How to Hike Buchanan State Forest

Buchanan State Forest, nestled in the rugged terrain of south-central Pennsylvania, is one of the state’s most underrated natural treasures. Spanning over 60,000 acres across Fulton, Bedford, and Franklin counties, this expansive forest offers hikers a rare blend of solitude, diverse ecosystems, and historic trails that wind through ancient woodlands, rocky ridgelines, and cascading streams. Unlike more crowded state parks, Buchanan provides an authentic backcountry experience—perfect for those seeking quiet immersion in nature without the crowds. Whether you’re a seasoned trail enthusiast or a beginner looking to explore your first wilderness hike, understanding how to hike Buchanan State Forest properly ensures safety, enjoyment, and environmental stewardship. This guide delivers a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap to navigating the forest’s trails, preparing for its variable conditions, and respecting its ecological integrity. By the end of this tutorial, you’ll have the knowledge to plan, execute, and reflect on a meaningful hike through one of Pennsylvania’s most pristine forested landscapes.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Research Trail Options and Difficulty Levels

Buchanan State Forest does not have a single, centralized trail system like a national park. Instead, it offers a patchwork of trails maintained by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), local volunteer groups, and historic paths repurposed from old logging roads and railroad grades. The most popular routes include the Buchanan Trail, the Laurel Ridge Trail, and the Little Aughwick Creek Trail. Each varies significantly in length, elevation gain, and technical difficulty.

Start by visiting the official DCNR website and downloading the latest Buchanan State Forest trail map. Pay close attention to trail markers: blue blazes typically indicate hiking trails, while orange blazes often denote ATV or horse trails. Avoid mixing these unless you are certain of their intended use. For beginners, the 2.5-mile loop around the Buchanan Trailhead near the town of McConnellsburg offers gentle terrain, minimal elevation change, and interpretive signs about local flora and fauna. Intermediate hikers should consider the 8-mile out-and-back route along the Laurel Ridge Trail, which climbs to panoramic overlooks of the Tuscarora Mountain range. Advanced hikers may tackle the 14-mile Buchanan Trail section that connects to the Tuscarora Trail—a long-distance route extending into West Virginia.

Use apps like AllTrails or Gaia GPS to cross-reference trail conditions, recent user reviews, and GPS tracks. Be cautious of outdated information—some trails were rerouted after storm damage in 2021 and 2022. Always verify trail status with the DCNR’s regional office before departure.

Step 2: Plan Your Route and Obtain Permits

No permit is required to hike in Buchanan State Forest, but certain activities—such as overnight camping or group events—do require prior authorization from DCNR. For day hiking, no formal paperwork is necessary, but a well-planned route is critical. Always inform someone of your planned route and expected return time. Cell service is spotty across most of the forest, so relying on GPS alone is risky.

When planning your route, consider distance, elevation, water sources, and access points. The forest has no designated campgrounds for day hikers, but there are several primitive campsites along the Tuscarora Trail. If you intend to extend your hike into an overnight adventure, you must follow Leave No Trace principles and register your intent via the DCNR online portal. Even if you’re not camping, carrying a printed copy of your route—along with a physical map—is strongly advised. Digital maps can fail due to dead batteries, signal loss, or app crashes.

Also note that some trailheads are accessed via unpaved forest roads that may be impassable after heavy rain. Check road conditions using the DCNR’s road status page or by calling their regional office in McConnellsburg. Roads like Forest Road 102 and 105 are gravel-surfaced and require high-clearance vehicles in wet conditions.

Step 3: Prepare Your Gear Based on Season and Terrain

Weather in Buchanan State Forest can shift dramatically within hours. Summer temperatures may reach 90°F with high humidity, while winter lows can plunge below 10°F with snow and ice on the trails. Gear selection must reflect these extremes.

Essential gear for any season includes:

• Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support—rocky sections and root-covered paths demand reliable traction.
• Moisture-wicking base layers and a waterproof outer shell—rain showers are frequent, even in summer.
• At least two liters of water per person, plus a filtration system (such as a Sawyer Squeeze or LifeStraw). Natural water sources like Little Aughwick Creek are abundant but require treatment.
• High-calorie snacks—trail mix, energy bars, and dried fruit help maintain stamina on longer hikes.
• A fully charged power bank and a physical compass with a map—GPS devices can fail, and the forest has no consistent signal.
• A first-aid kit containing blister treatment, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, and an epinephrine auto-injector if you have allergies.
• Whistle and emergency blanket—both are lightweight and critical if you become lost or injured.

In winter, add insulated layers, crampons or microspikes, and a headlamp with extra batteries. Snow can obscure trail markers, making navigation significantly more difficult. Hiking poles are invaluable for balance on icy or muddy slopes.

Step 4: Navigate the Trailhead and Parking Areas

The most commonly used trailheads are:

• Buchanan Trailhead (Off PA Route 16): Located near McConnellsburg, this is the most accessible entry point. Parking is free but limited to 15 spaces. Arrive early on weekends.
• Laurel Ridge Trailhead (Forest Road 102): Requires a 2-mile drive on a gravel road. Four-wheel drive is not required but recommended after rainfall.
• Little Aughwick Creek Trailhead (Off PA Route 36): Ideal for shorter hikes. Features a small picnic area and vault toilet.

At each trailhead, look for the DCNR kiosk with a trail map and bulletin board. These often contain recent updates about downed trees, trail closures, or wildlife activity. Do not rely solely on trail markers—some have been vandalized or removed. Use your map to confirm your starting point and orient yourself before stepping onto the trail.

Always park legally and avoid blocking gates or fire access roads. Never leave valuables in your vehicle. The forest is remote, and theft, while rare, has occurred.

Step 5: Follow Trail Markings and Maintain Orientation

Buchanan State Forest uses a color-coded blaze system. Blue blazes mark hiking trails, yellow blazes indicate side trails or connectors, and orange blazes are for motorized use. If you see a blue blaze, you’re on the right path. If you encounter a double blaze (two stacked marks), it indicates a turn—right or left depending on orientation.

Use the “30-second rule”: every 30 seconds, pause and look around. Confirm you’re still following the blazes and that your route aligns with your map. If you lose sight of a blaze, stop immediately. Do not continue forward hoping to find it again. Retrace your steps to the last known marker. Many hikers become disoriented by overgrown vegetation or fallen trees that obscure trails.

Bring a topographic map and learn to read contour lines. Buchanan’s terrain is hilly, and elevation changes can be deceptive. A 100-foot climb may seem minor on a flat map but can feel strenuous when surrounded by dense forest. Use your compass to verify direction. Magnetic declination in this region is approximately 10 degrees west—adjust your compass accordingly if using a traditional map-and-compass method.

Step 6: Respect Wildlife and Natural Features

Buchanan State Forest is home to black bears, white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, red foxes, and occasionally bobcats. Black bears are common, especially in late summer and early fall when they forage for acorns and berries. Do not feed wildlife under any circumstances. Store food and scented items (toothpaste, deodorant) in bear-resistant containers or hang them at least 10 feet off the ground and 4 feet from the trunk of a tree.

Stay on marked trails to avoid disturbing sensitive habitats. The forest contains rare plant species, including the Pennsylvania sedge and the eastern hemlock, which are vulnerable to trampling. Avoid picking flowers, carving into trees, or removing rocks or pinecones. These actions disrupt natural cycles and diminish the experience for future hikers.

If you encounter a bear, remain calm. Do not run. Speak firmly and slowly back away. Make yourself appear larger. If the bear approaches, use bear spray if you have it. In the rare event of an attack, fight back aggressively using sticks, rocks, or your fists—do not play dead.

Step 7: Manage Time and Know When to Turn Back

One of the most common mistakes hikers make is underestimating how long a trail will take. Buchanan’s trails are often slower than expected due to uneven footing, thick underbrush, and frequent stream crossings. A 6-mile trail may take 4–5 hours instead of the estimated 2.5–3 hours listed on apps.

Use the “sun rule”: if you’re not at least halfway back by 3 p.m. in summer (or 2 p.m. in winter), consider turning around. Daylight fades quickly in the forest canopy, and navigation becomes hazardous after dark. Always carry a headlamp—even if you plan to finish before sunset.

Listen to your body. Fatigue, dizziness, or cramping are signals to stop. Hydrate, rest, and reassess. Pushing through discomfort can lead to injury in remote areas where help is hours away.

Step 8: Exit Safely and Leave No Trace

When returning to your vehicle, do a final sweep of your gear. Leave nothing behind—not even biodegradable items like apple cores or banana peels. These disrupt natural decomposition cycles and attract wildlife to human zones.

Dispose of all trash in designated bins or carry it out. If you used a portable toilet, pack out your waste using a WAG bag or similar system. Human waste should never be buried in the forest—soil conditions here prevent proper decomposition, and pathogens can leach into groundwater.

Before driving away, take a moment to reflect. Note any trail changes, wildlife sightings, or environmental concerns. Report these to the DCNR using their online feedback form. Your observations help maintain the forest for future generations.

Best Practices

Adopt Leave No Trace Principles

Leave No Trace (LNT) is not just a guideline—it’s a moral obligation for anyone entering Buchanan State Forest. The seven principles of LNT are especially vital here due to the forest’s ecological sensitivity and low visitor volume. Each hiker’s impact multiplies over time, so individual responsibility matters more than in heavily trafficked parks.

Plan ahead and prepare: Know the weather, regulations, and trail conditions. Bring the right gear to minimize your need for resources in the wild.

Travel and camp on durable surfaces: Stick to established trails and campsites. Avoid creating new paths, even if they seem shorter. Vegetation recovery in this region is slow due to acidic soils and limited sunlight.

Dispose of waste properly: Pack out everything you bring in. Use a portable toilet system if you must relieve yourself off-trail. Never burn trash or use soap in streams.

Leave what you find: Natural artifacts, rocks, plants, and even fallen branches belong in the forest. Removing them diminishes the experience for others and harms ecosystems.

Minimize campfire impact: Open fires are discouraged in Buchanan State Forest. Use a camp stove for cooking. If you must build a fire, use existing fire rings, keep it small, and fully extinguish it with water—not dirt.

Respect wildlife: Observe from a distance. Never feed animals. Store food securely. Your actions affect their behavior and survival.

Be considerate of other visitors: Keep noise low. Yield to uphill hikers. Let others enjoy the quiet. Buchanan’s value lies in its solitude.

Understand Seasonal Considerations

Hiking Buchanan State Forest requires adapting to its four distinct seasons.

Spring (April–May): Trails are muddy and slippery. Snowmelt creates swollen streams. Wear waterproof boots and be prepared for sudden downpours. Wildflowers bloom in May—watch for trillium and lady’s slipper orchids.

Summer (June–August): High humidity and biting insects are common. Use permethrin-treated clothing and DEET-based repellent. Avoid hiking during midday heat. Thunderstorms roll in quickly—seek shelter if you hear thunder.

Fall (September–October): Ideal hiking weather. Cool temperatures and vibrant foliage. However, this is also peak hunting season. Wear blaze orange between mid-October and early January if hiking near forest edges. Check Pennsylvania Game Commission hunting calendars.

Winter (November–March): Snow and ice make trails treacherous. Only experienced hikers should attempt winter hikes. Microspikes, snowshoes, and extra layers are mandatory. Daylight lasts fewer than 9 hours. Always carry emergency gear.

Hydration and Nutrition Strategies

Dehydration is a silent threat in Buchanan’s dense forests. You may not feel thirsty, especially in cooler weather, but your body still loses fluids through sweat and respiration. Aim to drink 0.5–1 liter of water per hour on moderate hikes, and up to 1.5 liters on strenuous climbs.

Electrolyte balance is equally important. Use electrolyte tablets or powders (like Nuun or LMNT) to replenish sodium, potassium, and magnesium lost through sweat. Avoid sugary sports drinks—they can cause stomach upset on long hikes.

For nutrition, consume 200–300 calories per hour. Prioritize complex carbohydrates (oats, whole grain bars) and healthy fats (nuts, cheese). Protein is less critical during hiking but helps with recovery afterward. Avoid heavy, greasy foods—they slow digestion and sap energy.

Navigation Without Technology

While GPS apps are helpful, they are not foolproof. Learn traditional navigation skills:

• Use a compass to determine your bearing and follow it consistently.
• Identify natural landmarks: a distinctive rock formation, a bend in the creek, or a cluster of white pines can serve as reference points.
• Keep a trail journal. Note time, distance, and landmarks as you pass them. This helps if you need to backtrack.
• Practice reading contour lines. A cluster of tight lines means steep terrain; wide spacing indicates gentle slopes.

Take a basic orienteering course through a local outdoor club or community college. These skills are life-saving when technology fails.

Tools and Resources

Essential Digital Tools

While analog tools remain critical, digital resources enhance preparation and safety:

• DCNR Buchanan State Forest Map (dcnr.pa.gov): Official, downloadable PDF with trail names, distances, and access points.
• AllTrails: User-submitted reviews, photos, and recent trail conditions. Filter by “Buchanan State Forest” and sort by “Most Reviewed.”
• Gaia GPS: Offers topographic layers, offline map downloads, and satellite imagery. Essential for off-trail navigation.
• Weather.gov (National Weather Service): Provides hyperlocal forecasts for Fulton and Bedford counties. Use the “Point Forecast” tool for precise trailhead predictions.
• iNaturalist: Identify plants and animals you encounter. Contribute your observations to citizen science projects tracking biodiversity.

Physical Resources

Carry these physical items regardless of your tech use:

• USGS 7.5-minute topographic map of the Buchanan State Forest area (map code: McConnellsburg, PA)
• Compass with declination adjustment
• Whistle (loud, pea-less design)
• Emergency blanket (mylar, compact)
• Waterproof notebook and pencil
• First-aid kit tailored for wilderness use
• Multi-tool with knife, pliers, and saw

Local Organizations and Support

Several volunteer groups maintain trails and offer educational resources:

• Friends of Buchanan State Forest: A nonprofit dedicated to trail upkeep and public education. Offers guided hikes and volunteer opportunities.
• Pennsylvania Trail of the Year: Recognizes outstanding trails in the state; Buchanan’s Laurel Ridge Trail was nominated in 2022.
• Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) Pennsylvania Chapter: Provides workshops on navigation, first aid, and outdoor ethics.

Visit their websites or attend local meetings to connect with experienced hikers and learn about trail conditions firsthand.

Real Examples

Example 1: The First-Time Hiker – Sarah’s Laurel Ridge Loop

Sarah, a 28-year-old office worker from Harrisburg, had never hiked a trail longer than 3 miles. She chose the 4.5-mile Laurel Ridge Loop after reading positive reviews on AllTrails. She packed a daypack with water, snacks, a rain jacket, and her phone. She arrived at the trailhead at 9 a.m. on a Saturday.

Within 30 minutes, she realized her sneakers were unsuitable—the trail was rocky and muddy. She turned back, drove to a nearby outdoor store, and purchased waterproof hiking boots. She returned the next day with a printed map, a compass, and a whistle. She completed the loop in 3.5 hours, took photos of a red-tailed hawk and a patch of wild blueberries, and left no trace. She later joined the Friends of Buchanan State Forest and now volunteers on trail maintenance days.

Example 2: The Experienced Backpacker – Marcus’s Tuscarora Trail Section

Marcus, a 45-year-old retired firefighter from Pittsburgh, hiked a 12-mile segment of the Tuscarora Trail through Buchanan State Forest over two days. He carried a 35-pound pack with a tent, stove, sleeping bag, and 4 liters of water. He used Gaia GPS for navigation and a satellite messenger (Garmin inReach) for emergency communication.

On day two, a sudden thunderstorm soaked his gear. He found a dry rock overhang, used his emergency blanket to retain body heat, and waited out the storm. He reported his location via the inReach and received no response—so he hiked out the next morning, following his compass and trail markers. He later submitted a detailed report to DCNR about the storm’s impact on the trail, which helped prioritize repairs.

Example 3: The Family Outing – The Johnsons at Little Aughwick Creek

The Johnson family—parents and two children aged 7 and 10—hiked the 1.8-mile loop around Little Aughwick Creek. They brought binoculars, a field guide to birds, and a scavenger hunt list (find a pinecone, a feather, a smooth stone). They stayed on the trail, used the vault toilet, and packed out all trash. The children learned to identify white oak and red maple trees. The family returned the following month to volunteer with a tree-planting event.

FAQs

Is Buchanan State Forest safe for solo hikers?

Yes, but only with proper preparation. Solo hiking is common in Buchanan due to its low visitor volume. However, the remoteness demands extra caution. Always carry a communication device, tell someone your itinerary, and avoid hiking after dark. Many experienced hikers choose solo trips for the solitude—but never underestimate the terrain.

Can I bring my dog?

Dogs are allowed but must be leashed at all times. This protects wildlife and other hikers. Clean up after your pet. Some trails are closed to dogs during bird nesting season (March–July)—check the DCNR website before bringing your dog.

Are there any water sources along the trails?

Yes, but they are not potable. Streams like Little Aughwick Creek and Deer Run are reliable, but water must be filtered or boiled. Avoid stagnant pools or areas near animal tracks. Carry at least two liters of water per person regardless of stream proximity.

What should I do if I get lost?

Stop immediately. Do not panic. Use your map and compass to reorient. If you cannot determine your location, stay put. Use your whistle in sets of three (universal distress signal). Conserve your phone battery. If you have a satellite messenger, send your location. Search teams respond faster when hikers remain stationary.

Is camping allowed in Buchanan State Forest?

Primitive camping is permitted on state forest land, but not at trailheads. You must camp at least 200 feet from trails and water sources. No fires are allowed except in established fire rings. Register your overnight stay via the DCNR website. Group camping requires a special permit.

Are there any fees to hike?

No. Day hiking is free. There are no entrance fees, parking fees, or trail passes required. Donations to the Friends of Buchanan State Forest are appreciated but not mandatory.

When is the best time of year to hike Buchanan State Forest?

Mid-September to mid-October offers the most reliable weather, vibrant foliage, and fewer insects. Spring (late May) is beautiful with wildflowers but wetter. Summer is hot and buggy. Winter is for experienced hikers only.

Can I hike in the rain?

Yes, but with caution. Rain makes rocks slippery and trails muddy. Wear waterproof gear and traction devices. Avoid stream crossings if water is rising. Lightning is a serious risk—descend from ridgelines immediately if thunder is heard.

Conclusion

Hiking Buchanan State Forest is more than a physical activity—it’s a journey into one of Pennsylvania’s most resilient and unspoiled natural landscapes. Unlike commercialized parks, Buchanan offers raw, unfiltered wilderness: the crunch of fallen leaves underfoot, the scent of hemlock after rain, the silence broken only by a woodpecker’s drumming. To hike here is to engage with nature on its own terms, requiring preparation, humility, and respect.

This guide has walked you through every essential phase—from selecting the right trail and packing the correct gear, to navigating with precision and honoring Leave No Trace ethics. You now understand how to prepare for seasonal extremes, respond to emergencies, and contribute to the forest’s long-term health. Whether you’re a first-time hiker or a seasoned trekker, the lessons here apply universally: plan ahead, stay aware, and leave only footprints.

As you step onto the trails of Buchanan State Forest, remember that you are not just a visitor—you are a steward. The forest does not need your admiration; it needs your care. By following these practices, you ensure that the next hiker, whether they come tomorrow or in twenty years, will experience the same quiet majesty you did. That is the true reward of hiking Buchanan State Forest: not the summit reached, but the legacy preserved.