Times Observer file photo Snowmobile season officially begins at 8 a.m. Friday, but no significant snowfall is predicted any time soon.

Snowmobile season on the Allegheny National Forest is officially upon us, but don’t expect to get out there any time soon.

According to a release from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, trails opened at 8 a.m. today in the ANF. Meanwhile, with little snowfall yet this year and above freezing temperatures, actually being able to use the trails is another matter.

According to the release, “sufficient snowfall is needed for trails to be usable.” According to information on the Forest Service’s website, “sufficient snowfall” is defined as 4 or more inches of cover. Trails will not be groomed until sufficient snow cover is present.

According to the National Weather Service, it could be a while before that happens.

The NWS extended forecast for Warren shows no significant snowfall, though some rain is expected. In fact, high temperatures are expected to range from the upper 40s to lower 50s, meaning any snowfall that does occur is unlikely to stick around.

“Trail condition reports will begin when adequate snow accumulates and will be updated weekly, or when conditions warrant.” according to the Forest Service. “Condition reports will be posted on social media. You can also listen to condition reports by calling one of the forest offices and following the prompts.”

A map of the approximately 365 miles of snowmobile trails on the ANF is available at usfs-public.app.box.com/v/ANF-SnowmobileTrailsMap.

The Forest Service has announced a number of changes for trails this season, including:

– A temporary re-route of approximately 3.45 miles of the Allegheny Snowmobile Loop near Four Corners in Highland Township, Elk County. The re-route uses Forest Road 661, the Timberline ATV trail, and Corduroy Road, a township road that is open to snowmobiles. The new route will be signed, and the former trail segment will be closed.

– FR 141 and Longhouse Scenic Drive will be open to snowmobile use this winter. These roads were closed during the 2020-21 season due to construction.

– Connector trail 38, the Lewis Run Snowmobile Bypass Trail, is located east of Marshburg on both private property and National Forest System lands. The 5.5-mile trail segment provides an alternative route to the main 1A trail that utilizes FR 455. It begins at Pine Acres Country Club and ends at the intersection of FR 188 and FR 455.

– Connector trail 39, the Bradford Airport Connector Trail, is located east of Marshburg on both private property and National Forest System lands. The trail segment provides access to the main 1A trail via FR 310. Trail segments begin at the Bradford Regional Airport and the intersection of State Highways 59 and 219. The trail ends at existing snowmobile trail connector 38.

Trail users are asked to stay on designated trails, utilize leave no trace practices, follow T.R.E.A.D. lightly principles and plan ahead for variable weather conditions.

The Forest Service reminds riders that snowmobiles are not permitted on the Allegheny Reservoir regardless of ice cover.

The snowmobile season will officially end March 31.