Brochure InfoMichaux State Forest encompasses more than 85,500 acres in the South Mountain area of Adams, Cumberland, and Franklin County. Considered Pennsylvania’s “cradle of forestry”, Michaux is the site of the first forestry school, Mont Alto. The forest is named for the French botanist, Andre Michaux, who discovered and named many plants during the 18th century. For more information visit the Michaux State Forest website and Facebook page.Brochure Info - OrientationThe Michaux Forest District spans five distinct ecoregions ranging from the Great Valley along the northwestern border of the district and across the South Mountain, Gettysburg Newark Lowland, Piedmont Lowland, and Piedmont. The state forest lands are mostly located on the meta volcanic and quartzite rocks of South Mountain at the northern terminus of the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains. The largely contiguous block of state forest provides excellent watershed protection within the Potomoc River Basin and the Susquehanna/Chesapeake Basin. The Michaux State Forest is dominated by dry oak-heath forest types and contains unique ridgetop barren ecosystems, vernal pools, and talus slopes. There are four state forest natural areas that are recognized for their unique features such as the Meeting of the Pines Natural Area which is the only location where all fives species of native pines are found growing together.Brochure Info - RecreationMany recreational pursuits can be enjoyed on the Michaux State Forest such as hiking, biking, horseback riding, camping, hunting, fishing, boating, sightseeing, wildlife viewing, rock climbing and ATV/snowmobile riding. There are also many historical sites. There are over 100 miles of trails, including 36 miles of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. Visitors will be greeted by many scenic highlights in the Michaux State Forest, including 7 vistas, mountain laurel and rhododendron blooms, and fall foliage. Over 130 miles of gravel roads offer opportunities for appreciation of Michaux’s natural beauty and act as gateways to many other recreational activities. Camping in the Michaux State Forest is a great way to get away from it all and spend a night in the great outdoors. These designated, roadside campsites are identified by signpost and campsite name. Most are remote, designated sites with no amenities although some may include a fire ring and picnic table. Some sites may require a short walk-in from the road while others can be immediately accessed by vehicle. For trail maps visit the Michaux State Forest Map webpage.Brochure Info - Facilities and RestrictionsThe Michaux State Forest has several notable amenities that provide for unique and memorable experiences. The Michaux Target Shooting Range is located on Birch Run Road in Franklin Township, Adams County, and offers a 70 yard rifle range as well as a 25 yard multi-distance pistol range. A valid DCNR range permit is required. Permits are available for purchase at the Michaux State Forest District office during weekdays. The Old Forge Picnic Area, located 4.5 miles south of the Village of South Mountain features two pavilions, picnic tables, grills, restrooms, playground equipment, and an athletic field.Brochure Info - Nearby AttractionsCaledonia State Park; Mont Alto State Park; Kings Gap Environmental Education Center; Pine Grove Furnace State Park; Gettysburg National Military Park; Gettysburg National Military ParkKey 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 on Route 30, 12 miles from Gettysburg and 10 from Chambersburg. From 1-81 North, take Route 30 at exit 16. Travel 8.5 miles on Route 30. From I-81 South, take the Scotland Exit and travel 997 South to Route 30. Turn left toward Gettysburg. Travel 2.5 miles on Route 30. From Route 233 South, turn right onto Route 30 for .4 miles. From Route 233 North, turn left onto Route 30 for .4 miles.Booking Window Product InfoFee Cancellation DescPlease read our Fees and Cancellation Policies