Snowmobiling is a great winter activity for the whole family. When the snowflakes fall, get the gang together and head to Marienville. The town is the snowmobiling capital of Pennsylvania. It’s here where the Allegheny National Forest trails begin—the starting line for hundreds of miles of scenic trails you can take through the forest up to the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania and into New York state. The forest is filled with wildlife this time of year including white tail deer, rabbits, even bald eagles, which are always fun and exciting to see along the way. Bears are usually asleep this time of year.
Though it’s cold outside, snowmobilers always get a warm welcome in the town of Marienville. Evenings and weekends are popular times to ride so the local restaurants and pubs stay open late and can get very lively. You can even drive your sled on side streets, so getting around is easy. There’s also plenty of parking for cars, trucks and trailers.
Each January Marienville hosts a Winter Festival with food and outdoor activities during the day followed by a beautiful Torch Light Snowmobile Parade after dark. The 2010 event will take place January 30. Call (814) 927-8218 or log on to www.forestcounty.com
On The Trail
The ANF trails are wide, well-groomed, well-marked, and easy to drive. They’re great for snowmobilers and riders of almost every age and skill level. They open in December and close in April. There are a number of straightaway runs on roadways. You can contact the Marienville Ranger Station at 814-927-5700 for an update on snow conditions. The PA DCNR has a snowmobile hotline 877-766-6253 with info on snow conditions and grooming that is updated every Tuesday and Thursday. Local snowmobile dealers are also a good source for trail maps, reports on conditions, plus membership applications for the local snowmobile club.
Snowmobilers may ride on state game lands from the third Sunday in January through April 1 on designated snowmobile areas, roads and trails marked with signs.
Places To Stay
Any time of year is a great time to stay in Marienville. Find information on motel rooms, cabins or cottages at http://www.visitpago.com/travel-tools/our-towns/marienville/ or call 814-849-5197 for our free visitors guide.
Beyond Marienville
The Timberline ATV Trail in Ridgway is great for beginner and intermediate snowmobilers. It has 38 miles of interconnecting trails through scenic hills of the Allegheny National Forest. The trail connects to the Marienville ATV Trail. You’ll find trail head parking just north of Ridgway on Forest Road 232, 1 mile south of the intersection of Rt. 948 and Rt. 66, Russell City. For information call 814-723-5150
Sizerville State Park has 66 miles of groomed snowmobile trails and Sinnemahoning State Park trail joins the trails of the Elk State Forest at the Brooks Run Road, making a 25-mile trail system.
Before You Ride
State law requires you to carry liability insurance and register your snowmobile. A PA registration application can be obtained by calling the forest office at 814-723-5150, or PA DCNR, Snowmobile/ATV Unit at 717-783-9227. You must be at least 16 years old and carry proof of insurance to operate on any joint use road (many Allegheny Forest trails are joint use roads). Pennsylvania also requires snowmobilers to wear a helmet.
