Cross-country Skiing in the South

Most park trails are suitable for expert skiers. For beginner skiers, Chappells Field Trail and the closed campground are recommended. For the intermediate skier, the service roads, closed roadways and open areas are recommended. Weather conditions on the trails are usually ideal but skiers should use expert or mountain ski equipment.

All 12 miles of hiking trails in the conservation area are open for cross-country skiing.

Trails and open fields of the park are available for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

All hiking, equestrian and biking trails are available for skiing.

There are 6.5 miles of trails in the 195-acre Mountain Biking Area on Bankert Road. Skiers may also use the fields of the Marina, Main Launch and the campground. Please wear fluorescent orange during hunting seasons.

While there is no formal cross-country skiing trail system, skiing is permitted on existing roads and trails and in all areas of the park. Terrain is moderately hilly to mountainous.

Closed park roads and some of the hiking trails are suitable for cross-country skiing.

There are two miles of designated trail southwest of the campground. Skiing is also permitted in all areas of the park.

With sufficient snowfall many of the park's trails are good for cross-country skiing. 

When adequate snow cover is available, many of the hiking trails provide an excellent opportunity for cross-country skiing. The best trails are accessed from the Conewago Day Use Area or the special parking area at the campground entrance. These trails are marked for bicycling and include portions of Lakeside, Alpine, Oak and Gravel trails. Other good trails are the network of spur roads and trails in the interior of the park campground, which are closed to camping and vehicle use during the winter season.

Several miles of ungroomed cross-country ski trails are in the park and on adjacent state forest lands.

All hiking trails in the Conservation Area are open for cross-country skiing. Evergreen and Old Sawmill trails are good trails for cross-country skiing.

All hiking trails in Little Buffalo State Park are open for cross-country skiing, but skiing is recommended on Little Buffalo Creek Trail. A 2.5-mile loop can be skied by taking Little Buffalo Creek Trail to Main Picnic Area, then ski the Newport and Sherman’s Valley Railroad trace. Return to Little Buffalo Creek Trail along the edge of woods. Park in the lot at the trailhead. A popular loop in East Picnic Area starts in the parking lot and follows the path to Clay’s Covered Bridge. The trail passes Shoaff’s Mill then returns to the starting point on either Mill Race Trail or the shorter service road. Skiing is also permitted on service roads and unplowed roads in the day use area.

The easy rolling terrain and open nature of the park lends itself to excellent opportunities for short distance cross-country ski trips for the novice and experienced skier.

Hiking trails are open for cross-country skiing when conditions pemit.

Cross-country skiing is available.

Nordic skiers can enjoy the use of the railroad grade when snow conditions allow. Although no trails are specifically designated for cross-country skiing, numerous opportunities exist, especially during winters with heavy snowfalls, both within the park and on the surrounding state forest lands.

While no specific trails are provided, most skiers use local roads since only minimal snow plowing is done in this area. Skiers should be cautious since both snowmobiles and four-wheel drive vehicles also use many of these roads.

Seven miles of marked trails are available for this popular wintertime activity.

Five miles of park trails provide easy skiing with connecting trails and roads on surrounding state forest lands.

Skiers can enjoy the trails, service roads and open areas. About five miles of ungroomed trails are available with proper snow conditions.

Most trails are suitable for novice and experienced skiers and snowshoers. Lake Shore is the most popular trail.

The Swatara Rail Trail is good for skiing with adequate snowfall.

About six miles of cross-country ski trails traverse through woods and field areas with the degree of difficulty ranging from easy to moderate.

With proper snow cover several trails are good cross-coutry skiing.