Outdoor Recreation

January 19, 2023

Down Life’s Crazy Road: Slow to get motivated?

January - it's often the coldest month of the year, with dark evenings and the thrill of the holiday season already over. Author John Pozza suggests some outdoor activities to help you get out of the winter blues.

January 13, 2023

Help plan your winter adventures with the state parks winter report

Want to know what winter activities are available at your local PA Wilds state park? Or are you searching for an activity like sledding or skiing and want to know which state parks offer that outdoor rec option? There's an easy tool to help you... DCNR's Pennsylvania state parks winter report.

January 9, 2023

A family bike ride on the Knox & Kane Rail Trail

Jeremy Bickling was eager to test out his new child trailer, so he hitched it (with his kid, of course!) to the back of his bike and hit the Knox and Kane Rail Trail. Together, he and his family rode the 7.8-mile stretch of the trail, making their way to Kinzua Bridge.

January 5, 2023

Stay safe on state forest roads this winter

Pennsylvania state forests are popular for winter recreation enthusiasts, and we would like to remind everyone to be safe when traveling state forest roads in winter conditions. For economic, logistic and environmental reasons, many state forest roads and drivable trails receive no winter maintenance and are considered “travel at own risk.”

December 26, 2022

Start your 2023 on the right foot with a First Day Hike

Go take a hike! No, really. You can start the new year on the right foot (literally) with guided hikes at many state parks throughout Pennsylvania, including several in the Pennsylvania Wilds.

December 22, 2022

Learning to love the winter

Britt admits... she's not a big fan of winter. However, something changed one day while driving over Rockton Mountain in Clearfield County. A view of dazzling icy trees and untouched snow made her appreciate how beautiful winter really is in the Pennsylvania Wilds.

December 16, 2022

How deer hunters help our forests

As a PA hunter for over 36 years, Ryan Reed says he's been fortunate to take his share of deer. Beyond the potential comfort of a freezer full of “organic” meat is the idea that deer hunters share in the critical role of safeguarding the future of our forests.

December 13, 2022

Snowmobile season starts this Friday, with trails open in ANF

Time to start your engines! The snowmobile season officially begins at 8:00 a.m. on December 16, 2022, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Forest Service, with trails opening in the Allegheny National Forest. Snowmobile trails will remain open until 12:oo p.m. on March 31, 2023. Learn more about snowmobiling in the PA Wilds!

December 8, 2022

Fall fly fishing on Kettle Creek in the PA Wilds

Earlier in November, writer Ray Hunt headed out with his friends Bob Hallowell and Mike McFarland to Kettle Creek in Clinton County for some late fall fly fishing. Ray tested out some special bamboo rods... and left with some of them to add to his collection. Despite the colder temperatures, the men caught some great fish, enjoyed sneaking out to fish on a weekday, ate some delicious burgers and enjoy the company of friends.

November 1, 2022

Nominate your favorite trail in DCNR’s 2023 PA Trail Of The Year

What's your favorite trail in our state? Is there somewhere you walk, hike, bike or ride that always makes you smile? It's time to nominate it for DCNR's 2023 Pennsylvania Trail of the Year!