From the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources:

Spring, summer and fall are not the only times to enjoy Pennsylvania state parks. Visitors find a surprising number of activities that are best enjoyed in the snowy landscape. There is a certain sense of peace and tranquillity in the parks during this time of year, and the view can be breathtaking.

Find out where to go with our weekly winter activities report, online from December until spring thaw.

There’s a whole lot of snowmobiling going on in state parks in the winter. Visitors are permitted to run their snowmobiles after the last day of antlerless deer season to April 1, as long as there is enough snow cover. Most parks offer designated snowmobile trails for exploration. Others designate large, open spaces for snowmobiling. State parks also provide trailhead access to snowmobile trails on state forest land. Find out where snowmobile trails are in state parks and forests, or call 888-PA-PARKS for a copy of the printed publication.

In order to use your snowmobile on state lands, the vehicle must be properly registered with the snowmobile unit in the Bureau of Forestry and have the permit visibly displayed. To find out any additional details about the program, call the ATV/Snowmobile Unit at 717-783-1364. The ATV/Snowmobile Unit also runs the Snowmobile Hotline during the winter season, which provides updates on snow cover and snowmobiling conditions on state forest lands; call toll-free 877-SNOMBLE. The hotline is updated every Tuesday and Friday.

Application for Pennsylvania Registration

Some Other Reminders About Riding on State Lands:
1. State game lands, where snowmobiling is allowed, are not open for riding until January 15th.
2. Any youth under the age of 16 MUST have the safety certification before they can operate a snowmobile off their parents property.
3. All riders are required to wear an approved helmet.
4. Liability insurance is required.