities include ice skating, ice fishing, sledding, cross country skiing, and snowmobiling on seven miles of trails.
For more information about Lackawanna State Forest, feel free to contact us at: Lackawanna District Office |
anagement Plan. 