Hunters and outdoor enthusiasts will soon have access to hundreds of miles of state forest roads in 18 of the 20 state forest districts, just in time for fall and winter hunting and outdoor recreation activities.

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) is opening approximately 500 miles of administrative state forest roads for the statewide archery deer season, which closes Nov. 21. A list of the administrative roads opened this season is available on DCNR’s website.

“DCNR’s Bureau of Forestry is opening approximately 500 miles of state forest roads normally open only for administrative use,” said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. “These roads will be available to hunters, hikers, foliage viewers, and others visiting state forestlands this fall.”

Earlier this year, Governor Josh Shapiro signed House Bill 1431 into law, repealing Pennsylvania’s longstanding ban on Sunday hunting. This new bipartisan law delivers real freedom for Pennsylvania’s 850,000 licensed hunters, empowers the PGC to expand Sunday hunting opportunities, and strengthens wildlife conservation efforts while growing rural economies across the Commonwealth.

Top-quality hunting is offered at many state parks – including those in the Pennsylvania Wilds region — where state forestland often surrounds them. Inexpensive camping can be found at many of those parks.

DCNR announced a phased approach to expanding Sunday hunting in state parks and forests, ensuring that the rollout balances Pennsylvania’s rich hunting traditions with the recreational needs and safety of millions of visitors to public lands.

DCNR and the Pennsylvania Game Commission continue to update a new interactive map of state forestlands and game lands across Pennsylvania. The map offers information on the Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) and Disease Management Areas, and details on newly opened roads, timber harvesting activity, forestry office contacts, and more.

Many of the state forest roadways opened for use this fall will continue to stay open through other hunting seasons, continuing into January 2026. Forest managers may close these roads at any time if weather conditions dictate, to prevent damage or deterioration to road surfaces or forest surroundings.

“Opening these roads is key in promoting forest regeneration and maintaining a healthy forest ecosystem,” said State Forester Seth Cassell. “We encourage safe, responsible use of roads as we share our forests this fall and winter. Hunters in our state forests will find more than 90 percent of that land now is within one-half mile of an open road.”

Visit DCNR’s website for more information about state forests and check out DCNR’s Calendar of Events for programming on public lands.