Winter fun

By CONNIE MERTZ

Winter appears to have arrived in white. As this column is being written, I can look out my window and watch the snow fall, peacefully etching the pines in my backyard. Though snow already blanketed the ground, this gives the landscape a fresh coating, adding to the seasonal beauty.

When colder temperatures and snow arrive, it signals lots of recreational activities. There’s tobogganing, sledding, ice skating, ice fishing, cross-country skiing, downhill skiing and snowmobiling. Often overlooked is winter fun at Pennsylvania’s state parks and forests. For instance, state forests have more than 2,500 miles of marked snowmobile trails with an additional 346 miles in state parks. There are also 330 miles of marked cross country ski trails, and 400 miles of groomed and ungroomed cross country ski trails in 73 state parks.

State parks which have open water usually permit ice skating and fishing. And there may be winter festivals at some of them, adding another dimension to more winter fun. There is simply no excuse for cabin fever when the snow flakes fall. It’s time to get outdoors and enjoy the season.

For updated ice and snow conditions, visit PA PowerPort at www.state.pa.us or www.dcnr.state.pa.us. A snowmobile hotline can be reached by calling 877/766-6253. Cabin reservations can be made by calling 888/727-2757.