About Dark Skies
This seemingly endless road-tripper’s paradise also includes the Bucktail Scenic Byway and Scenic Route 6, with winding and wooded roads that connect to dozens of detours worth pursuing like the Pennsylvania Lumber Museum, where you can learn about the PA Wilds’ rich lumbering history and sustainable forestry practices of today.
During the day, take in the epic mountain view at Hyner View State Park. If you’re lucky and weather conditions are right, you might get to meet some hang gliders, and experience a close-up view of them taking flight, soaring through the air and landing at the base of the mountain.
Feeling fit and adventurous? Register early to run the always-sold-out mountain trail race the Hyner View Trail Challenge, the first run of the Pennsylvania Triple Crown of Mountain Running. Feeling fit, adventurous AND looking to test your limits? Only the bravest endure the Frozen Snot trail challenge further south in McElhattan, Clinton County. The name says it all – combine some of the toughest terrain in central Pennsylvania with the worst of winter weather, and you’ll quickly learn why many consider it among the most challenging trail races in the United States.
Want trails at a slower pace? Explore the 85 mile-loop of the Susquehannock Trail System, popular in all four seasons for cross-country skiing, backpacking, hiking and mountain biking. Looking for a different kind of wild? Disconnect from devices, and get up close and personal with Wilds wildlife at the state-of-the-art Wildlife Center at Sinnemahoning State Park.
Home to nine state parks and the sprawling Sproul and Susquehannock state forests, Dark Skies is an adventurous and enlightening experience all year, day, and night long.