Tucked Away In Southern Pennsylvania's Hills Is A State Forest With Trails, Camping, And Sweeping Vistas

The Keystone State boasts a staggering 2.2 million acres of state forests. These diverse forests vary from mountain regions to lake and woodland escapes. Tucked away in the southern Pennsylvania hills is one thriving state forest named after President James Buchanan, who was born in the same region. Buchanan State Forest is a 71,683-acre forest steeped in history and rich with outdoor recreation. Visitors can take a walk through time by exploring Civil War cemeteries, an American Revolution mine, the Sideling Hill History Trail, and an abandoned turnpike. 

Buchanan State Forest hosts a jaw-dropping 157 miles of trails that cut through dense oak and pine forests. While the natural areas of Mid State Trail and Tuscarora Trail are only open to foot traffic, all of the other trails also accommodate bikers and horseback riders. No matter how visitors choose to explore the forest, they will be rewarded with stunning views of sweeping vistas in the region, which can be spotted from many roads and trails. "Buchanan State Forest is wonderful because of not only its beauty but also because it is usually much less used than Forbes SF to the west. Much less foot traffic," a Google reviewer shared.

Located in Franklin, Fulton, and Bedford counties, Buchanan State Forest is open year-round for locals and travelers to enjoy. Given its location near the Pennsylvania-Maryland state border, this outdoor hub is a fun stop for anyone road tripping through the region. For those flying out of state, Harrisburg International Airport and Dulles International Airport are the closest major airport options, both located a little over 2 hours away. Buchanan State Forest has many motorized and primitive camping options for overnight stays. Those who do not wish to camp can find lodging in nearby towns like Bedford, Pennsylvania, and Cumberland, Maryland.

Just like the five most underrated nature destinations in Pennsylvania, many are drawn to Buchanan State Forest for its high mountain overlooks that provide views of its vast vistas and surrounding forest region. Some of the forest's most popular locations to find sweeping vista views are Fisher Road Vista, Big Mountain Overlook, Rainsburg Vista, Summit Road Vista, and Warrior Ridge Vista. These panoramic views are especially breathtaking in the fall season as the forest becomes a myriad of colors. While visitors can hike to these overlooks, some are easily accessible simply by driving up to the lookout points. For example, Big Mountain Overlook via Charcoal Trail is a popular 5.7-mile trail that awards hikers with a vista overlook that can also be driven to. 

With over 150 miles worth of hiking trails, Buchanan State Forest has hikes of varying length and difficulty to suit all experience levels. Sideling Hill History Trail is an easy 2.2-mile trail for hikers to experience a walk through an eerie, abandoned tunnel. "Interesting history. Tunnel was a bit creepy, but will go through next time!" one AllTrails hiker said. For short forest trails that are beginner-friendly, the 1.4-mile Dickey Mountain Trail, the 1.5-mile Richmond Trail, and the 2.1-mile Garlic Trail are great for visitors with limited time. For avid hikers looking for a challenging steep hike with diverse terrain, Tuscarora, Fox, Standing Stone, and Sharpe Trail Loop is a 3.5-mile path that requires rock scrambles that are fun for some hikers. 

Buchanan State Forest also hosts segments of the longer Mid State and Tuscarora Trails, which are natural areas that are great for birdwatching and wildlife spotting. "Really cool wilderness area. Can get very dense, lots of cover for wildlife. Good place for deer, grouse, turkey, squirrel. Occasionally a bear or bobcat will show themselves," one past visitor suggested.

Camping is the best way to enjoy all that Buchanan State Forest has to offer. Overnight campers can enjoy the region's dark skies that provide the perfect canvas for stargazing on clear nights. Motorized camping is allowed with a permit and seven-day stay limit in designated roadside campsites that can support small RVs and trailers. Some hike-in campsites and primitive backpack camping only support tent camping, but they offer more privacy than roadside camping. Backpack camping is allowed throughout the forest within forest guidelines. Group camping for ten or more people requires a letter of authorization from the Buchanan State Forest. Most campsites can be reserved online in advance. 

Picnicking and special events are also a fun way to enjoy a day trip to the forest. "Incredibly lovely and fantastically remote picnic area at the northern end of the forest. Would be perfect for a small family reunion with less small children. If other people aren't your thing such as myself, this entire forest area is quite wonderful," one reviewer said. For more picnicking and camping a little over an hour west, Cowans Gap State Park offers forest camping and cozy cabins. 

Since Buchanan State Forest is open year-round, it offers plenty of seasonal activities to attract visitors in all weather. One of the most popular times to visit the area is in the fall, when fall foliage paints colorful views from the forest's many vistas and overlooks. While visiting in the fall, travelers will also want to visit the nearby town of Bedford, Pennsylvania, one of the top destinations in America for fall festivity. In the winter, visitors can go snowmobiling or cross-country skiing on miles of trails. ATVing is also popular all year round.