Winter Outdoor Adventures in the Susquehanna River Valley

Trails for Hiking, Cross-country Skiing and Snoeshoeing

The SRV has many trails popular for hiking as well as cross-country skiing and snow shoeing when the snow blankets the Susquehanna River Valley.

• The Merrill Linn Land and Waterways Conservancy maintained trails perfect for a short winter jaunt. Visit their website to learn more about the Dale’s Ridge Trail* located just outside of Lewisburg as well as the Koons Trail in Mifflinburg at the historic Hassenplug Covered Bridge. _{*Please note: The Dale's Ridge Trail will be closed for rifle deer season. It is not open for public hunting but is hunted by private individuals who have received prior permission from the property owner.}

• Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area Walking Trail
  

  Walking Trail - While the majority of AOAA trails are for off-road enthusiasts with ATVs, UTVs, dirt bikes, and full-size vehicles, there is also a 3.1-mile walking trail with exercise stations and scenic outlooks.

• The Montour Area Recreation Commission manages parks, trails and outdoor recreational programming including the Montour Preserve which offers trails in varying lengths from the .2-mile Hummingbird Trail to the 3.9-mile Chilisaugi Trail. Also find information on the North Branch Canal Trail and the Robbins Trail/Old Reading Line Loop Trail at the Hess Recreation Area in Danville.

• The Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art in Millersburg has beautiful trails open for those looking to experience the splendor of a winter woods walk. Print a copy of the Berry Mountain Trail Guide before you head out to walk.

• The Roaring Creek Tract in Weiser State Forest offers a chance to get outside in Northumberland County. An eight-mile shared-use trail runs through the valley along the creek and reservoirs, for those who wish to take a leisurely hike.

Easy hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing trails can be found at area state parks as well. Raymond B. Winter State Park has over five miles of park pathways with connecting trails and roads on surrounding state forest land. Or amble along the riverside trails at Shikellamy State Park and Milton State Park. Of course, for the die-hard winter warrior more difficult trails can be found at each of these mentioned sites.

For more trails in the Susquehanna River Valley visit: SRV Trails

Cross-Country Skiing at Bald Eagle State Forest

Twenty-four miles of cross-country ski trails have been developed within the Bald Eagle State Forest, with trail-heads at R. B. Winter State Park  and Hairy Johns Picnic Area.

To view conditions and receive information on winter activities available throughout the Pennsylvania State Parks, go to State Parks Winter Report:

State Parks Winter Report

To view conditions and receive information on winter activities throughout the Pennsylvania State Parks, go to State Parks Winter Report:

The Pennsylvania state parks Winter Report allows winter outdoor recreation enthusiasts to monitor snow and ice conditions with state parks.

The Winter Report is updated weekly (at a minimum) by state parks during the winter season.

The report lists the ice thickness and what ice activities are available at that park. Sometimes a park can have ice, but if it is not thick enough, then the activities are not available.

The report also lists the snow thickness and what snow activities are available at that park. Sometimes a park can have snow, but if it is not thick enough, then the activities are not available.

The report is searchable by park and by winter outdoor recreation activity.

Snowmobiling

Bald Eagle State Forest has more than 300 miles of state forest roads and trails open for snowmobiling. View DCNR's Snowmobile Trails Map here. Snowmobiles must be properly registered and may only be operated within designated roads in Bald Eagle State Forest following the official closing of antlerless deer season.

Trail maps for outdoor recreation, including location of roads and eight access areas for snowmobiles, are available from the district office or from the Susquehanna River Valley Visitors Bureau in Lewisburg. Call 570-524-7234 or email [email protected] to request that a map be mailed to you.

Purple Lizard Maps of Bald Eagle State Forest are also available at the Visitors Bureau. Call the Visitors Center (570-524-7234) if you would like to purchase a Purple Lizard Map.

Lizard Maps are durable, waterproof, easy to read topographic maps featuring contour lines, elevation data, shaded relief, and all the key details you need to plan your adventures: backroads and trails, trail use designations, road surfaces (paved/gravel/4wd), parking access, campsites, public lands, historic sites and more.

Winter Cycling in the SRV

The changing seasons in Central PA, each with their own unique beauty, are one of the many reasons people love living in and visiting the Susquehanna River Valley. The seasons have changed. Winter is here. The snow has fallen and the views are stunning. So we encourage you to come outside! 

Though you may usually put the bike away at the first sign of cold, cycling doesn't have to be over. Bicycling.com offers tips and tricks for enjoying a great ride in wintry weather. 

For expert advice and equipment for winter cycling, the pros at Brookside Bikes and Earl's Bicycle Store are ready to help.

Brookside Bikes

170 E. Walnut St., Mifflinburg, PA 17844
570-966-1062
Brookside Bikes is family-owned and -operated and located adjacent to the Buffalo Valley Rail Trail in Mifflinburg. It's the perfect place to start a scenic bike tour of the beautiful Susquehanna River Valley. Since 2009, Brookside Bikes has offered a wide selection of new and used bikes, parts and accessories and prompt, high-quality service for the local area. **See Facebook for hours.

Earl's Bicycle Store

427 Fairground Rd., Lewisburg, PA 17837
570-524-1249
Committed to making cycling fun for the whole family. Offering sales, service, rentals and expert advice. The rental fleet includes over 30 bikes such as hybrids, electric, mountain, road, tandem, children's, etc.
**Walk-in Customers, Online Shopping and Local Delivery. See website for hours.