Save
You must be signed in to save park lists.
Your Park Lists
add New List
Add Photo
You must be signed in to add photos.
state route ranger badge
Pennsylvania
219

Pennsylvania State Parks

responsive menu icon
USA Parks
Pennsylvania
South-Central Region
Tuscarora State Forest
Ruffed Grouse © stateparks.com
Keep On Leash © stateparks.com
Search
Availability
Calendars
Availability Search
TUSCARORA STATE FOREST
TUSCARORA STATE FOREST
Tuscarora State Forest derives its name from Tuscarora Mountain. The mountain, in turn, was named for the Tuscarora Indians, a tribe adopted by the Iroquois Nation and allowed to migrate to this region about 1714.

Comprised of 91,165 acres, the Tuscarora State Forest is located in Cumberland, Franklin, Huntingdon, Juniata, Mifflin, and Perry counties. The original forest 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.
History of the Area
Tuscarora State Forest derives its name from Tuscarora Mountain. The mountain, in turn, was named for the Tuscarora Indians, a tribe adopted by the Iroquois Nation and allowed to migrate to this region about 1714.

Comprised of 91,165 acres, the Tuscarora State Forest is located in Cumberland, Franklin, Huntingdon, Juniata, Mifflin, and Perry counties. The original forest 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.
Camping
1. Hemlocks Natural Area: This is a primitive camping area within the Tuscarora State Forest that offers an authentic wilderness experience.

2. Colonel Denning State Park: Although not directly in the forest, this state park borders it and provides campgrounds with modern facilities like restrooms and picnic areas.

3. Fowlers Hollow Campground: Located at Fowlers Hollow Run, this campground has 18 sites for tent or trailer camping from April to December each year.

4. Big Spring Picnic & Camping Area: It's located along Route 274 near New Germantown offering both day use picnicking as well as overnight family style camping on eight designated campsites.

5. Tuscarora Trail Shelters: There are three shelters available for backpackers hiking long distances through the forest; these include Earl Shaffer Shelter, Thelma Marks Shelter and Charlie Irvin shelter.

6. Picnic Grove Horse Camp: A horse-friendly site where you can set up your own portable corrals or tie lines between trees.

7. Bear Valley Cabins: These rustic cabins offer more comfortable accommodations than traditional tents but still provide plenty of outdoor activities nearby such as fishing,hiking etc.

Remember all backcountry (primitive) campers must have a permit which can be obtained free of charge by contacting district office before setting out on their trip
Nearby Vacation Rentals
Search for a vacation rental


Location
Tuscarora State Forest is located near Lewistown, Newville

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.
Trails
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.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
write a review
Share On

Area Campgrounds
Dogwood Acres Campground
4500 Enola Road
Newville, PA
717-776-5203
Locust Campground
475 Locust Road
Lewistown, PA
717-248-3974
Paradise Stream Family Campground
PO Box 124
Loysville, PA
717-789-2117
Wildwood RV Resort
7310 Horse Valley Road
East Waterford, PA
717-734-0144

Directions
1. From Harrisburg: Take I-81 South towards Carlisle.
2. Continue on I-81 South for about 45 miles, then take Exit 13 for PA-997 towards Scotland and Fayetteville.
3. At the end of the exit ramp, turn left onto PA-997 South.
4. Follow PA-997 South for approximately 3.5 miles, then turn right onto PA-433 West.
5. Continue on PA-433 West for about 24 miles until you reach New Germantown.
6. In New Germantown, turn left onto Shermans Valley Road.
7. Follow Shermans Valley Road for approximately 8 miles, and you will arrive at Tuscarora State Forest.

state route ranger badge
Pennsylvania
219

Pennsylvania State Parks

X