Snow Trails in Northeast Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania laws are clear about the use of snowmobiles in state parks and recreation areas. According to the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, snowmobiles are allowed in areas or on roads and trails posted for snowmobile use from the day after the last day of antlerless deer season -- also known as doe season -- through the following April 1.

  1. D&H Rail Trail

    • The D&H Rail Trail follows the Simpson Viaduct from Route 171 in Simpson north to the New York border. The trail passes through the communities of Vandling, Forest City, Union Dale, Herrick Center, Burnwood, Ararat, Thompson, Starrucca, Stevens Point and Susquehanna. Snowmobilers must have a trail pass and proof of insurance to use the trail. Trail passes can be obtained through applying to North East Pennsylvania Sno-Trails for $60, as of 2011 (see Resources).

    O&W Rail Trail

    • The O&W rail trail parallels the D&H trail for about eight miles, often separated by the Lackawanna River, which flows between the trails. The O&W trail begins in Simpson and heads northeast to Hancock, New York. The trail goes through the communities of Vandling, Browndale, Union Dale, Herrick Center and Orson. Snowmobilers must have a trail pass and proof of insurance to use the trail. Trail passes can be obtained by applying to North East Pennsylvania Sno-Trails for $60, as of 2011 (see Resources).

    Pike County

    • Operated by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, 15 miles of snowmobile trails are located in the Promise Land State Park in Pike County, just off Route 390. Additionally, the Delaware State Forest off Route 402 provides snowmobilers with 121 miles of trails that run through Pike and Monroe counties. The Promise Land State Park trail also serves as the trail head for the trail system in the area.

    Lackawanna County

    • Located in the Scranton area, the Lackawanna State Forest provides 23 miles of marked snowmobile trails through Lackawanna County. The Lackawanna State Forest trails are also overseen by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

    Bradford and Sullivan Counties

    • State Game Land No. 12, located in Bradford and Sullivan counties, provides snowmobilers with 13 miles of marked trails for exploration in the Dallas, Pennsylvania, area. Mount Pisgah State Park in Bradford County is located between Troy and Towanda and offers nine miles of snowmobile trails.