Winter Sports
Winter is a quiet time on the forest. The snow muffles noise and less visitors come to the area. For visitors who enjoy winter camping, hiking or ice fishing, cross-country skiing or snowshoeing, or snowmobiling it's the perfect time to visit.
Visiting in winter can bring a few complications not experienced during warmer weather month.
Winter driving can pose challenges:
- Most forest roads are not plowed or salted/sanded in winter.
- Check the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation's website for information on road conditions, closures, and restrictions.
- Follow the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration detailed winter tips.
- Check current and forecast weather conditions.
- Check the forest or grassland website where you plan to go for any posted alerts.
- Make sure that your car is in good mechanical order. Check tire condition, antifreeze and motor oil levels, and the entire exhaust system for leaks. Ensure that all hoses and belts are in good condition.
- Pack extra layers of clothing, including rain gear, socks, gloves or mittens, and a warm hat.
- Bring a winter emergency kit, which should include a flashlight, map and compass, matches in a waterproof container, whistle, fire-starter, nylon cord, pocketknife, high-energy food, plastic tarp, space blanket, signal mirror, first aid kit, duct tape for repairs, and a metal container for melting snow.
Hypothermia
When exposed to cold temperatures, your body begins to lose heat faster than it can produce. Prolonged exposure to cold will eventually use up your body’s stored energy, resulting in hypothermia, or abnormally low body temperature.
Body temperature that is too low affects the brain, making the victim unable to think clearly or move well. This makes hypothermia particularly dangerous since a person may not know it is happening and won’t be able to do anything about it.
Hypothermia is most likely at very cold temperatures, but it can occur even at cool temperatures above 40 degrees Fahrenheit if a person becomes chilled from rain, sweat, or submersion in cold water.
For information on what to do if someone is showing signs of hypothermia visit our Know Before You Go website.
Snowmobiling
Sufficient snowfall is needed for maintained trails to be groomed and usable. Pennsylvania Trail Conditions Map can be found on the Pennsylvania State Snowmobile Association’s website and Facebook. Additional resources regarding snow and grooming conditions are provided by our volunteer partners at the following links:
- Willow Creek Snowmobile Club: Website | Facebook
- Forest County Snowmobile Club: Facebook
- Marienville Trail Riders Snowmobile Club: Website | Web Camera
- PA Snow Seekers Snowmobile Club: Website
- Upper Chapman Trail Riders Snowmobile Club: Facebook
You may also call our office at 814-723-5150, press 3 for Snowmobile Information, then press 4 for a summary of the Snowmobile Trail Conditions Report.
Motorized vehicles must be registered with PA-DCNR or a reciprocating state. Contact PA-DCNR at 1-866-545-2476 or visit their website for more information.
Children 15 or younger must be supervised by an adult and have a safety certificate. To inquire about trainings, contact the Bureau of Forestry 1-717-783-7941 or the PA Snowmobile Association 1-888-411-7772.
Caution: Many snowmobile trails are located on multi-use roads. Users may encounter motor vehicles, hikers, cross-country skiers or others at any time. Obey all posted signage, stay on established trails, and yield to groomers. All motorized vehicles, including, but not limited to snowmobiles and ATVs, are prohibited on the reservoir’s frozen surface.
XC Skiing/Snowshoeing
Whether you're a beginner or an expert, a traditional skier, or enjoy snow shoeing, exciting trails await you on the Allegheny National Forest. There are miles of trail designated for X-Country Skiing and hiking trails available for snowshoeing.
Designated Trails
X-Country Skiing trails are not set or groomed. Please ski safely and within your limit of control. Ski to the right when approaching other skiers or when being passed by other skiers. Track right!
Clearly identified with diamonds, trails are classified by their level of difficulty:
- Easiest: Intended for warm-ups and beginner skiers, trails are designated by a green circle with a horizontal wave.
- Difficult: Intended for advanced beginner and intermediate schussers, loops designated with more difficulty than beginner have a few hills and turns and are designated by a blue square with a horizontal wave. Trail flow changes are clearly marked for trail users and referenced on the map.
- Most difficult: Trails designated by a black diamond and a diagonal zigzag are intended for experienced skiers as they are more complex on the landscape and require more skill.
Regulations
These trails are for hiking, cross-country skiing, and mountain biking. Motorized vehicles, ATV's, and snowmobiles are not allowed on any of the trails.
Hikers and mountain bikers are asked to NOT walk or ride through ski tracks on the Laurel Mill, Brush Hollow, Westline, or Hearts Content trail systems.
These are dedicated ski trails during snow-on. Walking or riding through the tracks ruins them for ski use. Forest trails policy also prohibits the use of saddle, pack, or draft animals on cross-country ski trails.
Safety
Please remember to:
- Dress in layers and always wear hats and gloves.
- Let someone know which trails you plan to ski.
- Ski with a friend, especially at night.
- Download or carry a map.
- Stay on the trail
- Carry extra wax.
Search for Winter Sports Opportunities
Buzzard Swamp Wildlife Viewing and Hiking Area
Clarion Wild and Scenic River
Handsome Lake Boat Access Campground
Hearts Content Recreation Area
Hickory Creek Wilderness
Little Drummer Historical Pathway
Roper Hollow Boat Launch
Tracy Ridge Recreation Area
Webbs Ferry Boat Launch