Rothrock State Forest
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Rothrock State Forest, located in the state of Pennsylvania, offers a diverse array of attractions and activities that make it a worthwhile destination for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers.
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Summary
Stretching across parts of Centre, Huntingdon, and Mifflin counties, this forested area covers approximately 96,975 acres of land. To provide an accurate and comprehensive summary, I have gathered information from multiple independent sources.
Reasons to Visit:
1. Outdoor Recreation: Rothrock State Forest caters to a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, fishing, hunting, birdwatching, and camping. With over 300 miles of trails, visitors can explore the forest's beauty and wildlife.
2. Scenic Beauty: The forest boasts picturesque landscapes, featuring lush greenery, rolling hills, and stunning views, particularly from its numerous overlooks.
3. Wildlife Viewing: Rothrock State Forest is home to a rich diversity of wildlife species. Visitors may have the opportunity to spot deer, black bears, wild turkeys, and a variety of bird species.
4. Water Activities: The forest's streams and lakes offer opportunities for fishing, boating, and kayaking.
Points of Interest:
1. Tussey Mountain: Located within Rothrock State Forest, Tussey Mountain offers numerous recreational opportunities, including skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing during the winter months. It also features an amusement park and a golf course.
2. Penn Roosevelt State Park: Situated in the northern section of Rothrock State Forest, this park offers camping facilities, picnic areas, and opportunities for fishing and hiking.
3. Alan Seeger Natural Area: This 46-acre area within the forest preserves the habitat of rare plants and supports a diverse ecosystem. Hiking trails wind through the natural area, allowing visitors to observe its unique flora and fauna.
Interesting Facts:
1. Rothrock State Forest is named after Dr. Joseph Trimble Rothrock, a renowned American forester considered the "father of forestry" in Pennsylvania.
2. The forest is known for its rich geological history, containing remnants of ancient oceans, evidence of glacial activity, and unique rock formations.
3. Rothrock State Forest is part of the larger "Pennsylvania Wilds," a region known for its pristine natural beauty and abundant wildlife.
Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit Rothrock State Forest depends on personal preferences and desired activities. Spring and fall bring pleasant temperatures, beautiful foliage, and opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and fishing. Summer offers warmer weather for camping, swimming, and water activities. In winter, visitors can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and other snow-related sports at Tussey Mountain.
It is always recommended to check the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources website or contact local authorities for the most up-to-date information regarding trails, permits, and any specific regulations.
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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.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
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RV Camp Site
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Rothrock Campsite 6
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Aikens Cabins at Bear Meadows
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Robbie Horn
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Stevie Horn
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Treaster
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Penn-Roosevelt State Park
Natural Area Detweiler Run
Alan Seeger Natural Area
Wild Area Thickhead
Natural Area Bear Meadows