Tioga State Forest derives its name from the Seneca phrase “meeting of two rivers.” It covers 161,890 acres in Bradford County and Tioga County. The forest district hosts the Pine Creek Gorge, also known as the “Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania.” Tioga State Forest also features awe-inspiring views and miles of clean, cool streams like Cedar Run and Babbs Creek, and is one of eight state forests located in the Pennsylvania Wilds region. For more information visit the Tioga State Forest website and Facebook page .
Location: The Tioga State Forest lies completely within the large physiographic province known as the Appalachian Plateau, which covers all of north central and western Pennsylvania and parts of adjoining states. The topography within the forest is typical of this province in that it is rugged and irregular in pattern. The state forest lies completely within the Susquehanna watershed and its quality streams are habitat for native brook trout. Many unique ecological and geological features are found in the Tioga State Forest. There are even some specifically identified for their importance. The Pine Creek Gorge Natural Area is a National Natural Landmark. Others include the Black Ash Swamp Natural Area which contains the headwaters of Asaph Run and Reynolds Spring Natural Area which contains a high altitude boreal swamp. Visitors will find unique boulders, rock outcroppings, swamps, vernal pools, diverse habitats, and more in this vast and remote forest.
Recreation: The Tioga State Forest offers nearly endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. 26 miles of the acclaimed Pine Creek Rail Trail runs through the heart of the district offering bicyclists, walkers, and cross-country skiers stunning views of Pine Creek and the rugged mountains. Hikers will find stunning views of the canyon from the West Rim and Barbour Rock Trails. Other noteworthy hikes include Sand Run Trail which highlights a waterfall, the Mid State Trail, and the Long Branch Trail. Many shared use trails are found throughout the forest offering mountain bikers and horseback riders an opportunity to experience nature at its finest. The large, contiguous blocks of forest and its diverse habitats with clear, cool streams offer rewarding hunting and fishing opportunities. Hundreds of miles of public use roads are a perfect gateway to access the forest and are frequently used to view wildlife and brilliant fall foliage. Many roadside vistas offer inspiring views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. In the winter, snowmobiling and cross country skiing are popular. Rafting, canoeing, kayaking and fishing are favorite activities on Pine Creek in the Spring. For maps of these areas visit the Tioga State Forest maps webpage .
Leonard Harrison State Park and Colton Point State Park are surrounded by the Tioga State Forest and feature some of the best views of the PA Grand Canyon. Other nearby parks include: Hills Creek State Park and Mount Pisgah State Park. Other recreation opportunities in the area include Tioga-Hammond Lakes managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers, numerous State Game Lands, and the PA Lumber Museum. The Visit Potter-Tioga Visitors Bureau provides more information about the surrounding areas.
The Tioga State Forest Resource Management Center is located at One Nessmuk Lane, Wellsboro, PA 16901 about two miles south of Wellsboro on PA-287. GPS:41°43'43.9"N 77°17'12.2"W
This confirmation serves as your State Forest Campsite Permit for the campsite listed above. This permit is null and void if the reservation is cancelled or transferred prior to the date of arrival. You must have a copy of the permit on person during your stay. Occupants are subject to the following permit conditions: 1. Campfires, when permitted, require precautions be taken to prevent spread of fire to the forest. Campfires shall be attended at all times. Campfires are prohibited March 1st through May 25th without authorization from the District Forester, or when fire danger is high, very high, or extreme. This prohibition does not apply to self-contained camp stoves when used in a safe manner. A person causing a wildfire, in addition to possible criminal penalty, is liable for all damages, costs of extinction and fines. 2. Dead and down wood may be gathered and burned when permitted but may not be removed from the site. Power tools and chain saws are not permitted. Destruction of Property, damaging, defacing, or removing any sign, structure, equipment or other material is prohibited. 3. Occupants shall include at least one person 18 years of age or older. This permit may not be reassigned or transferred. 4. Pets are permitted on State Forest land if kept under control and attended at all times. Animal waste must be disposed of properly. 5. Disorderly conduct is prohibited, including creating unreasonable noise that may disturb other campers and visitors to state forest land. Generators that create excessive noise are prohibited. 6. Limit of 7 continuous days of camping on state forest land. Camping cannot be resumed until 48 hours have passed. All vehicles and equipment must be removed from state forest land during this time. Members of this camping party may not reserve a campsite until 48 hours have passed. 7. Washing in a water outlet, spring, lake or waterway and discharging sewage, or gray water on or into ground or surface waters is prohibited. Toilets must be used where provided. In other locations self-contained toilets must be used when required or human waste deposited in hole 4-6 inches deep, 200 feet from water, campsite, or trails and covered and hidden. 8. Littering is prohibited. Garbage/waste/rubbish must be removed from site and disposed of properly. Parking which obstructs a gate, entrance, exit or road turnaround on State Forest land is prohibited. Parking in area designated for a person with a disability, by the Department, is prohibited unless the vehicle has a valid plate or placard. 9. Damaging/removing a living or dead plant on State Forest land is prohibited. Edible wild plants or plant parts may be gathered if for personal use. Removing or disturbing historical/archeological resources from State Forest land is prohibited. Target Shooting of any kind is prohibited. 10. Occupants are subject to State Forest Rules and Regulations, found online at https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateForests/RulesAndRegulations/Pages/default.aspx, posted onsite, or by contacting the district office. Occupants are subject to any other information and instructions included in the campsite or facility notes, alerts, and important information. Violations : Violations of forest rules and regulations, or violations of a condition of this permit could result in any or all of the following consequences: 1. The permit may be revoked. This will result in the occupants being required to vacate the facility immediately. 2. The occupants may be required to leave the forest. 3. The occupants may be cited for a violation of the forest rules and regulations, a summary offense. 4. The occupants are responsible for any damage to campsite or facilities that occurred during or due to their occupancy.
The Tioga State Forest is managed primarily for dispersed recreation and facilities are generally limited. There are improvements along the Pine Creek Rail Trail including restrooms, benches, bike racks, and improved parking areas. There are also three State Forest Picnic Areas: Asaph, County Bridge, and Bradley Wales. There are restrooms, grills, and picnic tables at each location and there are also pavilions at Asaph and County Bridge. Additionally, there are four improved camping areas: Hoffman and Tiadaghton in the Pine Creek Valley, and Asaph and County Bridge in the northern part of the state forest. These offer picnic tables, fire rings, and latrines but have no other amenities.
Non-Peak Primitive Site $10.00 Non-Peak Standard Full Hookup $22.00 Non-Peak Standard with Electric Hookup $19.00 Non-Peak Standard with Water and Electric Hookups $21.00 Peak Primitive Site $10-$12 Peak Standard Full Hookup $22.00-$24.00 Peak Standard with Electric Hookup $19.00-$21.00 Peak Standard with Water and Electric Hookups $21.00-$23.00
Phone: 570-724-2868
Address: One Nessmuk Lane, Wellsboro, PA 16901
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