Activities
near the
Tuscarora State Forest
Fishing & Boating: Trout fishing is available along many miles of small-to-medium sized streams where both native and stocked trout are found. Fish habitat improvement devices have been installed in Sherman's Creek, Fowler Hollow Run, and East Licking Creek. A four-mile section of East Licking Creek has been designated as a Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures Only trout fishing area. For those who enjoy boating on the Juniata River, there is the Shawmut Boat Access along PA Route 103 near Newton Hamilton in Huntingdon County.
Hiking: The Tuscarora Trail is the northern portion
of an extensive 220-mile bypass route of the Appalachian Trail in Pennsylvania,
Maryland, West Virginia, and Virginia. Approximately 23 miles of
this hiking trail cross the Tuscarora State Forest. Backpack camping
is permitted along the state forest portion, and a rustic, open-faced
shelter is located along the trail in Fowlers Hollow.
The Tunnel Trail, one mile in length,
leads to the ruins of two narrow-gauge railroads. A display case
containing information about those railroads is located at the trailhead
in Big Spring State Park.
The Iron Horse Trail provides a 10-mile
loop hiking trail between Big Spring State Park and the Eby Cemetery along
PA Route 274. This trail follows the grade of the Perry Lumber Company
and the Path Valley railroads.
An additional 167 miles of short, local hiking
trails are located throughout the Tuscarora. The majority of these
trails have signs at the starting and terminal points. Most of the
trail maintenance is done by volunteers.
Hunting: Hunting, particularly for deer and turkey, is extremely
popular in the Tuscarora State Forest. 
The
Anderson Ridge Limited Access Buck Hunting Area provides a 6,000-acre
area of unique hunting where all motorized vehicles are prohibited except
for those used by hunters with disabilities with special permits.
The squirrel population fluctuates with the success of the acorn crop,
while the grouse population is usually low. Special wildlife habitat
improvement projects continue to increase the game and non-game populations.
Sightseeing: A total of 157 miles of state forest roads provides some of the finest scenic views in Pennsylvania and ample opportunities for wildlife observation. While bears and bobcats are seen only occasionally, other wildlife including foxes, raccoons, opossums, and songbirds are relatively abundant.
Snowmobiling & Skiing: A snowmobile trail system of more than 100 miles provides excellent snowmobiling during snowy winter months. A cross-country ski area is located in Fowler Hollow, which follows 11 miles of trails and old railroad grades. Special trail maps are available for both.
Picnicking: The Karl B. Guss State Forest Picnic Area, established in the early 1960's, is located in northwestern Juniata County along East Licking Creek Drive. It provides Facilities for picnicking and fishing and includes a playfield. Much of this area is accessible to persons with disabilities.
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