TUSCARORA STATE FOREST
Tuscarora State Forest derives its name from Tuscarora Mountain. The mountain, in turn, was named for the Tuscarora Indians, a tribe adopted by the Iroquois Nation and allowed to migrate to this region about 1714.
Comprised of 91,165 acres, the Tuscarora State Forest is located in Cumberland, Franklin, Huntingdon, Juniata, Mifflin, and Perry counties. The original forest consisted of hemlock in the stream bottoms with American chestnut and oak on the slopes and mountain tops. The first state purchase of land for this district was 7,608 acres bought in 1902 from J. Preston Thomas at a cost of $1.72 per acre. Originally called the Rothrock Forest Reserve, this tract was later merged with the Pennypacker and McClure reserves to form the present Tuscarora State Forest.
Tuscarora State Forest derives its name from Tuscarora Mountain. The mountain, in turn, was named for the Tuscarora Indians, a tribe adopted by the Iroquois Nation and allowed to migrate to this region about 1714.
Comprised of 91,165 acres, the Tuscarora State Forest is located in Cumberland, Franklin, Huntingdon, Juniata, Mifflin, and Perry counties. The original forest consisted of hemlock in the stream bottoms with American chestnut and oak on the slopes and mountain tops. The first state purchase of land for this district was 7,608 acres bought in 1902 from J. Preston Thomas at a cost of $1.72 per acre. Originally called the Rothrock Forest Reserve, this tract was later merged with the Pennypacker and McClure reserves to form the present Tuscarora State Forest.
Lumbering began in earnest in the early 1900's by large lumber companies such as the Perry Lumber Company, Oak Extract Company, East Waterford Lumber Company and the Pine Creek Lumber and Timber Company. The great logging era ended in 1930.
A major development came in 1933 with the establishment of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), a work program for able-bodied and unemployed males. State forestry personnel planned and supervised work activities for the CCC, which included construction and maintenance of roads, trails, and bridges and the development of state parks, picnic areas, and scenic overlooks. Six CCC camps were located in the Tuscarora.
1. Hemlocks Natural Area: This is a primitive camping area within the Tuscarora State Forest that offers an authentic wilderness experience.
2. Colonel Denning State Park: Although not directly in the forest, this state park borders it and provides campgrounds with modern facilities like restrooms and picnic areas.
3. Fowlers Hollow Campground: Located at Fowlers Hollow Run, this campground has 18 sites for tent or trailer camping from April to December each year.
4. Big Spring Picnic & Camping Area: It's located along Route 274 near New Germantown offering both day use picnicking as well as overnight family style camping on eight designated campsites.
5. Tuscarora Trail Shelters: There are three shelters available for backpackers hiking long distances through the forest; these include Earl Shaffer Shelter, Thelma Marks Shelter and Charlie Irvin shelter.
6. Picnic Grove Horse Camp: A horse-friendly site where you can set up your own portable corrals or tie lines between trees.
7. Bear Valley Cabins: These rustic cabins offer more comfortable accommodations than traditional tents but still provide plenty of outdoor activities nearby such as fishing,hiking etc.
Remember all backcountry (primitive) campers must have a permit which can be obtained free of charge by contacting district office before setting out on their trip