TOP TEN THINGS TO DO IN THE ALLEGHENIES THIS WINTER

12-09-2008

 

 

The Alleghenies, a region located in Southcentral Pennsylvania, offers an abundance of activities to make the winter season memorable.  From the region’s diverse heritage to its scenic landscapes and outdoor recreation opportunities, The Alleghenies (www.TheAlleghenies.com) has a few suggestions on what to do this winter.

 

Here’s a look at the Top Ten Reasons to visit and explore The Alleghenies this Winter Season

(in no specific order):

 

1.       Alpine Skiing at Blue Knob Ski Resort (Bedford Region)

At 3,172 feet above sea level, with a 1000+ vertical drop, Blue Knob is the highest skiable mountain in Pennsylvania.  Located in the South-central part of the state between Altoona and Johnstown, the Blue Knob Ski Resort is best known for its challenging and varied terrain.

 

2.       Cross-Country Ski at Warriors Path State Park (Bedford Region)

At Warriors Path State Park, approximately six miles of cross-country ski trails traverse through woods and field areas with the degree of difficulty ranging from easy to moderate.

 

3.       Ice Fishing at Whipple Dam State Park (State College Region)

The 22-acre, man-made Whipple Lake is stocked with trout by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission in the spring and winter months, making it a perfect ice-fishing destination. 

 

4.       Ice Skating at Greenwood Furnace State Park  (Huntingdon Region)

The six-acre Greenwood Lake is a popular site to ice skate during the winter months.

 

5.       JB Tree Farm (Huntingdon Region)

Choose the perfect Christmas tree from hundreds of acres and eleven varieties at JB Tree Farm.   While there, ride through the winter-clad tree fields on a horse-drawn wagon and feed the friendly reindeer.

 

6.       Johnstown Flood Museum (Johnstown Region)

Opened in 1989 to mark the centennial anniversary of the flood, the museum features three floors of exhibits that tell the story of the despair of this great tragedy as well as the rekindled spirit of Johnstown. Also featured is the Academy Award winning film The Johnstown Flood by Charles Guggenheim.

 

7.       Sledding at Shawnee State Park (Bedford Region)

Located ten miles west of historic Bedford, Shawnee State Park is an excellent spot for sledding.  Be sure to check out the large area of hillsides near Picnic Area #2.

 

8.       Snowshoeing on the Allegheny Portage Railroad Historic Trace Trail (McConnellsburg Region)

This easy-to-navigate, 1.2 mile trail follows much of the original railroad bed of the Allegheny Portage Railroad as it leads past several historic sites that once lined this popular rail route between Hollidaysburg and Johnstown.

 

9.       The Spa at Bedford Springs Resort (Bedford Region)

For more than 200 years, the eight mineral springs located on the resort’s property served as an important gathering place.  Today, the legacy continues at Springs Eternal Spa.  The 30,000-square-foot destination spa is one of the few spas in the country utilizing natural spring water in all of its treatments.

 

10.   Wildlife Tracking at Blue Knob State Park (Bedford Region)

Wintertime’s lack of leaves and presence of snow helps to make the habits of Blue Knob’s active animals much more apparent.  Enjoy the winter wanderings of grouse, deer, turkey, coyote and fox as they spend their day making tracks in the snow while in search of food.

 

The Alleghenies: The Alleghenies Tourism Council is a partnership of organizations interested in further developing the tourism industry and economic development opportunities in a seven county region in Southcentral Pennsylvania.  The Council works under the umbrella of the Southern Alleghenies Planning & Development Commission, a non-profit economic development agency.  For more information on The Alleghenies, call 1-800-458-3433 or visit www.TheAlleghenies.com.

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