It is January and it is snowy and cold. While many of our local Pennsylvania State Parks take a break from outdoor programming, the parks are still open. There are a lot of opportunities for you to hike, fish, and bike. You can even cross country ski, sled and snowshoe when snow depths permit it. But a few parks still have programming during the winter. Here is what is going on this weekend in parks not far from Johnstown.
Black Moshannon State Park near Phillipsburg has a winter festival this weekend. Saturday, January 19 is Fun in the Snow at Black Mo. The event takes place from noon until 5:00 p.m., weather permitting. If no snow is on the ground the event will be moved until the following Saturday. Come out to the Environmental Learning Center and Boat Launch 1 for some fun outdoor winter activities. Try some ice bowling, ice mini golf or some curling. You can also enjoy some ice skating (if the ice is thick enough) and learn about snowshoeing. Limited equipment is available through the park for both of these events. Bring your own sled or bring your own cross country skis and enjoy an evening ski tour. This event is being sponsored by the Friends of Black Moshannon. For more information or to find out about possible schedule changes or cancelations, call the park at 814-342-5960 before 4:00 p.m. on Friday. Black Moshannon State Park is located about an hour and forty-five minutes northeast of Johnstown.
Another event takes place at Moraine State Park. Saturday, January 19 is the park’s Winterfest. The event takes place from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. at Pavilion 7 on the north side of the lake. The activities are completely free and include live music, refreshments, and kids’ activities. In addition you can learn about and try cross country skiing, snowshoeing and ice skating. Take in the dog sledding or ice fishing demos or take the family on the Birding Hike. The event is presented by the Moraine Preservation Fund. Check out the website for a complete schedule of events. Moraine State Park is located off of US-422 about two hours northwest of Johnstown.
One other option for the weekend is Parker Dam State Park. The park has two learning opportunities on Saturday, January 19. Come out to the Beach House from 11:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. and Learn to Ice Skate. Equipment is available for those that wish to learn about this activity. From 1:00 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. come out to the Beach House and learn about Ice Fishing Basics. Those who are 16 and older must have a valid fishing license for this event. Both of these events are free and on a first come basis. Parker Dam is located about two hours and ten minutes north of Johnstown near Penfield, PA
So come on out to a state park and learn about a new winter activity this weekend. Don’t forget to stay safe and warm. Remember that many of these activities are dependent on the weather so check out the events for cancelations before you go.
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