This is not really an old-growth forest, but together with the Pine Creek Gorge, it represents an unusual opportunity to get a feel for the way those forests looked when they were unmodified by human activities. Stretching for 70 miles along Sinnemahoning Creek and the West Branch of the Susquehanna River, the mixed oak and northern hardwood forests along the steep high slopes of the valley are especially beautiful in the winter time, when ice and snow cover the rivers themselves.

Radiating off to either side are side roads that lead to some of the most inaccessible parts of this Auto Tour (Lower Jerry Run (B3), Johnson Run (B2), and the proposed "new" old-growth area above Keating (B6, Sproul State Forest Proposal)). At the east end of the area, 20 miles west of Lock Haven on PA Rt. 120, turn north at a sign for Hyner Run State Park and Hyner Run Vista. This is one of the best viewpoints along the Allegheny Front, dividing the folded ridge-and-valley province from the Allegheny Plateau, with a 1,300 foot drop. Hang gliders often launch from the area.

Access Details

The area runs roughly parallel to PA Rt 120 along the West Branch of the Susquehanna and Sinnemahoning Creek for approximately 75 miles from Emporium to Lock Haven.

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