West Branch Wilderness

Why You Should Visit
This large, contiguous wild forest in the heart of the High Allegheny Plateau Ecoregion consists of deep forested ravines, beautiful mountain views, and two excellent native trout streams. Vistas on the property afford an unspoiled view that stretches for approximately 50 miles across mountains to the northwest and southeast. Located beside Hyner View State Park, a popular hang gliding area, this wilderness is a recreational paradise.

Location
Clinton County

Size
3,034 acres

Conditions
A 10-mile network of old logging roads and trails traverses the property, providing a unique opportunity to experience high-quality late-successional forests along excellent trout streams, and to view TNC activities designed to restore cutover forests and associated plant and animal species on the plateau. The West Branch Connector Trail is now being constructed for public foot travel through the property as part of the Donut Hole and Pennsylvania Trail System. The West Branch Wilderness also features a 75 year-old craftsman-style stone cabin, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, nestled in the middle of an 80 year-old spruce grove. Johnson and Ritchie Runs, two "Exceptional Value" streams that course through the property, have been rated "Class A Wild Trout Waters" by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission' s Bureau of Fisheries. True "Wilderness Trout Streams," Johnson and Ritchie Runs support healthy populations of naturally reproducing native brook trout. Both streams contribute high quality water to the West Branch of the Susquehanna River.

How to Prepare for Your Visit
At West Branch Wilderness, The Nature Conservancy encourages passive recreation such as hiking, birding, and photography. TNC is currently working with the PA DCNR Bureau of Forestry to route the public access Donut Hole Trail through the property, thereby taking advantage of three spectacular views of the West Branch Susquehanna River Valley. The preserve is enrolled in the Pennsylvania Game Commission's (PGC) Forest Game and Deer Management Assistance Programs and hunting is permitted at this site in accordance with the regulations of the PGC. Fishing is also permitted in accordance with the regulations of the PA Fish and Boat Commission. However, certain activities are prohibited, including trapping, horseback riding, camping, fires, and off-road vehicle (ATV or snowmobile) use. If you do plan to hunt on this property, we would appreciate a courtesy call, giving your name, number, what you plan to hunt and when. TNC's Williamsport Field Office sponsors numerous volunteer work days and occasional camping opportunities at the preserve. For more information on visiting this preserve , call TNC's Williamsport Field Office at (570) 321-9090.

Directions
Take Interstate 80 West to Lock Haven Exit/Route 220. Take Route 220 North. Exit at Pine Creek/Route 44 North. Turn left off the exit ramp onto Route 44 North. Go approx. 10 miles, to the town of Waterville. Continue on 44 North another 7 miles to the junction of 664 & 44. Continue on 44 North past the Fin, Fur & Feather on the right. Go another 4 miles. You will pass under power lines, and a sub-station will be off to the left. Take your next left on Hyner Mountain Road towards Hyner View State Park. This road may not be marked with a road sign, but is across from Merrill Rd. Go one mile, and turn left on Ritchie Road (dirt road) just before the steep grade sign - you will see a sign and parking area for the "Hiding Bear Ski Trail." Go 2.2 miles to a fork in the road which goes right and straight. There will be a metal building on the right. Continue straight. Go .5 mile, until you pass the pipeline corridor. Go another 1.5 miles onto our property (look for the yellow signs), to the green gate on the left. Just past the gate is a pull-off on the left, by the Sugar Camp Road sign. The cabin sits back behind the spruce trees on the left side of the road.

What to See: Animals
The neighboring Sproul State Forest is home to white tail deer, black bear, wild turkey, grouse, timber rattlesnake, numerous warblers and birds of prey, and native brook trout. The Sproul Forest is also abundant in wildlife such as river otter, fisher and a recently reintroduced elk herd.

Why the Conservancy Selected This Site ©George Gress
The ecologic value of the best remaining forests on the property were threatened by a logging contract for trees below 1,500 feet, located within the deep ravines and riparian buffer, which would have degraded the two "Exceptional Value" trout waters. Also, an existing offer on the property would have subdivided the acreage into a recreational retreat, including the potential construction of numerous cabins and associated outbuildings throughout the property.

What the Conservancy Has Done/Is Doing
The Nature Conservancy purchased the 3,034-acre West Branch tract from American Wilderness Resources connecting two existing 7500-acre state-owned holdings in the Sproul State Forest and Bucktail Natural Area, connecting a total of 18,000 acres. The conservation effort at West Branch Wilderness continues. Estimated acquisition and associated costs: $2.5 million. If you would like to contribute to this project, please call our philanthropy office in Conshohocken at (610) 834-1323.