Burns Run Wild Area

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Burns Run Wild Area is a pristine forest in Pennsylvania that is home to a variety of wildlife.


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Summary

There are many reasons to visit this area, including hiking, camping, birdwatching, and fishing. Visitors can hike along the many trails that wind through the forest, and there are several camping areas for those who want to spend the night.

One of the highlights of Burns Run Wild Area is the stunning views of the Susquehanna River, which runs through the forest. Visitors can also see a variety of wildlife, including deer, black bears, and bald eagles. The area is also home to several species of rare plants and animals.

Interesting facts about Burns Run Wild Area include that it is part of the Tioga State Forest and covers over 2,000 acres of land. It was established as a Wild Area in 1985 to protect the unique natural features of the forest.

The best time of year to visit Burns Run Wild Area is in the fall, when the leaves change color and the forest is ablaze with vibrant hues. Spring and summer are also great times to visit, as the forest is alive with the sounds of birds and other wildlife. Winter offers a different experience, with snowshoeing and cross-country skiing available for those who enjoy outdoor winter activities.

Overall, Burns Run Wild Area is a beautiful and unique forest that is well worth a visit for anyone who loves nature and the great outdoors.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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