Winter in the Woods
Winter in the Woods
Head to the Allegheny National Forest Region for snowy owls and snowmobiling
As the temperature dips, bundle up and head outside. In the Allegheny National Forest Region of northwestern Pennsylvania, enjoy birdwatching, snowmobiling, cross-country and downhill skiing. Located minutes from the New York/Pennsylvania state line, drive south on Rt. 219 to Bradford, PA to begin your adventure.
For birdwatchers, catching site of a Snowy Owl is a memorable occasion. In their breeding season, Snowy Owls live and nest in the far north regions around the North Pole. In their non-breeding season, they occasionally migrate south to our part of Northern America. Male Snowy Owls are usually very white, females tend to have some dark brown or black markings on their feathers. Their feet are also covered with feathers, looking very much like fluffy slippers. When searching for a Snowy Owl, check out high points like telephone poles, fenceposts, and buildings as they like to perch on these high points. Hedwig, in the movie Harry Potter, was a Snowy Owl. Do not try to catch or harm this owl; their numbers have drastically declined in recent years and their species is close to being placed on the endangered species list. To find out more facts go to www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Snowy_Owl/. Snowy Owls have been spotted in the Allegheny National Forest Region near Kinzua Dam and around the Allegheny River in Eldred, Pennsylvania.
Beginning and advanced birders will enjoy participating in the Audubon’s Great Annual Backyard Bird Count. This worldwide event will take place February 12th-15th. This is when people from around the world join to watch, learn about, and count birds. Fifteen minutes in your own backyard is the beginning length recommended. Counts over the entire four days are appreciated. To find out more go to www.birdcount.org/participate
Snowmobiling is another fun way to enjoy the region. New snowmobile trails and trail head parking have been created by the Willow Creek Snowmobile Club in partnership with public lands and private businesses. At the Pine Acres Country Club, 1401 W. Warren Road, Bradford, PA, new trailer parking has been roped off in their parking lot. This free trailhead parking will have trail access to the new Heffner Trail which connects to 1A in the Allegheny National Forest (ANF). The club kindly requests everyone to “Stay on the Trail or Stay Home.”
The Willows Restaurant, 2669 W. Washington Street, Bradford, allows trailers to park in their lot free of charge. This is the location closest to Allegany State Park, NY. The current PA restaurant mandated closure ends Jan. 4th, so please consider stopping in for lunch, dinner, or a drink if you park in their lot to show support of snowmobiling.
Westline Inn, 15 EL Drive, Westline, PA, allows trailer parking in their lot free of charge as well. This is a great location, as you can go in many directions from Westline. Ride to Kane, Warren, the ANF, or north to Allegany State Park, NY. Plan to stop for lunch, dinner, or a drink. (Please note the Westline Inn does not open until 3:00pm on Sundays.) Overnight lodging is available at the Westline Inn.
The Barrel House Restaurant, 8946 Rt. 6 (intersection of Rt. 6 & Rt. 219), Lantz Corners, PA allows people to park in their lot for $10/day. You are required to go in and pay the $10 when you get there, however, if you go back in and eat a meal, your $10 will be subtracted from your bill. The Lantz Corners Getaway offers overnight lodging as well.
Please note the Bradford Ranger State, Rt. 59, Bradford, PA does not allow trailer or snowmobile parking.
For more information on the area, overnight lodging, or to request a free snowmobile map call 800-473-9370 go to: www.visitANF.com
