Safety Tips:

Visitors should plan on having little to no cell phone connection while exploring this park; having a hard copy of the Pinchot SF is strongly encouraged. Maps can be obtained from information kiosks located at designated parking areas and trailheads. 

Those exploring PSF for extended periods of time are encouraged to have a day-pack containing rain gear, trail food (if necessary), and plenty of drinking water. Use of proper waterproof footwear will also enhance experiences here. 

Visitors to PSF during the fall hunting seasons (Oct.-Dec.) are encouraged to wear brightly colored clothing and to avoid vacating recreation areas and trail networks. 

Roadway Information:

Roadways within the forest are gravel/dirt & unmarked; several sections are unlikely to receive improvements for extended periods of time and thus may pose a threat to smaller vehicles. During the winter months, roadways may become gated & will likely remain snow covered for use by snowmobiles. Should roadways remain open to vehicles at this time, use of an AWD or 4WD vehicle may become necessary. 

Pennsylvania state rules & regulations apply to all visitors using this park; proper licenses/permits are required for those hunting, camping, fishing, & boating within the boundaries of the park. For additional information on licensing, visit the websites for the Pennsylvania Game Commission, Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission, and/or the Department of Conservation & Natural Resources. 

Pinchot SF showcases a variety of temperature forest dependent bird species. Of particular interest are the diversities of Wood-Warblers that call these forests home. While in vicinity of Rhododendron & Laurel stands, look & listen for Black-throated Blue, Canada, & American Redstart Warblers. Nashville Warblers are possible when near the bogs while Prairie Warblers sing from the young growth forests. Groves of Eastern Hemlock should host Blackburnian Warblers while Magnolia Warblers occupy the stands of Norway Spruce. From up in the canopy should be Scarlet Tanagers & Vireos. Younger growth forests & recent timber cuts are good locations for encountering Ruffed Grouse, Eastern Whip-poor-wills, American Woodcocks, Eastern Towhees, & Chestnut-sided Warblers. 

Although songbirds of least concern are likely the primary interest among birders, forests here have potential for hosting unexpected species & visitors should remain open to additional possibilities such as American Goshawk, Long-eared Owl, & Red Crossbill.  

**For additional information & safety tips, clink the link above for the Pinchot SF Hotspots Overview/Group page**

The Pinchot State Forest (PSF) is primarily located in the Glaciated Pocono Plateau Region of Northeastern Pennsylvania. It is named after the first head of the United States Forestry Service Gifford Pinchot who also served as Pennsylvania's 28th Governor. The Department of Conservation & Natural Resources (DCNR) owns & maintains this park's approx. 50,000-acres that are scattered about Lackawanna, Luzerne, Susquehanna, Wyoming, & Wayne Counties. The most expansive of these tracts are the ones located in the southwestern corner of Lackawanna County near the Village of Thornhurst. 

Visitors to Pinchot State Forest will encounter a variety of northern hardwood forests with smaller tracts of Eastern White Pine, Eastern Hemlock, & Norway Spruce among the mix. Tracts in the Thornhurst area also showcase glacial wetlands & bogs where smaller populations of native spruces are noticed. Beside trees, extensive lists of shrubs & wildflowers are seen growing throughout all tracts of the forest; two of the more prominent species include Rhododendron & Mountain Laurel. Elevations in these ecosystems vary between over 1,100 ft. up to the 2,270 ft. summit at Pine Hill. 

Features of this park extend well beyond it's natural landscapes with its many opportunities for outdoor recreation including:

-Sport Fishing                                        -Big & Small Game Hunting/Trapping

-Wildlife Viewing                                    -Camping

-Boating (non-motorized)                     -Hiking (short & long distance)

-Cross-country Skiing                           -Picnicking 

-Mountain Biking                                  -Horseback Riding & Snowmobiling

**Those biking, horseback riding, snowmobiling, and/or hiking should review the PSF Map to know which trails have been designated for their interests. 

Several multi-use trails are available for use across many PSF tracts, but the highlight is the 26-mile Pinchot Trail located within the Thornhurst Tract.