Cornplanter State Forest

Cornplanter State Forest is a protected woodland area spanning Crawford, Forest, and Warren Counties in northwestern Pennsylvania with an extensive network of trails and outdoor opportunities. The forest consists of multiple connected parcels of land that provide wildlife habitat while offering visitors year-round access to natural surroundings.

The forest was established following an 1897 Pennsylvania law that authorized land purchases for forest protection after extensive logging by timber companies had devastated the region during the 19th century. This protection effort was part of a broader movement to restore the state's natural resources and end the depletion of forestland.

The forest takes its name from Chief Cornplanter, a Seneca Nation leader who negotiated between American authorities and the Iroquois Confederacy during the late 1700s and early 1800s. This naming reflects the indigenous presence and history that shaped the region long before it became protected land.

The forest is open year-round with trails suitable for different fitness levels and activities including fishing, hunting, and cross-country skiing in winter months. Visitors should prepare for uneven terrain and bring appropriate gear based on the season, as conditions can change quickly in forested areas.

Within the forest lies Anders Run Natural Area, a 96-acre protected zone that contains around 50 acres of original old-growth forest. This section is particularly significant as it shows what the forest looked like before industrial logging changed the landscape.