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of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

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    Gifford Pinchot 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. The best trails are accessed from the Conewago Day Use Area or the special parking area at the campground entrance. These trails are marked for bicycling and include portions of Lakeside, Alpine, Oak, and Gravel trails. Other good trails are the network of spur roads and trails in the interior of the park campground, which are closed to camping and vehicle use during the winter season.

    Please check the trail difficulty rating before adventuring on the trails.

    Iceboating is permitted on the natural ice of the lake.

    Ice thickness is not monitored. For your safety, make sure ice is at least 6” thick. 

    From November 1 through April 30, all boaters are required to wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket while underway or at anchor on boats less than 16 feet in length. 

    Non-powered boats (including iceboats) must display either a launch permit from Pennsylvania State Parks, available at most state park offices or a launch use permit from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.

     

    Ice fishing is permitted on the natural ice of the 340-acre lake. Anglers most often catch:

    • Largemouth bass
    • Walleye
    • Muskellunge
    • Crappies
    • Sunfish

    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.

    Ice skating is permitted on the natural ice of the lake. 

    Ice thickness is not monitored. 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.

    Year round overnight opportunitunities are available at the modern cabins.

    Make online reservations or call toll-free 888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757), 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Saturday.

    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.