North-central Pennsylvania has a cluster of fantastic state parks. This relative close proximity makes for easy day trips from a basecamp at the Hyner Run State Park Campground. During a recent camping at Hyner Run State Park I balanced recharging at the peaceful campground with day trips to nearby attractions. Here are some places I recommending adding to your day trip itinerary regardless which of the parks you are staying at!
Hyner View State Park
The quintessential day trip from Hyner Run State Park has to be a trip up the mountain to Hyner View State Park. With just a 12 minute scenic drive, you’re rewarded with a panoramic view of the entire West Branch Susquehanna River. The weather has a big influence on the vista (and cell reception) so save this trip for a clear day for the most dramatic views.
A fair weather day also gives you the best chance of spotting this park’s most unique attraction – hang gliders! Positioned just beside the overlook, a launch ramp sits ready for action. Unfortunately, I didn’t witness any gliders on my trip. I did however see maintenance workers mowing around the launch ramp, so it’s reassuring to know it’s properly maintained. If you are adventurous and want to try hang gliding here, be sure to get a permit in advance.
The geology nerd in me also enjoyed the Forest Fire Warden Monument just a few feet from the overlook. Forest Fire Warden volunteers from Pennsylvania’s
20 state forest districts devote themselves to wildfire suppression and wildfire prevention. Local stones contributed from each of the regions arranged in a horseshoe-shaped monument pay homage to the more than 100 years of service these volunteers dedicated to protect Pennsylvania’s forests. Each boulder is a different type of regional rock with a unique cut, color, and composition.
Kettle Creek State Park
Kayaking on a quiet lake is one of the best ways to spot shorebirds. The promise of rental kayaks drew me to make the 40 minute drive from Hyner Run to Kettle Creek State Park. About 15 minutes into the drive you pass through Renovo. This small town offers all the bare essentials – a grocery store, bank, and liquor store. The route then turns into a meandering drive alongside Kettle Creek. The Kettle Creek Campground is on the left, with some primo looking waterfront camping sites. I will definitely put Kettle Creek on the short-list for future camping trips as I love a good waterfront site.
The main parking look overlooks the Kettle Creek lake, formed as a flood control measure by the Alvin R. Bush dam. Despite being the peak of summer, the parking lot was almost completely empty – just how I like it. Scanning the waterfront, I looked for the traditional small watersports rental hut I am accustomed to at most state parks. There is no hut. Instead, this park offers a “self-serve” kayak rental kiosk. At the stand you scan a QR code to download an app, enter your location and payment information, and voila, the kayak and chest of life vests is unlocked for you!
This sounds convenient in theory, however, I had zero cell service in this park. I didn’t have cell service for any of the drive either, even when I was in the town of Renovo. Why would they put a service like this in an area with spotty to no cell service? I have T-Mobile, so perhaps you’ll have better luck with other mobile network providers.
Crushed that my kayaking fantasies never manifested, I tried to make the most of the day. Several longer regional trails pass through the park, but hiking trails within the park are limited. I explored the lakeshore and found a pleasant picnic table to plop down on for some afternoon reading. I kept my bionoculars close by to spot birds that swam down the nearby creek. The area itself is beautiful and quiet. Even without the kayaking it was a pleasant, relaxed day I don’t regret taking.
Ole Bull State Park
Ole Bull State Park is a 40 minute drive from Hyner Run State Park. Because my day at Kettle Creek was shorter than expected, I visited Ole Bull the same day, making a loop. Ole Bull is about an hour drive northeast of Kettle Creek. It went by quickly owing to the scenic drive through the Susquehannock State Forest.
I’ve always pronounced the name of this park “Ol’ Bull”, like a slang form of “old”. Thanks to this day trip I learned the park is named after Ole Bornemann Bull, a Norwegian violinist turned explorer. In the 1850s he attempted to establish a settlement in this region that unfortunately lasted less than a year. The native Norwegian pronunciation of Ole Bull is more like “Ola Bool”. I’m sure is still a bastardization, but it’s at least closer. Although the short lived settlement was unsuccessful, Ole Bull’s legacy lives on in this park.
Unlike some of the other day trip destinations, Ole Bull offers four, 1-2 mile hiking trails. The Beaver Haven Nature Trail is a 1.8 mile loop trail that follows Kettle Creek. It then loops around a riparian wetland, complete with beaver pond. There were no beavers in sight, but I did see observe a number of birds in the brush along the creek.
I also attempted the 1 mile long Hemlock Loop Swamp Trail. It has a promising start, but quickly became so overgrown I turned back after about a quarter mile. The bonus of attempting such a rustic trail was encountering 2 white-tailed deer fawns playing in the dense foliage.
The campground area was under construction during my July 2024 visit. The loud heavy machinery detracted from the otherwise peaceful ambiance of the park. I recommend calling to check the status of any construction projects before booking a campsite here to make sure your relaxing vibes aren’t hindered. I scoped out one site in particular that looked incredibly serene that I hope to book for a future camping trip.
Overall the park seems excellent for children. Kettle Creek runs through the park and provides ample opportunities for fishing, wading, and swimming. I also encountered at least 3 different playgrounds, including a cool wooden one. The campground offers a sand volleyball court that was popular with children playing improvised games.
Little Pine State Park
Little Pine State Park is home to a unique attraction – a nesting pair of bald eagles. Since 2004, eagles return year after year to the same location to raise their families. A designated Eagle Watch view point sits on the opposite side of the lake from the nesting area. Bring your binoculars if you want an up close look. Don’t despair if you don’t have binoculars, even with the naked eye you might catch an eagle soaring across the lake searching for a meal.
For another perspective of the nest, the 5.5 mile Lake Shore Trail starts at the dam and winds around the back side of the lake to the eagle’s nest. If you aren’t up for the whole trail, you can still see the eagle’s nest by hiking about a mile in to where the trail starts to run alongside the lake. While the trail does pass by the nest, it will still likely be at least partly obscured by trees. It will be extremely helpful to spot the nest if you’ve already observed it from the Eagle Watch view point. Make note of some landmarks to look for once you are closer. Remember to always stay on trail and ensure you adhere to all posted signs to avoid disturbing the nest.
If you are looking to cool off, there is a small beach and swimming area available. It’s a bit awkward because its at the bottom of a steep hill. The restrooms are at the top of the hill, which I imagine discourages people from getting out of the lake to use them. The local wildlife took advantage of the lack of swimmers to cool down in the lake themselves. I saw a pair of Eastern bluebirds, a colony of mixed swallows, and several Canada geese making use of the water and changing house.
Lock Haven + Bucktail State Park Natural Area
When it’s time to reconnect with civilization for a grocery run, fancy coffee, or reliable wi-fi, head down to the city of Lock Haven. As the county seat of Clinton County and home of Lock Haven University, this small city offers a mix of business and pleasure in the midst of the forest.
The 30-minute drive from Hyner Run to Lock Haven winds through Bucktail State Park Natural Area. Most of the park’s land is private property, but features a 75-mile scenic drive. The trip to Lock Haven follows 20+ miles of the scenic drive winding along the West Branch Susquehanna River.
You can stop by Weis Markets for groceries, bagged iced for the cooler, and top up on gas for all your road trips. If you need to catch up on work or escape the heat with some indoor air conditioning you can pop into a coffee shop or brewery. Check out Avenue 209 for a local coffee shop with a rustic style offering a variety of coffee drinks, sandwiches, and pastries. Although owned by a local church, it gives off warm, inclusive vibes without any overt religiosity. There is also the classic Northeastern coffee staple, Dunkin’.
Future Day Trip Contenders
Even with 7 days camping at Hyner Run, I didn’t have enough time to see everything on my day trip wish list. The next time I visit this area three other parks on my list to visit are Sinnemahoning, Cherry Springs, and Susquehanna State Parks.
I have been to Sinnemahoning State Park numerous times as part of family camping trips. They have the most absolutely gorgeous welcome center – the nicest of any state park I’ve seen. They also offer free, ranger guided pontoon boat tours. You need to register in advance, so check their website for availability.
Cherry Springs State Park, a star-gazing mecca, is renowned for it’s dark skies. I need to plan that trip during a new moon when the night sky will be at its darkest.
Susquehanna State Park is a small riverfront park in the city of Williamsport. It offers cruise on the Susquehanna River in the Hiawatha Paddlewheel Riverboat. Standard cruises are just $15 for adults and $10 for children. They also offer special themed cruises like Great Gatsby, Princesses, and Taylor Swift for an additional charge.
Conclusion of Day Trips from Hyner Run State Park
I’m a traveler, not a vacationer. This means I’m not very good at just sitting and relaxing in one place for an extended period of time. With so many nearby day trip options to explore, I was never bored during my 7-day camping trip. With each day trip I still made it back to my basecamp at Hyner Run State Park Campground in time for dinner and a serene evening by the campfire. There is still so much more to explore – I’ll be back next year!
Have you visited and of these parks or made other fun day trips in this region? Let me know in the comments.
What else are you curious about?
- Day Trips from Hyner Run State Park
- Hyner Run State Park Camping Guide
- What is a cinder garden?
- Misadventures of Dr. K – Idaho’s Ultimate Cabinet of Curiosities
- What are petrified watermelons?
- Budget Breakdown: Cost of a 9-Day Idaho Hiking Road Trip
These state parks look like an easy and relaxing mid-summer getaway. Is the camping open in the fall too to enjoy the foliage and cooler temperatures?
Yes! This campground is open until mid-December, so plenty of time to see fall foliage. There is actually a fall festival called Flaming Foliage Festival in the city of Renovo, just a few minutes from the campground: https://pastateflamingfoliagefestival.org/
Love being able to combine a few different things with a camping trip. And the photos look so much and green!
I’ve driven through this part of PA but never heard of any of these! Hyner View looks particularly beautiful. I’m like you, I always try to pack in as much as possible on vacation, so it’s nice that there’s so much to explore in a small area.