Tuscarora Forest District

10/08/2026

10/08/2026

It's time for your Week 2 Fall Foliage Report! 🍂🍁

While autumn colors continue to spread across much of the Commonwealth, recent cold nights have helped fall colors reach their peak in the north. Bright, colorful leaves are now easy to spot in most Pennsylvania forests.

The best places to enjoy the season right now are the northern counties, the northern Poconos, and the Laurel Highlands.

Photo 1: Denton Hill (Susquehannock State Forest)
Photo 2: Route 850 (Perry County)
Photo 3: State Game Lands 159 (Wayne County)

View the full report: pa.gov/fallfoliage

10/07/2026

Fall doesn’t mean that ticks take a break!

Tick bites can happen well into the cooler months. Reduce your risk of Lyme Disease and other tick-borne illnesses by following these bite prevention tips.

10/07/2026

DCNR is seeking four passionate advocates to fill voluntary positions on the Pennsylvania Trails Advisory Committee. Apply today and help shape the future of Pennsylvania's trails!

To kick off September and Trails Month in Pennsylvania, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) is now accepting letters of interest and resumes for four voluntary positions that will be opening on the 2027 Pennsylvania Trails Advisory Committee (PTAC). DCNR is seeking interested

10/06/2026

Expanding access to the outdoors!

A 12-acre parcel has been added to Boyd Big Tree Preserve Conservation Area in Lower Paxton Township, creating a new parking area and trailhead. This addition gives visitors even more ways to hike, explore nature, and enjoy the preserve. 🌲🚶‍♀️

Learn more: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/newsroom/shapiro-administration-expands-boyd-big-tree-preserve-conservati

10/06/2026

Discover Pennsylvania’s funga in-person!

There are many mushroom/mycology clubs in Pennsylvania where you can learn from experts with decades of identification experience. The safest, most rewarding way to learn about mycology is in-person.

Explore clubs at https://naturalheritage.dcnr.pa.gov/Fungi.html

10/05/2026

Wildfires are most likely to happen during the spring and fall months in Pennsylvania. 🔥

Follow these tips to stay safe and prevent wildfires when enjoying the woods. ⤵️

Learn more: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/programs-and-services/community-outreach-and-development/wildfire

10/05/2026

Prescribed Fire Burn Area Notice:

These areas are part of a prescribed fire burn unit planned for the Fall of 2026, between October 1, and December 31, 2026. The areas including portions of Bower Mountain and Three Square Hollow Roads may see burn activity weather permitting. The exact burn day is not known yet as it will depend on multiple factors including but limited to: resource availability, weather, other operational commitments, etc.

The goal is to use prescribed fire to regenerate pitch pine following timber harvest.

10/02/2026

Walk In Penn’s Woods events are happening this Sunday (October 4)!

Join DCNR forestry staff for guided hikes and learn more about the history, land use, trees, plants, and animals that shape Pennsylvania’s forests.

Find a walk: https://events.dcnr.pa.gov/search?search=walk+in+penn%27s+woods

10/02/2026

Explore Free: Because every season brings a new reason to visit.

09/15/2026

Hunting season is fast approaching and with it the placement of tree stands by hunters throughout the forest. Hunters should be aware of the regulations regarding the placement of tree stands and the time frame for their placement and removal. Stands left or placed in the forest outside of this window are considered abandoned property and will be removed and disposed of. Citations may also be issued for violations of this section. Please be conscience of road openings and closures as many roads close and the end of the r***e deer season and removal of stands left during the late seasons will become increasingly difficult in these areas. This hunting season, stands may not be placed before September 19th 2026 and must be removed by February 7th 2027. The regulations were put in place to help create a level playing field and prevent individuals from claiming any one portion of public land as their personal hunting spot. Please see the regulations listed below.

§ 21.120. Ground blinds and tree stands.

(a) Ground blinds and tree stands may be placed, used and occupied subject to the following requirements:

(1) They must be portable.

(2) Their placement, use or occupation may not cause damage to a tree.

(3) They may not be left overnight except as follows:

(i) They may be left for any length of time within the period beginning 2 weeks prior to the first deer season and ending 2 weeks after the close of the last deer season.

(ii) Ground blinds may be left for any length of time during the spring turkey season and the water fowl season.

(iii) They may be left overnight outside of the periods in subparagraphs (i) and (ii) with written permission of the Department.

(4) Ground blinds must be constructed in accordance with the requirements for turkey blinds under the Game and Wildlife Code.

(b) Ground blinds or tree stands that do not comply with this section and accompanying personal property may be removed, stored or disposed of by the Department.

(c) This section applies to State forest land other than picnic areas.

09/15/2026

TUSCARORA STATE FOREST ROADS OPEN FOR HUNTING – 2026
* Roads are open as weather allows and subject to closure based on current conditions. *

CURRENTLY OPEN UNTIL 12/13/26

South Block

Bower Mountain Road
Wolf

OPEN FROM 9/4/26 to 12/13/26

South Block

Blue Mountain Road (to second gate)
Hickory Ridge Road
Shearer Dug Road (main gate to middle or second gate)

North Block

Birch Run Road
Blacklog Bench Road (No Fuelwood Cutting)
East Pine Ridge Road
Gifford Road
Maugans Road
Shade Bench Road
Sugar Springs Haul Road
Steltzer Road
Sugar Valley Haul Road
Vincent Tram East (No Fuelwood Cutting)

OPEN FROM 11/14/26 to 12/13/26

South Block

Concord Road
Couch Road
Dead End Road (No Fuelwood Cutting)
Loop Road
Middle Ridge Road
Perry Lumber Road
Stewart Narrows

North Block

Blue Mtn Tower Road

Notes: The following roads are closed due to activities including timber sales and haul road construction.

Doubling Gap Haul Road
North Slope Haul Road

09/04/2026

Have a safe and happy holiday weekend!

08/24/2026

The District Office as well as the parking lot will be closed on Wednesday August 26th for line painting. There will be no access to the recycling dumpsters during that time. The office and parking lot will re open on Thursday.

07/28/2026

https://youtu.be/7nLDcStktq4

On June 21st the annual Foggy Mountain Breakdown Enduro was held th...

07/28/2026

https://youtu.be/ZcwywZFE5l0

On June 21st the annual Foggy Mountain Breakdown Enduro was held th...

07/27/2026

The Pennsylvania RattleCam on a timber rattlesnake gestation area in Pennsylvania continues to amaze. These gestation areas were believed to be pretty boring places where gestating females lie around waiting to give birth. The camera has shown that's not the case. Combat between competing males has been captured at least 3 times, mating has been recorded once and behaviors seldom observed like snakes drinking rainwater that accumulates in their coils or the coils of a neighboring snake has been recorded several times. If you haven't checked it out, what are you waiting for? You can also check out their other cams on a western diamondback area in California and a prairie rattlesnake area in Colorado.

Male Timber Rattlesnakes have been infiltrating the Pennsylvania ro...

07/14/2026

Event Alert:

The annual Foggy Mountain Enduro hosted by Delaware Valley Trail Riders will be taking place on Sunday, July 19. The enduro will affect the south block area of the Tuscarora State Forest. Expect increased traffic on roads and be alert for motorcycles on trails, roads, and at road crossings. These impacts will be greatest from Laurel Run Rd to the north and west and as far east as Little Valley Rd. There are no planned parking lot or road closures at this time though Bower Mtn Rd may be temporarily closed as the event passes through that location. Note: our roads and trails are only open to enduro motorcycles registered for this event.

07/14/2026

Another round of great photos from one of the talented photographers that cruise the Tuscarora. This assortment is from Nancy Simmons. Thanks Nancy!