Winter

Pine Grove Furnace State Park stays open all winter, sunrise to sunset. When conditions allow, the park maintains a small ice skating area by the Laurel Lake boat launch, and ice fishing is allowed on Laurel Lake's natural ice. Skiers use the Hiker Biker Trail when there is snow, all trails are open to snowshoeing, and snowmobile trails start in Michaux State Forest just south of the park. Ice sports are prohibited on Fuller Lake.

Ice Skating

A small area by the Laurel Lake boat launch is maintained for skating when conditions permit. It is the only place where the park checks ice thickness. Skating elsewhere on natural ice is at your own risk, and no ice sports are allowed on Fuller Lake.

Ice Fishing

Ice fishing is allowed on Laurel Lake's natural ice outside the skating area. Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission rules apply (Fishing).

Ice Safety

DCNR's minimums: 4 inches of solid ice for one person, 7 inches for a small group (6 inches for iceboating). Its checklist:

• Test thickness with an auger before you go out.
• Carry safety equipment and know how to use it; wear a life jacket.
• Spread out; do not crowd one spot.
• Perimeter ice is weaker; avoid logs, brush, docks, cracks and standing water.
• Never go out alone, and remember several days above freezing weaken the ice.

Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing

No trails are designated for skiing, but DCNR says skiers enjoy the Hiker Biker Trail when snow conditions allow, and heavy-snow winters open up more of the park and state forest. All park trails are open for snowshoeing; check each trail's difficulty rating first (Hiking).

Snowmobiles

A Michaux State Forest trailhead just south of the park has parking for vehicles and trailers and access to many miles of trails. Snowmobiles may run on designated trails and roads from the day after the last deer season in December until April 1, weather permitting. Every machine must be registered; trail maps are at the park office.

Staying Over in Winter

The campground closes in mid-December, but the Paymaster's Cabin rents year-round, with heat and a full kitchen.

First Day Hike

DCNR's events calendar lists a First Day Hike at the park on January 1. Check the calendar for the time.

Before You Go

DCNR publishes a statewide Winter Report with ice and snow depths for state parks. Check it before a trip.