HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania expanded its state forest system Thursday with the addition of Bilgers Rocks, a 173-acre geological site in Clearfield County that officials say will now receive long-term conservation protection and expanded public access.
What This Means for You
- Bilgers Rocks is now officially part of the Moshannon State Forest.
- The 173-acre site includes a 300-million-year-old sandstone “rock city.”
- State officials plan new educational programming, improved signage, and facility upgrades.
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn visited the site Thursday to mark its official transfer into the Commonwealth’s state forest system, bringing Pennsylvania’s total state forest holdings to 2.2 million acres.
Bilgers Rocks features a 20-acre sandstone formation made up of massive rock passages and chambers formed during the Pennsylvanian Period more than 300 million years ago. According to state officials, the area is believed to have been used as shelter by Native Americans traveling along the nearby Great Shamokin Path.
Site Donated to Commonwealth
The property was donated by the Bilgers Rocks Association, which managed the site from 1988 through 2025 before transferring ownership to the state.
Under DCNR management, the site will be overseen for recreation, conservation, and educational use. Officials said planned improvements include expanded interpretive programming, new signage, upgraded visitor facilities, and the addition of an environmental education specialist.
“We are excited to welcome Bilgers Rocks into our state forestlands and are thrilled to have the opportunity to share this special place with the public more broadly,” Dunn said.
Barbara McCracken, president of the Bilgers Rocks Association, said the organization believed the Commonwealth was best positioned to ensure long-term preservation of the landmark.
“We are hopeful to help enhance the learning experiences for the thousands of visitors who come from all over the world to experience this beautiful place,” McCracken said.
Popular Destination Draws Thousands
State officials estimate approximately 20,000 visitors travel to Bilgers Rocks annually, making it one of the most visited locations in Pennsylvania’s state forest system.
The site offers hiking, picnicking, horseback riding, hunting, camping, and passive outdoor recreation. Officials also noted the landmark lies within the 13-county Pennsylvania Wilds Conservation Landscape.
John Sobel said local officials support the state assuming long-term stewardship of the property.
“Clearfield County is grateful to the Commonwealth for taking over stewardship of this natural area and we welcome visitors to this geological destination,” Sobel said.
Administration Highlights Outdoor Recreation Investments
The announcement comes as the Shapiro administration continues emphasizing outdoor recreation as part of its economic development strategy.
According to DCNR, Pennsylvania’s outdoor recreation economy generates approximately $20.4 billion annually, supports about 177,000 jobs, and produces $9.5 billion in wages statewide.
State officials also pointed to recent investments including the creation of Pennsylvania’s 125th state park, Laurel Caverns State Park in Fayette County, and $228 million in infrastructure improvements across public lands since 2023.
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