Rothrock 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. |
Rothrock State Forest is named for Dr. Joseph Trimble Rothrock, a native of Mifflin County and the Commonwealth’s first forestry commissioner. He is recognized as the “Father of Forestry” in Pennsylvania. Rothrock State Forest comprises 96,956 acres that spread across the rugged ridges of Huntingdon, Centre and Mifflin counties.
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Road Closings Conklin Road in Brown Township, Mifflin County, from Spruce Mountain intersection to the Lingle Creek crossing will be closed for resurfacing May 20th – May 28th. 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 In 1933, newly-elected President Franklin D. Roosevelt created the US Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), a work program for able-bodied and unemployed males. Approximately 93 resident work camps, each consisting of 174-200 young men, were built on Pennsylvania's state forests. Six of these camps were located in the present day Rothrock State Forest. Today’s Penn Roosevelt State Park was one of these sites employing men of color. State forestry personnel planned and supervised work projects for the CCC which included construction of roads, fire trails, workshops, park and picnic area development, tree planting and fire suppression. All CCC camps in the Rothrock closed by early 1942. 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. The Rothrock State Forest contains nearly 300 miles of hiking trails. Mid State Trail Standing Stone Trail Horseback Riding Mountain Biking Motorized Trails Winter Activities Cross-country Skiing: All of the trails on the Rothrock are open for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Hiking The Rothrock State Forest contains nearly 300 miles of hiking trails. Mid State Trail Standing Stone Trail Picnicking Camping Backpackers may camp overnight anywhere except in designated Natural Areas, within 200 feet of a forest road, within 25 feet of a trail, or within 100 feet of a stream or any open water. Permits are required if camping more than one (1) night. Overnight campers are still encouraged to register with the District Office. Further guidelines and ethics can be found in our camping brochures. Hunting Fishing & Boating Boating opportunities abound in the area. From canoeing or kayaking on the Little Juniata or the Raystown Branch, to running your jon-boat on Whipples or Greenwood Lakes, to cruising in your cabin cruiser on Raystown Lake. Raystown Lake is an 8,300-acre flood control reservoir operated by the Corps of Engineers. It provides flood control, fisheries enhancement, water quality, and recreational opportunities. Nestled between the ridges of Huntingdon County, adjacent to the southern portion of Rothrock State Forest, the visitor to this 29,300-acre Federal facility can participate in hiking, fishing, camping, recreational boating, hunting, picnicking, and many other outdoor activities. Sightseeing Other significant sightseeing overlooks for the hiker include several spots atop Tussey Mountain that can be reached only by walking along the Mid-State Trail. The Standing Stone Trail, atop Stone Mountain and Jacks Mountain, also offers several great views for the hiker. Additional breathtaking views can be found at Indian Overlook above the parking area at Colerain trailhead, and Penn Valley View, near the junction of Detweiler Trail and Thickhead Road. A trip to the Trough Creek area can also be rewarding to the scenic vista lover. The hike along the crest of Terrace Mountain provides some spectacular views of the Raystown Lake area. The auto traveler can obtain good views from overlooks along the following roads: Colerain, Pennsylvania Furnace, Bear Gap, Wampler, North Meadows, Kettle, Beidleheimer, Allensville, and Turkey Hill. Horseback Riding Mountain Biking Motorized Trails Winter Activities Cross-country Skiing: All of the trails on the Rothrock are open for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. 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. Alan Seeger Natural Area Bear Meadows Natural Area Big Flat Laurel Natural Area Detweiler Run Natural Area Little Juniata Natural Area Rocky Ridge Natural Area Thickhead Mountain Wild Area Trough Creek Wild Area For more information and maps to these and other State Parks visit the "Find a Park" page. Greenwood Furnace State Park Penn Roosevelt State Park Trough Creek State Park Whipple Dam State Park For more information about Rothrock State Forest feel free to contact us at: Rothrock District Office State Forest Rules and Regulations |
anagement Plan. 