Sproul State Forest
🏔️ 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.
🏔️ 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.
