Outdoor recreation areas across Pennsylvania will be hosting special events and activities January 10 as part of Get Outdoors PA's celebration of Winter Trails Day, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Ellen Ferretti said Monday.

"Winter is no time to hibernate when there is plenty to do outside," Ferretti said. "Get Outdoors PA keeps the activities going all year, and the national Winter Trails celebration is the perfect excuse to step outside and participate in a guided recreation program hosted by our Get Outdoors PA partners."

Several locations are hosting hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and wildlife watching events on January 10. Numerous other Get Outdoors PA winter events are scheduled throughout January, including First Day Hikes scheduled January 1 at 22 state parks in cooperation with the National Association of State Park Directors.

Winter Trails Day is an attempt to interest people in trying snow sports – particularly snowshoeing and cross-country skiing – through guided events and demonstrations across the country.

Get Outdoors PA is a partnership of state agencies and local community organizations and recreation departments who have committed to providing outdoor recreation learning events for the citizens they serve.

Hundreds of events are offered year round to help promote interest in hiking, biking, target shooting, fishing, hunting, paddling, bird/wildlife watching, wilderness survival, backpacking, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, camping, rock climbing, geocaching, nature photography and orienteering.

For a listing of all events, visit the Get Outdoors PA website or visit the DCNR Calendar of Events webpage.

1/5/2015