Footsteps of Forestry: The Pinchots and Milford Walking Tour

In the beginning of the 20th century, the United States developed a brand-new agency that would administer the nation’s national forests and grasslands. Its first Chief was a man from Pennsylvania named Gifford Pinchot. Dedicating his life to professional forest management, Pinchot defined the ideological ethics of the conservation movement, introducing America to the sustainability and profitability of better forestry operations. In Milford, Pennsylvania, Gifford turned his family estate, known as Grey Towers, into a sort of headquarters for nurturing the blossoming forestry and conservation movement. Today, Grey Towers, at its perch in the hills above Milford overlooking the Delaware River, is a National Historic Landmark operated by the US Forest Service.

The Pinchot family legacy can be explored by visiting some significant locations where the dynasty had prominent influence in Milford, PA. The Pinchots and Milford Walking Tour takes visitors to fifteen sites in Milford that were either built by or used by Pinchot family members. Each tour starts in the center of town at the white, Neoclassical “Community House” and follows a half-mile pathway while explaining the history and the Pinchot family’s role in shaping the future of Milford.

Built in 1824 by Gifford’s grandfather, the Milford Community House is the earliest of the Pinchot buildings, marking the beginning of a new era in Milford. Today, after having been donated to the public by the Pinchot family, the Milford Community House is just now finishing a complete renovation that has transformed the building, both inside and out, into its former glory. It will be a county visitor center to create and build business in the tourism industry for Pike County.

Other stops along the walking tour include the unique Normandy Cottage, a Tudor Revival cottage once part of the Pinchot family garden, and the summer retreat, Hotel Fauchere, as well as the European copper beech tree on West Ann Street. Known for its large, dark gray trunk that resembles an elephant’s leg, the leaves of the copper beech tree are rich bronze in the spring and rarely do they thrive in such small quarters. As one of Pinchot’s favorite trees, nine were planted by him on his Grey Towers estate.

For more information on the Pinchots and Milford Walking Tour, visit the website. Registration for the event is required and can be done here. Don’t forget to plan you Milford walking tour today with a stay at a nearby bed and breakfast!

Milford Community House

201 Broad St.

Milford, PA 18337