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    Parker Dam 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. Conditions permitting, groomed ski trails are maintained on Beaver Dam, Souders, CCC, and Skunk trails.

    The Parker Dam cross-country skiing brochure (PDF) has more information and a map of trails.

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

    Ice fishing is permitted on the natural ice of the lake. Trout are most often caught through the ice.

    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.

    Conditions permitting, an ice skating area is maintained at the swimming area. 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. 

    A small sledding and toboggan run is near the boat rental area. A large sledding hill with parking is located at the powerline that crosses Mud Run Road toward the northern end of the park.

    Unload your registered snowmobile in the park to gain access to the extensive trail system on the adjacent Moshannon State Forest land. Snowmobiling is permitted only on selected trails and joint-use roads. A heated restroom is open in the day use area.

    Snowmobiles may be operated on designated trails and roads from the day following the last deer season in December until April 1, weather permitting.

    All snowmobiles must be registered and follow all Pennsylvania snowmobile rules.

    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 rustic 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.