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Michaux State Forest
Welcome to Michaux State Forest located in southern Pennsylvania in Cumberland, Adams, and Franklin Counties.
Forest History: From the mid 1700's up until the early 1900's large iron companies owned the land that is now Michaux State Forest and mined iron ore in the region. Many iron furnaces were built in the region with the largest located in Pine Grove, Caledonia, and Mont Alto. Some of the cannonballs made from these iron furnaces were used in battle during the Revolutionary War.
In the early 20th century, there was growing competition from iron ore mines in the western states and the local mines went out of business. In 1902 the first tree nursery was established in Mont Alto. In 1903 the Pennsylvania State Forest Academy was established in Mont Alto and in 1905 the first wooden fire tower was built in Mont Alto and it was replaced by a steel one in 1914. This school was the first of it's kind in the state and the second in the nation to train foresters. In earlier times people had to go to Europe to learn about forestry. The Michaux State Forest was named after the famous French botanist Andre Michaux. Today the forest helps protect wildlife habitat and provide timber resources for millions of people.
Wildlife: Michaux State Forest helps protect the home of numerous wild animals including foxes, deer, coyotes, raccoons, rabbits, squirrels, hawks, and wild turkeys. Please treat their home with respect.
For the lover of the outdoors Michaux State Forest boasts over 130 miles of forest roads, numerous multipurpose trails including the Appalachian Trail, miles of trout streams, and so much more. Come on out and explore.