Are you looking for land for sale in the Pennsylvania mountains or looking to purchase farmland for sale in Pennsylvania? The Keystone State has a rich history and diverse landscape, making it an interesting and exciting place to buy and sell rural land.
Pennsylvania History
Originally populated and farmed by indigenous people, Pennsylvania saw both Dutch and Swedish settlers enter the region in the early 1600s. During the American Revolution, Pennsylvania played a key role in the effort to gain independence and has since become a center of both industry and agriculture, with cities including Philadelphia and Pittsburgh leading the way in manufacturing, transportation, and finance into and beyond the Industrial Revolution.
Pennsylvania Hunting Land
Pennsylvania is well-known throughout the United States for its abundant wildlife and diverse hunting and fishing opportunities. The state is home to a wide range of species and game sizes, including whitetail deer, black bear, wild turkey, and small game such as squirrels and rabbits. Pennsylvania hunting land includes 1.5 million acres of state game lands and other public hunting areas alongside privately-owned hunting land.
Supported by the Pennsylvania Game Commission in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources, hunting in the state is a top draw for recreation and will remain that way for generations to come. In fact, hunting land for sale in Pennsylvania continues to provide ample opportunities for hunters and investors alike.
The Susquehanna River is an important source of drinking water for many communities in Pennsylvania, and it also provides a habitat for a variety of fish species, including smallmouth bass and American shad.
Pennsylvania Farm Land
With over 59,000 farms in operation covering over 7.7 million acres of farmland, Pennsylvania is known worldwide for its mushrooms, apples, and of course, Christmas trees. A national leader in farmland preservation, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has ensured that conservation easements and partnerships with farmers create long-term food security and agricultural success.
Farmland for sale in Pennsylvania provides access to one of the nation’s major producers of corn, soybeans, tobacco, grapes, and livestock, including beef cattle, dairy cattle, hogs, sheep, goats, and poultry, as well as dairy farming.
Pennsylvania Timber Land
Pennsylvania's forests cover over 58% of the state's land area, making timber an important natural resource and providing ample timberland for sale for investment and industrial use, so wise investors know the value of picking up land for sale in Pennsylvania’s mountains. The state's forests are predominantly deciduous and host oak, maple, and hickory species. Pennsylvania also has a significant softwood (pine) industry, with plantations covering over 200,000 acres.
The timber industry in Pennsylvania supports a range of businesses and jobs, including logging, sawmills, pulp and paper mills, and wood products manufacturing. The state also has a long history of sustainable forest management, with many timber companies and landowners practicing responsible forestry practices to ensure the health and productivity of the state's forests for generations to come.
Pennsylvania Water Rights and Waterways
State law in Pennsylvania governs its water rights, where surface water, including the abundance of rivers, lakes, and streams, provides irrigation, wildlife habitats, and more. Water rights are overseen by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).
The Delaware and Susquehanna Rivers flow over 400 miles through the state and into the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay, respectively, serving as major transportation routes for goods and people and ample wildlife habitat and riverfront properties.
Pennsylvania Mineral Rights
The state has a long history of mineral extraction, with coal mining being particularly important to the state's economy for many years. The surface landowner and the subsurface mineral owner are often separate entities, with the mineral rights frequently having been severed from the surface rights in the past.
With the development of natural gas reserves, Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection has implemented regulations to curb the effects of drilling and mineral extraction on wildlife and agriculture while still protecting the rights of surface landowners.
Pennsylvania Industry & Recreation
One of the most popular recreational activities in Pennsylvania is hiking. The state is home to hundreds of miles of trails, including sections of the Appalachian Trail, which runs from Georgia to Maine. Hiking opportunities range from gentle strolls through state parks to challenging backcountry treks, and the state's diverse landscapes provide plenty of opportunities to explore scenic vistas, waterfalls, and wildlife habitats.
Pennsylvania is also a great place for camping, fishing, and hunting. The state has numerous campgrounds, ranging from primitive backcountry sites to RV parks with full amenities. Alongside the inland rivers and waterways that Pennsylvania offers, the state is also home to numerous lakes and reservoirs, including Lake Erie, the largest lake in the state. Lake Erie provides important habitat for fish and wildlife, and it is a popular destination for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. Fishing opportunities abound in Pennsylvania's rivers, lakes, and streams, with species such as trout, bass, and catfish among the most commonly targeted.
Manufacturing, agriculture, and technology continue to thrive in the state as it continues to grow in steel production, renewable and non-renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing for aerospace and medical equipment.
Inspired to purchase rural land for sale in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania’s commitment to innovation and conservation and its investment in research and development ensures that its abundant natural resources and opportunities for development will help the state continue on the path to growth and success. Whether you are looking for farmland for sale in Pennsylvania, land for sale in the Pennsylvania mountains, or simply a cabin in the woods to call home, look no further than this abundant and thriving state.
