Photo courtesy Allegheny National Forest A snowmobile is pictured on a trail in the Allegheny National Forest.

Sunday marked the beginning of snowmobile season in the Allegheny National Forest.

To help riders plan their trips, a snowmobile trail map can be found on the Allegheny National Forest website.

However, it is important to note that trails must be in adequate condition before they can be used. For the most up-to-date trail conditions, riders can check the Pennsylvania State Snowmobile Association website and its social media pages.

In addition to trail conditions, riders should be aware of updates to the 2025-2026 season. According to a press release from the Allegheny National Forest Service, multiple trail reroutes and access changes have been implemented. These include:

A 3.35-mile trail segment has been rerouted near Four Corners in Highland Township, Elk County. The route utilizes the former Allegheny Snowmobile Loop #1 Trail, starting near Four Corners. The route connects to forest road (FR) 337, over to Corduroy Road (T-322), and continues onto the Timberline Trail system, via the Pigs Ear Trailhead. The new route is signed, and the former re-route, via FR 661, will be closed.

A 0.65-mile trail segment has been rerouted, just north of the intersection of FR 152 and FR 346 in Highland Township of Elk County. The former route directed riders about 20 feet off FR 152. The new route now utilizes FR 152. The new route is signed, and the former trail will be closed.

FR 141 and FR 262 (Longhouse Scenic Drive) will be open to snowmobile use this winter.

Connector Trail 38 (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 455.

Connector Trail 39 (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 Bradford Regional Airport and the intersection of State Highways 59 and 219. The trail ends at existing snowmobile trail connector 38.

When trail conditions are adequate, The Allegheny National Forest offers more than 400 miles of snowmobile routes and trails.

Warren County Visitors Bureau Executive Director Lisa Card said that snowmobiling is very popular for people in the county.

“People love it, and we are having a great year for it,” she said.

For a hobby that relies on great amounts of snow, the season is looking like it will be successful.

She also shared that it can be beneficial to the area’s economy, especially for local restaurants.

As the season gets underway, the Allegheny National Forest Service reminds users to:

Stay on designated trails.

Practice responsible outdoor recreation by following The 7 Principles of Leave No Trace and the T.R.E.A.D. Principles of Tread Lightly.

Plan ahead and prepare for variable trail and weather conditions.

Do not drive motorized vehicles on the frozen Allegheny Reservoir.

Exercise caution around other trail users

The snowmobile trails will remain open until the end of March.