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    Little Buffalo 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

    All hiking trails in Little Buffalo State Park are open for cross-country skiing, but skiing is recommended on Little Buffalo Creek Trail.

    A 2.5-mile loop can be skied by taking Little Buffalo Creek Trail to Main Picnic Area, then ski the Newport and Sherman’s Valley Railroad trace. Return to Little Buffalo Creek Trail along the edge of woods. Park in the lot at the trailhead.

    A popular loop in East Picnic Area starts in the parking lot and follows the path to Clay’s Covered Bridge. The trail passes Shoaff’s Mill then returns to the starting point on either Mill Race Trail or the shorter service road.

    Skiing is also permitted on service roads and unplowed roads in the day use area.

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

    When conditions permit, ice fishing is permitted on the natural ice of the lake except in the ice skating area. The lake is noted for a high panfish harvest, along with trout and warmwater game fish.

    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.  Conditions permitting, a two-acre skating area is maintained on the east end of the lake by the Main Boat Launch. The skating area is open from 8:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. Heated restrooms are provided.

    Ice thickness is monitored in the skating area only.

    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.