Hoverter and Sholl Box Huckleberry Natural Area

Hoverter and Sholl Box Huckleberry Natural Area is a protected forest site in Perry County featuring white pine and oak trees around a rare colony of box huckleberry shrubs. The designated landmark preserves this botanical collection within a small woodland setting near New Bloomfield.

The huckleberry colony was discovered in 1845 by Spencer Baird and later scientifically documented by botanist Asa Gray. This botanical find prompted its eventual protection as a designated landmark.

The natural area features 27 interpretive stations along a loop trail that educate visitors about the local plant species and forest ecology.

Visitors can walk through the site on a loop trail that circles the entire protected area. Arriving early allows for a more peaceful experience while exploring.

The box huckleberry plants here reproduce through underground root systems rather than seeds, creating a genetically identical colony. This clonal growth pattern allows the colony to reach extreme ages spanning many centuries.

Location: Pennsylvania

GPS coordinates: 40.40610,-77.17390

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:08