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Sproul, Susquehannock State Forests To Host Hiking Activities July 16-18
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The rugged beauty of the Sproul and Susquehannock state forests in Northcentral Pennsylvania will be showcased for hikers and other visitors when the three-day "Prowl the Sproul" series of hikes begins on July 16.
Marking its seventh year, the increasingly popular hiking program links forest visitors with guides from the Bureau of Forestry, Keystone Trails Association and local civic and sportsmen's groups.
"This is a very unique invitation, extended by the folks who best know the scenic beauty and exciting outdoor world of the PA Wilds," said Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary John Quigley. "With thousands of acres of mountainous, unspoiled beauty, these two state forests offer the perfect venues for hikers all ages and abilities to hit the trails."
At least 20 of the most popular trails in Sproul and the neighboring Susquehannock state forest districts have been selected to offer hikers a variety of terrain and scenery before "Prowl the Sproul VII" events close on July 18.
Secretary Quigley noted hikes are planned to showcase waterfalls, overlooks, unique woodlands and flora that make Sproul and Susquehannock truly unique among Pennsylvania's 20 state forest districts.
"What better way to be introduced to the joys of hiking than to have skilled, knowledgeable group leaders guiding you across the PA Wilds to some of the most scenic hiking areas in the state?" Secretary Quigley said.
"Every year, the hikes just keep getting better and better," said Curt Ashenfelter, executive director of the Keystone Trails Association. "I encourage all novice, intermediate and expert hikers to join us to enjoy some of the best trails in the United States and to make some new hiking friends."
Besides the KTA, DCNR's Bureau of Forestry is teaming up with the Western Clinton Sportsmen's Association and Greater Renovo Area Heritage Park Vision Project to introduce association members and the public to the wealth of hiking opportunities found in north-central Pennsylvania.
Visit the KTA website to register for hikes. For general information, contact the Sproul State Forest District Office at 570-923-6011 or by visiting it at 15187 Renovo Road, Renovo.
Guided hikes ranging from three to 12 miles offer hikers a variety of difficulty levels, terrain and scenery. This year, eight new hikes will be introduced and guides will lead hikers off the beaten path to see some of the lesser-known, natural jewels of the state forests.
Hikes include: a new outing through the Nature Conservancy's West Branch property; Jack Paulhamus/Garby Trail; Round Island Trail (featuring the Round Island Waterfalls); T-Squared Trail; Chuck Keiper Trail (portion of the eastern loop); Cooks Run Loop; Baker's Run/Eagleton Loop; Baker's Run/Clendenin Loop; Twin Sisters Trail (in Hammersley Wild Area); Donut Hole Trail (portion of the western extension); Paddy's Run Falls; and Chuck Keiper-Yost Loop and Long Fork Loop (both PA Wilds destination trails).
Also, Craig Fleming and the Pennsylvania Trail Dogs, sponsors of the Hyner View Challenge, will sponsor the third annual Prowl the Sproul 10K hike/run on July 17. This challenging course will take runners up the Little McCloskey Jeep trail and down the Little McCloskey Hiking Trail. Visit KTA website for registration and other details.
Organized in 1956, KTA is a 1,100-member umbrella organization made up of 50 hiking and outdoors organizations in and around Pennsylvania.
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7/12/2010 |
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