There may not be snow on the ground in Warren County, but the Allegheny National Forest is planning ahead.

The ANF will open its snowmobile season at 8 a.m. Friday.

The snowmobile trails on the forest will remain open through noon, Friday, March 31, 2023.

Of course, the use of ANF trails for snowmobiling is contingent upon there being a sufficient accumulation of snow.

“Sufficient snowfall is needed for the trails to be usable,” according to a release from Public Affairs Officer Christopher Leeser.

That’s not expected for at least the rest of the week.

The National Weather Service is calling for a light accumulation of snow in the county on Thursday.

Other than that, what snow there is in the forecast is not expected to create meaningful accumulation.

“In the Allegheny National Forest, there are approximately 365 miles of interconnected snowmobile trails, and when conditions permit, another 52 miles of trails are used for both snowmobiles and ATVs/OHMs,” Leeser said. “Multiple user groups enjoy the wintertime trails, and everyone is asked to exercise caution as trail users may encounter vehicles, groomers, snowshoers, dogsled teams, hikers, and cross-country skiers at any time.”

Trail users are reminded to:

¯ Stay on designated trails;

¯ Practice Leave No Trace principles;

¯ Follow TREAD principles;

¯ Plan ahead and prepare for variable trail and weather conditions; and

¯ Motorized vehicles are not allowed on the Allegheny Reservoir once it is frozen.

“Until there is a significant amount of snow on the ground, the maintained snowmobile trails will not be groomed,” Leeser said. “Trail condition reports will begin when adequate snow accumulates and will be updated weekly, or when conditions warrant.”

The trail map and conditions report can be found by visiting https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/allegheny/recreation/wintersports or by calling the Bradford Ranger District at (814) 362-4613; the Marienville Ranger District at (814) 927-6628; or the Supervisor’s Office (814) 723-5150.

There have been changes in the forest with respect to snowmobile use.

¯ Allegheny Snowmobile Loop (Elk County) — re-routing of 3.45 miles (with signs) and closing old trail segment for the season;

¯ Longhouse Scenic Drive (Forest Road 262) and Forest Road 141 — open to snowmobile use — the route had been closed due to construction last year;

¯ Lewis Run Snowmobile Bypass Trail (Connector Trail 38) is open from Pine Acres County Club to Forest Roads 188 and 455, passes through private property and National Forest System lands, and provides an alternative to the main 1A trail on Forest Road 455: and

¯ Bradford Airport Connector Trail — (Connector Trail 39) is new and open on both private and National Forest System property from Bradford Regional Airport and Routes 59 and 219 to Connector Trail 38.