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    Cowans Gap State Park

    Winter Recreation

    Pennsylvania state parks are open 365 days a year, even in the winter. The Winter Report provides ice and snow depth information for state parks.

    Enjoy the Winter

    Park trails are open for cross-country skiing. Please check the trail difficulty rating before adventuring on the trails.

    Ice fishing is permitted on the natural ice of  the 42-acre Cowans Gap Lake,  except for in the ice skating area.

    Ice thickness is not monitored. For your safety, make sure ice is at least 4” thick for a single angler and 7” thick for a small group. 

    Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission regulations and laws apply.

    A section of the Cowans Gap Lake near the beach is available exclusively for ice skating.

    Ice thickness is monitored in the beach area. For your safety, make sure ice is at least 4” thick for a single skater and 7” thick for a small group. 

    Park trails are open for snowshoeing. Please check the trail difficulty rating before adventuring on the trails.

    Ice Safety

    • Test ice thickness with an auger before recreating. For your safety, make sure ice is at least 4” thick for a single user and 7” thick for a small group. For iceboating, make sure ice is at least 6” thick.
    • Always carry safety equipment and know how to use it.
    • Spread out. Crowds can put too much weight onto one area.
    • Be aware of changes in ice thickness across a body of water. Perimeter ice is weaker due to shifting, expansion and sunlight reflecting off of the bottom.
    • Avoid areas with protruding logs, brush, plants, and docks. These structures absorb heat, weakening the surrounding ice.
    • Avoid areas with multiple or intersecting cracks, and standing water over ice.
    • Venturing out on ice alone is not advisable. Take a friend along for fun and for safety.
    • Wear a personal flotation device (life jacket).
    • Check the weather and plan accordingly. Several days with temperatures above freezing will weaken the ice.