8 of Weiser State Forest’s 16 Tracts Run Through Carbon, Columbia and Schuylkill Counties.
Weiser State Forest is located along the ridge and valley region of eastern Pennsylvania’s Appalachian Mountains. It covers nearly 30,000 forested acres on 16 separate tracts over seven counties, including Dauphin, Carbon, Columbia, Lebanon, Montour, Northumberland and Schuylkill. The forest also includes the Sheets Island Archipelago on the Susquehanna River in Dauphin County.
Like all of Pennsylvania’s state forest lands, PA DCNR’s Bureau of Forestry manages the Weiser State Forest District. Each forest within the state system functions as a dedicated “working forest.” In that regard, PA DCNR protects and maintains state forest lands for a variety of different uses. Often, the PA DCNR utilizes state forest land for access to pure water, recreation, plant and animal habitat, responsible retrieval of timber and natural gas among many more uses.
Throughout Pennsylvania’s coal and timber boom of the mid-19th century, the state witnessed the severe depletion and often complete destruction of its natural spaces. Early conservationists stepped in to create Weiser State Forest to help bring back thousands of acres of forest. Today, after a century of dedicated forest management, the once-cherished old growth forests of Pennsylvania are bouncing back. These carefully managed and protected tracts are open to the public and begging to be explored.
Jakey Hollow Natural Area lies just north of Bloomsburg in Columbia County. Covering 59 acres, it features ancient eastern white pine, hemlock, oak, and other hardwoods, providing vital habitat for birds, white-tailed deer, and small wildlife. The 0.7-mile Ward Crawford Trail, an easy out-and-back route, is open year-round and great for birding and dog walks.
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Explore fertile wetlands on this 2,700-acre tract of land. The largely untouched tract features dirt trails, dense, old-growth Hemlock and oak forests, small streams, swamps and plenty of wildlife. The access gate on Buck Mountain Rd. allows an area for roadside parking for several cars.
Learn MoreAlmost all of the 16 tracts within the Weiser State Forest District allow public access via trails, administrative and public roads and state and federal highways. Many of the forest tracts also connect to PA State Game Lands. The PA DCNR, PA Game Commission and PA Fish and Boat Commission regulate all recreational activity within the state forest system. Please consult individual state forest districts for current access, recreation and public safety advisories.
Weiser State Forest offers 33 miles of shared-use hiking trails and 28 miles of biking paths across its 16 tracts. Nearly 50 miles of state forest roads, including 30 miles in Schuylkill and Carbon Counties, provide easy access for walking, jogging, and biking. The forest also connects to sections of the Appalachian Trail on Blue Mountain near the Schuylkill/Berks County line.
The Roaring Creek Tract, spanning Northumberland and Columbia Counties, features the popular 8-mile Roaring Creek Trail, ideal for hiking, jogging, and biking. It also links to about 6 miles of historic Mining Paths from the early 19th century.
The district offers plenty of opportunities for horseback riding on many of its marked, shared-use trails. Riders should consult Weiser State Forest for trail restrictions regarding horseback riding access.
The Penn Forest Tract in Carbon County features 11 connected, shared-use trails open to horseback riding, hiking, biking and cross-country skiing. The Boundary Line Trail spans nearly the entire forest tract perimeter.
Throughout the winter months, you’ll find over 40 miles of shared-use trails for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. These trails are located primarily within the Port Clinton, Haldeman and Greenland tracts. Snowmobiles are permitted only after the official close of firearms deer season. Please consult PA Game Commission for annual hunting season schedules.
Weiser State Forest offers abundant cold and warm water fishing, with many streams, rivers, and reservoirs designated for catch-and-release. The Port Clinton Tract, spanning Schuylkill and Berks Counties, is home to Rattling Run, a prized wild trout tributary of Catawissa Creek.
Hunters can pursue black bear, deer, turkey, grouse, and squirrel throughout the forest. About 12 miles of administrative roads provide accessible hunting opportunities for persons with disabilities.
Backpack camping is permitted along hiking trails throughout Weiser State Forest. Hikers are prohibited from staying more than one night at trailside campsites. Several tracts within the district also provide motorized roadside campsites with parking, picnic tables and fire rings. All motorized campsites require no-cost permits issued by the PA DCNR. The Port Clinton Tract in Schuykill County offers five motorized, roadside campsites.
Article updated from its original version published on 10/05/22.
Featured Image (Top) Courtesy of PA Dept. of Conservation & Natural Resources
