Hammersley Wild Area, Natural preserve in Potter County, Pennsylvania.
Hammersley Wild Area is a protected preserve spanning Potter and Clinton counties in north-central Pennsylvania, featuring forested valleys and high plateaus connected by numerous trails. The landscape shows diverse forest types, streams, and native wildlife habitats across its vast expanse.
Intensive logging ended around 1900, after which the land recovered into mature second-growth forest over the following decades. This long period of regrowth created the forest conditions visitors experience today.
The Susquehannock Trail System runs through the preserve for 10.78 miles, enabling visitors to connect with Pennsylvania's natural heritage.
Multiple hiking trails of varying difficulty wind through the preserve, providing access to different terrain types and forest settings. Come prepared with sturdy footwear and layered clothing since the landscape is hilly and weather can change quickly.
This preserve holds the largest roadless forest territory in the state, with its interior shaped entirely by natural stream systems rather than human infrastructure. Visitors seeking complete solitude from roads and development will find this rare condition throughout the interior.
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