Hiking

Trail Definitions

Difficulty Ratings

Easiest -- For beginner trail users. Grade is gentle with few obstacles.
More Difficult -- For the majority of trail users. Grade is steeper and trails narrower with embedded rocks or roots on the trail surface.
Most Difficult -- For trail users with advanced skills. Grade is steep and provides a definite physical challenge. Routes may not be well marked. Elevation gain or loss is severe.

Trail Route Type

Loop -- Start and end at the same location and follow a single trail to form a loop.
Out-and-back -- Start and end at a trailhead and follow a single trail to an endpoint or specific point of interest, then return along the same route.
Point-to-point -- Trails are generally longer in distance and parks may often contain only a portion of the trail within their boundary. Hiker starts and ends in different locations, often requiring a shuttle.
Connector -- Begin and end in connection with another trail or trails but do not terminate at a trailhead.

Bearfield Road Trail

1.7 miles in the park, 5.9 miles total  |  More difficult hiking  |  Out-and-back trail  |  Yellow and red blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, equestrian, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing recommended
Trailhead amenities: non-flush restrooms, potable water, picnic tables

This 5.9-mile trail connects the day use area of the park to many other trails throughout Sproul State Forest. 

Beaverdam Road

0.2 mile in the park, 75 miles total  |  Most difficult hiking  |  Out-and-back trail  |  Red blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking, mountain biking, equestrian, snowmobiling
Trailhead amenities: non-flush restrooms, picnic tables

This 75-mile trail system begins at the intersection of Beaverdam and Kettle Creek roads and accesses many trails throughout Sproul State Forest. Trailhead parking for trailers is available at the base of Beaverdam Road. 

Butler Trail

0.13 mile in the park, 1.3 miles total  |  Most difficult hiking  |  Connector trail  |  Orange blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking, mountain biking
Trailhead amenities: benches

Beginning at the park, this rugged, 1.3-mile trail leads to Kettle Creek Vista. This vista is on Sproul State Forest and allows visitors to see the entire park and up to 30 miles away. 

Donut Hole Trail

0.4 mile in the park, 94 miles total  |  Most difficult hiking  |  Point-to-point trail  |  Orange blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking, backpacking
Trailhead amenities: modern restrooms, potable water, picnic tables

Briefly passing through the park near the Lower Campground, the 94-mile Donut Hole Trail loop that traverses rough terrain in Sproul State Forest for hikers and backpackers to enjoy. Many other trails can be accessed along this trail, including the Susquehannock Trail System in Susquehannock State Forest.

Kettle Creek State Park Snowmobile Trail

2 miles in the park, 22 miles total  |  Most difficult hiking  |  Out-and-back trail  |  Red blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking, mountain biking, equestrian, snowmobiling
Trailhead amenities: non-flush restrooms, potable water, picnic tables, benches

This trail is park of a 22-mile snowmobile and equestrian trail system that traverses valleys, mountains, fields, and streams throughout Sproul State Forest. 

Nature Trail