Hiking Trails and Marcellus Shale

Hiking Trails and Marcellus Shale
By David Orlowski

You've just decided to take a ride through some Pennsylvania state forest land and hike some of the many trails available during this mild winter. You know you won't see many cars as most people only hike during warmer weather.

But winter can be a beautiful season with awesome views.

The crisp cool air creates a deep blue sky and long clear vistas. Then a coating of light fresh snow enhances the dull forest gray and disguises the imperfections under a pristine cover. Then as the sunlight breaks the horizon the whole scene comes to life because the sky is so unbelievably crystal clear.

You've decided to hike a trail just off the edge of a deep hollow to view a winter waterfall. It's a small spring that drops over a stone ledge on it's path to the valley floor below. It forms a beautiful solid ice waterfall with icicles that are exceedingly pretty that take on a character of their own.

Then you hear a strange rumble off in the distance that you've never noticed on previous hikes to this wilderness area. As you listen it nears closer and you recognize it's a large truck making it's way across the ridge. Of course you decide to investigate when it roars to a halt just around the point of the hill from you. Cresting the ridge you find a newly built roadway and close by you see a gas company truck and you know the answer which is Marcellus gas drilling activity.

So before you plan any hikes on state forests be sure to read the DCNR road advisories as there is a lot of activity taking place due to Marcellus shale gas. In years to come there will be continued activity in state forests throughout north central Pennsylvania due to gas leases. Visitor experiences and road usages will be impacted by this activity. So check the details before heading off into forests such as Loyalsock, Moshannon, Sproul along with Susquehannock, Tiadaghton and Tioga.

In many areas you can expect heavy gas activity which will include traffic delays, one way roads along with increased berm heights and soft shoulders. Also drive with caution as some roads are narrow and have established pull offs with limited parking. Visitors should be prepared and properly dressed when accessing these areas . Expect the unexpected as these roads aren't winter maintained and are located on mountain tops. The steep hillsides make them susceptible to rough conditions and unsuitable to low clearance vehicles.

Even though the gas activity isn't going away anytime soon don't let it hinder your adventures. With a bit of planning you can still enjoy the winter landscape and take in the views of wildlife. A beautiful photo of an elk or bald eagle can definitely make it all worth it. The winter landscape isn't as dormant as many people think.