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Places We Protect

West Branch Forest Preserve

Pennsylvania

Four mountain ridges roll across the landscape into the misty distance. Heavy white fog fills the valley in the background. The foreground is filled with low plants with green and gold leaves.
Fall Views Fall is an excellent time to visit the West Branch Forest Preserve to witness stunning views like the one at the McCloskey Island overlook. © George Gress/TNC

Situated in the heart of Pennsylvania’s High Allegheny Plateau, West Branch Forest offers sweeping, unspoiled views that stretch 50 miles across intact forests.

Overview

Description

The Nature Conservancy’s West Branch Forest Preserve protects 3,034 acres and connects two large forest tracts, forming one of the largest contiguous forest blocks in the Northeast, more than 18,000 acres in total. Located near Hyner View State Park, a popular hang‑gliding destination, the preserve features more than 14 miles of hiking trails, exceptional wildlife habitat and opportunities for quiet recreation.

West Branch Forest also serves as a living research and demonstration site for sustainable forestry. The preserve earned Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®‑C008922) certification in 2008, the global gold standard for responsible forest management. Since then, TNC has restored degraded forest, expanded high‑quality early and late‑successional habitat, and used science‑based practices, such as mowing, selective herbicide application, controlled burns and warm‑season grass plantings, to support a healthy, resilient working forest.

Access

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Note: The preserve does not allow the use of OPDMDs.

Hours

Daily, from dawn to dusk

Highlights

Explore rugged hiking trails, enjoy outstanding birding and take in nearly 50‑mile views. The preserve’s vast, connected forest supports abundant wildlife, including deer, black bear, turkey, rattlesnake, bobcat, elk and Pennsylvania’s state bird, the ruffed grouse.

Size

3,034 acres

Explore our work in Pennsylvania

Visitor Information

  • Hiking:

    With 14+ miles of trails, visitors can explore ridge lines, forests and scenic hollows at their own pace.

    Star Gazing:

    Located in one of Pennsylvania’s darkest sky regions, the preserve offers exceptional opportunities to view constellations and night‑sky phenomena.

    Panoramic Photography:

    Capture the beauty of Johnson Hollow, the West Branch of the Susquehanna River and McCloskey Island from six designated overlooks.

    Birding:

    Spring brings a chorus of migratory warblers, whip‑poor‑wills and the ruffed grouse. Bring binoculars and enjoy a rich forest bird community.

  • Sustainable Management Practices:

    Explore a landscape where conservation and forest stewardship come together. Management activities include invasive‑species control, prescribed fire, mowing and habitat restoration designed to support diverse forest conditions.

    Don’t miss the one‑acre American chestnut orchard, created in partnership with the American Chestnut Foundation, which helps advance efforts to restore this iconic species.

    Historic Stone Craftsman Cabin:

    Visit the Depression‑era stone craftsman cabin, originally part of a fire tower complex and now used as the preserve’s base camp.

    Wildlife:

    The preserve and neighboring Sproul State Forest support:

    • White‑tailed deer
    • Black bear
    • Wild turkey
    • Timber rattlesnake
    • Bobcat
    • Elk herd
    • Ruffed grouse (PA state bird)

  • Hunting & Fishing Opportunities:

    West Branch Forest participates in the PA Game Commission’s Forest Game and DMAP programs.

    • Hunting is permitted in accordance with PGC regulations. Please note: trapping is never allowed at TNC preserves.
    • Fishing is allowed at Johnson Run and Ritchie Run—both designated Class A Wild Trout Waters for their healthy native brook trout populations.

  • We invite you to experience and enjoy The Nature Conservancy’s public preserves. Please be mindful that every visitor has an impact. We ask that you follow our visitation guidelines to protect yourself and nature.

    • Come prepared with sturdy footwear, sun protection, drinking water, rain gear and long sleeves/pants to reduce exposure to ticks and poison ivy.
    • Stay on marked trails and respect your surroundings. Do not trespass on adjacent private property. Do not climb trees, disturb plants, feed wildlife or remove signage.
    • Dogs are allowed and may be off‑leash but must remain under owner control at all times. Clean up and carry out all dog waste.
    • Alcohol, smoking, drug use, firearms (except during hunting seasons, following all PGC regulations), horseplay, sports, camping, cookouts, open flames, loud music, swimming and other disruptive activities are prohibited.
    • ATVs, bicycles and any motor vehicles not used for accessibility are prohibited.
    • Park only in designated spaces near the trailhead. Do not park along roads or on private property.
    • There are no restroom facilities. Pack out all trash and waste, including biodegradable materials.
    • TNC may refuse access to visitors who violate guidelines and may prosecute offenders under applicable regulations. To report violations, contact pa_chapter@tnc.org.

  • Help document the biodiversity of West Branch Forest. Join the preserve’s iNaturalist project to record plants, birds, mammals, fungi, insects and more. Your observations support long‑term monitoring and conservation decision‑making across TNC lands.

    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.

Views of West Branch Forest Preserve

From scenic overlooks to unique wildlife, there is so much to see and explore at the West Branch Forest Preserve.

A night sky with swirling stars.
Several pink flowers bloom on a green shrub.
A person stands with their back to the camera looking over a misty overlook.
A chestnut grows on the branch of a tree.
A vista overlook feauting blue mountaints and pink flowers.
A rattle snake curling up on the ground.
several clear eggs with black dots sit in a shallow pool of water.
A view from an overlook of large mountains covered in fall colored trees.
A brown and white speckled bird sits on a falle log in the forest.
A view of a misty forest with a shallow body of water in the foreground.
A night sky with swirling stars.

Star Gazing: 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. © George Gress/TNC

Several pink flowers bloom on a green shrub.

Mountain Laurel: Mountain laurel is one of the many beautiful native plants that thrive at West Branch Forest Preserve. © George Gress/TNC

A person stands with their back to the camera looking over a misty overlook.

A Hiker's Dream: The West Branch Forest Preserve features over 14 miles of hiking trails. © George Gress/TNC

A chestnut grows on the branch of a tree.

American Chestnuts: The West Branch Forest Preserve features a one-acre American chestnut orchard, a collaborative effort with the American Chestnut Foundation. © George Gress/TNC

A vista overlook feauting blue mountaints and pink flowers.

Stunning Overlooks: Stunning overlooks like the Middle Mountain overlook pictured here await you at the West Branch Forest Preserve. © George Gress/TNC

A rattle snake curling up on the ground.

Timber Rattlesnake: Timber rattlesnakes can be spotted at the West Branch Forest Preserve. © George Gress/TNC

several clear eggs with black dots sit in a shallow pool of water.

Newt Eggs: Eggs scattered like jewels in a vernal pool . © Charles DeCurtis / TNC

A view from an overlook of large mountains covered in fall colored trees.

West Branch Wilderness: Susquehanna River mist seen from a West Branch Wilderness overlook. © George Gress/TNC

A brown and white speckled bird sits on a falle log in the forest.

Ruffed Grouse: Pennsylvania's state bird spotted at TNC's West Branch Preserve. © George Gress/TNC

A view of a misty forest with a shallow body of water in the foreground.

Vernal Pools: The West Branch Preserve features vernal pools which are home to many unique native species. © George Gress/TNC

Nature for All

The Nature Conservancy is dedicated to building a world where both people and nature can thrive together. Our mission is to protect lands and waters on which all life depends. We strive to offer opportunities for individuals of all ages, abilities, backgrounds and perspectives to develop a lifelong bond with the natural world. We believe that nature should be accessible to all, and we invite you to enjoy the outdoors safely and fairly at our public preserves. We all share one planet, and everyone is welcome here.

Explore Nature

Need more nature? Visit some of TNC's other preserves.

Find More Places We Protect

The Nature Conservancy owns nearly 1,500 preserves covering more than 2.5 million acres across all 50 states. These lands protect wildlife and natural systems, serve as living laboratories for innovative science and connect people to the natural world.

See the Complete Map