It might feel more like early spring than the onset of winter, but snowmobile season officially opens on the Allegheny National Forest at 8 a.m. on Friday.

A statement from the U.S. Forest Service, though, includes a pretty important caveat: “Sufficient snowfall is needed for the trails to be usable.”

When that does happen, there are a couple of changes to the trails for the 2021-22 season.

Longhouse Scenic Drive and FR 141 will be open for snowmobiling after they were closed last winter due to construction.

There’s also a new connector trail — The Lewis Run Snowmobile Bypass Trail — located east of Marshburg on both private property and federal lands.

“The new 5.5-mile trail segment provides an alternative route to the main 1A trail that utilizes FR 455,” according to the ANF. “It begins at Pine Acres Country Club and ends at the intersection of forest roads 188 and 455. The Willow Creek Snowmobile Club secured permission for the trail from the private property owners and oil and gas interests, including the Bradford Area Golf Association (Pine Acres Country Club), Minard Run Oil Company, First America Energy, and Lyme Timber.

“The new trail will enhance user safety and experiences by providing an additional opportunity that complements the existing trail system and provides snowmobilers with convenient access to amenities like parking, fuel, and food.”

Across the ANF, there are about 365 miles of trails and, when conditions allow, another 52 miles open to snowmobiles and ATVs.

“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,” according to the ANF.

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

The snowmobile trail map and condition reports will be available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/allegheny/recreation/wintersports or by calling the ANF headquarters or ranger district offices.