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Pennsylvania
309

Pennsylvania State Parks

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USA Parks
Pennsylvania
Southwest Region
Rothrock State Forest
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ROTHROCK STATE FOREST
ROTHROCK STATE FOREST
The Rothrock State Forest is named for Dr. Joseph Trimbel Rothrock, a native of Mifflin County, who is recognized as the Father of Forestry in Pennsylvania. In 1895, Dr. Rothrock was appointed the first forestry commissioner to lead the newly-formed Division of Forestry in the Department of Agriculture. That Division has evolved through the years into the current Bureau of Forestry. Two of Rothrock's major accomplishments during his tenure as commissioner were his land acquisition program and the creation of a forest academy to train foresters for state service.
Nature of the Area
Raystown Lake

Raystown Lake, an 8,300-acre flood control reservoir, is operated by the Corps of Engineers to provide flood control, fisheries enhancement, water quality, and recreational opportunities. Nestled between the ridges of Huntingdon County, adjacent to the southern portion of Rothrock State Forest, the visitor to this 29,300-acre Federal facility can participate in hiking, fishing, camping, recreational boating, hunting, picnicking, and many other outdoor activities.

Raystown Lake is formed by a dam which is located on the Raystown Branch of the Juniata River, 5.5 miles upstream from its junction with the Juniata just east of Huntingdon. The lake and dam are major elements in the Susquehanna River Basin flood control system. Constructed at a cost of $76 million in the mid 1970's, the lake controls a drainage area of 960 square miles, and provides downstream flood protection through controlled water releases.
History of the Area
In 1903, the forested area now known as the Rothrock was virtually stripped bare of trees to provide wood to make charcoal for the iron furnaces located at Greenwood Furnace in Huntingdon County. These furnaces were used for the smelting of iron ore which was a major industry in the 1700's and 1800's in Pennsylvania. When two of the Greenwood Furnace hearths closed in 1903, Dr. Rothrock was instrumental in helping the Bureau of Forestry purchase approximately 35,000 acres in Huntingdon County from Greenwood Furnace. Other purchases followed until most of the Seven Mountains forest area became state land. These original land purchases were called state forest reserves and were divided into three separate reserves. Those in northern Huntingdon County and Ferguson and Harris townships in Centre County were to be named the Logan State Forest with headquarters in Petersburg. Adjacent tracts in Potter Township, Centre County and Armagh and Brown townships in Mifflin County became the Penn State Forest with headquarters in Milroy. Forestry purchases near Mount Union and Entriken were named the Rothrock State Forest with an office in Mount Union.

The Logan, Penn, and Rothrock forests remained separate entities until 1953 when the Logan and Penn State Forest became part of the Bald Eagle Forest District. The remaining forests became the realigned Rothrock State Forest with its district office located in downtown Huntingdon.

When former chief of US Forest Service Gifford Pinchot became Governor of Pennsylvania in 1923, one of his first actions was to upgrade the state's fledgling forestry division to full department status. The new Department of Forest and Waters was given funds to build the first steel forest fire observation tower, complete with its own telephone service. There are four maintained fire towers in the Rothrock District - Jacks on Butler Knob, Loop on State Game Land #118 on Tussey Mountain, Greenwood and Little Flat. Forest fires were a major problem on the Rothrock through the 1950's, but fire prevention education paid off and fire occurrence and size have steadily diminished. Because of liability problems, visitors are discouraged from climbing the towers.

In 1933, newly-elected President Franklin D. Roosevelt created the US Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), a work program for able-bodied and unemployed males. Approximately 93 resident work camps, each consisting of 174-200 young men, were built on Pennsylvania's state forests. Six of these camps were located in the present day Rothrock State Forest. State forestry personnel planned and supervised work projects for the CCC which included construction of roads, fire trails, workshops, park and picnic area development, tree planting and fire suppression. All CCC camps in the Rothrock closed by early 1942.

The next significant development in the Rothrock was in 1955 when the entire state forest system in Pennsylvania was placed under a scientific timber management plan. In the Rothrock, timber management became very important as large stands of nearly pure oak and hickory grew large enough to be harvested for lumber. The forester staff at Huntingdon increased from four to eight. In 1985, the scope of the timber management plans was revised to encompass all forest resources and functions including water, wildlife, timber, fire protection, and recreation. Recreational use has grown in importance as more citizens take advantage of outdoor opportunities. Visitors are encouraged to use, but respect the forest and its facilities and to learn and comply with all state forest rules and regulations.

The Rothrock State Forest is truly a "living forest." It is managed to provide recreational opportunities for thousands of visitors each year while making a significant contribution to Pennsylvania's economy with its high quality timber production.
Camping
1. Penn Roosevelt State Park: This park is located in the heart of Rothrock Forest and offers primitive camping options with a few amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets.

2. Greenwood Furnace State Park: Although not directly within Rothrock forest but nearby; it has 49 tent sites available from April to December each year.

3. Seven Mountains Campground: Located on the edge of Rothrock state forest offering both RV hookups as well as traditional campsites for tents or small trailers.

4. Hemlock Hideaway Campground: It's just outside of Huntingdon which isn't too far away from some parts of the state forest.

5. Kettle Creek Adventures Lodge & B&B: Offers cabin rentals near Kettle Creek Reservoir close to western side entrance into Rosthock Forest.

6. Raystown Lake Recreation Area: Another option that's about an hour drive eastward where you can camp along Raystown lake shores while still being able to explore trails inside Rotschock during day trips.

7. Dispersed Camping: If you prefer solitude over facilities then dispersed camping might be your choice . You are allowed free backcountry (dispersed) camping anywhere throughout most Pennsylvania state forests including rothstock unless otherwise posted by DCNR staffs.

8. Shaver's creek environmental center also provides overnight lodging facility although they mainly cater towards educational groups rather than individual tourists/campers.

9. Bear Meadows Natural area, Detweiler Run natural area etc have designated parking lots/trailheads if one wants hike deep into woods before setting up their own remote wilderness site under starry skies!

10. Poe Paddy campground situated between Poe Valley/Poe paddy parks at confluence point two creeks flowing through thickly wooded valleys offer scenic views around its rustic style campsites open seasonally May:Oct every year!
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Trails
1. Mid State Trail: This is the longest trail in Rothrock, stretching over 320 miles across central Pennsylvania from Maryland to New York border with about 42 miles passing through this forest. It offers challenging terrains and breathtaking views of ridges.

2. Shingletown Gap Loop: Approximately seven-mile-long looped hike that starts near a beautiful stream before ascending into rocky terrain surrounded by rhododendrons and mountain laurel bushes.

3. Tussey Mountain Ridge Loop: A moderate difficulty level trail spanning around eight miles offering panoramic views of Happy Valley along its ridge-top path; it also passes an active hawk watch site during springtime migration season.

4. Bear Meadows Natural Area Trails: These are several interconnecting trails covering roughly four square kilometers within a National Natural Landmark area featuring bog wetlands, rare plant species, bird-watching opportunities as well as stunning vistas on adjacent mountainsides.

5. Greenwood Spur - Spruce Gap Loop: An approximately five mile long moderately difficult hiking route which includes sections of Greenwood Fire Tower Road and features diverse flora including spruces stands at higher elevations.

6. Lonberger Path - John Wert Path Circuit: Roughly six-mile circuitous trek traverses mixed hardwood forests while crossing multiple streams providing hikers ample opportunity for wildlife sightings especially white-tailed deer or black bear tracks after fresh snowfall events.

7. Crowfield's Trail System: Comprises various interconnected paths suitable for all skill levels winding through dense woodlands interspersed with open meadows where one can spot butterflies fluttering among wildflowers during summer months.

8. Alan Seeger Natural Area Paths: Several easy-to-moderate routes crisscross old-growth hemlock-white pine woods surrounding Detweiler Run creek ideal for peaceful strolls under towering tree canopy listening to birdsong chorus echoing throughout these ancient groves.

9. Thickhead Wild Area Routes (Indian Wells Path, Thickhead Mountain Road): These trails offer more strenuous hiking experiences as they ascend steep slopes leading to ridge tops affording expansive views over surrounding forested landscapes; also known for its wild turkey populations.

10. Jackson Trail: A historic trail that was used during the Revolutionary War and Civil war periods. It is a 4-mile loop with moderate difficulty level featuring streams, rock formations and remnants of old charcoal hearths.

11. Musser Gap Greenway - Frog Pond Loop: This roughly three mile long round trip path begins at Musser Gap parking lot then meanders through farmland before entering hardwood forests eventually reaching an artificial wetland area (Frog Pond).

12. Roman Tower Trails: Consists of several short paths around Stone Valley Recreation Area offering easy walks suitable even for families with young children while providing access to picnic spots near Lake Perez or observation tower atop Tussey Mountain Ridge overlooking vast stretches of Rothrock State Forest lands below.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
October 8 Best Park Around by Casey Raver
park review stars; one to five Beautiful trails full of wildlife and exciting views!!
July 23 Great one Night Stay
park review stars; one to five Easy one mile or so hike up the mountain. Great breeze on top, awesome mountain top vista!
April 20 worth the trip
park review stars; one to five Had a great day of hiking........desolate mountain top trail........mind cleansing
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Area Campgrounds
Highland Campground
Highland Drive
Mill City, PA
570-586-0145
Seven Mountains Campgrounds
101 Seven Mountains Campground Road
Spring Mills, PA
Area Fishing Related Businesses
Harris Twp Game & Fish Assoc
417 Torrey Ln
Boalsburg, PA
(814) 466-6507
Flyfisher's Paradise
2603 E College Ave
State College, PA
(814) 234-4189
Area Cabins and Lodges
Tussey Mountain Ski Area
301 Bear Meadow Rd
Boalsburg, PA
(814) 466-6810

Directions
1. From Harrisburg: Take US-22 W/US-322 W towards Lewistown for approximately 40 miles.
2. Continue on US:522 S and follow signs for Mount Union/Huntingdon.
3. Merge onto PA:26 N/Snyder St and continue straight through downtown Huntingdon.
4. After about 5 miles, turn left onto Detwiler Run Road (look out for a sign indicating Rothrock State Forest).
5. Follow Detwiler Run Road as it winds uphill into the forest.

Alternatively:
1. From Pittsburgh or Altoona: Take I-99 South toward Bedford/Breezewood exit at Exit #48 marked "Raystown Lake.".
2. Follow Route 26 North from Everett past Raystown Dam until you reach Seven Points Recreation Area entrance road.
3. Turn right off Rt#26 just before entering main gate area following signs that say "Hesston Speedway" &"Entrance To Trough Creek".
4. Continue up this paved mountain road approximatley six(6)miles passing Hesston Speedway on your left.
-You will pass several roads leading down hill with mailboxes but stay going STRAIGHT UP THE MOUNTAIN ROAD!
You should see blue state park camping directional arrowhead shaped markers along side of roadway every so often too!
5. At top of mountain where pavement ends go another .7 mile staying RIGHT AT ALL FORKS IN ROADWAY UNTIL YOU REACH A PARKING AREA WITHIN STATE FOREST LANDS ON YOUR LEFT HAND SIDE OF THIS GRAVELLED RD.

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Pennsylvania
309

Pennsylvania State Parks

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