Tuscarora State Forest

Welcome to Tuscarora State Forest located in south central Pennsylvania just west of Harrisburg. Tuscarora State Forest sprawls across Mifflin, Perry, Juniata, Huntingdon, Franklin, and Cumberland counties.

Forest History: Tuscarora State Forest is named for Tuscarora Mountain which was named for the Iroquoian tribe known as the Tuscarora who migrated into the region in the early 18th century. Much of the original forest was oaks and chestnuts up on the mountains and hemlocks down on the riverbanks. In 1902 the State of Pennsylvania purchased the first tract of land from a J. Preston Thomas. They bought over 7,600 acres at a price of $1.72 per acre (still doesn't beat the Alaskan purchase of 3 cents an acre) and named it the Rothrock Forest Preserve. Eventually she was merged with the McClure and Pennypacker Forest Preserves to creat Tuscarora State Forest. Many timber sales occurred from the turn of the 20th century up until the 1930's when the Great Depression struck. In 1933, the Civilian Conservation Corps worked hard to build the forest amenities.

Wildlife: Tuscarora State Forest helps protect the home of numerous wild animals including deer, raccoons, squirrels, rabbits, bears, bobcats, foxes, coyotes, hawks, and wild turkeys. Please treat their home with respect.

For the lover of the outdoors Tuscarora State Forest boasts over 100 miles of multipurpose trails, miles of trout streams, and so much more. Come on out and explore!