The only national forest in Pennsylvania, Allegheny National Forest is a centerpiece of northwest PA's nature tourism. Filled with beautiful wooded areas and unique little towns, Allegheny National Forest offers nearly endless outdoor enjoyment and recreation opportunities within its 513,161 acres.

Several recent issues have erupted regarding timber harvesting in the Allegheny National Forest. Concern over logging is the result of conflict between conservation and preservation ideals. Some organized citizens and the Forest Service have been arguing over logging issues since 1994; there is even a moratorium set on logging activities to protect the habitat of an endangered species of bat discovered within the forest.

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Cook Forest State Park, located in the southern area of Allegheny National Forest, contains one of the oldest stands of hemlock and white pine in Pennsylvania. Designated as a National Natural Landmark, the forest canopy is magnificent with many trees near state record height and diameter marks. A wonderful way to enjoy this beautiful area is to hike the 30 miles of park trails.

During the late 1800's and early 1900's, timber harvesting in Pennsylvania was a bustling industry. When the last remaining virgin forests in the Cooksburg area were threatened by logging in the 1920's, the Cook Forest Association was organized to purchase and preserve these lands. The association was very successful and with help from Gifford Pinchot, founder of the U.S. Forest Service, purchased 6,055 acres of the surrounding forest in what would become Cook Forest State Park.

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Forestry Sciences Laboratory in Warren County is a forest research station dedicated to providing education and information to local forest owners on forest ecosystems and sustainable forest management. The lab has been focusing on three major research projects involving (a) regeneration and renewal, (b) dynamics and silviculture, and (c) sugar maple declines. The lab also holds training sessions throughout the year on silviculture and other forest-related topics.

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Kane Experimental Forest, established in 1930, is currently under supervision of the Forestry Sciences Laboratory in Warren. Located on 1,737 acres of the Allegheny National Forest, the project provides vital space for experimentation and research of forestry practices. Research conducted in this forest has been important to understanding forest management practices and sustainable methods in the Allegheny National Forest, as well as northwest Pennsylvania's private forests. See photo.

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A tribute to the state's lumber industry, the Pennsylvania Lumber Museum in Potter County documents the history of one of northwest PA's leading industries. The museum exhibits show that the timber wealth of this region was primarily white pine and hemlock a century ago. In addition to visiting the museum, visitors can tour the grounds on a trail alongside weathered buildings and accoutrements of a logging camp and sawmill re-created on the site. Eighty-five miles of hiking trails through the Appalachian Wilderness are nearby if you desire to explore the area further. The museum is open daily from April through November, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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Clear Creek State Forest, located in Venango, Forest, and Jefferson counties, is named for the crystal clear stream that meanders through its forested landscape. Around the end of the 19th century these forested lands were logged intensively before being devastated by a forest fire which scorched most of the remaining timber. Later, a nationwide blight attacked most of the chestnut stands in the forest. However, the forest was able to recover after these adverse conditions and today provides acres of recreational opportunities.

Hunting and fishing are permitted throughout the forest, and camping in Clear Creek State Park is popular. Hiking trails throughout the forest provide access to enjoy the beautiful mountain laurel bloom in June.

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During the turn of the 18th century in the northeast region of the United States, Chief Cornplanter was a great leader among the Iroquois nations who helped maintain peace between his people and the white settlers of the area. In honor of the legendary chief, the state forest located west of the Allegheny National Forest in Venango and Forest counties was named Cornplanter State Forest. For additional information on Chief Cornplanter, Click here.

Cornplanter State Forest is used regularly for local school education, as well as tourist recreation. Favorite activities in the 1,200+ acre state forest include cross-country skiing and hiking.

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• The Allegheny Forest
• Allegheny Defense Project
• Forest Landowners Associations
• Northwest Pennsylvania Woodland Association
• Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry
• The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
• Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
• Pennsylvania Forestry Association
• Pennsylvania State Forests
• Pennsylvania State Parks
• US Forest Service