🏔️ Pennsylvania’s Largest State Forest — 305,000 Acres of Wilderness With Hyner View, Wild Trout, and 140+ Miles of Backcountry Trails — Home to the legendary Hyner View hang gliding overlook, 50-mile Chuck Keiper Trail, Class A wild trout streams, and some of the most remote backcountry in the eastern US — Clinton/Centre Counties, Pennsylvania
Sproul State Forest is the largest state forest in Pennsylvania at an astonishing 305,450 acres — nearly half a million acres of steep ridges, deep ravines, and unbroken hardwood forest in the heart of the Pennsylvania Wilds. This is big, remote, rugged country: the kind of place where you can hike for days on backcountry trails without seeing another person.
The forest is anchored by two iconic features: Hyner View State Park, a world-famous overlook and hang gliding launch site perched 1,300 feet above the West Branch of the Susquehanna River, and the Kettle Creek watershed, one of the finest wild trout fisheries in the state. Two long-distance trails — the 50-mile Chuck Keiper Trail and the 90-mile Donut Hole Trail — traverse some of the most isolated terrain east of the Mississippi.
Major Trails
| Trail | Distance | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chuck Keiper Trail | 50 mi loop | Strenuous | Remote wilderness, stream crossings, ravines |
| Donut Hole Trail | 90 mi | Strenuous | Multi-day thru-hike, deep forest |
| Hyner View Trail | ~3 mi RT | Moderate | Overlook access, Susquehanna views |
What to Do
| Activity | Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hyner View Overlook | 1,300 ft above Susquehanna | One of PA’s most famous viewpoints |
| Hang Gliding | Launch platform at Hyner View | Fly-in events Memorial/Labor Day |
| Wild Trout Fishing | Kettle Creek watershed | Class A streams, native brook trout |
| Backcountry Camping | Dispersed throughout forest | Free, primitive — pack-in/pack-out |
| Hunting | Black bear, deer, turkey | PA game license required |
| Wildlife Viewing | Elk (nearby), black bears | PA Wilds elk range adjacent |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Weather | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Fall (Oct–Nov) | 40–62°F | Spectacular foliage, hunting, crisp hiking |
| Spring (Apr–May) | 45–68°F | Wild trout season, wildflowers, waterfalls |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | 70–85°F | Backpacking, swimming holes, long days |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | 15–35°F | Solitude, snowshoeing — roads may be gated |
💰 Trip Cost Estimator
| Expense | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Entrance | FREE | State forest — no entry fee |
| Backcountry Camping | FREE | Dispersed, primitive, pack-in/pack-out |
| Fishing License (PA) | $22.97 resident | Trout stamp additional |
| Day Trip | $0 | Hyner View + trails — completely free |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hyner View worth the drive?
Absolutely. It’s one of the most dramatic overlooks in Pennsylvania — 1,300 feet above the Susquehanna River valley. The hang gliding launches (Memorial Day and Labor Day fly-ins) are spectacular to watch.
Can I camp for free?
Yes. Dispersed backcountry camping is free throughout the state forest. No reservations needed — just follow Leave No Trace principles.
How remote is it?
Very. Sproul is the largest state forest in PA, and large sections have no cell service, no developed facilities, and no other hikers. Come prepared for true wilderness.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Hemlock State Forest Park (a short drive away) or Hyner View State Park (a short drive away).
🏔️ Pennsylvania’s Biggest Wilderness
305,000 acres, Hyner View hang gliding, wild trout, and 140+ miles of backcountry trails — Pennsylvania’s largest and most remote state forest.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Sproul State Forest
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed in day-use areas of Pennsylvania state parks and in designated campground sites, but must be physically controlled, attended at all times and leashed, caged or crated.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash required at all times; no universal maximum length — inquire at the park office (electronic fences/shock collars not accepted as control)
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are prohibited in swimming areas and designated beaches
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Dogs allowed in a limited number of designated cabins, cottages and yurts (pilot program); maximum two dogs per unit; dogs must be house-trained and current on rabies vaccination
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No standard statewide pet fee; fees may be assessed for damage in dog-friendly lodging
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Maximum two non-caged pets per campsite; pets prohibited in buildings; pet food may not be left outside camping units
Are dogs allowed at Sproul State Forest?
Pets are allowed in day-use areas of Pennsylvania state parks and in designated campground sites, but must be physically controlled, attended at all times and leashed, caged or crated. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via pa.gov. More: Pennsylvania state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Sproul State Forest
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
