DCNE is opening 20 miles of single-track riding opportunities spanning 725 acres at Catawissa Recreation Area in the Weiser State Forest in Schuylkill and Luzerne counties.
Seasonal riding passes for Catawissa South will be $45 for residents and $65 for nonresidents, and will be available for purchase beginning Monday, July 6 through Sunday, September 27, at the Weiser District Forest Office. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ (DCNR) Bureau of Forestry does not permit ATVs on the new trails.
“We are excited to announce the initial step in opening up Catawissa South to motorized recreation for the first time as a part of public lands,” said State Forester Seth Cassell. “We expect riders to follow all rules and regulations for a fun, safe summer. The Shapiro Administration continues to prioritize expansion of the access to the outdoors for all Pennsylvanians, including those who use off-highway vehicles.”
Catawissa South’s single-track trails are open sunrise to sunset to dual sport motorcycles. These trails are designated difficult to expert-level and carry a 25 MPH speed limit, unless otherwise noted. Single-cylinder motorcycles under 500cc are highly recommended. All dual-sport motorcycles operating on state forest roads and trails must have valid Pennsylvania registration.
DCNR is managing the development of 5,924-acre Catawissa Recreation Area in Weiser State Forest in Schuylkill and Luzerne counties in phases. Further development will include ATV trails. Working with the Larson Design Group, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources completed a Master Plan for the Catawissa Recreation Area. DCNR is developing a business model for long-term and day-to-day management of the motorized trails, which will include a concessionaire contract with a third-party vendor.
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has begun the design and permitting process for road access to its acid mine drainage site on the property, which will include the main public access to the recreation area. After the access road is complete, the DEP will construct the acid mine drainage facility to aid in the water quality restoration of Catawissa Creek.
