Snowmobile season begins in the Allegheny National Forest
- by Guest Contributor
- December 21, 2023
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Information from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Allegheny National Forest
Snowmobile season is officially open in the Allegheny National Forest, says the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service. The season started at 8:00 a.m. on Friday, December 15, 2023, and snowmobile trails will remain open until 12:00 p.m. on March 31, 2024. Sufficient snowfall is needed for the trails to be usable.
Image: The Allegheny National Forest sees significant snowfall in the winter. Use caution and know that not all trails are designated for snowmobile use.
The snowmobile trail map is available on the USDA Forest Service Allegheny National Forest website. All winter recreationists in the forest should be aware of the following for the 2023-2024 winter season.
- Temporary re-route of approximately 3.45 miles of the Allegheny Snowmobile Loop near Four Corners in Highland Township, Elk County. The re-route uses Forest Road (FR) 661, the Timberline ATV trail, and Corduroy Road (T-322), a township road that is open to snowmobiles. The new route will be signed, and the former trail segment will be closed.
- FR 141 and FR 262 (Longhouse Scenic Drive) will be open to snowmobile use this winter. These roads were closed during the 2020/2021 season due to construction.
- Connector Trail #38 (Lewis Run Snowmobile Bypass Trail) is located east of Marshburg, PA on both private property and National Forest System lands. The 5.5-mile trail segment provides an alternative route to the main 1A trail that utilizes FR 455. It begins at Pine Acres Country Club and ends at the intersection of FR 188 and FR 455.
- Connector Trail #39 (Bradford Airport Connector Trail) is located east of Marshburg, PA on both private property and National Forest System lands. The trail segment provides access to the main 1A trail via FR 310. Trail segments begin at the Bradford Regional Airport and the intersection of State Highways 59 and 219. The trail ends at existing snowmobile trail connector #38.
Parents can share their passion for snowmobiling with their kids, but please know that it is mandatory that all youth ages 10-15 take an approved snowmobile training course if they are planning to use their vehicle off their parent’s or guardian’s property. Children often overestimate their skill level, so this course can help them learn the risks and how to become a better rider. One approved online safety course can be found here. Children under the age of 10 are not permitted to operate a snowmobile on public lands.
In the Allegheny National Forest, there are approximately 365 miles of interconnected snowmobile trails, and when conditions permit another 52 miles of trails are used for both snowmobiles and ATV/OHMs. Multiple user groups enjoy the wintertime trails, and everyone is asked to exercise caution as trail users may encounter vehicles, groomers, snowshoers, dogsled teams, hikers, and cross-country skiers at any time.
Being mindful of safety regulations and etiquette rules can make it a safe and pleasant snowmobiling experience for yourself and others, as well as maintaining and respecting our region’s natural assets.
Image: Snowmobile near Marienville, in the Allegheny National Forest
Trail users are reminded to:
- Stay on designated trails
- Practice the Leave No Trace principles of outdoor ethics
- Follow the Tread Lightly T.R.E.A.D. principles
- Plan ahead and prepare for variable trail and weather conditions
- Remember that motorized vehicles are not allowed on the Allegheny Reservoir once it is frozen
Until there is a significant amount of snow on the ground, the maintained snowmobile trails will not be groomed. Trail condition reports will begin when adequate snow accumulates and will be updated weekly, or when conditions warrant.
Condition reports will be posted on the forest social media channels. You can also listen to condition reports by calling one of the forest offices and following the prompts: Bradford Ranger District: 814-362-4613; Marienville Ranger District: 814-927-6628 or the Supervisor’s Office: 814-723-5150.
About the USDA Forest Service – Allegheny National Forest:
Established in 1923, the Allegheny National Forest (ANF) is Pennsylvania’s only National Forest. Situated on the Allegheny Plateau, the forest is comprised of 514,029 acres in the northwestern corner of the state. The slogan “Land of Many Uses” captures a vision of a healthy, vigorous, working forest that provides timber and wood products, watershed protection, access to underground minerals, ties to cultural history, a diversity of wildlife habitats, and outstanding outdoor recreation opportunities — not only today but in a sustainable way so future generations can enjoy these benefits.
