Winter Weather Opens New World For State Park, Forest Recreation

With the arrival of snow and seasonal temperatures, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is reminding winter outdoor enthusiasts that Pennsylvania's extensive state forest and park systems are the perfect place for cold-weather fun.

 

Snowmobiling season opened Sunday in state forests and parks, and DCNR is providing condition updates on its toll-free, snowmobile hot line, 1-877-SNOMBLE (1-877-766-6253). DCNR also provides weather and condition reports online for state parks and forests.

 

Weather permitting, snowmobile enthusiasts soon could have access to up to 1,960 miles of state forest roads and 618 miles of trails. Winter ATV trails stretching more than 160 miles in seven state forest districts also opened yesterday.

 

"Our state parks and forestlands have it all—from sledding, late-season hunting and ice fishing to skiing, snowmobile and ATV riding," said DCNR Secretary Michael DiBerardinis. "With a winter playground of state land alone totaling more than 2.4 million acres, no wonder Pennsylvania is recognized as a national leader in winter tourism and recreation.

 

"Our DCNR website is attracting new visitors, directing them to fun-filled destinations, and better informing them of what to expect when they get there."

 

"Winter jumped the gun a bit, bringing early snow and freezing temperatures to many of our counties," Secretary DiBerardinis said. "To the delight of cold-weather outdoors enthusiasts, these weather conditions have opened a whole new world of outdoor recreation.

 

"Our state parks and forests are home to a different kind of fun, and it is easy to view a list of all of our activities at www.getoutdoorspa.state.pa.us. When the weather cooperates, our state parks and forests also are the setting of coordinated winter festivals with games, dog-sled races, sleigh rides and fun competitions for the entire family."

 

Snow conditions are reported and updated regularly on DCNR's toll-free, snowmobile hot line: 1-877-SNOMBLE (1-877-766-6253). Recorded messages, providing reports on snow depths and trail conditions across the state, are updated at about noon each Tuesday and Thursday. They also are offered on a non-toll-free number: 717-787-5651.

Snowmobile enthusiasts will find maps, conditions, and other detailed information, visit DCNR's snowmobile information webpage.

 

Updated ice conditions, so important to skaters and anglers, snow depths and information on special winter activities, and events at Pennsylvania's 117 state parks also can be found through the DCNR Winter Report webpage.

 

This season, snowmobile riders in Pennsylvania's state forests have access to 2,577 miles of marked joint-use state forest roads, closed roads, and trails in 18 of the state's 20 state forest districts. An additional 338 miles are available in 35 state parks.

 

All snowmobiles and ATVs in Pennsylvania must be registered with DCNR's snowmobile/ATV Unit. For more information on registration, call toll free 866-545-2476 or go online

 

For the cross-country skiing enthusiast, more than 330 miles of marked cross-country ski trails are offered on Pennsylvania's more than 2.1 million acres of state forestland. Also available are nearly 400 miles of groomed and un-groomed cross-country ski trails in 73 state parks.

 

Downhill skiing is offered at Blue Knob State Park, Bedford County; Denton Hill State Park, Potter County; and Camelback (Big Pocono State Park), Monroe County. Skiing is not being offered this season at Laurel Mountain, Westmoreland County.

 

Most state parks with bodies of water are open, weather permitting, for ice-skating, ice fishing and ice boating. Sledding and tobogganing also are available at many parks.

 

Archers, muzzle-loaders and other late-season hunters are reminded that an additional 500 miles of normally gated state forest roads were opened for the late fall and early winter seasons to provide easy access to often remote areas. As many as 3,100 miles had been open to hunters, but openings and closing are at the discretion of local forestry officials. Hunters are urged to check with forest district offices about specific roads.

 

Several parks still have winter cabin rentals available. Cabin reservations can be made by calling the toll-free information and reservation phone number, 1-888-PA-PARKS (1-888-727-2757). Operators staff the number Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 

For information on ice and snow conditions, or winter festivals at state parks and forests, visitors also may call the nearest state park or state forest district office.