Andy Close
MARIENVILLE, Pa. – The Hunter Roads in the Marienville Ranger District of Allegheny National Forest officially closed for the season on Tuesday, Jan. 17.
The unseasonably warm weather and steady rains are causing road conditions to rapidly deteriorate, triggering the early closure. Had conditions allowed, the hunter roads were planned to remain open until Feb. 19.
Traditionally many of the normally gated forest roads are opened each fall to allow preseason scouting and legal hunting during select Pennsylvania hunt seasons. An Interactive Hunting Map for planning hunts along with the list of roads is available on the forest website under Maps and Publications.
“We regret that the unseasonable weather and subsequent deteriorating road conditions are forcing us to close the Hunter Roads on the Marienville Ranger District sooner than expected. We are pleased that we were able to keep them open through the end of deer season but realize the early closing may inconvenience some road users and we apologize for that inconvenience,” said Marienville District Ranger Rob Fallon.
The Allegheny National Forest Motor Vehicle Use Map contains the current road policy. The maps are available on the forest website on the Maps and Publications page. Unless otherwise posted, non-motorized use, including hiking, biking, and horseback riding, is always allowed on gated roads. Off-highway vehicle use is not allowed off the designated ATV/OHM trail system at any time.
