Pine Tree Trail Natural Area Explained

Pine Tree Trail Natural Area
Map:USA Pennsylvania
Location:Elk County, Pennsylvania
Nearest Town:Dents Run
Coordinates:41.384°N -78.2986°W

Pine Tree Trail Natural Area is a 276acres protected area in Elk County, Pennsylvania, United States. It is part of Elk State Forest.[1] [2]

Description

The Natural Area was established to protect an old-growth grove of white pine trees. Unusually, the area was clearcut and turned into a farm very early in the history of Pennsylvania logging industry, and then reforested naturally from cones blown in from nearby surviving trees. The current trees are about 170 years old, technically making them old-growth. The area is home to uncommon birds such as the black-throated green warbler, and some members of the Pennsylvania elk population have been seen.[3] The Natural Area is accessed via various hiking trails with educational displays.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Elk State Forest Wild and Natural Areas . 2024-07-06 . Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources . en-US.
  2. Book: Fergus, Charles . Natural Pennsylvania: Exploring the State Forest Natural Areas . Stackpole Books . 2002 . Mechanicsburg, PA . 178-180.
  3. Web site: Schneck . Marcus . 2019-09-16 . Take the 127-mile Elk Scenic Drive as an elk-spotting alternative to crowded Winslow Hill . 2024-07-06 . PennLive . en.