Rothrock State Forest

Overview

Brochure InfoThe Rothrock State Forest is located in central Pennsylvania within the Ridge and Valley province. It consists of approximately 97,000 acres located in Huntingdon, Centre, and Mifflin Counties. Over 80 percent of the forest is in one unbroken tract containing 80,449 acres, the northern boundary of which follows Tussey Mountain from the Frankstown Gap at Water Street across the northern part of Huntingdon County and on to the eastern edge of the forest in Centre County - a total distance of approximately 27 miles. The southern boundary of this same tract follows Stone Mountain from Martin’s Gap northeastward to U.S. 322 in Mifflin County. At its widest point this tract is approximately nine miles wide. The rest of the Rothrock State Forest is composed of several scattered tracts; the largest of these, which contains 11,333 acres, is in southwestern Huntingdon County in the drainage of Great Trough Creek. Four remaining tracts are: Jack’s Mountain Tract, which is located on the east slope of Jack’s Mountain in southern Huntingdon County and contains 578-acres; Lucy Furnace Tract located in Mifflin County about one mile north of Mount Union totaling 2,295-acres; the Locke Valley Tract, located just north of Shade Gap in southern Huntingdon county, consisting of 1,622-acres; and Dry Hollow, 1,271-acres in Warriors Mark Township, Huntingdon County, and Ferguson and Halfmoon Townships, Centre County. The area in which the Rothrock State Forest is located has an interesting historical background. The well-known Jack's Mountain, through which the Juniata River flows, was named in honor of Captain Jack Armstrong, a famous Native American fighter. The name of Chief Logan, celebrated Native American Chief and scout during Revolutionary War days, is almost a byword in this region. A part of the Rothrock was originally the Logan State Forest. The "Indian Steps" on State Forest land, legend has it, were built by the Lenape to quickly cross Tussey Mountain between Spruce Creek and Stone Creek. Most of the land that makes up the Rothrock State Forest was purchased from the Logan Iron and Steel Company and from various local lumber companies. Evidence of the early iron and lumber industries can still be found throughout the forest in the form of charcoal hearths and tram road grades. More information on the Rothrock State Forest can be found on our website or on our Facebook page.Brochure Info - OrientationThe Forest District is located in the Ridge and Valley area of the Appalachians. Elevations vary from 500 to 2400 feet. There are many small mountain streams and several rivers in the area. The Rothrock State Forest contains many unique natural features. Six areas of land with special significance have been designated as State Forest Natural Areas totaling 2,701 acres. Bear Meadows contains a fen wetland, a national natural landmark and Alan Seeger and Detweiler Run support old-growth hemlock and whitepine. An additional 6,589 acres are classified as Wild Areas, which are the Thickhead Mountain and Trough Creek Wild Areas.Brochure Info - RecreationHiking, equestrian, and mountain biking enthusiasts have abundant opportunities on the many trails that traverse the rugged mountain terrain in the Rothrock State Forest. Hunting for deer, turkey, bear, and a variety of small game are popular activities enjoyed by visitors. Some of the mountain streams are annually stocked with trout, while the Juniata River, which borders the forest, provides good fishing for bass and other warm water fish. Many of the District’s mountain streams hold populations of wild trout. Rothrock State Forest is also host to four (4) State Parks; Whipple Dam, Greenwood Furnace, Penn Roosevelt, and Trough Creek. Sightseeing is a popular activity and the many miles of public use roads provide opportunities to view wildlife and brilliant fall foliage and there are a number of scenic vistas that overlook the surrounding countryside. For maps of the area visit the Rothrock State Forest map page.Brochure Info - Facilities and RestrictionsRothrock State Forest is managed primarily for dispersed recreation and facilities are limited. There are picnicking facilities available including at the Alan Seeger and Pine Hill State Forest Picnic Areas that provide pavilions, tables, grills, and latrines. The forest also offers eight designated, primitive roadside campsites with picnic table and fire rings.Brochure Info - Nearby AttractionsCheck out the local visitor bureau’s websites for local attractions, at: https://www.raystown.org/ https://happyvalley.com/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 EntranceDirectionThe District Office is located at 181 Rothrock Lane, in Huntingdon, PA. We are at the intersection of state routes 26 and 22.Booking Window Product InfoFee Cancellation DescPlease read our Fees and Cancellation Policies