Sproul State Forest Bucktail Trail Dispersed Area

This dispersed area stretches along several miles of the Bucktail Scenic Byway where forest service roads branch off into stands of old hemlock and mixed hardwoods. Sites are tucked between the trees with room for 2-3 rigs each, most with natural fire rings already established. The area sees steady use during fall hunting season but stays quiet most other times. Water sources are seasonal — Kettle Creek runs year-round but the smaller tributaries dry up by late summer.

Access is straightforward off Route 120, but the deeper sites require high-clearance for rocky approaches and creek crossings. No facilities or services, and cell coverage is nonexistent. Best accessed April through November before snow makes the secondary roads impassable.

Hemlock groves along the Bucktail Scenic Byway