Grey Towers is the ancestral home of Gifford Pinchot, first chief of the US Forest Service and twice Governor of Pennsylvania. Pinchot, a dynamic personality with strong opinions, also is known as the father of the nation’s Conservation Movement, having introduced the idea of scientific forestry to America. He worked diligently for progressive causes and the common good with his close friend, President Theodore Roosevelt.
Pinchot’s family donated Grey Towers to the US Forest Service and it was dedicated in 1963 by President John F. Kennedy to be the home of the Pinchot Institute for Conservation. Today, the chateauesque 1886 mansion serves as a conference facility for conservation groups and as a center for natural resource education programs. It offers a Conservation & the Arts program, house and garden tours, and other recreational activities, including short hiking trails.
Recreational Activities
There are a variety of activities available at Grey Towers including:
House and Garden Tours — Guided tours are conducted daily from Memorial Day weekend through the end of October. Tours are offered on the hour from 10:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m. The fee for tours is Adults- $5, Seniors - $4, Youth 12-17 - $2, Under 12 - free. The guided tour takes the visitor through three rooms of the first floor of the mansion and surrounding gardens. There is no fee to explore the grounds, which are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Hiking Trails:
(Please check on trail availability before visiting, as some access is limited due to construction projects)
Forestry Trail
You can "practice" forestry along this well-groomed loop through the woods. Great for families or small groups. This trail is less than 1 mile and can take 30 minutes or 3 hours depending on the number of activities in which the hiker participates.
Trail of Time
Take a walk through time to learn about the Pinchot land, lives and legacy on this easy, less-than-1/2-mile stroll from the Gate House to the amphitheater. This enjoyable hike takes about 15 minutes.
Bluebird Trail
Visit our nestbox trail to catch a glimpse of these colorful birds and other feathered friends. Approximately 1/4 mile.
Hike with Smokey
Kids! Borrow a Smokey backpack and stroll around the grounds while you learn about Smokey Bear and forest fires.
Tree Trail
Wander, walk, saunter, run, skip or hop through the field along the estate driveway and learn about some of the trees of Grey Towers. Tree ID signs reveal the names and most popular uses of these trees.
For more details about the trails and activities visit http://www.fs.fed/us/gt/index.shtml
Grey Towers Video