If there's one thing that Pennsylvania isn't lacking, it's trees. We have miles and miles of gorgeous natural landscape. If only if were possible to take it all in at once. Well, you've gotta start somewhere, so we thought we would make it easier by telling you a little bit more about some of the state forests in PA. Here are some gorgeous forests that call our state home.
1. Bald Eagle State Forest
While its name might make you think that tons of bald eagles live here, really Bald Eagle State Park got its name from a Lenape chief who lived in the area during the mid-18th century. His name was Woapalanne, which means "bald eagle" in English.
2. Rothrock State Park
This state forest is utilized heavily by Penn State students and faculty due to its proximity to State College. In 2006, 100 acres of the forest was burnt in a massive fire.
3. Gallitzin State Forest
This forest is named after Demetrius Augustine Gallitzin, who was a Roman Catholic priest that pioneered and did mission work in the area in the early 19th century. He was colloquially known as the Apostle of the Alleghenies.
4. Loyalsock State Forest
High Knob Overlook is the biggest attraction in the forest. At just over 2,000 feet above sea level, from here you can see mountaintops from seven countries.
5. Moshannon State Park
Most of Moshannon State Park is a second-growth forest that was grown after the DCNR purchased the land from lumber companies that clear-cut the original trees.
6. Elk State Forest
Elk are native to Pennsylvania, however the last naturally occurring Pennsylvania elk was killed in 1867. Elk from the Rocky Mountains were reintroduced to the area, though, and now over 600 elk live in this forest.
7. Michaux State Forest
Michael State Forest is named after Andre Michaux, a French botanist who was sent to the area by King Louis XVI in 1785 to gather plants for the Royal Gardens.
8. Tuscarora State Forest
Tuscarora State Forest contains four natural areas, including Hoverter and Sholl Box Huckleberry Natural Area, where an ancient plant can be found; the box huckleberry here has been estimated to be between 1,200 to 1,300 years old.
9. Buchanan State Forest
Buchanan State Forest includes the Sweet Root Natural Area, which contains a 64-acre old-growth forest and some structures that remain from the Revolutionary War.
10. Tiadaghton State Forest
Tiadaghton is the Iriquois word for "pine creek." The forest covers 215,500 acres.
What would you add to this list? Share in the comments below!
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