Foraging for Wild Mushrooms in Pennsylvania: What You Need to Know

Learn where to legally forage wild mushrooms in Pennsylvania, how to avoid toxic look-alikes, and key safety tips. This guide covers laws, common edible mushrooms, and best practices to help you forage safely and responsibly.

Mushroom foraging is growing in popularity, and Pennsylvania is a fantastic place to do it. But before you head out with your basket, there are some key things to know—not just about which mushrooms to pick, but also the rules and risks that come with foraging.

When and Where to Forage

Mushroom season in Pennsylvania runs from early spring through late fall, with plenty of opportunities to find edible species. Some of the most common and easy-to-identify mushrooms include Hen of the Woods, Chicken of the Woods, and Shrimp of the Woods. If you’re just getting started, these are great ones to look for.

Where Can You Legally Forage?

Before you start collecting mushrooms, it’s crucial to understand the rules about where you can and cannot forage. The information below is a general guide, but always check for the most up-to-date regulations.

Pittsburgh City Parks – Foraging is not allowed. City ordinances prohibit removing any plants, trees, or natural materials from parks.
Allegheny County Parks – Similar to city parks, removing plants (including mushrooms) is prohibited unless you have written permission. The Western Pennsylvania Mushroom Club (WPMC) gets annual permission for guided mushroom walks, but this doesn’t apply to individuals.
Pennsylvania State Parks – Personal foraging is allowed in reasonable amounts, but commercial harvesting is prohibited. You also can’t collect mushrooms listed as threatened or endangered.
Pennsylvania State Forests – The same rules as state parks apply: personal-use foraging is allowed, but commercial foraging is not.
PA Game Commission Lands – Mushrooms can be foraged, but rules may vary by location, so always double-check.
Allegheny National Forest – Personal-use foraging is allowed up to 8 liters (2 gallons) plus one extra mushroom per adult per day. Anything beyond that requires a free permit. Commercial foraging requires a paid permit.
National Parks – Some National Parks allow foraging, but Pennsylvania doesn’t have any National Parks where this applies.
Private Property – Never forage on private land without permission. It’s trespassing—plain and simple.

The Western Pennsylvania Mushroom Club (WPMC) promotes foraging for recreational, educational, and scientific purposes where permitted, but does not support commercial harvesting from city, county, or state parks. The FDA also has strict regulations about selling foraged mushrooms, so if you plan to sell them, check the rules carefully.

The Risks of Misidentification

Foraging is rewarding, but it’s not without risks. Some mushrooms are toxic—even deadly—so knowing what you’re picking is critical.

Just this October, the Philadelphia Poison Control Center reported 11 cases of wild mushroom poisoning, with seven hospitalizations, three ICU admissions, and one organ transplant due to toxicity. Misidentification is a serious issue, and some poisonous mushrooms closely resemble safe ones.

For example, chanterelles are a prized edible mushroom, but they have look-alikes that cause illness and taste terrible. Cooking won’t necessarily make toxic mushrooms safe—some species can still cause liver failure, even when cooked.

How to Stay Safe While Foraging

If you’re foraging, follow these golden rules:

Use proper identification tools – A good field guide (or an expert) is your best friend.
Avoid gilled mushrooms if you’re a beginner – Many toxic species have gills, and even experienced foragers can mistake them for safe ones.
Take clear pictures before eating – Snap photos of the top, bottom, stem, and base of any mushroom you collect. If you get sick, doctors can use these to identify the mushroom.
Eat only a small amount first – Even safe mushrooms can cause digestive upset in some people. Start small.
Know that toxic mushrooms vary by region – A mushroom that’s safe in one part of the world could have a toxic twin in Pennsylvania.

If You Suspect Mushroom Poisoning

Symptoms of mushroom poisoning can take hours or even days to appear. If you or someone you know eats a questionable mushroom and starts feeling unwell, get medical help immediately.

📞 Call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 for expert guidance.

Foraging is a fantastic way to connect with nature and enjoy wild food, but knowledge is your best tool. Follow the rules, respect the land, and always err on the side of caution. Happy hunting!