West Branch Forest Preserve

Visitor Information

• What to Do

  Hiking:

  The West Branch Forest Preserve boasts 14+ miles of hiking trails, immerse yourself in nature as you explore trails.

  Star Gazing:

  Give star gazing a try! The West Branch Forest Preserve is located in one of the darkest sky areas in Pennsylvania, making it an excellent place to witness the wonders of the constellations. 

  Panoramic Photography:

  Bring your camera and capture Pennsylvania’s beauty from one of the six overlooks at the preserve featuring views of Johnson Hollow, the west branch of the Susquehanna River, and McCloskey Island.

  Birding:

  Spring is the perfect time to bring your binoculars to the preserve as many migratory birds can be seen and heard through the forest, like warblers. You may also spot the Pennsylvania state bird, Ruffed grouse, and the unique Whip-poor-wills.

  Hunting & Fishing Opportunities:

  • West Branch Forest is enrolled in the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Forest Game and Deer Management Assistance Program is an active participant in the Quality Deer Management Association.
  • Public access hunting is permitted, aligning with PGC regulations and promoting responsible wildlife management. 
  • Fishing is permitted, in accordance with Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission regulations, at Johnson and Ritchie run.
  • These two designated streams, have been rated “Class A Wild Trout Waters” designation due to healthy populations of naturally reproducing native brook trout.
• What to See

  Sustainable Management Practices:

  Witness a harmonious balance between human activity and nature. West Branch Forest exemplifies sustainable forest management, where activities like vegetation control, mowing, prescribed fire, herbicide application, and planting of warm-season grasses come together to create a sustainably managed, working forest.

  Don’t miss the one-acre American chestnut orchard, a collaborative effort with the American Chestnut Foundation. Here, the past meets the future as we work towards restoring this iconic tree species.

  Historic Stone Craftsman Cabin:

  Step back in time and explore a historic Depression-era stone craftsman cabin. Originally serving as a fire tower, the cabin now serves as the preserve’s base camp.

  Wildlife:

  Keep an eye out for a diverse array of wildlife. West Branch Forest and its neighboring Sproul State Forest provide a haven for: white-tailed deer, black bears, wild turkeys, timber rattlesnakes, bobcats, a recently reintroduced elk herd and the Pennsylvania state bird, Ruffed grouse.

• Preserve Guidelines

  While visiting West Branch Forest Preserve please:

  • Take precautions against ticks, mosquitoes, chiggers and sunburn.
  • Take precautions against rattlesnakes in warm weather.
  • Wear sturdy footwear.
  • Tuck pant legs into socks/shoes to avoid ticks.
  • Apply insect repellant and sun protection.
  • Bring drinking water.
  • Watch for poison ivy.
  • Stay on marked trails.
  • Remove all litter. 
  • Please leave pets at home.
  • Enjoy nature!

  Please avoid:

  • Feeding or disturbing wildlife.
  • Releasing animals or introducing plants.
  • Bringing motorized vehicles, ATVs, bicycles or horses.
  • Bringing alcohol.
  • Camping.
• Community Science: iNaturalist

  We are creating a community science database of all kinds of life—from lichens to ants, mushrooms to plants, birds to mammals and everything in between for our preserves in Pennsylvania and Delaware.

  TNC's roots began with local citizens and scientists concerned about special places and species. That legacy continues today. Across our lands, we are utilizing iNaturalist—a digital platform that gives users an opportunity to share and discuss their findings.

  • Join the West Branch Forest Preserve iNaturalist group.
  • Watch a video tutorial and learn how to make an observation on iNaturalist using the mobile app.
  • Download the iNaturalist fact sheet.

  Of the 14 preserve projects in iNaturalist, nine have observations recorded; help us increase that number and our understanding of the species—good and bad, native as well as invasive—that can be found on TNC lands across the state. This information can also help guide and inform our conservation staff's management and monitoring decisions.