Pennsylvania’s state forest system includes dozens of special wild and natural areas set aside to protect unique or unusual biologic, geologic, scenic, and historical features or to showcase outstanding examples of the state’s major forest communities.
Natural areas are “managed” by nature and direct human intervention is limited. They:
- Provide places for scenic observation
- Protect special plant and animal communities
- Conserve outstanding examples of natural beauty
Wild areas are generally extensive tracts managed to protect the forest’s wild character and to provide back country recreational opportunities.
Algerine Swamp Natural Area
This 84-acre gem straddles the Lycoming-Tioga county border and contains part of a glacial bog. The bog is prime habitat for black spruce, balsam fir, and other northern plant species.
Bark Cabin Natural Area
The Mid-State Trail passes through this scenic 7-acre tract of old growth hemlock trees.
Lebo Red Pine Natural Area
In Lycoming County, east of Lucullus, this 124-acre tract supports old-growth red pine, white birch, and oaks along the First Big Fork of Trout Run.
Miller Run Natural Area
This extensive tract consists of 4,992 acres of second-growth oak and northern hardwood forests. The roadless watersheds of three streams dissecting the plateau are protected in this area.
Miller Run Natural Area Fact Sheet (PDF)
Torbert Island Natural Area
This 18-acre sample of river island habitat is located in Pine Creek -- 2.5 miles north of the intersection of U.S. 220 and Route 44, northwest of Jersey Shore.
Algerine Wild Area
This 4,177-acre wild area north of Slate Run is traversed by a portion of the Black Forest Trail. It is truly a place to “get away from it all.”
Algerine Wild Area Fact Sheet (PDF)
Wolf Run Wild Area
This wild area contains some of the most remote reaches in Tiadaghton State Forest, and at 6,900 acres, is extensive. The Golden Eagle Trail provides access to the western portion of the wild area and to Wolf Run itself.