WINTER OUTINGS SERIES
What are the Winter Outings?
FREE EVENTS – Family FUN!
• Limited equipment is available to use free of charge.
• All ages are welcome with adult supervision (unless otherwise stated).
• Most activities are for beginners and make it easy to try something new.
• Limited snow cover may alter the events, but when possible, an alternative program will be offered.
• XC ski track may be set for ski events, if conditions allow.
Check back for more information on the series and updates.
Winter Trail and Ice Reports
Most trails have at least a trace of snow, and you should watch for ice in shaded areas and north slopes. Forecast (as of 1/6/25) is for colder temps and no significant snowfall. Ice is building! Be safe out there!
Check out Step Outdoors Facebook for periodic trail conditions and ski track alerts.
WINTER OUTINGS CALENDAR
Weekly Events
Thursdays All Winter – Tyoga Running Club Thursday Night Run
6PM-7PM – Wellsboro – Packer Park Lot
Sponsor(s): Tyoga Running Club
Come on out for a group run. Multiple pace groups for almost any ability level. Yes – it’s dark, so bring a headlamp / lights. Yes, the group runs in almost any conditions. Distances vary. Look up the club on Facebook for more info.
EVENT DETAILS
Thursdays All Winter – Thursday Night Run/Walk
6PM-7PM – Various Locations – See TRC Facebook Page
Come on out for a group run. Multiple pace groups for almost any ability level. Yes – it’s dark, so bring a headlamp / lights. This group runs in almost any weather condition. Distances & meeting location vary. Search Tyoga Running Club on Facebook for more info. Usually there is also a walking group too at the same time / location!
Tuesday, January 7 – Online: Planning Your Winter Stargazing Trip…
6PM-7PM – Online Program – Must register for link
Learn what you need to know before you visit Cherry Springs State Park this winter, including important park construction updates! This program will cover how to plan an evening stargazing, what parts of the park to visit, places to stay, and how to prepare for Potter County winter weather. This program is designed for first-time or novice stargazers looking to visit the park from December-March. After registering, you will receive an email with the link to join the program. Note: This program is only online and does NOT take place at the park.
Wednesday January 8 or January 15 – Virtual Intro to XC Skiing
6:30PM-8PM – Online Program – Must register for link
Are you interested in learning a new way to experience Pennsylvania’s outdoor resources in the winter?
Cross Country Skiing can be a fun way to get outdoors and explore everything wintertime in PA has to offer.
Join Pennsylvania DCNR Bureau of Forestry, State Parks, and partners for a FREE hybrid (part virtual and part in-person) Introduction to Cross Country Skiing Program.
The classroom portion of this program will take place virtually, from the comfort of your own home. Participants who attend the virtual component will be invited to register for all scheduled in-person cross country skiing programs pending conditions.
In-person programs will be capped at 15 participants. In-person programs will take place in either Susquehannock or Tioga State forests depending on trail conditions. Cross Country Ski gear (ski boots, poles, and skis) will be provided or bring your own!
This program will introduce you to – forest health and management, the history of cross country skiing, cross country skiing and how to get started, safety, techniques, and additional resources to continue your adventure.
Pre-registration is required in order to receive program links and invites. Questions please contact Cody Whipple at cwhipple@pa.gov
Friday January 10 – Nesting Night Owl Hike
6PM-7:30PM – Tiadaghton State Forest – Location TBD
Owls are most vocal during winter as they court, establish territories, and build nests. We will take a one-mile hike on a beginner-level trail while listening and looking for these nocturnal birds of prey. The location of this hike will be sent through email a week prior to the date of the event. Intended for persons aged 8 and up. Please bring a flashlight and dress appropriately for the weather. Registration is required.
Saturday January 11 – Full Moon Snowshoe or Walk
7PM-8:30PM – Cherry Springs State Park – Overnight Astronomy Obs. Field
Registration encouraged, but not required, to relay information about weather and trail conditions.
Take a moonlit evening stroll along crisp, wintery landscape. Join a park educator for a 1.5 mile walk along level ground on the Overnight Astronomy Observation Field. Snowshoes will be available as conditions and attendance allow.
Learn about winter constellations and folklore along the way with a laser-guided tour of the night sky. Telescopes available if conditions are favorable. After the hike, sip on warm hot chocolate or tea by a fire in the historic CCC pavilion.
FREE program for kids and adults alike. Just wear sturdy winter boots and warm clothes.
If you would like to receive info about weather/cancellations, pre-register by noon on Saturday, January 11.
Saturday January 18 – Hills Creek Winterfest
10AM-3PM – Hills Creek State Park – Beach Parking Area
Free Family Fun! Activities being planned include: XC skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, sledding, make and take crafts, guided hikes, educational programs, and more! Enjoy hot chocolate and hot dogs - FREE while they last! Skis, snowshoes and skates provided in limited quantities or bring your own. Don’t forget your sled. There’s fun for the entire family.
*** some activities may be altered due to conditions ***
Saturday January 25 – Winter in the Lumber Camp
10AM-3PM – PA Lumber Museum – Main Parking Area
Outdoor fun in the snow with sledding, snow men, and snow art activities. Try your hand at cross-country skis, snowshoes and ice skates (conditions permitting) with the help of equipment provided by PA DCNR and volunteer instructors. Updates – check Facebook.
Sunday January 26 – Eagle Watch
9AM-10AM – Ives Run Mixing Channel – Ives Run Recreation Area
Join us for an eagle watch at perhaps the best location in our area to view them in winter. Local eagle expert & enthusiast, Matt West, will be leading the watch and answering questions about these amazing raptors. Bring binoculars if you have them or a limited number of spotting scopes and binoculars will also be on hand. The TCWOA is sponsoring the event, so expect hot beverages and perhaps some snacks as well. For more information or to RSVP, please contact KimMarie Craig at 619-339-7167.
Directions from Wellsboro (18 miles):
Take Route 287 north for 17 miles to Tioga (past Ives Run Recreation Area). Turn right onto S. Main St., follow to the end and wind past the park entrance gate and to the top of the hill where the road ends at the mixing channel parking lot. Or try this Google link.
January 31-February 2 – Winter Women in the Wilds (registration FULL/CLOSED)
Sinnemahoning State Park – Pre-register online!
The Winter Women in the Wilds is a 3-day event, beginning Friday, January 31, at 6:00 PM, through Sunday, February 2, at 1:00 PM.
The Women in the Wilds event at Sinnemahoning State Park is a ladies-only weekend filled with fun outdoor recreation and environmental education classes.
Saturday February 1 – Community Climbing Day
2PM-6PM – Commonwealth University, Mansfield – Kelchner Fitness Center
Family friendly climbing geared towards kids and beginners. We have all the gear and staff ready to get climbing newcomers off the ground. More info on the Kelchner Fitness Center Facebook page or by emailing aletts@commonwealth.edu
Sunday February 9 – Mt. Tom Challenge
9AM-Noon – Mt. Tom Trails – Darling Run Parking Area
Challenge yourself to climb the steepest and tallest in the area – Mt. Tom! Then do it again and again… if you can! https://sites.google.com/site/mttomchallenge/home
Tuesday, February 11 – Online: Planning Your Winter Stargazing Trip…
6PM-7PM – Online Program – Must register for link
Learn what you need to know before you visit Cherry Springs State Park this winter, including important park construction updates! This program will cover how to plan an evening stargazing, what parts of the park to visit, places to stay, and how to prepare for Potter County winter weather. This program is designed for first-time or novice stargazers looking to visit the park from December-March. After registering, you will receive an email with the link to join the program. Note: This program is only online and does NOT take place at the park.
Saturday February 15 – Lumberjack Day $$
9:30AM-2PM – PA Lumber Museum – Main Parking Area
Shake of those winter blues with some black and red plaid and join us for some lumberjack fun. This program offers indoor entertainment for the whole family with foam axe throwing, lumberjack crafts, and games. We’ll celebrate the “birthday” of the biggest lumberjack of them all, Paul Bunyan, with some tall tales and eat like lumberjacks with pancakes and sausages cooked by museum personnel. $10 adults / $6 youth 4-11 for general admission and the Pancake Breakfast. Updates – check Facebook.
Saturday February 15 – Ice Skating
10AM-2PM – Wellsboro – Packer Park
Enjoy a town skating rink along with limited free skates for all ages on a synthetic rink.
Saturday February 22 – Snowshoe / Hike to CCC Camp
9AM-11AM – Pine Creek Trail – Darling Run
More information and register online. See https://events.dcnr.pa.gov/tioga_state_forest
Saturday February 22 – Black Bears in the PA Wilds
10AM-11:30AM – Tiadaghton State Forest – Resource Mgmt. Center, Waterville
Join the PA Game Commission in exploring the fascinating world of black bears, focusing on their biology, conservation efforts, and safety practices for living in bear habitats. Participants will engage in a variety of hands-on activities, including a Bear Bag Challenge, where you'll learn how to correctly hang bear-proof bags. Learn black bear biology and conservation, with insights into Pennsylvania’s black bear population, trends, and how to coexist with these incredible animals. To round out the experience, we’ll take a short walk where you'll learn to identify signs of black bear presence in the wild. Registration is requested.
Saturday March 1 – Intro to Orchard Pruning
10AM-1PM – Susquehannock State Forest – Kerner Tract
**Registration Required**
Learn the basic techniques of apple tree pruning to enhance health, form, and fruit production. Hands-on experience will be available to those participants willing to put what they learn to practice! Participants will also have the opportunity to learn about sustainable forestry and how the Bureau manages timber in the region. Demonstration will be held rain or shine.
Please register through this link: http://eventsreg.dcnr.pa.gov/register/create/?internalID=Internal-13159
We will meet at Cherry Springs State Park: 4639 Cherry Springs Rd, Coudersport, PA 16915 - from here, we will convoy/carpool to the program location. A simple lunch will be provided (hot dogs and chips). Please feel free to also bring your own lunch. Dress for the weather (layers recommended) and bring water.
Pre-registration is required in order to receive updates and additional resources.
Saturday March 8 – Intro to Orchard Pruning
10AM-12PM – Tioga State Forest – Cavanaugh Access
This in-person program is being offered at the Cavanaugh Access Area on Pine Creek Rail Trail off marsh creek road Wellsboro, PA. Learn the basic techniques of apple tree pruning to enhance health, form, and fruit production. Hands-on experience will be available to those participants willing to put what they learn to practice! Participants will also have the opportunity to explore the Cavanaugh property and nature trail. Demonstration will be held rain or shine. Dress for the weather (layers recommended) and bring water. Pre-registration is required in order to receive updates and additional resources.
Please register through this link:http://eventsreg.dcnr.pa.gov/register/create/?internalID=Internal-13160
Saturday March 8 – Adventure Hike
1PM-3PM – Lyman Run State Park – Lower Campground Overflow Parking
Great opportunity to get outside in the colder months and see nature's beauty at Lyman Run! Be prepared with good hiking boots, hiking poles/sticks, and water. A limited number of traction devices will be available if conditions require. Hike will be about 3 miles over varied terrain with some elevation gain. Route will be along Spurline Trail, to Rock Run Rd and the Lyman Vista, to Rock Run Trail. No pre-registration required. Leashed, well-behaved dogs permitted. Parking: Park at the overflow lot for the Lower Campground, here: https://bit.ly/LymanLowerParking
Sunday March 9 – Pennsylvania’s Birthday
10AM-4PM – PA Lumber Museum – Free Admission
Most PA Trails of History sites are free to the public to celebrate the charter issued to William Penn by King Charles II in 1681! The PA Lumber Museum will be offering guided tours along with a cooking demonstration and tasting in the lumber camp kitchen.
Saturday & Sunday March 15-16 – Maple Open House Weekend
See www.pamaple.com for times and locations
Friday March 21 – Telescopes & Planetarium Open House
7PM-8:30PM – Commonwealth University, Mansfield – Strait Planetarium
Details TBD