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EVENT #12: August 6-9, 2026
Donut Hole Trail
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Pipeline vista on DHT from 2017 Prowl the Sproul hiking weekend.
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What we have planned
With all the recent emphasis on the Chuck Keiper Trail, the Donut Hole could use some attention, too!
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--LOGISTICS--
Map from DCNR, modified to show our campsites (red circles) and parking (purple).
IF YOU'RE STAYING OVERNIGHT:
Free campsites (#7,8,10&12) at Hyner Run State Park
DCNR Bureau of State parks has graciously provided free campsites for Trail Care volunteers to use as our base camp. (spots limited; more photos below)
DCNR Bureau of State parks has graciously provided free campsites for Trail Care volunteers to use as our base camp. (spots limited; more photos below)
Photo by Roam Your Home
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Amenities:
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OR:
Make your own arrangements
You're welcome to procure your own campsite in Hyner Run State Park or lodging nearby.
Make your own arrangements
You're welcome to procure your own campsite in Hyner Run State Park or lodging nearby.
Important notes:
Cell phone coverage: Is vastly improved in the last couple years at Hyner Run; should be good. Coverage on the trail and roads getting there can be VERY spotty.
Food/Drink: Generally, bring your own food, drink, and cooking supplies. See FAQ (link) for recommendations. Please list any allergies or dietary restrictions on sign-up.
Tony may cook a scrumptious dinner Friday night, and you may join us for dinner out Saturday night- KTA will cover costs for dinner, except alcoholic beverages. Watch for the pre-event email (Mon/Tues) for details.
What else to bring: For more general information about the Trail Care Program and suggested packing lists, see KTA Trail Care FAQ page here.
Camping Gear: If you're missing a piece of camping gear, or all of it, check out KTA's Gear loaner Program here. With enough notice, KTA can bring whatever you need for a fun, comfortable weekend!
Age Requirements:
Minimum: 14 years old and up (all minors must be accompanied by a guardian) unless otherwise noted. For safety purposes, minors will never be allowed to work alone or with just one other volunteer, unless it is their guardian.
Maximum: no maximum age! If you can hike a couple miles over rough terrain, we can find a task suitable for you!
Cell phone coverage: Is vastly improved in the last couple years at Hyner Run; should be good. Coverage on the trail and roads getting there can be VERY spotty.
Food/Drink: Generally, bring your own food, drink, and cooking supplies. See FAQ (link) for recommendations. Please list any allergies or dietary restrictions on sign-up.
Tony may cook a scrumptious dinner Friday night, and you may join us for dinner out Saturday night- KTA will cover costs for dinner, except alcoholic beverages. Watch for the pre-event email (Mon/Tues) for details.
What else to bring: For more general information about the Trail Care Program and suggested packing lists, see KTA Trail Care FAQ page here.
Camping Gear: If you're missing a piece of camping gear, or all of it, check out KTA's Gear loaner Program here. With enough notice, KTA can bring whatever you need for a fun, comfortable weekend!
Age Requirements:
Minimum: 14 years old and up (all minors must be accompanied by a guardian) unless otherwise noted. For safety purposes, minors will never be allowed to work alone or with just one other volunteer, unless it is their guardian.
Maximum: no maximum age! If you can hike a couple miles over rough terrain, we can find a task suitable for you!
--Trail Work Details--
Work days:
Friday and Saturday approximately 8-4, Sunday 8-noon. Camping available starting Thursday >3pm.
Description of work:
Chuck Keiper Trail:
The 94.2-mile Donut Hole Trail (DHT), in Clinton and Cameron Counties, is one of the most remote and challenging of the state’s backpacking trails, with numerous steep climbs and unbridged stream crossings, and long stretches that are very far from civilization.
The western terminus of the DHT at Jericho is less than two miles via road from the northern end of the Old Sinnemahoning Trail, which leads to the Quehanna Trail. The DHT is also connected to the Black Forest Trail via the T-Squared Trail, and it is connected to the Chuck Keiper Trail via the Jack Paulhamus/Garby Trail.
The DHT is described in the point-by-point Guide to the Donut Hole Trail by Ben Cramer (2020). (The guide is currently out of print, with future availability unknown.) PDF maps are available for download from Sproul State Forest here, and they will mail you a copy if requested.
(Maps included in picture slideshow below.)
Friday and Saturday approximately 8-4, Sunday 8-noon. Camping available starting Thursday >3pm.
Description of work:
- More info provided after scouting; could involve brushing, rebenching, blazing, lopping, mowing, etc., etc.
- We carpool to trail locations; please let me know if you are not comfortable riding with others or driving on gravel forestry roads. From the campground, drive times should be in the 15-30 minute range.
Chuck Keiper Trail:
The 94.2-mile Donut Hole Trail (DHT), in Clinton and Cameron Counties, is one of the most remote and challenging of the state’s backpacking trails, with numerous steep climbs and unbridged stream crossings, and long stretches that are very far from civilization.
- Miles: 94.2
- Type: End-to-end
- County: Clinton and Cameron
- Points of Interest: Kettle Creek State Park, Hyner Run State Park, Kettle Creek Vista
The western terminus of the DHT at Jericho is less than two miles via road from the northern end of the Old Sinnemahoning Trail, which leads to the Quehanna Trail. The DHT is also connected to the Black Forest Trail via the T-Squared Trail, and it is connected to the Chuck Keiper Trail via the Jack Paulhamus/Garby Trail.
The DHT is described in the point-by-point Guide to the Donut Hole Trail by Ben Cramer (2020). (The guide is currently out of print, with future availability unknown.) PDF maps are available for download from Sproul State Forest here, and they will mail you a copy if requested.
(Maps included in picture slideshow below.)
SIGN UP FOR 2026 TRAIL CARE #12- Donut Hole Trail, August 6-9, BELOW!
(If you do not receive an email confirmation, your sign-up did not go through. Try going to the Google Form here, or Contact Jenn directly: [email protected])
**NEW FOR 2026: Please also sign-up for an account with DCNR on the new Conservation Volunteer website here. Once you do that, you are covered under DCNR’s workmen’s compensation umbrella when working on state forest or park land. Also, you can now earn points towards free camping! Check out their FAQs page.
•Once you submit your sign-up on KTA’s Trail Care Event website (here), Jenn will add you to the “Trail Care Team” for that private event in DCNR’s new CV system (and you’ll receive an email from DCNR confirming you’ve been added to the team/event). Then, after the event, Jenn will be inputting all your Trail Care volunteer hours; you won’t have to worry about that. Thanks in advance!
•You don't have to look for/won't be able to find the Trail Care as an "Opportunity" on DCNR's site (they're all set to "private").
•No need to fill out anything for child, etc., clearances. You can add chainsaw and first aid certifications, but not required.
(If you do not receive an email confirmation, your sign-up did not go through. Try going to the Google Form here, or Contact Jenn directly: [email protected])
**NEW FOR 2026: Please also sign-up for an account with DCNR on the new Conservation Volunteer website here. Once you do that, you are covered under DCNR’s workmen’s compensation umbrella when working on state forest or park land. Also, you can now earn points towards free camping! Check out their FAQs page.
•Once you submit your sign-up on KTA’s Trail Care Event website (here), Jenn will add you to the “Trail Care Team” for that private event in DCNR’s new CV system (and you’ll receive an email from DCNR confirming you’ve been added to the team/event). Then, after the event, Jenn will be inputting all your Trail Care volunteer hours; you won’t have to worry about that. Thanks in advance!
•You don't have to look for/won't be able to find the Trail Care as an "Opportunity" on DCNR's site (they're all set to "private").
•No need to fill out anything for child, etc., clearances. You can add chainsaw and first aid certifications, but not required.
--PHOTO GALLERY--
