Elk Forest District

10/15/2026

The Bucktail Path is a pretty great place to be in the fall.

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

10/02/2026

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.

09/17/2026

Join Elk State Forest staff Sunday, October 4th for a Walk in Penn's Woods. This year's walk will be a 4-mile loop, featuring parts of Lick Island Trail and Bucktail Path.

The walk will start at 9am at the Lick Island Trail parking area and kiosk. This can be accessed from the Ridge Road and then Upper Lick Island Road.

For more information:
https://paforestry.org/walks

09/04/2026

Have a safe and happy holiday weekend!

09/03/2026

Keystone Trails Association will be in Elk State Forest September 10th-13th to work on the Bucktail Path. If you're interested in helping out or want to see more information, just click on the link.

What we have planned

06/24/2026

Chicago Springs and Mowray Trail are brushed wide open. These trails meet up in the McNuff drainage, where they both tie into the Bucktail Path. Chicago Springs can be accessed from Ridge Road and access to Mowray Trail is off Steam Mill Road.

06/23/2026

ROAD CLOSURE…

Beginning today (6-23-26), a section of Simons Lane between Bryan Hill Road and Portable Road on the Lyme Timber Easement will be temporarily closed to facilitate stream (Bender and Portable Runs) crossing structure replacement.

06/11/2026

The section of the Bucktail Path between the two footbridges on McNuff has been brushed and is in great shape. This trail segment travels on old wagon roads and railroad grades and mirrors the scenic and tranquil McNuff Branch of Hunts Run.

06/10/2026

The northern end of the Bucktail Path has been cleared and is a great place for a June hike. This is an easy section to make into a loop utilizing Crooked Run Road.

06/09/2026

**Attention Hunters**

Elk State Forest has a new DMAP unit.

Also, before anyone jumps to conclusions, we are not out to exterminate the deer population. Deer hunting and deer sightings are meaningful and important to us. With that being said, we are also advocates and proponents of a well-managed forest with diverse, healthy plant and wildlife populations and communities.

The number for this new DMAP unit is 9294 and there will be 245 coupons available. DMAP permits become available the second Monday of August.