Quehanna Wild Area

An extensive area of 80-100 year old mixed oak forests, which have been set aside to maintain the undelveoped character of the forest environment. During a tornado in 1981 an area of the forest was disrupted creating a shrub/scrub habitat which supports the Prairie Warbler and Indigo Bunting. There are openings made in the forest for elk grazing. Explore the area by backpacking the Quehanna Trail or by taking a leisurely stroll through the Marion Brooks Natural Area, where large stands of white birch can be appreciated. By vehicle, the area can be viewed by driving the Quehanna Highway from Medix Run to Karthaus, and also Wykoff Run Road. Drive with caution, deer are attracted to lush vegetation along roadsides and are unpredictable. Birds include breeding Cerulean, Prairie, Pine, and Black-throated Blue Warblers, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting, Hermit Thrush, Whip-poor-will and Wild Turkey. Conifer species like Magnolia Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler and Purple Finch are found at lower elevations than usual. Wildlife includes black bear, bobcat, elk, timber rattlesnake and possibly fisher. Goshawks, PA's largest acciptiter, can be seen year-round.