Nearly 470 miles of state forest roads will be accessible to hunters, hikers, fall foliage viewers, and others visiting state forests. 

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) manages Pennsylvania’s 125 state parks and 2.2 million acres of state forestlands, which are free to the public and offer year-round opportunities to connect with nature.

The Commonwealth opened 468 miles of administrative state forest roads across 18 of Pennsylvania’s 20 state forest districts, expanding public access for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts during fall and winter recreation seasons.

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) opened the roads for the statewide archery deer season, which runs from Saturday, October 3, through Friday, November 20. Visitors can find a list of administrative state forest roads open this season on DCNR’s website.

“Opening these roads to hunters, hikers and outdoor recreation users is key in promoting forest regeneration and maintaining a healthy forest ecosystem,” said State Forester Seth Cassell. “Safe, responsible use of these roads is encouraged as we share our forests this fall and winter. Hunters in our state forests will find more than 90 percent of that land now is within one-half mile of an open road.”

DCNR and the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) continue to update an interactive map of state forestlands and game lands. The map provides information on the Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP), Disease Management Areas, newly opened roads, timber harvesting activity, forestry office contacts, and more.