Forests in Pennsylvania
Forest Guide
Pennsylvania is home to more than 20 state forests, which are managed as part of a 2.2 million-acre system. These major state forests in Pennsylvania are spread across the Appalachian Mountains, from the high plateaus and deep valleys of the Allegheny National Forest region to the glacial lakes and wetlands of the Poconos. The landscape is dominated by northern hardwood and oak-hickory forests, offering a diverse environment for outdoor recreation. The extensive trail systems provide numerous opportunities for human-powered activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and gravel biking.
Forests in Pennsylvania
This list of forests in Pennsylvania includes more than 900 routes for hiking, cycling, and running, with more than 6,000 visitors sharing their experiences. The collection of routes has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Among the best forests in Pennsylvania for recreation is Rothrock State Forest, a popular destination for mountain biking with more than 10 dedicated trails. In south-central Pennsylvania, Michaux State Forest contains a significant portion of the Appalachian Trail and offers more than 25 hiking routes. To the east, Delaware State Forest provides more than 25 distinct hiking trails through its Poconos terrain. The varied topography within these woodlands provides a range of trail difficulties and environments, from gentle forest roads to rugged singletrack on rocky ridges.
989
Routes
4.7
(368)
Average rating
6496
Explored with komoot
Last updated: April 23, 2026
4.8
(93)
903
hikers
#1.
Weiser State Forest
Weiser State Forest in eastern Pennsylvania offers extensive trail networks and diverse terrain for hiking, mountain biking, and road cycling. It balances ecological health with recreational access.
Hiking
Running
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling
4.5
(26)
822
hikers
#2.
William Penn State Forest
William Penn State Forest offers diverse terrain across ten tracts in southeastern Pennsylvania, providing varied routes for hiking, cycling, and jogging.
Hiking
Running
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling
4.7
(25)
790
hikers
#3.
Rothrock State Forest
Rothrock State Forest offers over 96,000 acres of rugged terrain in central Pennsylvania, perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and road cycling on its extensive trail networks.
Hiking
Running
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling
4.3
(50)
604
hikers
#4.
Michaux State Forest
Michaux State Forest offers diverse terrain across the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains, providing extensive routes for hiking, mountain biking, and road cycling.
Hiking
Running
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling
4.6
(12)
505
hikers
#5.
Delaware State Forest
Delaware State Forest spans over 84,000 acres of Pocono Plateau, offering diverse terrain for hiking, cycling, and jogging amidst glacial lakes, bogs, and mountain streams.
Hiking
Running
Mountain biking
Road cycling
Cycling
5.0
(6)
456
hikers
#6.
Bald Eagle State Forest
Bald Eagle State Forest offers 194,602 acres of diverse terrain in central Pennsylvania, with miles of mountain streams and old-growth forests for hiking and mountain biking.
Hiking
Running
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling
5.0
(13)
371
hikers
#7.
Tiadaghton State Forest
Tiadaghton State Forest offers 146,539 acres of diverse terrain in Pennsylvania for hiking, mountain biking, and touring cycling. Explore its extensive trail system and the Pine Creek Rail Trail.
Hiking
Running
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling
4.8
(39)
357
hikers
#8.
Forbes State Forest
Forbes State Forest offers over 60,000 acres in Pennsylvania's Laurel Highlands, with diverse terrain for hiking, mountain biking, and road cycling. Explore extensive trails and forest roads.
Hiking
Running
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling
4.8
(26)
327
hikers
#9.
Allegheny National Forest
Allegheny National Forest in northwestern Pennsylvania offers over half a million acres of diverse woodlands, rolling hills, and the Allegheny Reservoir for hiking, mountain biking, and road cycling.
Hiking
Mountain biking
Road cycling
Cycling
4.9
(25)
325
hikers
#10.
Pinchot State Forest
Pinchot State Forest offers nearly 50,000 acres of diverse landscapes in Northeastern Pennsylvania, with extensive trails for hiking, mountain biking, and road cycling.
Hiking
Running
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling
4.8
(17)
259
hikers
#11.
Tioga State Forest
Tioga State Forest offers over 161,000 acres of rugged hills and stream valleys, including Pine Creek Gorge, ideal for hiking, touring cycling, and gravel biking.
Hiking
Gravel riding
Cycling
5.0
(8)
208
hikers
#12.
Loyalsock State Forest
Loyalsock State Forest offers 114,552 acres of rugged mountains and dense forests in Pennsylvania, ideal for hiking, road cycling, and gravel biking.
Hiking
Running
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling
4.3
(6)
120
hikers
#13.
Moshannon State Forest
Moshannon State Forest spans over 190,000 acres of diverse forests and varied terrain, ideal for hiking, road cycling, and gravel biking.
Hiking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling
4.7
(11)
111
hikers
#14.
Clear Creek State Forest
Clear Creek State Forest offers 16,700 acres of diverse terrain in Northwestern Pennsylvania for hiking and cycling, featuring uplands, valleys, and unique rock formations.
Hiking
Road cycling
Cycling
5.0
(2)
103
hikers
#15.
Sproul State Forest
Sproul State Forest is a vast Pennsylvania wilderness offering diverse terrain for hiking, jogging, and other outdoor activities across its extensive trail system.
Hiking
Running
3.8
(4)
72
hikers
#16.
Buchanan State Forest
Buchanan State Forest offers diverse terrain across Franklin, Fulton, and Bedford Counties, ideal for hiking and cycling routes through scenic ridges and woodlands.
Hiking
Road cycling
4.5
(3)
70
hikers
#17.
Tuscarora State Forest
Tuscarora State Forest offers over 96,000 acres of rugged terrain and extensive woodlands in southcentral Pennsylvania, perfect for hiking and other outdoor activities.
Hiking
Road cycling
4.5
(2)
44
hikers
#18.
Elk State Forest
Elk State Forest in Pennsylvania offers diverse terrain with deep river valleys and steep hillsides, ideal for hiking and other outdoor pursuits.
Hiking
33
hikers
#19.
Gallitzin State Forest
Gallitzin State Forest spans over 24,000 acres of rugged, wooded land, offering diverse terrain for hiking and cycling routes along the Allegheny Front.
Hiking
Cycling
16
hikers
#20.
Susquehannock State Forest
Susquehannock State Forest offers 265,000 acres of mountainous, remote woodlands in Pennsylvania, providing a true wilderness experience with an extensive trail network.
Hiking
Most popular routes in Pennsylvania
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the major forests in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania has a 2.2 million-acre state forest system comprising 20 individual state forests, such as Rothrock and Michaux. Additionally, the federally managed Allegheny National Forest covers over 500,000 acres in the northwestern part of the state. These forests are characterized by northern hardwood and oak-hickory ecosystems.
What activities are available in Pennsylvania's forests?
The primary activities in Pennsylvania's forests are human-powered, including hiking, mountain biking, and cycling. This collection of forests features more than 900 routes for these sports. Many forests also offer opportunities for running, fishing, and, in winter, cross-country skiing.
Which forests in Pennsylvania are popular for outdoor activities?
Several forests are popular for recreation. Rothrock State Forest is well-known for its mountain biking trails. Michaux State Forest contains a section of the Appalachian Trail, and Delaware State Forest offers trails through the Poconos.
What hiking opportunities are in Rothrock State Forest?
Rothrock State Forest provides rugged terrain for hiking, with more than 30 distinct hiking routes available. The forest contains portions of long-distance trails, including the Mid State Trail. The Bear Meadows Natural Area also offers trails, such as the Bear Meadows Loop.
What are some popular trails in Michaux State Forest?
Michaux State Forest is notable for containing the midway point of the Appalachian Trail. Popular day-hike routes include the Pole Steeple Trail, which leads to a quartzite rock outcropping with a view, and the loop trail around Long Pine Run Reservoir. The forest offers over 25 different hiking routes.
What kind of trails are in Delaware State Forest?
Delaware State Forest, located in the Poconos, features a trail system that passes glacial lakes and extensive wetlands. Popular routes include the Thunder Swamp Trail System for backpacking and the loop around Egypt Meadow Lake. The forest has more than 25 hiking routes and over 10 cycling routes.
Are there mountain biking trails in Pennsylvania's state forests?
Yes, many state forests in Pennsylvania offer extensive mountain biking opportunities. Rothrock State Forest is a prime destination with over 10 dedicated mountain bike trails on its rugged ridges. Michaux State Forest also provides more than 15 mountain bike routes through its rocky terrain.
Are there easy, family-friendly hiking trails in Pennsylvania's forests?
Yes, many forests offer trails suitable for families and beginners. These often follow gentle grades along forest roads or lake shores. For example, the loop around Egypt Meadow Lake in Delaware State Forest is a relatively flat option. The Pine Creek Rail Trail in Tiadaghton State Forest is another gentle, multi-use path.
Are dogs allowed in Pennsylvania state forests?
Generally, dogs are permitted in Pennsylvania's state forests, but they must be kept under control and on a leash. Specific trails or natural areas may have restrictions, so it is important to check local regulations for the specific forest and trail before visiting. Dogs are typically not permitted in swimming areas.
What is the Black Forest Trail?
The Black Forest Trail is a challenging 43-mile (69 km) loop trail located in Tiadaghton State Forest. It is known for its rugged terrain, steep climbs, and scenic vistas over the Pine Creek Gorge region. The trail is considered a difficult backpacking route and is popular with experienced hikers.
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