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Pennsylvania
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Pennsylvania State Parks

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USA Parks
Pennsylvania
Central Region
Tiadaghton State Forest
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Tiadaghton State Forest Pine Creek Rail Trail © Scott Williams
Early autumn view of a section of the Pine Creek Rail Trail.
Tiadaghton State Forest Slate Run © Scott Williams
Confluence of Slate Run and Big Pine Creek, from the Pine Creek Rail Trail, located in the Tiadaghton State Forest.
Tiadaghton State Forest Helping... © Scott Williams
Helping to stock trout, Big Pine Creek, Tiadaghton State Forest.
Tiadaghton State Forest Pine Creek Trail Trail © Scott Williams
Late summer bicycling on the Pine Creek Rail Trail, located in the Tiadaghton State Forest.
Tiadaghton State Forest Pine Creek Rail Trail © Scott Williams
Sign denoting a section of the Pine Creek Rail Trail, part of the Tiadaghton State Forest.
Tiadaghton State Forest Nordic Ski Tracks Pine Creek Rail Trail © Scott Williams
View of nordic ski tracks on the Pine Creek Rail Trail, Tiadaghton State Forest
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TIADAGHTON STATE FOREST
TIADAGHTON STATE FOREST
The Tiadaghton State Forest is one of twenty forest districts created for the protection and management of Pennsylvania's forest lands. Tiadaghton was the name the Iroquois gave to Pine Creek, the largest tributary of the West Branch of the Susquehanna River. The exact meaning of Tiadaghton is a mystery that may be locked forever in the folklore of the Iroquois Indians.

The Tiadaghton State Forest is comprised of approximately 215,500 acres of state forest land, most of which is in Lycoming County. Small portions extend into Tioga, Sullivan, Potter, Clinton, and Union counties.
History of the Area
Tiadaghton State Forest is located in north-central Pennsylvania, covering parts of Lycoming, Clinton, Potter, and Tioga counties. It has a rich history that dates back thousands of years.

1. Native American Heritage: Prior to European settlement, the region that now comprises Tiadaghton State Forest was inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Susquehannocks and the Seneca Nation of the Iroquois Confederacy. They relied on the forest for hunting, gathering, and cultural practices.

2. European Settlement: The area saw the arrival of European settlers in the late 18th century. They cleared the land for agriculture, timber, and resource extraction.

3. Lumber Industry: In the mid-19th century, the lumber industry reached its peak in the region. Rich timber resources, particularly pine and hemlock, attracted numerous logging companies. Loggers would float logs down the Susquehanna River and its tributaries to reach downstream mills.

4. Deforestation and Conservation Efforts: The excessive logging led to widespread deforestation, which raised concerns about the potential loss of wildlife habitat and the detrimental impact on the region's ecosystem. Conservationists and local communities advocated for the protection of the remaining forested areas.

5. Formation of Tiadaghton State Forest: In response to public demand, the Pennsylvania Department of Forests and Waters created Tiadaghton State Forest in 1932. The name "Tiadaghton" is derived from a Native American term meaning "the head of the river" and refers to the portion of the West Branch Susquehanna River that flows through the forest.

6. Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Projects: As part of Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal in the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) implemented various projects in Tiadaghton State Forest. This included the construction of roads, trails, fire observation towers, and recreational facilities that still exist today.

7. Recreation and Wildlife Conservation: Tiadaghton State Forest offers a variety of recreational activities, such as hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, and wildlife watching. The forest is home to diverse flora and fauna, including deer, turkey, black bear, and a wide range of bird species.

Tiadaghton State Forest has evolved to prioritize sustainable forest management, conservation, and recreation. It continues to be an important natural resource and recreational destination in Pennsylvania.
Camping
1. Pine Creek Vista Campsites: These are primitive campsites that offer a beautiful view of the Pine Creek Gorge.

2. Black Forest Trail Camping Area: This is an ideal camping spot for hikers as it's located along the 42-mile long Black Forest trail.

3. Little Place Camping Area: A small, secluded campsite perfect for those looking to escape into nature and enjoy some solitude.

4. Pettecote Junction Campground: Located on Cedar Run in Tiadaghton State forest, this campground offers tent sites with water and electric hookups plus cabin rentals too!

5. Ramsey Village Primitive Campgrounds: It provides basic amenities such as fire rings & picnic tables but no restroom facilities or potable water sources available here.

6. Tiadaghton Basecamp: Offers both RV spots (with full hookup) and traditional camping options like tents etc., also has restrooms/showers facility.

7. Happy Acres Resort: They have cabins, cottages & lodge rooms apart from regular tent/RV spaces; other features include swimming pool access during summer months.

8. Ole Bull State Park: Although not directly within Tiadaghton state forest boundaries but close enough to be considered while planning your trip there! The park has over 130 wooded mountain acres offering great hiking trails besides their well:maintained campsites.

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Trails
The Black Forest Trail is a 42 -mile hiking trail built by the Bureau of Forestry. It utilizes old railroad grades, logging trails and foot trails to traverse some of the most spectacular terrain in Pennsylvania. Portions of this trail follow foot paths originally constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s. A trail map and guide is available from the Tiadaghton Forest Fire Fighters Association. Contact the District office for details on how to obtain a copy.

The Pine Creek Trail is being developed by the Bureau of Forestry on the abandoned railroad grade that parallels Pine Creek. When completed, the trail will extend 62 miles form Jersey Shore in the Tiadaghton State Forest north to Wellsboro Junction in the Tioga State Forest. The trail will be used primarily for bicycling, cross country skiing and walking.

Cross-country skiing has become a popular winter recreational activity. Over 30 miles of cross-country ski trails are marked and maintained. Maps are available from the Bureau of Forestry.

The Old Loggers Path is a 27-mile hiking trail that passes through the valleys of Rock Run and Pleasant Stream as well as Masten, once the site of a major logging town with over 1,000 residents. The footpath utilizes old logging trails and logging railroad grades.

The Loyalsock Trail is a 59-mile hiking trail that begins along State Route 87 north of Mountoursville and ends on U.S. Route 220 north of Laporte. Fourteen miles of this trail are located on the Tiadaghton State Forest.

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Area Campgrounds
Hidden Valley Camping Resort
162 Hidden Valley Lane
Mifflinburg, PA
570-966-1330
Riverside Campground
125 South Main Street
Montgomery, PA
570-547-2252
Susquehanna Campground
460 Susquehanna Drive
Jersey Shore, PA
570-398-0462
Hidden Acres Campground
103 Hidden Acre Road
Coatsville, PA
610-857-3990
Holiday Pines
16 Pine Tree Lane
Loganton, PA
570-725-2267
Williamsport South/Nittany Mountain KOA Kampground
2751 Millers Bottom Road
New Columbia, PA
Hidden Creek Campground (2017)
62 Hidden Creek Road
Allenwood, PA
570-838-2117
Area Fishing Related Businesses
E Hille Angler's Supply House
811 S Market St
Williamsport, PA
(570) 323-7564
Tom's Tackle
1643 Memorial Ave
Williamsport, PA
(570) 326-7929
Fishing Creek Outfitters
346 Broad St
Montoursville, PA
Unverified listing
Area Cabins and Lodges
Fairfield Inn & Suites
1840 E 3rd St
Williamsport, PA
(570) 601-9200
Radisson Hotel Williamsport
100 Pine St
Williamsport, PA
(570) 327-8231

Directions
1. Starting from Williamsport, head north on Route 15 for about 20 miles.
2. Take the exit toward Route 14/Jersey Shore/Cogan Valley.
3. Merge onto State Route 14 North and follow it for approximately 14 miles.
4. Continue straight onto PA-14 North when it joins the PA Wilds Scenic Byway.
5. After about 15 miles, turn right onto the Cammal Road (also known as River Road).
6. Follow Cammal Road for roughly 9 miles until you reach the town of Cammal.
7. From Cammal, take a left onto Slate Run Road and continue for about 4 miles.
8. Finally, you will reach the entrance and various access points to Tiadaghton State Forest.

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