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
13

Pennsylvania State Parks

responsive menu icon
USA Parks
Pennsylvania
North-Central Region
Tioga State Forest
Tioga State Forest © Ben Prepelka
Ruffed Grouse © stateparks.com
Search
Availability
Calendars
Availability Search
TIOGA STATE FOREST
TIOGA STATE FOREST
The name Tioga, and Indian word meaning the meeting of two rivers, is the name of a tribe of Seneca Indians who once inhabited the area. The Tioga State Forest, consisting of 160,000 acres of state forest land in Bradford and Tioga Counties, was named after this tribe of Indians.
History of the Area
The name Tioga, and Indian word meaning the meeting of two rivers, is the name of a tribe of Seneca Indians who once inhabited the area. The Tioga State Forest, consisting of 160,000 acres of state forest land in Bradford and Tioga Counties, was named after this tribe of Indians.

The purpose of the original acquisition of state forest land was to protect the headwaters of Pine Creek. The first purchase was in June 1900 when 900 acres along Cedar Run were acquired from F.E. Watrous. Acquisition was continued through the years. The last large tract of 13,828 acres was transferred from the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 1955 and is knows as Resettlement Lands. It is located on Armenia Mountain in the headwaters of the Tioga River.

The majority of the tracts of land which today make up the Tioga State Forest were originally held by large lumber companies and land holding companies.

A major development on the forest came in 1933 with the establishment of Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camps at the Darling Run, Elk Run, Leetonia and Dixie Run. Work activities included construction and maintenance of roads, trails and bridges. The original mapping and timber typing began during this period. Timber stand improvement practices also began at this time. The CCC also developed picnic areas and scenic vistas.

An interesting activity that took place on the Tioga State Forest was the operation of birch stills. These Stills which operated during the 1940s, processed bark from birch trees to produce birch oil. The only remnant of this industry is a still located at Morris. It has not been operated since 1972.

The area encompassing the Tioga State Forest has always been basically a timber producing area. In the early days, large sawmills located at Ansonia, Leetonia and several other locations were principal employers in a timber industry that flourished for nearly 50 years. The composition of today's forest is a result of timber cutting and fire during that period.
Camping
1. Colton Point State Park: This park is located on the western rim of Pine Creek Gorge, also known as Pennsylvania's Grand Canyon. It offers rustic camping with amenities like picnic tables and fire rings.

2. Leonard Harrison State Park: Situated at the eastern edge of Pine Creek Gorge, this state park has modern facilities including flush toilets and hot showers in addition to its campgrounds.

3. Hills Creek State Park Campground: Located near Wellsboro within Tioga County, it provides a variety of recreational opportunities such as swimming, fishing or boating along with campsites for tents or RVs.

4. Pettecote Junction Campground & Cabins: A family-friendly campground offering tent sites, full hook-up RV sites and cabin rentals situated between Slate Run Village & Cedar Run village inside Tioga Forest area.

5. Tiadaghton Primitive Camping Area: Offers primitive camping options without any major amenities but allows you to fully immerse yourself into nature.

6. Pine Ridge Lookout: Another option for those who prefer more secluded locations; no services are provided here either so make sure you come prepared!

7. Ole Bull State Park: Nestled among hardwood trees alongside Kettle creek, Ole bull state park offer 24 site campground which can accommodate both tents and trailers.

8. Lyman run state parks: The scenic Lyman lake serves as focal point around which there are two separate camp grounds that have total 35sites equipped with electric hookup.

9. Cowanesque Lake Recreation Area: Operated by U.S Army Corps Of Engineers,this recreation area features over hundred individual campsites,some even having electrical service.

10. Tanglewood Camping: An ideal spot if looking out for an array activities from hiking,fishing,biking etc.It includes cabins,RV spots,tent spaces all under one roof!
Nearby Vacation Rentals
Search for a vacation rental



Trails
The West Rim Trail, a 30-mile long hiking trail, is maintained along the western rim of Pennsylvania's Grand Canyon. Many vistas have been cleared along the trail to provide the hiker with views of the Pine Creek Valley.

The Pine Creek Trail has been developed by the Bureau of Forestry on the abandoned railroad grade that parallels the Pine Creek. The trail extends 62 miles south from Wellsboro Junction to Jersey Shore in Tiadaghton State Forest. The trail is used primarily for bicycling, cross country skiing, and walking. Some segments contain a horseback riding trail next to the bicycle trail.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
write a review
Share On

Area Campgrounds
Snyder's Family Campground
1472 U.S. 6
Gaines, PA
814-435-2550
Kenshire Kampsite
112 John Deere Lane
Gaines, PA
814-435-6764
Canyon Country Campground
130 Wilson Road
Wellsboro, PA
570-724-3818
Stony Fork Creek Campground
658 Stony Fork Creek Road
Wellsboro, PA
570-724-3096

Directions
1. From the south: Take Route 15 North towards Mansfield.
2. Continue on Route 15 past Mansfield and Wellsboro.
3. Take Exit 187 towards Tioga.
4. Merge onto Route 6 West and continue for approximately 8 miles.
5. Look for signs directing you to the Tioga State Forest entrance - it will be on your left.

Alternatively,

1. From the north: Take Route 15 South towards Mansfield.
2. Take Exit 194 towards Mansfield.
3. Merge onto Route 6 West and continue for approximately 6 miles.
4. Look for signs directing you to the Tioga State Forest entrance - it will be on your left.

state route ranger badge
Pennsylvania
13

Pennsylvania State Parks

X