State Game Lands Number 226

State Game Lands Number 226 is a wildlife area spanning roughly 4,335 acres of mixed forest, food plots, and waterways in Columbia County. Spruce Run and East Branch Chillisquaque Creek flow through the property, providing water corridors that support diverse animal habitats.

The land began as a rabbit conservation project during the 1960s, establishing early protocols for managing wildlife populations. Management has since broadened to include pheasant recovery and forest maintenance across the entire area.

This land serves as a working hunting ground where people practice traditional field sports while wildlife managers maintain specific animal populations. The designated zones reflect how local communities balance outdoor heritage with conservation needs.

The area offers 14 parking spots along Pennsylvania Route 442 and Route 44 for easy access to the grounds. About 4.3 miles of walking trails connect these parking areas, with routes suitable for different experience levels.

The property shelters pileated woodpeckers and ruffed grouse in specialized forest zones dominated by hemlock, white pine, and hardwoods. These specific tree combinations create habitats that draw birdwatchers and wildlife observers looking for less-common species.