Susquehannock State Forest Area

Address: Susquehannock State Forest, Potter County and surrounding areas, Pennsylvania, USA

Website: https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateForests/FindAForest/Susquehannock/Pages/default.aspx

Susquehannock State Forest is a Pennsylvania state forest located in the state’s north-central region that protects large tracts of mixed hardwood forest and backcountry recreation areas. It is managed as part of Pennsylvania’s state forest system and supports hunting, hiking, and dispersed camping.

The forest contains the Susquehannock Trail System, an extended loop used for backpacking and long-distance hiking, plus shorter day-hike options and forest roads for access. Recreational uses include hiking, hunting in season, and primitive camping.

The state forest was formed through early 20th-century state land acquisitions aimed at restoring forest cover and managing public timberlands after extensive logging. Management since then has emphasised recreation, habitat protection, and sustainable timber practices.

The forest occupies rugged, plateau country in north-central Pennsylvania. It is remote compared with urban centers and is accessed via state and county roads leading into the forested district.

• Trail difficulty: The long loop trail is primarily primitive and intended for experienced hikers; trailheads provide access for day hikes and section hikes.
• Facilities: Facilities are limited inside the forest; visitors should plan for primitive camping and bring maps or the official state forest guide.

What to See#

• Susquehannock Trail System: An 85-mile (about 137 km) loop trail that traverses remote ridges and plateaus, used for multi-day hiking with primitive campsites and multiple trailheads for shorter sections.

Susquehannock State Forest is reached via a network of state routes in northern Pennsylvania. Major nearby towns include Coudersport and Galeton. Access points and trailheads are located off roads such as PA Route 44, PA Route 6, and local county roads-consult the Pennsylvania DCNR map for specific tracts and parking.

• Bring a detailed topographic map: the forest is composed of separate tracts and small roads that are easy to lose on.
• Cell service can be unreliable-download offline maps and let someone know route plans before venturing into remote sections.
• Look for interpretive signs and small parking pullouts off PA Route 6 and Route 155, which are common access points.