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Winter Activities Abound for PA State Park and Forest Visitors

Posted on: Tuesday, 5 December 2006, 12:00 CST

HARRISBURG, Pa., Dec. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- The arrival of colder weather is no reason for Pennsylvanians to hibernate - the fun and activities continue all season at Pennsylvania's state parks and forests, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR).

"There is a wonder in the winter season that can't be matched at other times of the year, and our state parks and forests offer great adventures and breathtaking views for people who enjoy exploring the outdoors in the wintertime," DCNR Secretary Michael DiBerardinis said. "Each of our parks and forests is home to a different kind of fun, and it is easy to view a list of all of our activities at http://www.getoutdoorspa.state.pa.us/."

Winter sport enthusiasts and families can add excitement to the cold months with a variety of winter recreation opportunities, including:

Snowshoeing

Explore the winter woods on snowshoes and discover which animals are active during the chilly season. Weather permitting, snowshoes are available for use each Saturday at Jennings Environmental Education Center in Butler County. On Dec. 16, you can snowshoe the Cathedral on a guided tour of the old growth forest at Cook Forest State Park in Clarion and Jefferson counties. Programs are scheduled in January and February at Bald Eagle State Park in Centre County. If there is no snow, hikes will take the place of snowshoe activities.

Cross-country skiing

Hit the trails to get some exercise while enjoying the quiet winter woods on cross-country skis. Cross-country skiing burns more calories per hour than many other sports. State forests offer groomed cross-country ski trails in the following locations: Tiadaghton in the northcentral region, 35 miles on the Pine Creek Rail Trail and about 15 miles on other ski trails; Tioga in the northcentral region, 19 miles on the Pine Creek Rail Trail; Forbes in western Pennsylvania, 13 miles in the North Woods Area that connects to the Hidden Valley Resort groomed trails.

Learn the basics of cross-country skiing in programs at Laurel Ridge State Park in southwestern Pennsylvania and Presque Isle State Park in Erie, both on Dec. 16.

Snowmobiling

Pennsylvania's state forests offer thousands of miles and hundreds of acres of designated snowmobile areas for exploration. Many parks also offer trails and trailheads to state forest lands from Dec. 10 to April 1, weather permitting.

Find out where to go on state forests from the Snowmobile Trails Conditions report on the DCNR website at http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/ (choose Forestry, Hot Topics) updated twice a week during the winter season, or call the toll-free Snowmobile Hotline at (877) 766-6253.

Ice skating

After the temperature hits rock bottom, dress warmly in layers and lace up your ice skates. Many state parks offer ice skating. Find out where to go with the weekly Winter Activities Report at the DCNR website http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/ (located under Hot Topics).

Always be careful when venturing onto the ice. If you plan to go where the ice is not monitored for safety, make sure that the ice is at least four inches thick and always carry safety equipment.

Sledding

Sledding is a popular activity on snowy days in state parks. Many state parks designate an area during the winter for sledding. A list of parks is available on the DCNR website.

Dog sled racing

The Warren County Winterfest at Chapman State Park on Jan. 26 features the Jim Lobell Memorial dog sled race, as well as sledding races, an ice fishing derby and a polar bear plunge.

Ice fishing

Ice fishing has an allure all its own. Many anglers say there is nothing like walking on a frozen lake, carving a hole and pulling up elusive fish from the mysterious depths below. Pennsylvania state parks have many lakes for ice fishing listed on the DCNR website. Ice fishing also is popular on the lakes in Delaware State Forest in the Pocono area. Use an auger to determine that there is at least four inches of solid ice before fishing; never fish alone; and always wear a life jacket.

Downhill skiing

Skiing is a very popular way to enjoy winter in Pennsylvania. The Bureau of State Parks leases land to three concessionaires who operate ski areas at Blue Knob State Park in Bedford County; Big Pocono State Park in Monroe County; and Denton Hill State Park in Potter County.

Ice boating

For the diehard outdoor enthusiast, there is nothing quite like iceboating. Iceboats must have state park launching permit. Seventeen state parks offer ice boating and are listed on the DCNR website.

Festivals

Festivals are not just for warm weather. During December, you can walk the Christmas Trail at Little Buffalo State Park in Perry County; frolic at Cherry Springs State Park in Potter County on Jan. 26 during a day of winter activities; and visit the Clearfield YMCA's Winter Family Fun Festival at Parker Dam State Park on Jan. 27 and 28, including blizzard volleyball, a kids snowbox derby and ice sculpting.

Wildlife Watching

Winter is a quiet time of year in the forest, but there is still much to see and learn. Keystone State Park in Westmoreland County has a Making Tracks program on Jan. 6 at 2 p.m. to identify trees and search for animal tracks. Many other activities and programs are scheduled or available throughout the winter months at Pennsylvania's 117 state parks and more than 2 million acres of state forest land. Visit the DCNR website at http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/ to learn more.

CONTACT: Christina Novak, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, +1-717-772-9101.

Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

CONTACT: Christina Novak, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation andNatural Resources, +1-717-772-9101

Web site: http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/http://www.getoutdoorspa.state.pa.us/

Source: PRNewswire

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