Tuscarora State Forest

"Fun with the Family"

Traveling southwest on Route 274 from New Germantown, you’ll come upon the entrance to the Tuscarora State Forest—90,512 acres of amazing vistas, undisturbed areas, trout streams, state parks, hiking, snowmobiling, and more. The forest roads are well maintained, making a great route for a mild “off-road” driving experience. The Bureau of Forestry has developed a brochure that will guide you on a 26-mile auto tour of the forest. The dirt roads are in good shape, so you shouldn’t need fourwheel drive to navigate the route in good weather.
Highlights in and around the state forest include: Hemlocks Natural Area, a 120- acre area of virgin hemlock forest with 3 miles of hiking trails; the Iron Horse Trail, a rails-to-trails project that provides 10 miles of hiking with only moderate climbing necessary; the Tuscarora Trail, a 22-mile side trail of the Appalachian Trail; Fowler Hollow State Park, with eighteen campsites and fishing in the creek; and Colonel  Denning State Park, with fifty-two trailer and tent sites, excellent hiking, and an extensive environmental education program during summer months. For more information about the state forest and natural areas, contact the Bureau of Forestry, RD 1, Box 42–A, Blain 17006. For more information about the state parks within the forest, call (888) PA–PARKS.