State Game Lands 290

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

State Game Lands 290, located in the state of Pennsylvania, offers visitors a diverse and picturesque natural landscape.


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Summary

Situated in McKean County, this game land is comprised of over 10,000 acres, providing ample opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.

One of the main reasons to visit State Game Lands 290 is its abundant wildlife. This area is renowned for its excellent hunting opportunities, particularly for deer, turkey, and small game. Hunting enthusiasts will find a variety of terrains, including wooded areas, open fields, and rolling hills, which cater to different hunting preferences.

Aside from hunting, there are several other noteworthy points of interest within State Game Lands 290. One popular attraction is the Kinzua Dam, located nearby. The dam, which creates the Allegheny Reservoir, offers stunning views and recreational opportunities such as fishing, boating, and hiking. Exploring the Kinzua Bridge State Park is also recommended, as it features the historic Kinzua Viaduct, a former railroad bridge that collapsed in 2003 but has been transformed into a skywalk offering breathtaking views of the surrounding valley.

Interesting facts about State Game Lands 290 include its diverse ecosystem, which encompasses a mix of hardwood forests, wetlands, and grasslands. This variety of habitats supports a wide range of plant and animal species, making it an ideal location for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers. Birdwatchers can catch glimpses of various species, including bald eagles, ospreys, woodpeckers, and warblers.

The best time of year to visit State Game Lands 290 largely depends on the activities you wish to engage in. For hunting, the fall season from September to December offers the most opportunities, particularly for deer hunting. However, if you're interested in birdwatching or enjoying the natural scenery, spring and early summer are ideal. During these seasons, the landscape comes alive with vibrant wildflowers, and migratory birds pass through the area.

To ensure accuracy, it is best to verify the details and current information about State Game Lands 290 across multiple independent sources. These sources could include official websites of the Pennsylvania Game Commission, local tourism boards, and reputable outdoor recreation websites.

       

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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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