Contact Information
155 Hillcrest Drive, P.O. Box 506
Ebensburg, PA 15931
814-472-1862
The Gallitzin State Forest was named in honor of Dimetrius Augustine Gallitzin, Prince-Priest of the Alleghenies, who established a mission at Loretto in Cambria County in 1795. As part of the statewide wildfire protection system, nine forest fire observation towers are strategically located throughout the district and command excellent views of the surrounding county. Visitors enjoy the very scenic Babcock State Forest Picnic Area which is located along Route 56, four miles east of Windber. The Clear Shade Wild Area and the John P. Saylor Trail are south of Route 56 and provide additional recreational opportunities. All State Forest lands are open to hunting, fishing and general recreation.
The Charles F. Lewis Natural Area is located near Cramer in Indiana County. This 384-acre unique scenic area has been preserved as a Natural Area. A two-mile foot trail, the Clark Run Trail, winds through the scenic Clark Run Gorge with its numerous small waterfalls and interesting geologic features.The Gallitzin State Forest was named in honor of Dimetrius Augustine Gallitzin, Prince-Priest of the Alleghenies, who established a mission at Loretto in Cambria County in 1795.
As part of the statewide wildfire protection system, nine forest fire observation towers are strategically located throughout the district and command excellent views of the surrounding county. These fire towers communicate with the District Office Headquarters by two-way radio and telephones.
The State Forest is divided into two separate districts. The Babcock Division in Northern Somerset County with 13,482 acres is the largest Division of the Gallitzin State Forest. The very scenic Babcock State Forest Picnic Area is located along Route 56, four miles east of Windber. The Clear Shade Wild Area and the John P. Saylor Trail are both located in this Division south of Route 56 and provide additional recreational opportunities. All State Forest lands are open to hunting, fishing and general recreation.
The Charles F. Lewis Natural Area is located at the western end of the Ranger Mountain Division near Cramer in Indiana County. This 384 acre unique scenic area has been preserved as a Natural Area. A two-mile foot trail, the Clark Run Trail, winds through the scenic Clark Run Gorge with its numerous small waterfalls and interesting geologic features.
Pennsylvania generally has a moist climate with cold winters and warm summers. The Gallitzin State Forest area has cold winter months with temperatures averaging around 22 to 24 degrees Fahrenheit (-6 to -4 degrees Celsius). The area's average summer temperatures range around 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit (20 to 22 Celsius).
