The 2023 Step Outdoors Winter Outings Series continues but with changes to the free cross-country skiing program planned for this Saturday, Jan. 14 at Sinnemahoning State Park and to the free snowshoeing program planned for kids and adults alike this Sunday, Jan. 15 at Cherry Springs State Park.

Changes Made to Free Cross-Country Skiing Program on Saturday, Jan. 14 at Sinnemahoning State Park

As of Monday, Jan. 9,there was no snow in Sinnemahoning State Park at 4843 Park Drive in Austin, Potter County, Pa. and no snow accumulation forecast for the next seven days, including this Saturday. In addition, the cross-country ski instructor was no longer available this Saturday as he will be attending a funeral service. The situation with no snow and no instructor caused a change in plans for thefree Cross-Country Skiing Program this Saturday, Jan. 14.  Registrants were contacted and some wanted to participate in a modified program. This Saturday at 10 a.m., the program will begin with a short introduction to cross-country skiing. Registrants can try on ski boots for size, select proper-sized skis and poles and practice clicking boots into skis. After watching videos on ski techniques, they can practice outside on wet grass or try roller skis. The program will end at 11:30 a.m. following a one- to two-mile, slow to moderate paced nature hike with an environmental educator on the Lowlands Trail to identify trees and look for signs of wildlife. All equipment, including skis, poles, and boots in adult sizes will be provided or participants can bring their own. The program will begin indoors in the Wildlife Center classroom. FMI: Pre-registration is required. Between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. today, Thursday, Jan. 12 and Friday, Jan. 13, call the park office at 1-814-647-8401 or email SinnemahoningSP@pa.gov to pre-register.

Changes Made to Free Snowshoeing Program This Sunday, Jan. 15 at Cherry Springs State Park 

As of Monday, Jan. 9,there was no snow in Cherry Springs State Park at 4639 Cherry Springs Road, Coudersport, Pa. 16915 and no snow accumulation forecast for the next seven days, including this Sunday, Jan. 15. So, on Sunday, a modified free snowshoeing program is being offered for kids and adults beginning at 1 p.m. in the Cherry Springs State Park’s parking area. The park is 12 miles from Route 6 in Galeton via West Branch Road and 15 miles from Coudersport via Route 44. Based on expected snow-less conditions, a 20-minutedemonstration of different snowshoe types with information on how to choose the best snowshoes will be intheparking area followed by a nature walk in search of animal signs Just wear winter boots and warm clothes. No pre-registration is required.  The Introduction to snowshoes and selecting snowshoes classwill be offered from 1 p.m. to 1:20 p.m. The nature walk of less than 1.5 mileswill be from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on a crushed gravel path with slightly hilly terrain. A blaze orange hat or vest is recommended for walkers.

FMI: Visit www.stepoutdoors.org any time to learn more about Winter Outings events or for updates on trail conditions, directions and other information or search for Step Outdoors Tioga County on Facebook.