Pinchot State Forest Advisories
Avondale Construction Projects
There will be active mine reclamation projects in the Avondale area of Pinchot State Forest. Forest visitors should exercise caution while recreating in the area.
Campsite Closures
Moon Lake Recreation Area will be closed to camping from Friday, November 1, 2019, to Tuesday, March 31, 2020. Carvolth and Sassafras campsites will be closed from the first day of rifle bear season through the last day of rifle deer season.
Group Activities in Pinchot State Forest
Organized group activities are becoming increasingly popular within Pinchot State Forest. If you are looking to hold an organized or large group event on DCNR lands, you must get approval and obtain the appropriate authorization or agreement.
DCNR's Bureau of Forestry uses letters of authorization, special activities agreements, or commercial activities agreements (PDF) to evaluate and manage these large group activities on state forest land. Any organized or group event occurring on state forest lands must be reviewed and approved through one of these means.
Letters of authorization are completed at the district office and may take up to 15 business days to approve. Special activity and commercial activity agreements require 90 days for internal legal review. Requests should be made in advance of this 90-day period, prior to the scheduled event.
Restroom Closed at Mocanaqua Trailhead
The restroom at the Mocanaqua trailhead parking lot is closed indefinitely due to vandalism.
Old Bear Creek Boulevard Closure
Old Bear Creek
Boulevard is closed to public access due to active construction.
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.
Stone Collecting Permits Suspended
After review, a 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.
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.