Charles F. Lewis Natural Area
| Charles F. Lewis Natural Area | |
|---|---|
  Location within Pennsylvania | |
| Location | Indiana County, Pennsylvania |
| Nearest town | Cramer |
| Coordinates | 40°24′39″N 78°59′07″W / 40.4109°N 78.9852°W |
| Area | 384 acres (155 ha) |
Charles F. Lewis Natural Area is a 384-acre (155 ha) protected area in Indiana County, Pennsylvania, United States. It is part of Gallitzin State Forest.[1][2]
Description
The Natural Area was established to protect trees at the western end of the Rager Mountain Forest Area,[1] which constitutes second growth forest after the region was clearcut in the late 1800s.[2] The area is named after local newspaper editor Dr. Charles Fletcher Lewis, who was the first President of the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy.[3]
The area is traversed by a loop hiking trail (with multiple cross-connectors) that can be accessed from a parking lot on PA 403.[3] It protects the habitats of several plants that have been classified as threatened in Pennsylvania, as well as a population of the locally threatened Allegheny woodrat, within and above a rugged gorge formed by Clark Run, which in turn flows a short distance to the Conemaugh River.[4] The area has also been noted by journalists for offering some of the best fall foliage in Pennsylvania.[5]
References
- 1 2 "Gallitzin State Forest Wild and Natural Areas". Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources. Retrieved May 13, 2026.
- 1 2 Fergus, Charles (2002). Natural Pennsylvania: Exploring the State Forest Natural Areas. Mechanicsburg, PA: Stackpole Books. pp. 89–92.
- 1 2 Thwaites, Tom (2000). 50 Hikes in Western Pennsylvania (3rd ed.). Woodstock, VT: Backcountry Guides. pp. 40–42. ISBN 0881504734.
- ↑ "Charles F. Lewis Natural Area," Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
- ↑ Adams, Sean (October 19, 2023). "Fall foliage in much of Pa. reaching 'brilliant crescendo' this coming week: state report". pennlive. Retrieved May 13, 2026.
