Hyner Run/Hyner View State Park: Hyner State Parks an iconic Clinton County location
LAURA TARANTELLA/THE EXPRESS Pictured above is one of many views seen from the top of Hyner View State Park, overlooking part of the West Branch of the Susquehanna and surrounding mountains. Located three miles up the mountain from Hyner.
LAURA TARANTELLA/THE EXPRESS A bronze memorial statue dedicated to the CCC workers stands near the overlook that was made possible through their dedication.
A familiar landmark for travelers and outdoor enthusiasts, the Hyner Run State Park sign stands at the entrance to a park rich in history, wildlife and mountain scenery. LAURA TARANTELLA/THE EXPRESS
LAURA TARANTELLA/THE EXPRESS Pictured is one of two picnic pavilions that can hold up to 82 and 96 people. They may be reserved up to 11 months in advance for a fee. Unreserved picnic pavilions are free on a first-come, first-served basis.
LAURA TARANTELLA/THE EXPRESS Pictured above is one of many views seen from the top of Hyner View State Park, overlooking part of the West Branch of the Susquehanna and surrounding mountains. Located three miles up the mountain from Hyner.
LAURA TARANTELLA/THE EXPRESS A bronze memorial statue dedicated to the CCC workers stands near the overlook that was made possible through their dedication.
A familiar landmark for travelers and outdoor enthusiasts, the Hyner Run State Park sign stands at the entrance to a park rich in history, wildlife and mountain scenery. LAURA TARANTELLA/THE EXPRESS
LAURA TARANTELLA/THE EXPRESS Pictured is one of two picnic pavilions that can hold up to 82 and 96 people. They may be reserved up to 11 months in advance for a fee. Unreserved picnic pavilions are free on a first-come, first-served basis.
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NORTH BEND -- Tucked in a narrow mountain valley in Clinton County, Hyner Run State Park offers visitors a quiet retreat surrounded by the rugged wilderness of north-central Pennsylvania.
The 180-acre park sits entirely within the boundaries of Sproul State Forest, Pennsylvania's largest state forest, where steep mountains rise above the small stream that gives the park its name.
According to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, "Hyner Run carves a small valley from the surrounding steep mountains, creating a cozy, quiet place for outdoor adventures."
And just a short drive up the mountain, Hyner View State Park provides one of the most sweeping vistas in the Commonwealth, overlooking the West Branch Susquehanna River and miles of forested ridges.
Together, the two parks offer visitors opportunities for camping, hiking, swimming, wildlife viewing and scenic sightseeing in the heart of Pennsylvania's Wilds.
HISTORY
The story of Hyner Run State Park is closely tied to Pennsylvania's conservation movement during the Great Depression.
In 1933, the Civilian Conservation Corps established Camp S-75 Camp Hyner within what is now the park. Young men stationed there worked throughout the surrounding mountains planting trees, constructing roads and bridges, fighting forest fires and helping restore lands that had been heavily damaged by decades of intensive logging.
The camp suffered major damage during the devastating flood of 1936, when waters from the West Branch Susquehanna River watershed swept through the region. Although most traces of the camp have disappeared, visitors can still find reminders of the CCC's presence throughout the area.
The park officially opened to the public in 1958 following the completion of a swimming pool, bathhouse, picnic area and other recreational facilities.
Camping facilities were later added in 1975, expanding opportunities for overnight visitors. Conservation crews and youth programs have continued to improve the park over the decades.
Nearby Hyner View State Park also owes much of its development to CCC workers, who constructed the stone overlook that remains one of Pennsylvania's most iconic scenic vistas today.
The overlook has long served as a gathering place for visitors drawn to the dramatic views of the Susquehanna River Valley.
Swimming
Unlike many Pennsylvania state parks that rely on lakes or reservoirs for swimming, Hyner Run features a large public swimming pool nestled among the surrounding mountains.
The pool complex includes both a full-sized swimming pool and a separate wading pool for younger visitors -- although the wading pool has not been opened this season.
Admission is free, and the facility is generally open daily from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
During the summer months, the pool serves as one of the park's most popular attractions, drawing both campers and day visitors seeking relief from the warm temperatures.
Camping
Hyner Run State Park offers a modern campground that serves as an ideal base camp for exploring Sproul State Forest and the surrounding Pennsylvania Wilds.
The campground contains 30 campsites, each equipped with a level pad, picnic table and fire ring. Modern amenities include warm showers, flush toilets, water stations, recycling facilities and a sanitary dump station near the campground entrance.
Designated pet-friendly sites are also available.
For visitors seeking additional comfort, the park features a year-round modern cabin that accommodates up to eight people. The two-story structure includes three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, dining room, living room and a covered front porch.
Outside of the cabin, visitors will find picnic tables, a fire ring, charcoal grill and a swing set.
Hiking
While Hyner Run State Park itself contains only a small network of trails, it serves as a gateway to some of the most rugged hiking opportunities in Pennsylvania.
The park is the eastern trailhead for the Donut Hole Trail system, a backpacking route that traverses remote sections of Sproul State Forest.
The trail network provides access to deep hollows, mountain streams and remote forest landscapes rarely seen by casual visitors.
-- Donut Hole Trail: This 0.9 mile trail connects with the Susquehannock Trail System and traverses Kettle Creek, Hyner Run, and Hyner View state parks. The western terminus is near Jericho and the eastern terminus is near Farrandsville.
-- Fork Trail: This 4.1-mile loop trail begins and ends in the park, requiring both a steep climb and descent to complete. A beautiful stream runs along the trail for portions of the hike. A short side trail leads to a peaceful scenic overlook. DCNR considers this to be a more difficult hike.
One of the area's most challenging and rewarding hikes leads from Hyner Run State Park to Hyner View State Park.
The route climbs roughly 1,200 feet before reaching the overlook, rewarding hikers with panoramic views stretching across the Susquehanna River Valley and surrounding mountains.
Picnicking
The park's seven-acre picnic area provides ample space for family gatherings and outdoor recreation.
Approximately 150 picnic tables are scattered throughout shaded and partially shaded areas near Hyner Run. Charcoal grills are available, and two reservable picnic pavilions accommodate larger groups. The mountain stream and surrounding forest create a peaceful setting for day visitors throughout the spring, summer and fall seasons.
Fishing
Hyner Run also provides excellent trout fishing, according to DCNR.
Brook and brown trout are stocked annually and native brook trout inhabit its upper reaches and numerous other mountain streams within a relatively short distance of the park provide excellent trout fishing.
All Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission rules and regulations apply.
Hyner View State Park
Although Hyner View State Park encompasses only six acres, it delivers one of Pennsylvania's most memorable landscapes.
The overlook sits high above the West Branch Susquehanna River Valley, providing unobstructed views both upstream and downstream.
Layers of forested ridges stretch across the horizon, creating a scene that is particularly spectacular during autumn foliage season.
The overlook has become one of the most photographed locations in the Pennsylvania Wilds, and many outdoor enthusiasts consider it among the finest vistas in the state.
Visitors frequently travel to the site at sunrise and sunset, when changing light conditions illuminate the river valley below.
Hang gliding is also permitted from the vista to sail over the river. DCNR authorization is required before participating.