Moshannon State Forest

Moshannon State Forest is a large woodland on the Allegheny Plateau spanning about 190,000 acres with wetlands and mixed hardwood forests. The forest covers two counties and offers varied terrain for people to explore.

The forest was established in the 1930s after timber companies had cleared the original old-growth trees in the late 1800s. This creation was an effort to restore a heavily cut-over landscape.

The name comes from a Native American word meaning moose stream, reflecting the animals that once roamed this region. Today visitors experience this connection to the natural world as they move through the varied landscapes.

The forest has several hiking trails including the popular Quehanna Trail and multiple areas for camping, fishing, and hunting. Visitors should prepare for changing weather and check local information before visiting.

In 1985 an F4 tornado destroyed around 88,000 trees in this area and dramatically changed parts of the forest. The traces of that storm remain visible in the forest's structure today.

Location: Pennsylvania

GPS coordinates: 41.20830,-78.57560

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:04