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Each
fall, northwest Pennsylvania begins to settle in for another white and
wonderful winter. Northwest Pennsylvania is accustomed to cold and snowy
winters. The region is located in the Lake Erie Snowbelt, and cold blustery
winds from across the great lakes create wintery lake effect snowfall.
Winter conditions
in northwest Pennsylvania create an inviting atmosphere for outdoor recreation,
including cross country skiing, downhill skiing, ice fishing and hunting,
and winter hiking and camping. Listed below are some of the more popular
outdoor winter activities in northwest Pennsylvania. We hope to see you
between the snowflakes.
| Cross
Country Skiing |
One of the
best ways to see the winter landscape of northwest Pennsylvania
is by cross country skiing. There are numerous specified trails
throughout the region, and many areas that are not designated cross
country trails that can be skied (e.g. hiking trails and logging
roads). Cross country skiing is also very good exercise and has
little or no impact on the environment.
State
Parks:
Some of the
best local areas to cross country ski are State Parks, which have
designated trails and convenient facilities and access.
| Additional
information... |
| Cross
Country Skiing in State Parks |
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Allegheny
National Forest:
Another great
resource for cross country skiing is the Allegheny National Forest.
| Additional
information... |
| Cross
Country Skiing in the National Forest |
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Forest
County:
Forest County
understands the importance of cross country skiing and has even
dedicated a page to it.
| Additional
information... |
| Cross
Country Skiing in Forest County |
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Toggenburg
Valley:
Located in
the borough of Woodcock, 7 miles north of Meadville, Toggenburg
Valley offers the chance to cross country ski through some of
the most beautiful local scenery.
Back
to winter activities
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| Downhill
Skiing |
Though northwest
Pennsylvania is not especially well known for its downhill skiing
because it lacks large mountains, there are still many downhill
ski slopes within the region.
Mountain
View:
Located in
Edinboro, this is a perfect slope for the beginning skier or those
just wanting to get out in the winter weather and have a good
time. Mountain View has three ski lifts and provides opportunities
for downhill skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. Lift prices are
very reasonable.
| Additional
information... |
| Mountain
View |
(814)
734-1641
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Peek'n
Peak Ski Resort:
Located just
across the border in Findley Lake, New York, Peek'n Peak is no
more than a moderate drive from anywhere in northwest Pennsylvania.
Offering 27 slopes and numerous cross country trails with all
of the amenities of a resort and conference center, Peek'n Peak
is one of the premiere slopes in close proximity to the region.
| Additional
information... |
| Peek'n
Peak |
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| Ski
Resorts in Western Pennsylvania |
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Back
to winter activities
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| Ice
Fishing and Winter Hunting |
|
Ice
Fishing:
Though the
thought of sitting out in the elements battered by cold, wind,
and snow seems like lunacy to many people, these are perfect conditions
for the avid ice fisherman. When temperatures drop and the water
freezes, these devoted souls are out in force, chopping holes
through the ice and dropping a number of different baits into
the water, hoping for that monster catch. Surprisingly, ice fishing
often produces excellent results.
Ice fishing
can be done on nearly any place that regular warm weather fishing
occurs, provided that the ice is thick enough and conditions are
not too extreme. Most of the State Parks in the area permit ice
fishing.
| Additional
information... |
| Ice
Fishing in State Parks |
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| Water
Resources in northwest Pennsylvania |
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Following
proper guidelines when ice fishing is very important due to the
cold weather conditions and possible safety concerns.
| Additional
information... |
| Ice
fishing procedures and safety |
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Hunting:
Another popular
activity that takes place during the fall and winter in northwest
Pennsylvania is hunting. From late season rifle and muzzleloader
to second season archery and small game, all sorts of hunting
is in season during the winter months.
| Additional
information... |
| Hunting
areas and links |
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| PA Game
Commission |
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Back
to winter activities
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| Winter
Backpacking and Hiking |
Winter backpacking
and hiking is a dimension of winter recreation that is often unexplored.
Though some of the least crowded and most beautiful sites can be
viewed during the winter months, people are often intimidated by
the cold and snow. In most cases, trails are still suitable for
short hikes or extended trips depending on the amount of snowfall
and predicted conditions.
| Additional
information... |
| Trails
in northwest Pennsylvania |
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One should
be well aware that winter weather can be unpredictable and conditions
should never be underestimated. Winter backpacking and hiking require
proper clothing and equipment, as well as experience with cold weather
conditions. Remember that cold can create a possible life-threatening
condition and should be taken seriously.
| Additional
information... |
| Hypothermia
and other cold weather dangers |
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Back
to winter activities
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| Winter
Activities Links |
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Cross
Country Skiing Links:
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Downhill
Skiing Links:
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| Ice
Fishing Links: |
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| Hiking
and Backpacking Links: |
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| Other
Links: |
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TO TOP
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