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Wintry World Of Fun Awaits State Park, Forest Visitors
As winter arrives, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is reminding outdoors enthusiasts that Pennsylvania’s extensive state forest and park systems offer many opportunities 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.

“Pennsylvania has earned its reputation as a national leader in winter tourism and recreation,” 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,” Acting SecretaryQuigley noted. “Our DCNR website 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 riders soon could have access to up to 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 this week.

“Wintry weather conditions have opened a whole new world of outdoor recreation,” Acting Secretary Quigley said. “Our state parks and forests are home to a different kind of fun, and it is easy to view a list of activities at the Get Outdoors PA website.”

As weather allows, 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 riders will find maps, conditions, and other detailed information on the DCNR website.

Updated ice conditions, essential 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 website.

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 registration information, call toll free 1-866-545-2476 or visit DCNR’s website.

For skiers, more than 330 miles of marked cross-country ski trails are offered on 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 are weather-dependent. Hunters are urged to check with forest district offices about specific roads.

Several parks still have winter cabin rentals available. Reservations can be made by calling the toll-free 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 DCNR's website or call 717-783-7941 (Bureau of Forestry) or 717-772-0239 (Bureau of State Parks).

12/21/2009

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