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    Shawnee 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. Most trails are suitable for novice and experienced  cross-country skiers. Lake Shore is the most popular trail.

    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 lake. Common species caught through the ice are:

    • Yellow perch
    • Northern pike
    • Walleye
    • Pickerel

    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. An area at Colvin Boat Launch is popular when conditions permit. 

    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. 

    A large area of hillsides near Picnic Area #2 is great for sledding.

    Registered snowmobiles are permitted on an 11-mile trail network in the eastern side of the park.

    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.

    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.