Sproul State Forest facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sproul State Forest |
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IUCN Category VI (Managed Resource Protected Area)
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View of the West Branch Susquehanna River valley and Sproul State Forest, looking east from Hyner View State Park.
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 Sproul State Forest
Location in Pennsylvania
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| Location | Pennsylvania, United States |
| Area | 280,000 acres (1,100 km2) |
| Established | 1898 |
| Governing body | Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources |
| Website | Sproul State Forest |
Sproul State Forest is a large state forest in Pennsylvania, United States. It's managed by the Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry. The main office for the forest is in Renovo, Pennsylvania.
This forest covers about 280,000 acres (113,000 hectares) of land. Most of it is in Clinton and Centre Counties. You can also find parts of the forest in Potter, Cameron, and Lycoming Counties. The trees here are part of the Allegheny Highlands forests. The forest was named after William C. Sproul, who was the governor of Pennsylvania from 1919 to 1923.
The first land for Sproul State Forest was bought in 1898. This was also the very first land purchased by Pennsylvania for what are now its twenty State Forests. Today, these forests cover over two million acres (810,000 hectares) across the state.
Contents
Forest History
Sproul State Forest is named after William C. Sproul, who was the governor of Pennsylvania. The forest was created because people were worried about Pennsylvania's trees. In the 1800s, many forests were cut down for lumber and iron. Companies would clear-cut huge areas, leaving behind only tree tops and stumps.
Sparks from steam trains often started big wildfires. These fires stopped new trees from growing back. People like Dr. Joseph Rothrock, a conservationist, became concerned. They feared the forests would never grow again if things didn't change.
These conservationists wanted the state to buy land from the lumber and iron companies. The companies were happy to sell because they had already used up the trees. Changes began in 1895 when Dr. Rothrock became the first commissioner of the Pennsylvania Department of Forests and Waters. This department helps manage the state's natural areas today.
In 1897, a law was passed to buy land for "forest reservations." This was the start of Pennsylvania's State Forest system, which helps protect and manage these important natural spaces.
Fun Activities and Trails
Sproul State Forest is a great place for outdoor adventures! You can enjoy many different activities here.
Hiking Trails
There are two main hiking trail systems in Sproul State Forest. They are marked as State Forest Trails.
- The Chuck Keiper Trail is a 50-mile (80 km) double-loop system. It goes through the Fish Dam Wild Area and Burns Run Wild Area. Look for orange paint marks to follow this trail.
- The Donut Hole Trail is about 90 miles (140 km) long. It connects to the Susquehannock Trail System. This trail goes through Kettle Creek Park and ends at Hyner Run State Park. It is also marked with orange paint.
- The Eagleton Mine Camp Trail (EMCT) is a loop trail about 20 miles (32 km) long. It has a connector trail in the middle. This trail is marked in red.
Many other foot trails exist that were first built to help fight fires. These trails are not marked or kept up. If you hike on them, always be prepared for the weather. Make sure to use a map and compass to stay safe.
Horseback Riding
An Equestrian Trail near Kettle Creek State Park is a 15-mile (24 km) loop. The Eagleton Mine Camp Trail, which is also for multiple uses, offers a 20-mile (32 km) loop. This trail goes through several interesting historical spots.
You can also ride horses on old woods roads and State Forest Roads. Just make sure they are not marked hiking trails or water protection areas. You can get trail maps from the Sproul district office.
Mountain Biking
Most trails in Sproul State Forest are open for mountain biking. The only exceptions are the Donut Hole Trail and the Chuck Keiper Trail. Some trails can get overgrown in the summer. It's a good idea to contact the district office to find out which trails are best for biking.
The Eagleton Mine Camp Trail is excellent for biking. Some parts are narrow, steep, and rocky. The northern part of the loop is not as difficult as the southern part.
Cross-country Skiing
The Hiking Bear Ski Trail is on Hyner Mountain. It is 14 miles (23 km) long. This trail has different types of terrain, so it's good for both new and experienced skiers.
Snowmobiling
Snowmobile trails are open when there is enough snow. The Hyner Mountain Trail system is marked and groomed. Many State Forest Roads are also open for both snowmobiles and regular cars.
All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs)
There is one area in Sproul State Forest where you can ride ATVs. This area is near the Huling Branch of Two Mile Run. It includes old woods roads and old coal mining roads. All other parts of Sproul State Forest are closed to ATV use.
Fishing and Hunting
Fishing Fun
Sproul State Forest has over 400 miles (640 km) of clear, cold water streams. Twelve of these streams are special "Wilderness Trout Streams." This means they have very clean water and lots of native trout.
Hunting Adventures
The forest is home to many animals. You can find black bears, whitetail deer, and wild turkeys here. These animals are found in good numbers throughout Sproul State Forest.
Other Ways to Play
Hang Gliding
Hyner View State Park offers a unique chance to go hang gliding during certain times of the year. Hang gliders launch from a high viewpoint and soar over the West Branch of the Susquehanna River.
Nearby Forests and Parks
Neighboring State Forests
- Susquehannock State Forest to the north
- Tiadaghton State Forest to the east
- Bald Eagle State Forest to the southeast
- Rothrock State Forest to the south
- Moshannon State Forest to the southwest
- Elk State Forest to the west
Nearby State Parks
- Bucktail State Park Natural Area
- Kettle Creek State Park
- Hyner Run State Park
- Hyner View State Park
- Bald Eagle State Park
Images for kids
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An area within Sproul State Forest.
