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Seven Mountains Wildlife Area adventures

Seven Mountains Wildlife Area Adventures

Seven Mountains Wildlife Area is a large, diverse public hunting and wildlife habitat preserve in central Pennsylvania that offers visitors a rugged outdoor experience with extensive forest cover, varied terrain, and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities.

11,257
Acres Protected
15 (approximate, mostly unmarked)
Miles of Trails
12,000 (estimated)
Annual Visitors
1950s
Year Established

About Seven Mountains Wildlife Area

 

Seven Mountains Wildlife Area encompasses over 11,000 acres of mixed hardwood forests, steep ridges, and remote valleys situated primarily across Centre and Mifflin counties in central Pennsylvania. The area is managed by the Pennsylvania Game Commission to provide habitat for game and non-game species, while offering extensive outdoor recreational opportunities including hunting, hiking, wildlife viewing, and limited primitive camping. The terrain is rugged and mountainous, with elevations ranging roughly between 1,000 and 2,300 feet, contributing to a diverse ecosystem that supports white-tailed deer, black bear, wild turkey, grouse, and various songbirds. The area includes parts of the ridgelines of the Seven Mountains, a local mountain chain, from which it takes its name. There are no developed campgrounds or visitor centers within the Wildlife Area, emphasizing a more rustic and solitary visitor experience. Trails and old logging roads provide access for foot travel and hunting, but the lack of formal trail systems means visitors should be prepared for navigation challenges. The area is popular with hunters during the fall and early winter seasons and with wildlife photographers and naturalists year-round. Its remote nature and limited development provide opportunities for solitude and immersion in Pennsylvania’s wild upland forests. Nearby state forests and parks complement the wildlife area, broadening the spectrum of recreational options. The Seven Mountains Wildlife Area represents a crucial segment of the region’s managed public lands, focusing on habitat conservation and sustainable hunting traditions.

Highlights

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Remote mountain ridges providing panoramic views of central Pennsylvania’s forested landscape

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Diverse upland hardwood forests rich with black bears, white-tailed deer, and wild turkey

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Challenging and rewarding backcountry hunting and wildlife photography opportunities

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Secluded areas along streams for peaceful wildlife observation away from crowds

Notable Natural Features

Seven Mountains Ridgeline

A chain of forested ridges providing rugged terrain and unique vantage points for wildlife viewing and photography.

Small Mountain Streams

Numerous streams traverse the area, supporting trout and other aquatic life and creating cool riparian habitats.

Diverse Upland Forests

Mature mixed hardwood forests dominate, offering habitat for many game and non-game species typical of Pennsylvania’s central Appalachian region.