HARRISBURG, Pa., July 13, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Hikers and other visitors are invited to again sample the rugged beauty of the Sproul State Forest when the three-day “Prowl the Sproul” series of hikes steps off Friday, July 20.

Marking its ninth year, the increasingly popular hiking program links forest visitors with guides from the Bureau of Forestry, Keystone Trails Association and local civic and sportsmen’s groups.

“Who could ask for a more perfect destination than thousands of mountainous, unspoiled acres to explore? That’s exactly what keeps ‘Prowl the Sproul’ participants coming back year after year from across the state,” said Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Richard Allan. “This unique invitation is extended by the folks who best know this forest district amid the Pennsylvania Wilds.”

Many of the most popular trails in Sproul State Forest have been selected to offer hikers a variety of terrain and scenery before Prowl the Sproul IX events close Sunday, July 22.

Allan noted hikes are planned to waterfalls, overlooks, old railroad grades, unique woodlands and flora that “make Sproul truly unique among our 20 state forest districts.

“If a newcomer to the joys of hiking, what better way to be introduced than with skilled, knowledgeable group leaders guiding you to some of the most scenic hiking areas in the state?”

Besides the KTA, DCNR’s Bureau of Forestry again is teaming up with the Western Clinton Sportsmen’s Association (WCSA) to introduce association members and the public to the wealth of hiking opportunities found in north central Pennsylvania.

“While the weather outside has been hot, there will be a number of ‘cool’ hikes down to waterfalls and other cool spots known only by your DCNR hike guides,” said Keystone Trails Association Executive Director Curt Ashenfelter. “If you are new to hiking, please join us for some great summertime hikes. Descriptions of the hikes can be found on the Keystone Trails Association website.”

Food and lodging options are available for the weekend, Ashenfelter said, but reservations must be made. Visit the KTA website, www.kta-hike.org, to download a registration form. For general information, contact Sproul State Forest District Office, 15187 Renovo Road, Renovo; 570-923-6011.

Guided hikes ranging from 4.5 to 10 miles offer hikers a variety of difficulty levels, terrain and scenery. This year, new hikes again will be introduced and guides will lead hikers off the beaten path to see some of the lesser-known, natural jewels of the state forest.

Organized in 1956, KTA is a 1,306-member umbrella organization made up of 44 hiking and outdoors organizations in and around Pennsylvania.

For more information, email ktaadmin@verizon.net or visit www.kta-hike.org.

Visit the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources online at www.dcnr.state.pa.us.