Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Delaware State Forest covers over 85,000 acres in northeastern Pennsylvania, spanning portions of Pike and Wayne counties. This forest is part of the larger Pocono region, characterized by rolling hills, hardwood forests, pristine streams, and abundant wildlife. The forest’s terrain includes mixed oak, maple, and hemlock trees, supporting diverse ecosystems and providing habitat for deer, black bear, bobcat, and various bird species. Named after the nearby Delaware River, the forest’s geography offers both gently rolling and steeper slopes, with numerous streams running through the region, making it a destination for fishing and water-based recreation.
The forest has a history rooted in 20th-century conservation efforts by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources aimed at sustainable timber harvesting and public outdoor access. It is managed to balance preservation with recreation, offering primitive camping areas, designated hiking and mountain biking trails, and access to wild trout fishing in its waterways. Notable landmarks include the scenic vistas along the Game Lands trails and proximity to the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Visitors are drawn to the forest for its quiet, less crowded natural setting, seasonal foliage colors, and excellent opportunities for observing migratory birds and native wildlife in their habitats. The forest’s network of logging roads and maintained trails also appeals to off-road vehicle enthusiasts and hunters during seasonal hunts.
