{{Short description|Natural area in Pennsylvania}} {{Use mdy dates|date=May 2026}} {{Infobox protected area | name = Cranberry Swamp Natural Area | alt_name = | iucn_category = | image = Cranberry Swamp Natural Area (11) (18094347445).jpg | image_alt = | image_caption = | image_size = | map = USA Pennsylvania | map_alt = | map_caption = Location within Pennsylvania | map_width = | location = [[Clinton County, Pennsylvania|Clinton County]], [[Pennsylvania]] | nearest_town = [[Renovo, Pennsylvania|Renovo]] | coordinates = {{coord|41.2527|N|77.7244|W|region:US-PA|format=dms|display=inline,title}} | coords_ref = | area = {{convert|144|acre}} | established = | visitation_num = | visitation_year = | governing_body = | url = }}
'''Cranberry Swamp Natural Area''' is a {{convert|144|acre|ha|adj=on}} [[protected area]] in [[Clinton County, Pennsylvania|Clinton County]], [[Pennsylvania]], United States. It is part of [[Sproul State Forest]].<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |title=Sproul State Forest Wild and Natural Areas |url=https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/recreation/where-to-go/state-forests/find-a-forest/sproul/wild-natural-areas |access-date=2026-05-23 |website=Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="Fergus">{{Cite book |last=Fergus |first=Charles |title=Natural Pennsylvania: Exploring the State Forest Natural Areas |publisher=Stackpole Books |year=2002 |location=Mechanicsburg, PA |pages=159–161}}</ref>
== Description == The Natural Area was established to preserve a [[Cranberry|cranberry bog]] of a type that is uncommon in Pennsylvania.<ref name=":8" /> The landscape was formed in a poorly-drained area between two low ridges, and black bears have been reported in the area.<ref name="Fergus" /> It has also been noted for stands of trees that are uncommon in the region, such as [[Betula papyrifera|white birch]] and [[Prunus serotina|black cherry]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schneck |first=Marcus |date=2022-08-04 |title=An insider’s list of the best things to see, do in Pa. state forests |url=https://www.pennlive.com/life/2022/08/house-sized-glacial-boulders-island-campsites-and-more-from-an-insiders-list-of-things-to-see-in-pa-state-forests.html |access-date=2026-05-23 |website=pennlive |language=en}}</ref> Sphagnum moss and other specialized wetland plants can also be found.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cranberry Swamp Natural Area |url=http://elibrary.dcnr.pa.gov/GetDocument?docId=3839689&DocName=FD10%20Sproul%20Cranberry%20Swamp%20Natural%20Area%20Factsheet%202021.pdf |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20231216144152/http://elibrary.dcnr.pa.gov/GetDocument?docId=3839689&DocName=FD10%20Sproul%20Cranberry%20Swamp%20Natural%20Area%20Factsheet%202021.pdf |archive-date=2023-12-16 |access-date=2026-05-23 |website=Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources}}</ref> The area is skirted by the [[Chuck Keiper Trail]], from which a loop trail departs to walk around the bog.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Gantz |first1=Dave |title=The Chuck Keiper Trail Guide |date=2016 |publisher=Scott Adams Enterprises |isbn=9780986253959 |location=Boalsburg, PA |page=39–43}}</ref>
== References == {{reflist}}
{{Protected Areas of Pennsylvania}}
[[Category:Protected areas of Clinton County, Pennsylvania]]