CHEST TOWNSHIP – Department of Conservation and Natural Resources officials heralded the opening of the Rock Run Recreation Area in Cambria and Clearfield counties as the future direction of ATV and snowmobile trails in Pennsylvania.
Rock Run is a 6,000-acre, multi-use, motorized recreation site in Chest Township, Cambria County, and Chest Township, Clearfield County, on land formerly owned by the K&J Coal Co.
“We are excited about the new possibilities this site will open for off- road enthusiasts,” DCNR Secretary Michael DiBerardinis said at a dedication ceremony at the site. “Rock Run will be an economic engine for the region, and it also will serve to take the pressure off of state forestlands, where we only have a limited ability to accommodate ATVs. Facilities like this will serve as a model for other such sites across the state.”
Since March 2004, DCNR has provided $5 million in grants to the Cambria County Conservation and Recreation Authority for the project. The grants were awarded through the Snowmobile/ATV grant program that is supported by registration fees and fines collected from riders.
“More and more people are seeking places to ride their motorized recreational vehicles,” DiBerardinis said. “But because our state forest lands cannot accommodate the volume of trails desired, we are looking to community and private partnerships, such as Rock Run, to meet that need.
“Rock Run will provide a great outdoor experience to riders, a message about environmental stewardship and care of our resources, and is a great example of the treatment and reuse of abandoned mine land,” DiBerardinis said.
There are more than 50 miles of trails at the site, with terrain suited to match all skill levels. Development at the site includes a welcome center, entrance road, and parking and support facilities. Future plans include a total of 150 miles of trails and a campground. Rock Run is open to ATVs, snowmobiles, off-highway motorcycles, equestrians, hikers and mountain bikers. The park is open to public hunting.
“The stellar efforts of many agencies and individuals are making this recreation dream a reality, but the true winners are the men and women who enjoy riding ATVs and snowmobiles across the state,” said DiBerardinis.
Pennsylvania currently has 236,275 registered ATV owners and 43,497 snowmobile owners.
“The efforts of many local and state officials and organizations helped us reclaim this site as an ATV magnet to draw riders and other visitors to stimulate the economy,” said DiBerardinis.
The site includes four passive treatment systems that provide perpetual treatment of polluted discharges from this former mine site.
Additional support for the project was provided by the state departments of Environmental Protection for acquisition and the treatment systems, and Community and Economic Development for community planning in the surrounding area. DCNR’s snowmobile/ATV grant program can help to buy land; develop plans
and surveys; construct and maintain ATV and snowmobile trails; buy equipment; and conduct training relating to ATV and snowmobile use.
For more information about Rock Run, visit www.rockrunrecreation.com. For more information about motorized recreation, visit www.dcnr.state.pa.us (choose “Forestry” then “ATV Info”).
