Tiadaghton 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. |
Tiadaghton State Forest is comprised of 215,500 acres mostly in Lycoming County. Other tracts extend into Tioga, Sullivan, Potter, Clinton, and Union counties. Tiadaghton's forest features high-country flats bisected by clean, fast-moving mountain streams, including the legendary Pine Creek and Slate Run. It is one of eight state forests located in the PA Wilds region.
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Armstrong Road closed due to storm damage 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.
 HistoryTiadaghton (pronounced: ty-a-dot-un) was the name the Iroquois gave to Pine Creek, the largest tributary of the West Branch of the Susquehanna River. The exact meaning of Tiadaghton is a mystery that may be locked forever in the folklore of the Iroquois Indians. Most of the land for the Tiadaghton State Forest was purchased between 1900 and 1935 from lumber companies that had removed the timber and wanted to dispose of the cut-over land. The Civilian Conservation Corps had seven camps within the Tiadaghton State Forest during the 1930's. The corps constructed and improved the extensive road system and built foot trails and other facilities.
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.  Black Forest TrailThis 42-mile hiking trail was built by the Bureau of Forestry. It utilizes old railroad grades, logging trails and foot trails to traverse some of the most spectacular terrain in Pennsylvania. Portions of this trail follow foot paths originally constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930's. A trail map and guide is available from the Tiadaghton Forest Fire Fighters Association. Contact the District office for details on how to obtain a copy. Pine Creek Rail Trail This popular trail was developed by the Bureau of Forestry on the abandoned railroad grade that parallels Pine Creek. The trail extends 62 miles form Jersey Shore in the Tiadaghton State Forest north to Wellsboro Junction in the Tioga State Forest. The trail is used primarily for bicycling, cross country skiing and walking.
Hiking The Black Forest Trail is a 42 -mile hiking trail built by the Bureau of Forestry. It utilizes old railroad grades, logging trails and foot trails to traverse some of the most spectacular terrain in Pennsylvania. Portions of this trail follow foot paths originally constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930's. A trail map and guide is available from the Tiadaghton Forest Fire Fighters Association. Contact the District office for details on how to obtain a copy. The Pine Creek Rail Trail was developed by the Bureau of Forestry on the abandoned railroad grade that parallels Pine Creek. The trail will extend 62 miles form Jersey Shore in the Tiadaghton State Forest north to Wellsboro Junction in the Tioga State Forest. The trail is used primarily for bicycling, cross country skiing and walking. Cross-country skiing has become a popular winter recreational activity. Over 30 miles of cross-country ski trails are marked and maintained. Maps are available from the Bureau of Forestry. Camping The Tiadaghton State Forest is a wonderful place to sleep under the stars! All facilities are primitive, and camping permits are required in most cases. Contact the district office for details. Certain fragile watersheds are closed to camping and additional restrictions apply in several popular camping areas. Camping permits are issued in advance by telephoning the district office or stopping by during business hours. Hunting Hunting for white-tailed deer, wild turkey, ruffed grouse, and black bear is a popular use of the forest during designated seasons. Hunters travel to the Tiadaghton State Forest from all over the state to enjoy hunting their favorite quarry in the Tiadaghton’s vast woodlands. Hunting is permitted throughout the state forest except in safety zones around buildings and picnic areas. Contact the Pennsylvania Game Commission for details and licensing information. Fishing and Boating Great fishing for both cold water and warm water species is available in the Tiadaghton State Forest. Some of the larger streams include Pine Creek, Lycoming Creek, and Loyalsock Creek, all of which flow into the West Branch of the Susquehanna River, and support a great variety of fish. Mountain streams, too numerous to mention, offer challenging native brook trout fishing. Contact the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission for details and licensing information. Canoeing Pine Creek is a spring tradition for many, and a once in a lifetime thrill for others. Whether your interested in a three-day excursion or a two-hour easy paddle, any time spent on Pine Creek will be unforgettable. The water is best for canoeing in March, April, and May, but heavy rains may permit passage at other times of the year. Most of the creek is considered Class 1, and is easily navigated by experienced paddlers, however, there are more challenging Class 2 and 3 rapids in some areas. Sightseeing Wildlife watching and scenic drives, especially during the fall foliage change, are the most popular sightseeing activities in the Tiadaghton State Forest. Over 260 miles of state forest roads, originally developed for forest fire protection, provide public access to state forestland for the varied recreational experiences available. There are many vistas throughout the forest that provide spectacular views of both public and private land. Horseback Riding Horses may be ridden on all state forest roads and trails except those otherwise posted. Mountain Biking Mountain bikes may be used on most roads and trails in the Tiadaghton State Forest. All trails are open to mountain biking except those designated as state forest hiking trails such as the Black Forest, Loyalsock, Mid-State, and Old Logger’s path hiking trails. The degree of difficulty on the trails varies considerably. Motorized Trails The Haneyville ATV Trail offers 17 miles of summer and winter all-terrain vehicle trails that are maintained by volunteers and the Bureau of Forestry. The trail is closed for several months during the spring fire season and again in the fall hunting season. ATVs must be registered with DCNR and comply with other regulations. Contact the district office for additional information. Winter Activities The Tiadaghton State Forest offers approximately 290 miles of snow mobile trails, as well as over 50 miles of marked and maintained cross-country ski trails. Many additional miles of roads and trails are available for cross country skiing when snowfall is available. 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. Algerine Swamp Natural Area This 84 acre gem straddles the Lycoming-Tioga county border and contains part of a glacial bog. The bog is prime habitat black spruce, balsam fir, and other northen plant species. Miller Run Natural Area This extensive tract consists of 4,000 acres of second-growth oak and northern hardwood forests. The roadless watersheds of three streams dissecting the plateau are protected in this area. Bark Cabin Natural Area The Mid-State Trail passes through this scenic seven acre tract of old growth hemlock trees. Algerine Wild Area This 3,700 acre wild area north of Slate Run is traversed by a portion of the Black Forest trail. It is truly a place to “get away from it all.” Wolf Run Wild Area This wild area contains some of the most remote reaches in the Tiadaghton State Forest and at 6,900 acres it is quite extensive. The Golden Eagle Trail provides access to the western portion of the wild area and to Wolf Run itself.
This 2,158 acre state park is located in Lycoming County and offers picnicking, hunting, mountain biking, and hiking on 13 miles of trails. The 94 acre lake provides opportunities for warm and cold water fishing and boating. Boat rental, mooring, and launching is available. This park also features organized group tenting as well as 104 campsites. Winter activities include ice boating, skating, fishing, sledding, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling on six miles of trails. This 78 acre park is located in Clinton County and features picnicking and a one mile of hiking trail. Fishing is available here for cold-water species on Rauchtown Creek and tent camping is offered at 21 sites. Located in Lycoming County, this 20 acre park offers picnicking as well as fishing and boating opportunities in the West Branch of the Susquehanna River. This Lycoming County park is surrounded by the Tiadaghton State Forest and provides visitors with a welcome rest area. Park patrons often use the parking area of this roadside picnic area for access to hiking, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and hunting in the forest land.
For more information about Tiadaghton State Forest, feel free to contact us at: Tiadaghton District Office |
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