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Pennsylvania
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Pennsylvania State Parks

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USA Parks
Pennsylvania
Southwest Region
Forbes State Forest
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FORBES STATE FOREST
FORBES STATE FOREST
The Forbes State Forest was named in honor of General John Forbes who, 1757 ordered the construction of a road from Bedford to Fort Pitt for the movement of an expeditionary Army. The Forbes State Forest contains over 20 separate tracts of State Forest Land in Fayette, Somerset, and Westmoreland Counties. The total acreage is over 50,000 acres.

Most of the Forbes State Forest lays along Laurel Ridge. This area is a favorite of people from the greater Pittsburgh area and is heavily used for all types of outdoor recreation. To play host to the millions of visitors to this area, six State Parks and three State Forest Picnic Areas have been developed.

In addition to these developed facilities, there are a number of undeveloped points of interest which appeal to those with an adventurous spirit. For administrative purposes the Forbes State Forest is divided into five Divisions.
Nature of the Area
Roaring Run Natural Area:

Roaring Run is a 3,070 acre tract of second and third growth mixed mesophytic forest in southeastern Westmoreland County, located south of PA Route 31, east of PA Route 711 and 381, and north of L.R. 64070. It occupies the major portion of the watershed of Roaring Run on the west slope of Laurel Ridge. Roaring Run is a tributary of Indian Creek, which empties into the Youghiogheny River. Two high points of the ridge, known as Painter Rock Hill and Birch Rock Hill are within the natural area.

The Roaring Run Natural Area was acquired by the Commonwealth in 1975. Prior to acquisition numerous roads had been constructed and much of the timber removed. Nature with some help from man as done much to restore the area.

Although the entire area is closed to all vehicles, it is open to hiking, cross-country skiing, and in the appropriate seasons, to access on foot by hunters and fishermen.

As the decades pass, the Roaring Run Natural Area will afford an opportunity to witness nature's healing as the disturbed land progresses through natural succession toward the unmanaged mixed mesophytic climax forest type.

Mt. Davis Natural Area:

The Mt. Davis Natural Area comprises of 581 acres in Elk Lick Township, Somerset County surrounding the rock know as Mt. Davis on the summit of Negro Mountain. The top of this rock is 3,213 feet above sea level, and is the highest point in Pennsylvania. The elevation of the lowest point in the natural area is 2,823 feet. Drainage is to the southeast into Tub Mill Run, a tributary of the Casselman River, a part of the Mississippi River watershed.

An interesting geologic feature of the area is the scattering of small concentric stone rings caused my localized frost heaving. Each ring surrounds a spot in the soil which is a little softer and looser than the adjacent ground. Under the action of frost, these soft spots rise up as slight humps. Surface rocks on the humps tend to slide off, and over thousands of years, the sliding progresses enough to deposit the rocks in ringlike formations at the bases of the humps.

The Natural Area is bounded by L.R. 55008 on the north, by the Shelter Rock Road on the east, and the South Wolf Rock Road from L.R. 55008. The Shelter Rock Road is closed to vehicles. A picnic area is located about 1 mile from Mt. Davis along L.R. 55008. Hiking trails connect the picnic area with the high point, and from Mt. Davis lead into the lower elevations of the natural area. Motorized vehicles are not permitted in the area except on the road to the High Point.

Spruce Flats Wildlife Management Area:

The Spruce Flats Wildlife Management Area is a tract of 305 acres located behind the Laurel Summit Picnic Area. The dominant feature of the area is the 28-acre Spruce Flats Bog, which contains large cranberry, pitcher plant, sundew, cotton grass, and other plants more typical of plant communities farther north.

The origin of the original bog is obscure. Past geologic activity which may or may not have included glaciation, left a depression on top of Laurel Ridge. This depression passed through natural succession from open water to marsh or swamp, to bog, to meadow and finally to forest. Early in the 20th century, lumbermen found a forest of virgin hemlock which they misnamed, "spruce", growing on the flats. They clear-cut the forest, and without realizing it caused the water table to rise. Evapotraspiration from the tree leaves had been the major method by which water was removed from the undrained basin. Devastating fires at about the same time burned away the upper layers of organic matter which comprised the forest floor above the water table. These events set back the successional clock, probably to the last swamp or early bog stage. Once more Spruce Flats Bog is making its slow trek through time toward a mature forest.
History of the Area
Forbes State Forest, located in southwestern Pennsylvania, has a rich and varied history that dates back to pre-colonial times. Here is an overview of its historical significance:

1. Native American Presence: Before European settlers arrived, several Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and Delaware, inhabited the area now encompassed by Forbes State Forest. They lived off the land, hunting, fishing, and gathering resources from the forests.

2. French and Indian War: During the mid-18th century, the region faced significant conflict during the French and Indian War (1754-1763). British and French forces, along with their Native American allies, fought for control of the area due to its strategic location. Many battles and skirmishes occurred, impacting the local communities and forests.

3. Resettlement of the Region: After the French and Indian War, settlers from Europe and the East Coast began moving westward into the area. The region's forests offered valuable resources, including timber and coal, attracting settlers looking to make a living through lumbering and mining.

4. Formation of State Forests: In the early 20th century, concerns about deforestation and the conservation of natural resources grew. In response, the state of Pennsylvania established state forest reserves. In 1903, the first of these reserves, known as the "Mount Davis Forest Reserve," was created, which later became part of Forbes State Forest.

5. Mellon Family Influence: The Mellon family, one of the wealthiest families in the United States, played a significant role in the establishment and development of Forbes State Forest. Richard King Mellon, a scion of the Mellon family, donated large tracts of land to expand the state forest. His influence helped create multiple recreational areas within the forest, such as Laurel Ridge State Park and Laurel Mountain State Park, enabling public access and enjoyment.

6. Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC): During the Great Depression, President Franklin D. Roosevelt established the CCC as part of his New Deal initiatives. The CCC provided employment to young men, who worked on various conservation projects across the country, including Forbes State Forest. The CCC workers built roads, trails, fire towers, and other infrastructure that can still be seen today.

7. Present-Day Conservation Efforts: Today, Forbes State Forest continues to be managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. It is dedicated to conserving and sustainably managing the forest's resources, including its diverse flora and fauna. The forest offers various recreational opportunities such as camping, hiking, hunting, fishing, and wildlife watching.

Forbes State Forest's history reflects the region's evolution from Native American lands to a vital resource for early settlers, followed by conservation efforts aimed at preserving its natural beauty for future generations.
Camping
1. Mountain Pines Campground: This campground offers a variety of camping options including RV sites, tent sites and cabin rentals.

2. Roaring Run Resort: Located near Forbes State Forest, this resort provides full hookup RV sites as well as rustic cabins for rent.

3. Linn Run State Park Cabins & Camping: Offers both modern rental cabins and traditional campsites within the park's boundaries which is adjacent to Forbes state forest.

4. Bear Run Campground: It has over 350 diverse site offerings such as wooded or open areas with features ranging from basic no hook-up tent pads to premium pull-throughs.

5. Kooser State Park: The park's 250 acres are noted for their beautiful recreational facilities that include hiking trails, picnic spots along Kooser Creek (a trout stream), swimming area in summer months etc.,.

6. Laurel Hill State Park Complex: Laurel Hill also contains several campgrounds offering everything from primitive backpacking experiences up through fully-equipped family-friendly spaces complete with electricity/water/sewer connections plus hot showers available year-round!

7. Ohiopyle state park: Ohiopyle offers many outdoor activities like white water rafting, biking trail but it also have some great camping option too . You can choose between Kentuck campground or few walk:in only backcountry campsites.

8. Private Land Rentals via Hipcamp: There are numerous private landowners who offer unique camping opportunities on their properties throughout the region surrounding Forbes State Forest.
Nearby Accommodations
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Cottages and Cabins
For those who like to fish for wild trout...this is the place to be Savage River Outfitters is a full line Orvis Dealer and Fly Shop with vacation rentals located on the Savage River in Western Maryland. Call ahead to book a half or full day wade trip or fly fishing instructions.
16.9 miles from park*
Nearby Vacation Rentals
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Trails
1. Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail: This is a 70-mile trail that runs through the heart of Forbes State Forest, offering stunning views and challenging terrain for experienced hikers. It features shelters every eight to ten miles apart.

2. North Woods Trails: A network of trails totaling about five miles in length, these are perfect for beginners or those looking for shorter hikes within the forest area.

3. Roaring Run Natural Area Trails: These trails cover approximately seven miles around an old-growth hemlock stand with some trees over three centuries old; it's also home to several rare plant species.

4. Mount Davis High Point Trail: At just under one mile long, this short but steep hike leads you up Pennsylvania's highest point at 3213 feet above sea level where there's an observation tower providing panoramic views across multiple states on clear days.

5. Balanced Rock Trail: An easy half-mile loop leading from Linn Run Road past Adams Falls and Balanced Rock - two natural attractions formed by glacial activity thousands of years ago.

6. Spruce Flats Bog Loop: Just shy of a mile round trip, this unique boardwalk path takes visitors into Spruce Flats Bog - a wetland habitat filled with carnivorous plants like sundews and pitcher plants along with various bird species including warblers during migration season.

7. Wolf Rocks Loop: Approximately four-and-a-half-miles-long moderate difficulty trail featuring rocky outcrops overlooking beautiful vistas towards Ligonier Valley.

8. Flatrock Plains Fire Tower Lookout Site & Picnic Area: Accessible via Flatrock plains road, this site offers picnic tables, a fire ring, and access to nearby hiking routes such as Indian Creek valley bike&hike trial which connects Champion PA, to Jones Mills PA covering nearly nine scenic river-side Miles.

9. John P Saylor Coon Hollow Pathway: A moderately difficult six Mile pathway named after congressman John. P. Saylor who was instrumental in passage of 1964 wilderness act, this trail features a variety of terrain including wetlands and hardwood forests.

10. Bobcat Trail: This is an easy to moderate difficulty level two-mile loop that winds through dense forest with opportunities for wildlife spotting.

11. Hemlock Trial: A short but scenic half mile trial which takes hikers along the banks of Linn Run stream, featuring several small waterfalls & pools filled by mountain springs.

12. Ridge Runner Loop: A moderately difficult seven Mile long pathway featuring mixed deciduous-coniferous woodlands, and stunning views from ridge tops, it also connects to other trails within Forbes state Forest such as Spruce Flats Bog Loop, Balanced Rock Trail etc.
Things To Do in the Area
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Fishing
For those who like to fish for wild trout...this is the place to be Savage River Outfitters is a full line Orvis Dealer and Fly Shop with vacation rentals located on the Savage River in Western Maryland. Call ahead to book a half or full day wade trip or fly fishing instructions.
16.9 miles from park*

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
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Area Campgrounds
Hickory Hollow Campground
176 Big Hickory Road
Rockwood, PA
814-926-4636
Scottyland Resort
1618 Barron Church Road
Rockwood, PA
814-926-3200

Directions
1. Start by getting on I:376 E from Grant St.
2. Follow I:376 E to US-22 W/US-30 W/Lincoln Hwy in Murrysville for about 14 miles.
3. Take exit 57 toward Delmont/Greensburg onto PA Route 66 N/New Alexandria Rd.
4. Continue on PA Route 66 N for approximately 20 miles until you reach Greensburg.

To access different areas within Forbes State Forest:

Laurel Summit Area:
5a: From Greensburg, take U.S.Route119 S/S Main Street towards Connellsville for around16miles.
6a: Turn right onto Laurel Summit Road (State Game Lands #111) and continue straight ahead into the state forest area.

Roaring Run Recreation Area:
5b: From Greensburg, takeU.S.Route30E .

Spruce Flats Bog Natural Area & Quebec Run Wild Areas :
7c:FromGreensburg, follow Route381 South to Ohiopyle(around 40 minutes).
8c:Continue through Ohiopyle,and turn left at Kentuck road after passing under a railroad bridge.(This will be just before crossing over Youghiogheny River).

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