A Ribbon of Forests

Of the dozens of sites in the Pennsylvania state forest natural area system, Bucktail State Park Natural Area is the largest and encompasses more than 16,000 acres in Cameron and Clinton counties. This natural area is also one of the oldest areas so designated and its extra protection dates back to December 1970 through an action of the State Forest Commission. The Bucktail exists as a ribbon of forest on the slopes above Sinnemahoining Creek and the West Branch of the Susquehanna River in one of the wildest parts of the state. For some 70 miles it parallels State Route 120 adding to the classic Penn's Woods scenery in that area as shown in today's photograph.

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) web site describes Bucktail State Park Natural Area  as a reason that visitors to the area have the opportunity  to get a feel for the way those forests looked when they were unmodified by human activities.   The majority of the forest consists of  mixed oak and northern hardwood forests  with groves of eastern hemlock and scattered white pines.  The steep high slopes of the valley are especially beautiful in the winter time, when ice and snow cover the rivers  and the vast landscape.

Extending off to either side  of Rte. 120 are side roads that lead to some of the most inaccessible parts, and make an interesting auto tour: Lower Jerry Run, Johnson Run, and the proposed "new" old-growth area above Keating in  Sproul State Forest. At the east end of the area, 20 miles west of Lock Haven on PA Rte. 120, turn north at a sign for Hyner Run State Park and Hyner Run Vista. This is one of the best viewpoints along the Allegheny Front, dividing the folded ridge-and-valley province from the Allegheny Plateau, with a 1,300 foot drop. Hang gliders often launch from the area.

Today's photo of Bucktail State Park Natural Area is from WPC's Resource Conservation archives.

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