Tiadaghton State Forest offers more than 600 miles of trails open for year-round hiking. Trails vary in difficulty from steep, rugged ascents, to gently rolling trails on plateaus, to the nearly flat grade of the Pine Creek Rail Trail.
Forest Trail
All Tiadaghton hiking trails are classified as State Forest Hiking Trails or local district trails. Local district trails are further classified as shared-use trails (blazed red or unblazed) or specific-use trails.
The Black Forest Trail (PDF) is a 42-mile hiking trail utilizing old railroad grades, logging trails, and foot trails to traverse some of the most spectacular terrain in Pennsylvania. Portions of this trail follow foot paths originally constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.
The Central Mountains Shared-Use Trail (PDF) offers many trails exploring the southern portion of the state forest. These trails connect to the Mid State Trail and the Bear Paw Ski Loop, and make great options for those seeking solitude.
Comments: All classic loops were cut and tracked and the skater's loop was groomed. The base is hard which has made for varying track depths throughout the trail. There may be some drifting on the skater's loop along the lake. Overall good conditions.
Wisconsin's state parks and forests take on a special beauty during winter. Enjoy the winter scenery, get healthy exercise and have some fun by cross-country skiing on hundreds of miles of trails. Some trails are tracked for traditional skiing, some groomed for skate-style skiing and many are wide enough to accommodate both styles. There are also numerous miles of ungroomed trail for skiers to explore.
Most properties require a vehicle admission sticker to park at the property. Several properties also require a state trail pass for all skiers age 16 and older. These fees go directly to support the operation of the Wisconsin State Park System.
Wisconsin's state park trails are maintained by department staff and volunteer groomers. Ski trail conditions are subject to change and may be closed if snow conditions are poor. Click on the link for the property where you are interested in skiing for more information.
To keep ski trails in the best condition possible, once the trails are snow-covered, hiking, snowshoeing, pets and other uses are not permitted on the ski trails. Other property trails are designated for these uses. Skijoring and dog-sledding are also not allowed on groomed ski trails. For more information about these activities on DNR lands, see:
Throughout Wharton are rivers and streams for canoeing, hiking trails (including a major section of the Batona Trail), miles of unpaved roads for mountain biking and horseback riding and numerous lakes, ponds and fields ideal for wildlife observation.
Launching fees are charged for trailered motor boats on the Mullica River beginning on Memorial Day weekend and ending on Labor Day inclusive. Launch fees are not charged for kayaks and canoes. Fishing and Hunting FishingPickerel, catfish, perch and sunfish may be caught within the rivers and streams.
Responsible Motorized AccessAll motorized vehicles operating on designated motorized recreation routes must be licensed, registered and insured, and are subject to the motor vehicle laws of the State of New Jersey, N.J.S.A. 39:1-1, et seq. The maximum speed limit on approved, designated motorized recreation routes is 20 MPH. Drivers must stay on sand roads at all times. "Off roading" is not permitted. SmokingState law prohibits the smoking of tobacco and use of electronic smoking (vaping) devices in all state parks, forests, historic sites, recreation areas, golf courses and marinas. [N.J.P.L.2005, c.383 (C.26:3D-56)]
Chateaugay State Forest covers an area of 4,014 acres on the edge of the Tug Hill Plateau. Currently, there are eight miles of marked trails within Chateaugay State Forest that offer opportunities for hiking, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing. Please note that the trails are not maintained, nor are they groomed for skiing.
Primitive camping is allowed. Campsites must be at least 150 feet away from the nearest road, trail, or body of water. Camping for more than three nights or in groups of ten or more requires a permit from a Forest Ranger.
General information on animals includes links to information about birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects that inhabit or migrate through the state.The high hardwood canopy mixed with low ground cover make an excellent place to view many species of songbirds. The nature enthusiast and avid birder are likely to see or hear birds such as the red-eyed vireo, veery, wood thrush, eastern wood-pewee, blue jay, and a host of other song birds. Raptors such as the red-tailed hawk also have nests that can be seen throughout the forest.
Originally utilized by early settlers for timber and farm land, Chateaugay State Forest's many rock walls can still be easily seen throughout the woods. In fact, it is believed that many of the stone walls that remain in this forest were built by Vic and George Waggoner of Orwell, who were known for their walls and stone bridges in the surrounding area. Many of the older walls were built in the early-to-mid 1800s and are still in great condition today. As you walk or ski the trails of Chateaugay Forest, you may notice the incredible stonework scattered throughout the forest.
Numerous guidebooks and maps are available with information on the lands, waters, trails and other recreational facilities in this area. These can be purchased at most outdoor equipment retailers, bookstores, and on-line booksellers.
Explore more than 8,900 acres across the six units that comprise Yellow River State Forest. State forest trails and amenities are often less developed and provide a more rugged outdoor experience. Please take this into account and plan accordingly.
The first lands acquired for Yellow River State Forest were purchased in 1935 with funds that were appropriated to support the Civilian Conservation Corps (C.C.C.). The original purchase was adjacent to the Yellow River near its confluence with the Mississippi and the name "Yellow River Forest" was appropriate. In 1949, 1500 acres of the Forest was transferred to the National Park Service and became a part of Effigy Mounds National Monument. The larger units of the state forest are now located in the Paint Creek watershed, north of Yellow River. Subsequent land purchases consolidated scattered tracts and today the forest is 8,503 acres in size.
During the 1940s, most of the open land was planted to trees. The plantations of large pines that can be seen on the forest today are the result of these efforts. The extensive system of fire lanes that provided protection to these plantations serves today as part of the recreational trail system for hiking, cross country skiing, horse riding and snowmobiling.
During the 1950s and 1960s, outdoor recreation became more important on the forest. Camping and picnic areas were developed. Access to the area for hunters, fishers and other outdoor recreationists was improved. Trail systems were extended to accommodate horses and hikers. For a time, there was a trail ride concession where visitors could rent horses to ride.
The weather has an effect on the activities which can be accomplished in the forest area. There are many days throughout the year which it is impractical to work out of doors. Also, weather affects soil conditions and in turn, the planning of work. The average annual temperature is 45.6 degrees. The average precipitation is 33.71 inches.
Prairie sites contain big and little bluestem, needle-and-thread grass, Indian grass, prickly pear, and others. Jeweled shooting star (Dodecatheon amethystinum) is a state endangered species found in the forest.
The forest has many good opportunities for bird watchers to pursue their interests. Many ducks, wading birds, and other marsh dwelling birds occupy the marshes and beaver ponds on Little Paint Creek. Bald eagles may be seen at any time in the forest and surrounding environs. A threatened and endangered bird of the forest is the red-shouldered hawk.
The original parcels of the state forest were located on either side of the Yellow River near its confluence with the Mississippi. The first lands acquired for Yellow River State Forest were purchased in 1935 with funds that were appropriated to support the Civilian Conservation Corps (C.C.C.). The original purchase was adjacent to the Yellow River near its confluence with the Mississippi and the name "Yellow River Forest" was appropriate. In 1949, 1500 acres of the Forest was transferred to the National Park Service and became a part of Effigy Mounds National Monument.
The Paint Creek Unit takes its name from the stream by that name. Most of the area of Yellow River Forest now lays within the Paint Creek watershed. There are two Paint Creeks; Little Paint and Big Paint. These are the streams which figure prominently in recreation such as camping and trout fishing and which are a major feature of the forest. Paint Creek drains all of the Paint Creek Unit and parts of the Luster Heights and Waukon Junction Units.
The Little Paint overlook, overlooks the Little Paint campground. The Sawmill overlook gives a view of the forest sawmill and headquarters complex and Big Paint overlook commands a view of the Big Paint campground.
Hello, LTSSCI run a High School Hiking Club and I have always wanted to Hike up in Byrne-Milliron Forest, but I was wondering if this would be a good place to take my club. They are intermediate/beginner hikers so I want to make sure that they would be suitable for hiking these trails. If so, what trail or trails do you recommend would be good for my club to go on.Sincerely, Bella Myrah
Please help with informationI love nature and I love art- just finished reading the piece about your forest in Via Magazine. We would like to do the hike which has the most art along the trail- please can you recommend the best look to take for the art and perhaps another one for the views.We will drive to Santa Cruz expressly for this from Sacramento and so we would really appreciate some assistance with this.Thanks,Jana 2ff7e9595c
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