Sproul State Forest

In northern Centre County, find endless opportunities for outdoor recreation in Sproul State Forest. The largest in the state forest system, Sproul covers 305,450 acres.

For hikers, the Chuck Keiper Trail features a 50-mile, double-looped system. Centre County also features access to the Donut Hole Trail, spanning from Kettle Creek Park to Hyner Run State Park.

Over 400 miles of freestone, cold-water streams flow through Sproul State Forest, making it an excellent option for visitors to Happy Valley looking to fish. 

ATV riders can find designated areas within the forest system. The Snow Shoe Rails to Trails connects to the Bloody Skillet ATV riding area in Centre County via a 6.5-mile connector trail. Bloody Skillet is open during the summer and winter seasons. The summer season runs from the Friday before Memorial Day through the last full weekend in September.

According to the PA Department of Conservation and Recreation, Sproul State Forest was named in memory of William C. Sproul, Governor of Pennsylvania from 1919 to 1923. Governor Sproul was best known for the expansion of the public education system in Pennsylvania.

Nearby, find Happy Valley’s Bald Eagle State Park, featuring camping, hiking, mountain biking, boating and even more opportunities.