NEWS RELEASE

COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
Department of Conservation
and Natural Resources
Commonwealth News Bureau
Room 308, Main Capitol
Harrisburg, PA 17120

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Terry Brady
DCNR Deputy Press Secretary
(717) 772-9101

SPROUL STATE FOREST DISTRICT, KEYSTONE TRAILS HOSTING SERIES OF HIKES FOR MEMBERS, PUBLIC
Outings Planned for all Interests, Abilities in Three-Day Event

HARRISBURG (July 11, 2006) — People interested in learning more about hiking and Pennsylvania’s natural scenery are invited to attend the third annual “Prowl the Sproul” this month at Sproul State Forest in Clinton County.

Sproul State Forest District officials and the Keystone Trails Association are sponsoring the annual event to educate the general public and association members about the wealth of hiking opportunities in north central Pennsylvania.

“Prowl the Sproul” will offer guided hikes and demonstration programs and will take place from Friday, July 21, through Sunday, July 23. At least 12 of the most popular trails in Sproul and the neighboring Tiadaghton and Susquehannock state forest districts have been selected to offer hikers a variety of terrain and scenery.

“Increasing in popularity each year, the ‘Prowl’ event pairs those uninitiated to both the terrain and hiking with Keystone Trails Association members and forestry workers who know and love the area,” said Sproul District Forester Douglas D’Amore. “The program is an excellent way to lure newcomers into the Pennsylvania Wilds region, which is so rich in natural beauty, yet unknown to so many.”

Keystone Trails Association and Sproul State Forest District are partnering with the Greater Renovo Area Heritage Park Vision Project and Western Clinton Sportsmen’s Association in the sponsorship of the event.

“We continue to embrace the chance to support the ‘Prowl the Sproul’ effort in one of our most rugged and scenic state forest regions,” said Keystone Trails Association Administrator Pam Metzger. “With skilled and knowledgeable group leaders, what better way to introduce the uninitiated to the joys of hiking?”

Ranging in length from one to 11 miles, and picked to offer easy to very strenuous hiking, selected trails include: Chuck Keiper, Donut Hole, Garby, Hammersly Fork Wild Area, Black Forest, Eagleton Mine Camp, T-Squared Trail, and Mid-State. Loop hikes include: Yost Run, Eddy Lick Run, Kettle Creek, Boone Road, Eagleton Mine Camp, and section of the Chuck Keiper and Donut Hole trails. Vistas visited will include: Hyner View, Kettle Creek, Fish Dam, Two Rock Run Vista, and Altar Rock. Guided hikes will be centered in Clinton and Centre counties and extend into Lycoming and Potter counties.

Although “Prowl the Sproul” is free, pre-registration is required. For more information and a description of planned hikes, visit www.kta-hike.org or contact Sproul State Forest District Office at (570) 923-6011. To register, contact Keystone Trails Association Administrator Metzger at (814)-395-9696.

Representing 50 hiking clubs across the state, Keystone Trails Association represents the interests of almost 12,000 hiking enthusiasts.

###

2006