Pine Tree Trail Natural Area

{{Infobox protected area

| name = Pine Tree Trail Natural Area

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| map = USA Pennsylvania

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| map_caption = Location within Pennsylvania

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| location = Elk County, Pennsylvania

| nearest_town = Dents Run

| coordinates = {{coord|41.3840|N|78.2986|W|region:US-PA|format=dms|display=inline,title}}

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| area = {{convert|276|acre}}

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Pine Tree Trail Natural Area is a {{convert|276|acre|ha|adj=on}} protected area in Elk County, Pennsylvania, United States. It is part of Elk State Forest.{{Cite web |title=Elk State Forest Wild and Natural Areas |url=https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateForests/FindAForest/Elk/Pages/Wild_NaturalAreas.aspx |access-date=2024-07-06 |website=Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources |language=en-US}}{{Cite book |last=Fergus |first=Charles |title=Natural Pennsylvania: Exploring the State Forest Natural Areas |publisher=Stackpole Books |year=2002 |location=Mechanicsburg, PA |pages=178–180}}

Description

The Natural Area was established to protect an old-growth grove of white pine trees. Unusually, the area was clearcut and turned into a farm very early in the history of Pennsylvania logging industry, and then reforested naturally from cones blown in from nearby surviving trees. The current trees are about 170 years old, technically making them old-growth. The area is home to uncommon birds such as the black-throated green warbler, and some members of the Pennsylvania elk population have been seen.{{Cite web |last=Schneck |first=Marcus |date=2019-09-16 |title=Take the 127-mile Elk Scenic Drive as an elk-spotting alternative to crowded Winslow Hill |url=https://www.pennlive.com/life/2019/09/take-the-127-mile-elk-scenic-drive-as-an-elk-spotting-alternative-to-crowded-winslow-hill.html |access-date=2024-07-06 |website=PennLive |language=en}} The Natural Area is accessed via various hiking trails with educational displays.

References

Category:Protected areas of Elk County, Pennsylvania