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.

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.

Over the years, 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.