The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Thursday invited hikers and other visitors to again sample the rugged beauty of the Sproul State Forest in Clinton County when the three-day "Prowl the Sproul" series of hikes steps off on July 27. 

Marking its 15th year, the increasingly popular hiking program links participants with guides from the Bureau of Forestry, Keystone Trails Association, and local civic and sportsmen's groups.

"With its thousands of mountainous, unspoiled acres to explore, Sproul State Forest offers a network of trails that draws hikers of all abilities, from beginners to seasoned veterans,” said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. "This unique invitation is extended by the folks who best know this rugged forest district amid the Pennsylvania Wilds."

DCNR and KTA guides have selected many of the most popular trails in Sproul State Forest, including hikes on sections of the Chuck Keiper, Donut Hole, Eagleton Mine Camp, Jack Paulhamus Garby, and T-Squared trails, and the Long Fork Loop. Guides again will lead hikers off the beaten path to some of the lesser-known, natural jewels of Sproul State Forest. 

Hikers will be able to choose from hikes featuring one of the oldest trout nurseries in Pennsylvania, waterfalls, overlooks, old railroad grades, historical sites, unique woodlands, and flora that make the Sproul State Forest truly unique among DCNR’s 20 state forest districts.

To combat summer heat, several refreshing hikes are planned to streams, waterfalls, and other cool spots known only by DCNR guides.

Guided hikes ranging from three to nine miles will offer hikers a variety of terrain and difficulty levels before Sproul XV events close July 29. 

In total, the weekend will feature 18 guided hikes: three July 27; ten July 28; and five July 29. Participants are advised to register early, as each hike will be limited to 20 hikers.

Detailed hike descriptions and registration forms can be found on the Keystone Trails Association website.

For general information, contact the Sproul State Forest District Office, 15187 Renovo Road, Renovo; or call 570-923-6011.

More information on some of the planned hikes can be found at the Explore PA Trails website.

For more information on state parks and forests and recreation in Pennsylvania, visit DCNR’s website, Click Here to sign up for the Resource newsletter, Visit the Good Natured DCNR Blog,  Click Here for upcoming events, Click Here to hook up with DCNR on other social media-- Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.

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[Posted: July 5, 2018]

7/9/2018