Hikers and other visitors are invited to sample the rugged beauty of the Sproul State Forest when the three-day "Prowl the Sproul" series of hikes begins on July 19.

Marking its 10th year, the increasingly popular hiking program links forest visitors with guides from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources' Bureau of Forestry, Keystone Trails Association and local civic and sportsmen's groups such as the Western Clinton Sportsmen's Association.

"Located in heart of the Pennsylvania Wilds, this area offers thousands of mountainous, unspoiled acres to explore. That's exactly what keeps 'Prowl the Sproul' participants coming back year after year from across the state," DCNR Acting Secretary Ellen Ferretti said.

A wide variety of the most popular trails in Sproul State Forest have been selected to offer hikers different terrain and scenery before the event concludes on July 21, including the Donut Hole, Eagleton Mine Camp and Jack Paulhamus/Garby trails. Guides will lead hikers on some new hikes as well as off the beaten path to see some of the lesser-known, natural jewels of the Sproul State Forest.

The hikes will feature waterfalls, overlooks, old railroad grades, unique woodlands and flora, all of which make Sproul truly unique among the 20 state forest districts. They will range from 3.9 to 12 miles to offer hikers a variety of difficulty levels, terrain and scenery.

Seasoned veterans or those seeking to challenge themselves can sign up - limited to the first 20 individuals - for the Chuck Keiper Slackpack, where they will cover the entire 50 miles of the Chuck Keiper Trail over the three-day weekend.

The PA Trail Dogs will host the fifth annual "Prowl the Sproul 10K" on July 20. The race is billed as among the most challenging 10Ks in the state and features a grueling 3-mile climb from the Western Clinton County Sportsmen's Environmental Education Center to the top of Little McCloskey Hollow, and then down 3.5-miles of downhill trail.

Participants can register on the KTA website or by emailing Craig Fleming at patraildogs@yahoo.com.

Food and lodging options are available for the weekend, but reservations are required.

Visit the KTA Prowl the Sproul webpage.

For general information, visit DCNR’s Sproul State Forest webpage or call the District Office at 570-923-6011.

7/22/2013