Sproul State Forest

About Sproul State Forest

The Sproul State Forest, located on the western edge of Pennsylvania north of Harrisburg, is named after former Pennsylvania Governor William J. Sprol. As we all know, Governor Sprul was known during his term for his efforts to expand Pennsylvania's public education system.

Today, the forest includes some of the most rugged and remote forests in Pennsylvania, and the area offers a wealth of natural beauty as well as opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, hunting and recreation.

Governor Sproul is best known for his efforts to expand Pennsylvania's public education system. The Spoul State Forest is named after his father, former Pennsylvania Governor William J. Sprul, and his wife Ann.

Sproul's acquisition of land for the state forest began in 1898, when the Clinton County Commissioners cleared a piece of forest in the Young Woman's Creek watershed. The forest is located in the west and north of Clinton and covers an area of about 1,500 acres (2,000 square miles).

This first purchase also marked the beginning of the state forestry system, which has grown over the years. The site has been designated as a suitable monument by the US Army Corps of Engineers and the Pennsylvania Department of Natural Resources. There are now more than 2,500 acres (1,000 square miles) of state forest that is managed for the benefit of Pennsylvania's citizens.

The Sproul State Forest is criss-crossed by two trails designated for state forest: the Chuck Keiper Trail and the Green Mountain Trail. Characterized by orange splashes of paint, it is a 2.2-mile track that includes a run and is one of the most popular tracks in the state of Pennsylvania.

The trail leads to Kettle Creek Park and ends in Hyner Run State Park, which is marked by orange flames. In most parts of the State Forest of Sproul there are numerous other hiking trails, which were originally built for fire safety reasons and offer good hiking opportunities. The Donut Hole Trail is about 90 miles long and connects to the Green Mountain Trail and Chuck Keiper Trail.

This ride consists of a 15-mile loop and offers scenic views of the state forest, Green Mountain Trail and Chuck Keiper Trail. In the state forest of Sproul there are a number of marked and well maintained trails, such as the Donut Hole Trail, the Kettle Creek Trail and many others.

Drivers can also take advantage of designated hiking trails in the state forest, such as the Green Mountain Trail and Chuck Keiper Trail, as well as other designated hiking trails.

All trails in the Sproul State Forest are open to mountain bikers, and hiking maps are available at the Spoul District Office. Some trails, such as the Green Mountain Trail and Chuck Keiper Trail, are overgrown but kept clear in summer.

The Eagleton Mine Camp Trail offers an excellent bike path, but many sections are narrow, steep and rocky. It is recommended to contact the county council to find a route that is more suitable for horse riding.

The northern section is not as technical as the southern, but still a good option for hikers and mountain bikers, especially in winter.

The Bear Ski Trail is located on the Hyner Mountains and stretches over 14 miles, and the trail covers varied terrain and offers opportunities for beginners and advanced skiers. Snowmobiling trails are available when snow conditions allow, as well as trails for snowshoeing and snowmobiling. The Hyners Mountain Trail System is marked and groomed, with a variety of trails that can be used by hikers, mountain bikers, snowmobilers, skis, cross-country skiers and mountain bikers.

There are areas in the Sproul State Forest that are accessible to all - off-road vehicles, but many state forests are also open to licensed motorized vehicles such as snowmobiles, mountain bikers, cross-country skiers and snowshoers. This area consists of Huling Branch and Two Mile Run and is bordered by the Middletown River, Hyner Mountain Trail System and a number of other trails.

The rest of the state forest in Sproul is closed to all but off-road vehicles except for the Middletown River, the Hyner Mountain Trail System and a number of other trails.