News for Immediate Release

Dec. 16, 2009

Wintry World of Fun of Awaits State Park, Forest Visitors

Harrisburg – With cold temperatures ushering in the season’s first significant snowfall in many parts of Pennsylvania, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is reminding winter outdoors enthusiasts that the commonwealth’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.

“Pennsylvania is recognized as a national leader in winter tourism and recreation, and for good reason,” said DCNR acting Secretary John Quigley. “From sledding, late-season hunting and ice fishing, to skiing and riding snowmobiles and ATVs, our state parks and forestlands have it all.

“Pennsylvania is blessed with a winter playground of state land that alone totals more than 2.4 million acres,” Quigley noted. “Our DCNR Web site is attracting new visitors, directing them to fun-filled destinations, and better informing them of what to expect when they get there.”

Weather permitting, snowmobile enthusiasts soon could have access to as many as 1,900 miles of state forest roads and 870 miles of trails. Winter ATV trails stretching more than 160 miles in seven state forest districts also opened yesterday.

“Winter has arrived early in many of our northern counties, bringing early snow and freezing temperatures,” said Quigley. “These weather conditions have opened a whole new world of outdoors recreation. Our state parks and forests are home to a different kind of fun, and it is easy to view a list of activities at www.getoutdoorspa.state.pa.us.”

When winter weather cooperates, state parks and forests also are the scene of coordinated winter festivals with games, dog-sled races, sleigh rides and fun competitions for families.

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. Reports are also available at 717-787-5651.

Snowmobile enthusiasts will find maps, conditions, and other detailed information at www.dcnr.state.pa.us (select “Forestry,” then “Recreation.)”

Updated ice conditions, so important to skaters and winter anglers, snow depths and information on special winter activities and events at Pennsylvania’s 117 state parks also can be found on DCNR’s Web site.

This season, snowmobile riders in Pennsylvania’s state forests and parks have access to 3,140 miles of marked joint-use state forest roads, closed roads, and trails in 18 of the state’s 20 state forest districts, which includes 243 trail miles and 93 road miles available in 34 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 1-866-545-2476 or visit DCNR’s Web site.

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 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 422 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 much as 3,040 miles had been open to hunters, but openings and closing are at the discretion of local forestry officials and weather dependent. 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.

For more information, visit www.dcnr.state.pa.us or call (717) 783-7941 (Bureau of Forestry) or 717-772-0239 (Bureau of State Parks).

Media contact: Terry Brady, 717-772-9101

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