Advisories
Moon Lake Road Closure
Moon Lake Road will be periodically closed beginning June 11, 2018, for road improvement work. Closures will be temporary during the work day. Alternate access is from Pavlick Road and Atherton Road.
Restroom Closed at Mocanaqua Trailhead
The restroom at the Mocanaqua trailhead parking lot is closed indefinitely due to vandalism.
Limited access to Old Bear Creek Boulevard
Public non-motorized users will be permitted past the gate leading onto Old Bear Creek Blvd. when construction work is not ongoing. When active construction work begins, the area will again be fully closed to public access until the work is completed.
Freytown Road Closure
Freytown Road, located in the Freytown Tract, is currently closed due to bridge
replacement.
Recreation Areas Closed to Hunting
The Moon Lake Recreation Area, Seven Tubs Recreation Area, and Manny Gordon Recreation Area are closed to hunting. All other areas of the state forest are open to hunting, unless otherwise posted.
New campsites available in Manny Gordon REcreation ARea
Three designated campsites will be available in the Manny Gordon Recreation Area at
Thornhurst beginning September 25, 2017. Please call the District Office at 570-945-7133 for additional camping information and required permits.
Moon Lake Recreation Area Open FOR Camping
The Moon Lake Recreation Area is open for camping with a valid camping permit. There are a total of 12 sites on the camping loop. Campsites #1 - #11 have:
- Fire ring
- Picnic table
- Tent site
- Parking for two vehicles
Site #12 does not have a fire ring or picnic table; however, it is suitable for an RV or trailer unit.
Camping permits are available from the Pinchot Forest District office Monday through Friday, from 8:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M., and there is no charge. For additional information about other camping opportunities, contact the Pinchot State Forest office by calling 570-945-7133.
Stone Collecting Permits Suspended
After review, the decision has been made to suspend the issuing of stone collecting permits on the Pinchot State Forest until the District Resource Management Plan is completed. The reason for this suspension is to evaluate and determine if and where stone collection is permissible based on ecological, historical, and cultural reasons, and to complete the district forest resource management plan.
Restricted Activities on Pinchot State Forest
Camping on designated campsites in Pinchot State Forest will not be permitted from November 18 to December 9, inclusive. Primitive backpack camping will still be permitted.
Fuel wood cutting on Pinchot State Forest is not permitted from November 18 to December 9, inclusive.
Maps of New Pinchot State Forest Lands
Maps of newly acquired state forest lands in Pinchot State Forest are now posted on the Pinchot maps web page.
Portions of Pinchot State Forest Closed
Due to public safety concerns the Avondale portion of Pinchot State Forest in Plymouth Township, Luzerne County has been closed to the public for mine reclamation work since April 2015. Public entrances will be posted as closed until the project is completed.
Don’t Move Firewood
To help protect the forest from invasive insects that can kill trees and devastate the ecosystem, please do not transport firewood over long distances. Firewood can harbor insects such as emerald ash borer. Cut or purchase your firewood where you intend to burn it.