RAYMOND B WINTER STATE PARK
R. B. Winter State Park covers 695 acres of the Ridge and Valley Province in central Pennsylvania. Located within Bald Eagle State Forest, the park lies in a shallow basin surrounded by rocky ridges covered with an oak and pine forest. The focal point of the park is Halfway Lake which is filled by spring-fed mountain streams and contained by a hand-laid, native sandstone dam. Open year-round, the park provides diverse opportunities for recreation.
Camping Cottages: The three cottages sleep five people in single bunks and double/single bunks, and have wooden floors, windows, skylights, porch, picnic table, fire ring, electric lights and outlets, and a small baseboard heater.
Modern Cabin: A modern two-story log cabin is available for year-round rental. The cabin has a furnished living area, kitchen/dining area, 1 ? baths, four bedrooms, and front and back porches. Renters need to provide their own bed linens, bathroom articles, kitchenware and utensils. The cabin is rented on a minimum two-day basis during the off-season and on a weekly basis during the summer.
Camping: modern sites, some with electric
The 59-site campground accommodates tents, trailers and motor homes. Each site is equipped with a picnic table, lantern holder and a fire ring. Some campsites have electric hookups. The campground provides showers, hand washing facilities, a sanitary dump station, drinking water and a playground. All campsites are completely shaded, close to a playfield, and within easy walking distance to all other park facilities. Open from the second Friday in April until mid December, the sites differ slightly in elevation and scenery.
The swimming beach features 300 feet of white sand. The beach is open daily from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day unless otherwise posted. Swim at your own risk. The beach area includes restrooms, dressing facilities, a beach volleyball court and a children?s play area. A seasonal food and refreshment concession is at the beach house. The limited menu includes hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, cold drinks and ice cream.
Enjoy fishing in a scenic creek, home to brown trout and brook trout. A valid Pennsylvania license is required.
Raymond B Winter State Park is located near Jersey Shore, Lewisburg and Lock Haven
About 250 picnic tables are dispersed throughout the park. Charcoal grills, drinking water fountains, restrooms, horseshoe pits, play areas, and other park facilities are within easy access from picnic areas. Three separate picnic pavilions may be reserved up to 11 months in advance for a fee. Unreserved pavilions are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Biking is permitted on designated trails, with the 7.2-mile McCall Dam Road being a popular choice for cyclists.
It's important to note that biking isn't allowed everywhere in this park; respect signage and restrictions.
The terrain can be challenging at times, so it's recommended only for those comfortable with off-road cycling experiences.
Cyclists should always wear helmets and follow safety guidelines due to uneven surfaces or sudden changes in trail conditions.
Remember: bikes are not available for rent within the park boundaries - bring your own equipment.
Be aware of other users like hikers or horseback riders who also share these multi-use paths.
Mountain Biking: Mountain biking is permitted on all but Rapid Run and Mid State trails, and a section of Overlook Trail. R.B. Winter State Park provides access to 25 off-road mountain bike trails located in Bald Eagle State Forest. Riders will find over 48 miles of trails with nearly 100 miles of connecting forestry roads. The Central Mountains Shared-Use Trail System brochure provides general information about a number of the trails. The brochure also contains a map showing trails of varying lengths and difficulty. Maps are available at the park office and the mountain bike trailhead in the main parking lot.
Snowmobiling: Registered snowmobiles are permitted on park roads which lead to 30 miles of designated trails in the north division of Bald Eagle State Forest. Trailhead facilities at the park include heated restrooms, garbage cans, parking and unloading areas. Conditions permitting, daily snowmobiling begins sometime in December until April 1. Maps and information are available at the park office.
Cross-country Skiing: Five miles of park trails provide easy skiing with connecting trails and roads on surrounding state forest land.
R. B. Winter State Park offers a wide variety of environmental education and interpretive programs on a year- round basis. Through hands-on activities, guided walks and evening programs, participants gain appreciation, understanding, and develop a sense of stewardship toward the natural and cultural resources.
Curriculum-based environmental education programs are available to schools, youth organizations and homeschool associations. Group programs must be scheduled in advance by calling the park office. Popular topics for students include adaptations, bird life, amphibians, reptiles, geology, wetland or forest ecosystems, watersheds and aquatic studies.
Teacher workshops are available on the Bureau of State Parks curriculum Watershed Education. Other educator workshop topics include schoolyard habitat, songbird education, and environmental education and children?s literature.
Several special events including a history day and the winter Snowfest are conducted each year. The ?Halfway Herald? includes a schedule of upcoming programs and activities and is available from the park office or learning center.
The park offers birding opportunities with over 100 species of birds to observe. Birdwatchers can spot warblers, thrushes, and woodpeckers in the forested areas. The wetlands attract ducks and herons while raptors are often seen soaring above open fields. There's also a chance to see rare or endangered species like bald eagles or ospreys during migration seasons.
Woodward Crossings Inc
133 Jackson Hill Rd
Woodward, PA
(814) 349-4404