The USDA Forest Service announced that beginning on Monday, gates will be closing on roads that were temporarily opened for hunting season access in the Allegheny National Forest.

Some hunter roads on the Marienville Ranger District will remain open, conditions permitting, until Feb. 19 as noted on the attached hunter roads list. Hunters are reminded to remove their tree stands and hunting blinds no later than two weeks after the conclusion of the Pennsylvania deer hunting season, as required by Forest Supervisor’s Order Number 17 – 023.

“For your safety, please always drive these narrow, high-clearance roads with caution. Some open roads may have timber sale activity in progress. Drivers should proceed with extra caution and expect poor road conditions. Most roads do not receive winter maintenance. Please ensure your vehicle can handle icy conditions, unplowed snow, and deep mud. Avoid getting stuck by checking conditions before parking on the side of the roads. Please be prepared to self-rescue and always pack emergency supplies,” said Public Affairs Officer Christopher Leeser.

Traditionally, many of the gated forest roads are opened each fall to allow preseason scouting and legal hunting during select Pennsylvania hunt seasons. An Interactive Hunting Map for planning hunts and the list of roads is available on the forest website under Maps and Publications.

Unless otherwise posted, non-motorized use, including hiking, biking, and horseback riding, is allowed on gated roads. Off-highway vehicle use is not allowed off the designated ATV/OHM trail system.