Tuscarora State Forest lands cover the narrow valleys and steep rocky ridges of the ridge and valley region of Pennsylvania. These fertile, well watered sites are ideal for growing majestic oak and hemlock forests. There are abundant populations of most wildlife species native to this region. Forests of the lower slopes are essentially mixed mesophytic communities with a large proportion of hemlock and white pine among mixed oaks, red maple, sugar maple, beech, basswood, tuliptree, and ash. History The original forest in this area consisted of hemlock in the stream bottoms with American chestnut and oak on the slopes and mountain tops. The first state purchase of land for this district was 7,608 acres bought in 1902 from J. Preston Thomas at a cost of $1.72 per acre. Originally called the Rothrock Forest Reserve, this tract was later merged with the Pennypacker and McClure reserves to form the present Tuscarora State Forest. Lumbering began in earnest in the early 1900's by large lumber companies such as the Perry Lumber Company, Oak Extract Company, East Waterford Lumber Company and the Pine Creek Lumber and Timber Company. The great logging era ended in 1930. A major development came in 1933 with the establishment of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), a work program for able-bodied and unemployed males. State forestry personnel planned and supervised work activities for the CCC, which included construction and maintenance of roads, trails, and bridges and the development of state parks, picnic areas, and scenic overlooks. Six CCC camps were located in the Tuscarora.
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.
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 anagement Plan. 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. Water Resources
Three municipal watersheds are located wholly, on in part in the Tuscarora State forest. They supply water to Shippensburg, Mount Union, Mifflin and Mifflintown. In addition a small emergency water supply for Lewistown is located on Minehart Run.
Tuscarora Trail
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. Tunnel Trail
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. Iron Horse Trail
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. Horseback Riding
Nearly all of the district trails and roads are available for this use. In addition, most areas of state forest land are available for cross-country riding. For information on designated equestrian trails visit the Horseback Riding page or contact the district office. First hand reviews and descriptions about riding these, and many other State Forest trails, are available in the Ride Pennsylvania Horse Trails guidebooks. Mountain Biking
All state forest roads are open to mountain bicycling. In addition, many district trails are available for riding. Please contact the district office for more information. Motorized Trails
There are no trails open to All-Terrain Vehicle riding within the Tuscarora State Forest. Please visit the ATV Information web pages for more information on riding opportunities within the State Forest system. Winter Activities Cross-country Skiing
A cross-country ski area is located in Fowler Hollow, which follows 11 miles of trails and old railroad grades. Snowmobiling
A snowmobile trail system of more than 100 miles provides excellent snowmobiling during snowy winter months.
Hiking Tuscarora Trail
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. Tunnel Trail
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. Iron Horse Trail 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. 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. Camping
A camping permit is required for overnight camping on state forest land. Certain watersheds near exceptional value or high quality waters are posted closed to camping. Camping permits can be obtained in advance by calling or stopping by the district office during business hours. Special permits are needed for groups larger than ten people. Please call or write for details. With the exception of designated natural areas, primitive backpack camping is allowed throughout the state forest. Primitive backpack campers do not need a permit if they stay no more than one night at any campsite. 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. 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. 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. Horseback Riding
Nearly all of the district trails and roads are available for this use. In addition, most areas of state forest land are available for cross-country riding. For information on designated equestrian trails visit the Horseback Riding page or contact the district office. First hand reviews and descriptions about riding these, and many other State Forest trails, are available in the Ride Pennsylvania Horse Trails guidebooks. Mountain Biking
All state forest roads are open to mountain bicycling. In addition, many district trails are available for riding. Please contact the district office for more information. Motorized Trails
There are no trails open to All-Terrain Vehicle riding within the Tuscarora State Forest. Please visit the ATV Information web pages for more information on riding opportunities within the State Forest system. Winter Activities
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.
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. Hemlocks Natural Area
Located along Hemlock Road near Big Spring State Park, this area consists of 120 acres of virgin hemlock in a narrow ravine about one and one-half miles long. Three miles of trails traverse the area on each side of Patterson Run. At the trailhead parking area, there is a picnic table for use by the public. Pamphlets are available. Camping is not permitted. Hoverter and Sholl Box Huckleberry Natural Area
Located in Perry County near New Bloomfield, this isolated 10-acre tract contains a rare colony of box huckleberry, which is a single plant estimated to be 1,300 years old. There is an interpretive trail at the site. Frank E. Masland, Jr. Natural Area
Surrounding a two-mile section of North Branch Laurel Run, this 1,270-acres tract is a good example of old, second-growth forest. There are several access points along the outer fringe of the natural area that lead to a primitive trail system. This natural area has a special regulation that strictly prohibits the killing or taking of amphibians or reptiles. Tuscarora Wild Area
Located on the eastern end of Tuscarora Mountain, this wild area consists of a single tract of 5,382 acres. The timber within the Tuscarora Wild Area was cut between 1902 and 1917. The felled timber was removed by a self-acting incline and logging railroad. In 1964, the Commonwealth purchased these lands from Kaiser Aluminum and Chemical Company. Except for the remains of the logging railroad, there is little evidence of man-made disturbance. Primitive backpack camping is permitted.
Colonel Denning State Park
Located in the Doubling Gap area of the state forest, this park has a three and one-half-acre lake, an outdoor amphitheater, picnic areas, and a 52-site primitive campground with trailer dump station and picnic shelter. Big Spring State Park
Primarily a picnicking and hiking area, this 45-acre park is located midway between New Germantown and Doylesburg. Little Buffalo State Park
Located midway between Newport and New Bloomfield, park facilities include a swimming pool, picnicking areas, and hiking trails. The 88-acre Little Buffalo Lake provides the visitor the opportunity for boating, fishing, ice fishing, and ice skating. Also located in the park are an interpretative center, restored gristmill, and a covered bridge. Fowlers Hollow State Park
Fowlers Hollow has facilities for picnicking, hiking, and fishing as well as an 18-site primitive campground with a trailer dump station, picnic shelter, and playfield.
For more information about Tuscarora State Forest contact us at: Tuscarora District Office
4455 Big Spring Road
Blain, PA 17006
(717) 536-3191
fd03@pa.gov Driving Directions The Tuscarora State Forest District Office is located on State Route 274 in Perry County, Toboyne Twp. GPS coordinates: DMS N40 deg 18 min 11 sec, W77 deg 35 min 22 sec DD 40.30239, -77. 589262 From the South: From the square in Carlisle go north on State Route 74 14.5 miles to Alinda, turn left onto State Route 850 West and go 4.1 miles to Loysville. Turn left onto State Route 274 and proceed 9.6 miles to the town of Blain. Turn left in town at the State Route 17 intersection and stay on State Route 274 4.8 miles west through New Germantown. The Tuscarora State Forest District Office is located on your right. From the North: From the intersection of State Route 322 and State Route 75, take State Route 75 South through Port Royal and turn left onto State Route 74 South (4.7 mi) and go 7.6 miles to Ickesburg. Turn right onto State Route 17 and travel 12.5 miles west to Blain. Take State Route 274 4.8 miles west through New Germantown. The Tuscarora State Forest District Office is located on your right. From the East: From the intersection of State Route 17 and State Route 274 in the town of Blain, take State Route 274 4.8 miles west through New Germantown. The Tuscarora State Forest District Office is located on your right. From the West: Exit the PA Turnpike (I76) at Willow Hill and go north on State Route 75 9.6 miles to Doylesburg, turn right onto State Route 274. Proceed 9.6 miles and you will see the Tuscarora State Forest District Office located on the left. Firewood Cutting
Firewood cutting is permitted on the Tuscarora State Forest. A permit is required at a cost of $15.00 per cord. Stop in the district office for a permit, or call for an application. For additional information, rules, and application, access our fuelwood cutting brochure. State Forest Rules and Regulations State Forest Picnic Area Rules and Regulations
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