Buchanan State Forest

Overview

Brochure InfoBuchanan State Forest is named in honor of James Buchanan, fifteenth President of the United States. Buchanan State Forest covers 72,286 acres in Franklin County, Fulton County, and Bedford County. Buchanan’s woodlands straddle the ridges of southcentral Pennsylvania and are comprised mainly of mixed oak. For more information visit the Buchanan State Forest website.Brochure Info - OrientationVerdant woodlands of this state forest occupy upper slopes in the southern ridge and valley region of Pennsylvania where elevation ranges from 420 feet to 2,700 feet. The forest district lies within the Susquehanna and Potomac Watersheds with many scenic streams found throughout. The Sweet Root and Pine Ridge Natural Areas as well as the Martin Hill Wild Area provide opportunities to explore some of the most unique natural features in the state forest.Brochure Info - Recreation Hiking, horseback riding, sightseeing, hunting and fishing are all popular on the Buchanan State Forest. There are over 200 miles of hiking trails including portions of the Mid State Trail, Tuscarora Trail, and Standing Stone Trail. The forest hosts ATV trails in Fulton and Bedford counties that are open for summer riding. In the winter, there are snowmobile trails available in each county. Campsites in the Buchanan State Forest are singular, remote sites dispersed throughout the forest. There are no amenities. Some require a walk-in, while others are directly accessible by vehicle. For trail maps visit the Buchanan State Forest Map webpage.Brochure Info - Facilities and RestrictionsThere are many miles of trails and roads throughout the Buchanan State forest that can be used to access different facilities and points of interest. Of note are four well-maintained picnic areas. Bear Valley Picnic Area is secluded between Broad Mountain and Kittatinny Mountain away from traffic and hubbub. Picnic tables, pavilions, fireplaces and grills, horseshoe courts, playground equipment, latrine, and fishing are available. Sideling Hill Picnic Area Sideling Hill Picnic Area is at the summit of Sideling Hill Mountain, Fulton County. Available are picnic tables, pavilions, fireplaces, horseshoe courts, playground equipment, a large open field, latrine and areas for throwing a frisbee or ball. Sweet Root Picnic Area is one mile north of Chaneysville in southern Bedford County and offers a cool place to enjoy lunch under tall pines. There are picnic tables, pavilions, latrine, fireplaces and grills available. The picnic area adjoins the 1,526-acre Sweet Root Natural Area. You can walk along Sweet Root Trail through the Sweet Root Gap and the remnants of the once majestic hemlocks, lush ferns and rushing mountain brook. This trail also connects to the Mid-State Trail. Blankley Picnic Area takes us into the mountains of southern Bedford County, at the summit of Rainsburg Mountain. Available are picnic tables, pavilions, fireplaces, grills and latrines. Additionally, there is an interpretive trail area located along Oregon Road at the former site of the Civilian Conservation Corp Camp. Historical information including maps, photos, a guide to hike around the site, and a kiosk are found there.Key InfoOccupants are also subject to the following permit conditions: 1.  Campfires, when permitted, require that adequate precautions be taken to prevent the spread of fire into the forest. All other fires are prohibited. Campfires shall be attended at all times. Campfires in both fire rings and in fireplaces are prohibited when the forest fire danger is determined by the Department to be High, Very High, or Extreme and between March 1 through May 25 without authorization from the District Forester or designee. 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. 3. Destruction of Property, damaging, defacing, or removing any sign, structure, equipment or other material is prohibited. 4. Occupants shall include at least one person 18 years of age or older. This permit may not be reassigned or transferred. 5. Pets are permitted on State Forest land if they are kept under control and attended at all times. Manure and pet waste must be disposed of properly. 6. Disorderly conduct including the following is prohibited. Fighting or other behavior that is threatening, violent or tumultuous; using obscene language or making obscene gestures; creating a hazardous or physically offensive condition by any act which does not serve a legitimate purpose of the actor; creating an unreasonable noise that may disturb other visitors to State Forest land. 7. Sanitation and Food Storage:Washing in a water outlet, spring, lake or waterway and discharging trailer, camper or motor home sewage, sink or bath 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 disguised. Food must be stored properly to prevent interaction with wildlife. Littering or disposal of garbage, paper, household refuse, waste or other material is prohibited. 8. Parking which obstructs a gate, road, trail, footpath, bicycle path, access way, 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 valid placard. 9. Cutting, picking, digging, damaging or removing a living or dead plant, vine, shrub, tree or flower on State Forest land without written authorization of the District Foresters or a designee is prohibited. Edible wild plants or plant parts may be gathered without authorization if they are gathered for own personal or family consumption. 10. Removing or disturbing historical or archeological resources from State Forest land without written authorization of the District Forester or a designee is prohibited. 11.Target Shooting with firearms, bows arrows or devices capable of launching projectiles, causing injury to persons or property is prohibited. This includes paintball guns. 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 would 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 and related facilities that occurred during or due to their occupancy.Important Information for Daily EntranceDirectionFrom Route 30: Turn north onto US 522 for about 5 miles. The entrance to the Resource Management Center (RMC) is on your left. From PA Turnpike Exit 180: Turn south onto US Route 522 for about 3.5 miles to reach the RMC entrance. GPS: 39° 59’ 37.7” N, 77° 57’ 57.6” W.Booking Window Product InfoFee Cancellation DescPlease read our Fees and Cancellation Policies