Forbes State Forest

Forbes State Forest was named for Gen. John Forbes, commander of the British expedition against the French and Indians at Fort Duquesne in 1758. Forbes State Forest is comprised of over 60,000 acres spread across the Laurel Highlands with state forest located in Westmoreland, Somerset and Fayette counties. It is uniquely positioned to provide opportunities for low-density outdoor recreation and provide continuity to other private and public partners. The proximity to several metropolitan areas brings large numbers of recreationists year-round to the Forbes State Forest.

For more information visit the Forbes State Forest website and Facebook page.

into the Ohio River and ultimately into the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico.

The highest point in Pennsylvania is in the Forbes State Forest in Somerset County at Mt. Davis, elevation 3,213 feet. This high point is located on a slight rise above a ridgeline, four miles north of the Pennsylvania-Maryland border. The Spruce Flats Bog is one of the most unique natural features in the state forest. This rare high-elevation, 28-acre bog, formed in a mountaintop depression is over 2,700 feet above sea level.

The Forbes State Forest offers opportunities for a variety of recreational uses including; picnic areas, scenic drives and vistas, hunting, fishing, camping, and trails for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing. Forbes State Forest provides four season recreation due to its location along the Laurel Ridge, Chestnut Ridge, and Mount Davis. The trail system is used by summer and winter enthusiasts alike.

There are over 360 miles of shared-use trails and forest roads. Large inter-connecting trail systems can be found in the Laurel Highlands Trail System, Roaring Run Natural Area, and Quebec Run Wild Area.

There are many points of interest in the Forbes including Spruce Flats Bog, Wolf Rocks, Beam Rocks, Wharton Iron Furnace, High Point Observation Tower and Cole Run Falls to name a few. Picnic Areas are found at Mt. Davis and Lick Hollow.

Campsites in the Forbes State Forest area great way to get away from it all and spend a night in the great outdoors. These designated, roadside campsites are identified by signpost and campsite name. They are remote, designated sites with no amenities other than a fire ring and picnic table.

For trail maps visit the Forbes State Forest map webpage.

Forbes State Forest is managed primarily for dispersed recreation and facilities are limited. There are picnic areas available at Mt. Davis and Lick Hollow. The forest also offers 6 designated roadside campsites.

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Forestry manages our state forests for their long-term health and productivity while conserving native wild plants.

These forests are managed as “working forests” and provide a suite of uses and values to Pennsylvania citizens, while maintaining the forest’s wild character.

Our state forests are managed for:

• Pure water
• Recreation
• Scenic beauty
• Plant and animal habitat
• Sustainable timber and natural gas
• Many other uses and values

The management of our state forests is guided by the State Forest Resource Management Plan