Quehanna Wild Area
Area Wilderness area of forests, wetlands, and trails
Large forested plateau in central Pennsylvania with trails, streams and backcountry camping; outdoors people hike, hunt and paddle small rivers.
How to Get to Quehanna Wild Area #
Quehanna Wild Area sprawls across parts of Cameron, Clearfield, Elk and Jefferson counties. The most commonly used trailheads are reached from state routes that thread out of DuBois or Clearfield. From DuBois, take PA‑255 or local roads into the Moshannon State Forest, then follow signed forest roads to trailhead parking areas (many turnoffs are gravel).
Expect minimal cell service; plan travel around daylight and have a printed topo or offline map. The nearest larger towns with visitor services are DuBois (southwest) and St. Marys (northeast).
Tips for Visiting Quehanna Wild Area #
- Download an up-to-date topographic map of Moshannon/Quehanna - cell signal is spotty and trails fork often.
- Be aware of hunting seasons (fall/winter); wear blaze orange at those times and check Pennsylvania Game Commission dates.
- Expect boggy stretches and sandy roads; gaiters or waterproof boots are a sensible choice.
- The Quehanna Trail is long and remote - if planning an overnight, register intentions with a local ranger or leave a plan with someone in town.
- Many side roads are used by ATVs; keep to marked hiking trails for the quietest stretches.
Best Time to Visit Quehanna Wild Area #
Best visited spring through autumn for access and comfort; winter visits are possible but expect deep snow and limited services.
Weather & Climate near Quehanna Wild Area #
Quehanna Wild Area's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -10°C to 26°C. Abundant rainfall (1081 mm/year), wettest in June.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -1°C and lows of -10°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm).
Comfort
Weather
February
February is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -9°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm).
Comfort
Weather
March
March is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -5°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm).
Comfort
Weather
April
April is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 1°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm).
Comfort
Weather
May
May is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (104 mm).
Comfort
Weather
June
June is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 11°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (121 mm).
Comfort
Weather
July
July is the warmest month with highs of 26°C and lows of 13°C. Significant rainfall (107 mm).
Comfort
Weather
August
August is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 13°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm).
Comfort
Weather
September
September is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm).
Comfort
Weather
October
October is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 3°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm).
Comfort
Weather
November
November is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -1°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm).
Comfort
Weather
December
December is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -6°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm).
