The Allegheny National Forest’s snowmobile trails will open on Saturday, December 19, 2015 at 8:00 a.m., but the Forest’s ATV trails will remain closed to motorized use until further notice. The only exception is Connector #23 on the Timberline ATV trail which will be open to snowmobiles only. “While we cannot predict if there will be snow cover by December 19, we will have the trails open and ready for use so snowmobilers can enjoy them as soon as there is enough snow to operate their machines,” said Forest Supervisor Sherry Tune.
There are several ATV trails that are closed for maintenance or construction work:
- The Marienville and Timberline ATV Trails will be closed to complete construction and maintenance work this winter. “We will notify the public if and when sections of these trails can be opened for snowmobiles and/or ATVs,” said Marienville District Ranger Rob Fallon.
- Connector #16 (Forest Road 131), from National Forest Road 228 south to Loleta Campground, will be closed to all motorized traffic due to poor operating conditions. “There is a slump in a steep fill slope adjacent to one segment of this route, and poor drainage and potholes have saturated other segments of this route,” Fallon said. “We are working with our engineering department to develop a plan and secure funding to address these necessary repairs.”
The Allegheny National Forest has more than 360 miles of snowmobile trails in interconnected loops. Many miles of trails are groomed by the Forest Service and two snowmobile clubs. However, the snowmobile trails will not be groomed until there is a significant amount of snow on the ground. Information on snowmobile trail conditions can be found on the Snowmobile Trail Condition Report, which is updated every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. This report can be found by either:
- Accessing the Allegheny’s website: http://www.fs.usda.gov/allegheny/. The report is posted on the “Quick Links” section on the upper right side of the page
- Calling 814.723.5150 and selecting option 2, then following the prompts
Fallon asked users to use caution when they’re on the forest, because many of the trails are used by multiple groups, so they may encounter vehicles, groomers, snowshoers, and skiers at any time.
For more information about recreational activities on the Allegheny National Forest:
- Bradford Ranger District: 814.362.4613
- Marienville Ranger District: 814.927.6628