Contact Information
RD 2, Box 47
Bloomsburg, PA 17815
570-387-4255
The Wyoming State Forest District includes Luzerne, Sullivan, Columbia, Montour and Northumberland Counties. It is named for the famed Wyoming Valley of the North Branch of the Susquehanna River, which winds for 70 miles through the forest district. It is comprised primarily of second-growth northern hardwoods, including maple, cherry, ash and beech and is managed intensively to provide a haven for wildlife and a source of public recreation, water and timber products. One of its major assets is an extensive, well-maintained road system that opens the forest for many uses. Recreation opportunities include snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, nature hikes, large game hunting and trout fishing, More adventuresome outdoor enthusiasts can practice their hiking and backpacking skills on the Loyalsock Trail. This trail is a 59-mile trek through the forested mountains and valleys of the Wyoming State Forest and neighboring Tiadaghton Forest. The trail gives hikers the opportunity to experience firsthand the many wonders of Pennsylvania's Endless Mountains. World's End State Park lies within the State Forest offering rental cabins and facilities for camping, swimming, fishing, picnicking and nature study. The Dry Run Picnic Area is located along Dry Run Road about one mile east of SR 87 offering day use amenities.
In addition, bird-watchers enjoy viewing migrations at Bear Wallow Pond and Sones Pond and viewing spectacular scenery at the High Knob Overlook that has a beautiful display of June-blooming mountain laurel.
The Wyoming State Forest District includes Luzerne, Sullivan, Columbia, Montour and Northumberland Counties. It is named for the famed Wyoming Valley of the North Branch of the Susquehanna River, which winds for 70 miles through the forest district. In keeping with its formal name, the state forest land located within the district is known as the Wyoming State Forest. All but a small parcel of the Wyoming State Forest is situated in the western half of Sullivan County, covering about 42,000 acres of high plateaus and ridges cut by narrow and steep stream valleys. Much of this land was purchased by the state from the Central Pennsylvania Lumber Company in the early 1930's following a great lumbering era.
The forest is comprised primarily of second-growth northern hardwoods, including maple, cherry, ash and beech. It is managed intensively to provide a haven for wildlife and a source of public recreation, water and timber products. One of its major assets is an extensive, well-maintained road system that opens the forest for many uses.
The public is encouraged to use and enjoy the Wyoming State Forest. Remember, the quality of the forest is directly related to the care and respect each user has for the land, its resources and each other.
A focal point of forest recreation is the intersection of High Knob Road and State Route 3009. This area has parking, restrooms and water and serves as a trailhead for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, horseback riding and the Fern Rock Nature Trail.
Registered motorized recreational vehicles are permitted only where the area is designated and signed open for their use.
The forest supports turkey, deer and bear. Hunting is permitted within the seasons and regulations outlined by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Trout fishing is excellent in the Loyalsock Creek and its many tributaries that drain the forest. There are more than 50 miles of fishable streams, most of them stocked annually with trout by the Pennsylvania Fish Commission.
More adventuresome outdoor enthusiasts can practice their hiking and backpacking skills on the Loyalsock Trail. This trail is a 59-mile trek through the forested mountains and valleys of the Wyoming State Forest and neighboring Tiadaghton Forest. The trail gives hikers the opportunity to experience firsthand the many wonders of Pennsylvania's Endless Mountains.
World's End State Park lies within the State Forest offering rental cabins and facilities for camping, swimming, fishing, picnicking and nature study.
The Dry Run Picnic Area is located along Dry Run Road about one mile east of Pennsylvania Route 87. This area, developed during the days of the Civilian Conservation Corps, is maintained for day use only. It is situated in a narrow mountain valley adjacent to a native trout stream and offers all the facilities for enjoyable picnicking.
Bear Wallow Pond and Sones Pond are mountaintop ponds frequently visited by geese and ducks during migration. The ponds were created in the 1930's by the damming of streams during the construction of state forest roads. In the late 1960's, the two were designated as state forest fishing areas. Restrooms and boat access areas were constructed and several picnic tables added to facilitate public use. As with Dry Run Picnic Area, they are open for day use only and no camping is allowed. Boats without motors are permitted. All boats must properly display current state boat launching permits.
High Knob Overlook offers a spectacular vista of unusual range and beauty. Many visitors also come to High Knob each year in June, when the mountain laurel is in bloom. Along High Knob Road approaching the vista the vegetation is carefully managed to enhance growth of the mountain laurel and create a June floral show worthy of repeated visits.
Pennsylvania generally has a moist climate with cold winters and warm summers. The Wyoming State Forest area generally has cold winter months with temperatures averaging from 24 to 28 degrees Fahrenheit (-4 to -2 degrees Celsius). The area's average summer temperatures range from 72 to 74 degrees Fahrenheit (22 to 23 Celsius).
