With many people still limiting their indoor activities due to COVID-19, Pennsylvania state parks and forests continue to offer access to outdoor activities -- even during the winter months.

A lot of people don’t think about spending time outdoors in winter due to the colder temperatures; but with proper clothing and other safety precautions, there are plenty of benefits to spending some time outdoors now.

What makes winter recreation special? The scenery! The bare trees and vegetation in forests help make spotting wildlife easier, provide additional scenery from vistas, and uncover the vast rock formations that make up Pennsylvania’s varied natural landscapes.

The scenery is also quite spectacular when Pennsylvania’s natural places are covered in snow!

“There is a wonder in the winter season that can’t be matched at other times of the year, and our parks and forests offer great outdoor adventures and breathtaking views for those who brave the cold,” said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn.

You also don’t have to travel far to enjoy the health benefits of exercise and fresh air in the winter. Pennsylvanians are fortunate that with so many state and local parks and forests they can find an opportunity near them.

The winter season provides opportunities for activities that cannot be enjoyed year-round. Take advantage of some of these unique outdoor recreation opportunities.

Activities include winter birding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, ice skating, ice fishing, and much more.

But remember-- recreate responsibly this winter.

Click Here to read a special DCNR Blog post about winter recreation.

Visit the Get Outdoors PA, Explore PA Trails and Get Outdoors Poconos websites for more local and regional winter recreation opportunities.

For more information on state parks and forests and recreation in Pennsylvania, visit DCNR’s website, Click Here to sign up for the Resource newsletter, Visit the Good Natured DCNR Blog,  Click Here for upcoming events, Click Here to hook up with DCNR on other social media-- Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.

(Reprinted from DCNR’s Good Natured Blog.)

Related Articles:

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-- Start Applying For DCNR ATV, Snowmobile Project Grants Feb. 1

-- DCNR Conservation & Natural Resources Advisory Council To Hear Presentations On Historic Park, Forest Visitation Numbers, PA Wilds Jan. 27

-- DCNR Good Natured Pennsylvanians: Joe Graci, Fmr DCNR Director Of Legislative Affairs

-- Jan. 22 Take Five Fridays With Pam, PA Parks & Forests Foundation

-- January 20 DCNR Resource Newsletter

[Posted: January 23, 2021]

1/25/2021