Weiser State Forest Greenland Tract

- Williamstown, PA 17098

For the Pennsylvania resident seeking a true backcountry experience, the Greenland Tract of Weiser State Forest offers a rugged and rewarding escape. Located in the picturesque Ridge and Valley region of eastern Pennsylvania, this area is not a typical developed campground with modern amenities. Instead, it is managed as a working state forest, providing a pure, low-density recreational opportunity centered on nature study, challenging trails, and primitive camping.

The Greenland Tract, situated near Williamstown, PA, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts—especially mountain bikers, serious hikers, and those who appreciate the solitude of dispersed or roadside camping. Unlike state parks, state forests prioritize a wilder experience, meaning visitors must be prepared for minimal facilities and a strong commitment to Leave No Trace principles.

Recent visitors describe the area as "amazing," offering everything from "mountain biking hiking, wildlife viewing, camping, driving." A specific highlight is the stunning perspective it offers for watching the sunset over Broad Mountain, rewarding those who venture to the mountain top. The experience here is about self-reliance, exploration, and connecting deeply with Pennsylvania's natural resources, making it a unique and valued asset for local users.

The Weiser State Forest District encompasses nearly 30,000 acres spread across 16 tracts in seven different counties, with the Greenland Tract specifically situated in Dauphin County near the community of Williamstown, PA 17098.

• Address Proximity: The primary administrative address associated with the forest district is Williamstown, PA 17098, USA.
• Road Conditions: Access is primarily via dirt and gravel state forest roads. Users should be advised that these roads can be quite steep, and drivers should be confident in their driving capabilities, especially when pulling trailers or operating larger recreational vehicles. Warning signage regarding steep roads is not always present, so preparation is key. Furthermore, these roads are generally not maintained during the winter and can become snow-covered, icy, and potentially impassable.
• Site Difficulty: Even with provided maps, some roadside campsites can be "quite difficult to find," suggesting that visitors should carry paper maps, study directions beforehand, and not rely solely on GPS navigation, as some roads may be closed or inaccurately mapped.
• Nearby Areas: The Greenland Tract is known for connecting to other popular outdoor areas, and its varied topography makes it a key part of the larger mountain biking and trail network in the region. The tract is a designated destination for mountain biking, alongside the Roaring Creek and Haldeman Tracts.
• Remote Nature: Cell phone coverage is often unreliable or non-existent in much of the state forest, adding to the feeling of remoteness and emphasizing the need for detailed trip planning and self-sufficiency.

The services offered at the Weiser State Forest Greenland Tract are minimal and primitive, consistent with a state forest's mission to provide low-impact, low-density recreation. Visitors must be prepared to be fully self-contained, as there are no developed facilities typical of a state park campground.

Services available, primarily at designated motorized, roadside campsites (which require a permit), include:

• Designated Parking: Each roadside campsite features a parking pad, allowing overnight camping in or very near a vehicle for storage and transportation purposes.
• Basic Site Amenities: Roadside sites are provided with a picnic table and a fire ring (campfires are subject to seasonal restrictions and fire danger ratings, especially from March 1st through May 25th, when special authorization from the District Forester is required).
• Primitive Backpack Camping: Backpackers can camp in most areas of the forest without a permit if staying no more than one night in any location, provided they adhere to setback rules (200 feet from a forest road, 25 feet from a trail, 100 feet from a stream). A free permit is only required for backpackers if they desire a point-of-contact for emergency or if they wish to have a campfire during the restricted spring fire season.
• Water and Sanitation: Crucially, there are no electric, water, or sewer hookups, and restroom facilities are not available at most campsites. Campers must bring their own water and manage human waste using Leave No Trace principles (burying waste in a cathole 4–6 inches deep and 200 feet from water, campsite, or trails), or by using self-contained portable toilets.
• Waste Management: All campsites operate on a strict "carry in, carry out" policy, meaning all trash and refuse must be removed from the state forest land by the visitor.

The Greenland Tract's highlights are defined by its expansive natural setting and the multitude of challenging, self-directed recreational opportunities it provides for the active Pennsylvanian outdoorsman or woman.

Key features and highlights include:

• Mountain Biking & Hiking Destination: The Weiser State Forest, including the Greenland Tract, is a premier destination for mountain biking. The region’s varied topography provides trails suitable for all skill levels, with the development of new single-track trails underway through partnerships with local mountain biking associations. The area offers shared-use trails and state forest roads for miles of biking and hiking.
• Wildlife and Natural Beauty: The forest is rich in beautiful vegetation and wildlife, providing excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, nature study, and photography. The high-elevation points offer clear, unobstructed views, including the highly-rated opportunity to "watch the sunset over Broad Mountain."
• Primitive, Remote Camping: The motorized roadside campsites are singular, remote sites, providing a level of solitude and quiet that is often impossible to find at developed campgrounds. This is a major highlight for campers who desire isolation and a back-to-nature experience.
• Hunting and Fishing Access: As a state forest, the land is open to various recreational activities, including legal hunting and fishing, subject to Pennsylvania Game Commission and Fish and Boat Commission regulations.
• Year-Round Recreation: Beyond the typical camping season, the tract is open to winter recreation, with designated trails available for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling after the close of the regular firearms deer season.

All inquiries regarding permits, regulations, and current conditions for the Weiser State Forest, Greenland Tract should be directed to the District Office.

• Official Campground Name: Weiser State Forest Greenland Tract
• General Location (Mailing Address): Williamstown, PA 17098, USA (Note: This is a general location; use coordinates and maps for navigation)
• Weiser State Forest District Office Phone: (570) 875-6450
• Mobile Phone (Alternative Contact/Forest Use): +1 570-875-6450

The Weiser State Forest Greenland Tract is an essential Pennsylvania asset, uniquely suited for local adventurers who understand and respect the state's forest system. It is not designed for casual visitors seeking paved pads and bathhouses; rather, it is for the experienced hiker, mountain biker, and primitive camper who values the challenge of self-sufficiency. This location provides access to the rugged interior of the Commonwealth, offering unparalleled solitude, exciting trails, and the raw beauty of mountainous terrain.

For local Pennsylvanians, the Greenland Tract offers a crucial opportunity for low-cost, extended recreation—with free permits available for certain primitive camping scenarios and affordable permits for roadside sites. It serves as a true training ground for backcountry skills and a restorative escape into an environment where nature dictates the terms. By offering a true working forest experience, the Greenland Tract ensures that the spirit of Pennsylvania's wild heritage remains accessible and protected for generations of local outdoor enthusiasts. The experience is challenging, authentic, and ultimately, deeply rewarding.

Weiser State Forest Greenland Tract

Williamstown, PA 17098, USA