State forest roads to open for hunters, hikers
Whether you’re a hunter, hiker or lead peeper, you may find this fall that additional state forest roads will be opened to public use.
The state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announced in a press release last month that more than 540 miles of state forest roads that are normally only open for administrative use would be opened to others.
“DCNR’s promotion of deer hunting, couple with improved accessibility, benefits forest regeneration and the overall ecosystem,” Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn stated in the release. “These newly opened roads may provide new access and provide new vistas for all who enjoy being outdoors in autumn.”
Hunters might find the open roads particularly beneficial, as some will remain open through all hunting seasons into January 2018.
“Regardless of whether they seek deer, bear, turkey or small game, hunters in our state forests will find more than 90 percent of that land now is within one-half mile of an open road,” Dunn wrote. “It’s a great time to be in Penn’s Woods, regardless of your pursuit.”
In Forbes State Forest, which is located in parts of Fayette, Somerset and Westmoreland counties, there’s a slightly shorter window for open roads. Though they are closed now, the following roads will open Nov. 18 and remain open until Dec. 9: Campsite 6 Road, In-Between Saul Haul Road, Lick Hollow Road, Louden Road, Pine Plantation Road, Quarry Trail, Rock Run Road and Weaver Road.
Locations of those roads and further information can be found on their website through an interactive map at 222.dcnr.pa.gov/Recreation/WhatToDo/Hunting/RoadsOpenForDeerSeason/Pages/default.aspx.