Hickory Creek Wilderness in ANF celebrates 40th anniversary
- by Guest Contributor
- November 4, 2024
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Information from US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
Most photos courtesy of Ralph Scherder
Happy 40th anniversary to Hickory Creek Wilderness in the Allegheny National Forest and Surrounds landscape of the Pennsylvania Wilds!
The USDA Forest Service, which oversees the Allegheny National Forest and other national forest areas throughout the country, announced the 40th anniversary of the designation of Hickory Creek Wilderness as part of the National Wilderness Preservation System on October 30, 1984.
Located near Tidioute, Warren County, the wilderness protects 9,337 acres of heavily forested area home to black cherry, oak, beech, birch, and eastern hemlock trees. Two major creeks run through the wilderness, East Hickory and Middle Hickory.
Black bears, white-tailed deer and wild turkeys are among the often-observed wildlife in the area.
“It’s our honor to preserve the natural characteristics of the Hickory Creek Wilderness which, provides the public with opportunities for primitive recreation and solitude,” said Forest Supervisor Jamie Davidson.
The Hickory Creek Trail, a 12-mile loop, is the only trail through the wilderness. The trail is minimally signed and maintained, marked with infrequent faded yellow or white blazes. The loop is a rewarding day-hike or can be an overnight backpacking trip. The trailhead parking area is located along State Route 2002.
The National Wilderness Preservation System was established through the Wilderness Act, signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson on September 3, 1964, 60 years ago last month. The National Wilderness Preservation System is a network of over 800 federally designated wilderness areas managed to maintain wilderness character by the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and USDA Forest Service.
The definition of wilderness according to the Wilderness Act is, “an area where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain… an area of undeveloped Federal land retaining its primeval character and influence, without permanent improvements or human habitation, which is protected and managed so as to preserve its natural conditions.”
Image: This trailhead is the starting point for adventures in the Hickory Creek Wilderness, Allegheny National Forest. USDA Forest Service photo by Shoshanna Ochocki.
Want to read a personal blog about HCW?
Writer Ralph Scherder shares his experience and tips for exploring Hickory Creek Wilderness in his blog piece on the PA Wilds blog, “The Hickory Creek Wilderness: Hike, fish, enjoy.”
Most photos you see in this blog, “Hickory Creek Wilderness in ANF celebrates 40th anniversary,” and all photos in “The Hickory Creek Wilderness: Hike, fish, enjoy” are courtesy of Ralph Scherder.
About the USDA Forest Service – Allegheny National Forest:
Established in 1923, the Allegheny National Forest (ANF) is Pennsylvania’s only National Forest. Situated on the Allegheny Plateau, the forest is comprised of 514,029 acres in the northwestern corner of the state. The slogan “Land of Many Uses” captures a vision of a healthy, vigorous, working forest that provides timber and wood products, watershed protection, access to underground minerals, ties to cultural history, a diversity of wildlife habitats, and outstanding outdoor recreation opportunities — not only today but in a sustainable way so future generations can enjoy these benefits.
