Natural Area Big Flat Laurel
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Natural Area Big Flat Laurel is a beautiful natural area located in Pennsylvania.
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Summary
There are several reasons why visitors should consider visiting this area. One of the main reasons is that it is home to a variety of plant and animal species, including rare and endangered ones. The area is also known for its unique rock formations and scenic vistas.
There are several points of interest to see in the area. The most popular one is Big Flat Fire Tower, which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Other notable points of interest include the Big Flat Laurel Trail, which takes visitors through forests and meadows, and the Big Flat Laurel Creek, which is home to several species of fish.
Interesting facts about the area include that it is named after the Big Flat Laurel, a type of shrub that grows in the area. The natural area covers over 6,000 acres and is managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
The best time of year to visit Natural Area Big Flat Laurel is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and the wildlife is most active. However, visitors should be aware that the area may be crowded during peak season, and should plan accordingly.
Overall, Natural Area Big Flat Laurel is a beautiful and unique natural area that is well worth a visit. With its scenic vistas, rare plants and animals, and interesting history, it is sure to be a memorable experience for anyone who visits.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
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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