Pennsylvania state forests and parks are amazing resources at any time of the year. The peacefulness, solitude, and remoteness seems to alleviate some of life’s burdens. At the same time, during the winter, those traits present additional dangers. Winter safety on PA state forest and certain park roads is of paramount importance as many of these roads are largely unmaintained for vehicular travel. In a December 2022 newsletter, the PA Department of Conversation and Natural Resources shared some useful tips for forest and park users traveling there during the winter months.
Every year, various PA state forests share pictures and stories of motorists that do no use best practices or heed warnings about winter travel. As such, The Hub thought it would be helpful to get the word out by reproducing DCNR’s words of wisdom:
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.”
Visitors must use extreme caution; and are reminded that many state forest roads have limited or no cell phone service.
Always check road advisories before heading out to a state forest in any season, which can be found on each state forest’s web page.
If you are traveling state forest roads in winter, be sure to follow these tips:
- Operate only 4-wheel (or all wheel) drive vehicles with elevated ground clearance
- Drive slowly in winter conditions, especially on steeper descent
- Leave travel plan details with family/friends and plan for contingencies
- Keep state forest map, matches, flashlight, cell phone, food, water, tire chains, and sleeping bag in vehicle during winter travel
- Avoid state forest roads when advised
State forest visitors must be prepared to call towing/removal service if becoming stuck and needing assistance.
We hope that you enjoy some of PA’s wonderful public lands this winter, and that you follow the advice from DCNR and stay safe! Also, check out The Hub’s article providing a Winter Car Survival Kit Checklist courtesy of the U.S. National Weather Service Pittsburgh, PA. As we indicate in the survival kit article, one item that we carry in the car and on all rides is the Garmin inReach Mini 2. You never have to worry about cell reception if you have an emergency. It has messaging and SOS capabilities, which is really comforting when your adventures take you off the grid! We think the initial and monthly investments are worth the peace of mind.
Are there any tips or resources that you suggest? Post them in the comments below.
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