Copyright: Pennsylvania Bureau of State Parks
Raymond B. Winter State Park
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Description - Raymond B. Winter State Park was originally known as Halfway Dam State Forest Park. The Commonwealth purchased the parkland in 1905 and by 1933 a Civilian Conservation Corps camp was assigned to the Halfway Park area. The first big job was construction of the existing dam. The CCC also cleared the forest area around the lake of brush and debris, improved the roads, constructed parking areas, built the stone picnic tables, fireplaces and a water line. The foundations of many of the old CCC camp buildings can still be found, including the camp exchange, infirmary, recreation hall, administration building and a fountain.The Halfway Dam State Park was renamed in honor of Mr. Raymond B. Winter, a forester who started work in the park area and the surrounding state forest in 1910. He spent 45 years of his life dedicated to his work. In 1955 the park was officially named Raymond B. Winter State Park. This beautiful area offers recreation opportunities throughout the year including coldwater fishing, camping, a modern cabin, multi-use trails, picnic facilities, environmental education programs, viewing a butterfly garden and wintertime access to the park for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling which extends into the Bald Eagle State Forest. Hunting is also enjoyed on over 400 acres of land with the most common game being white-tailed deer, black bear, turkey, woodcock, squirrel and ruffed grouse.
Attractions
- Raymond B. Winter State Park was originally known as Halfway Dam State Forest Park. The park was the halfway point through Brush Valley on the 14 mile Narrows Road. This road was laid out before the turn of the 18th century. It is now a state forest road called the Sand Mountain Road that passes through Pine Swamp to the Centre County line. The park land was purchased by the Commonwealth in 1905 and by 1933 a Civilian Conservation Corps camp was assigned to the Halfway Park area. The first big job was construction of the existing dam. In a little over a year, 7 acres were cleared of brush and stumps. The first cement and stone dam ever built by the CCC in the United States was completed, making a beautiful lake. The CCC also cleared the forest area around the lake of brush and debris, improved the roads, constructed parking areas, built the stone picnic tables, fireplaces and a water line. The foundations of many of the old CCC camp buildings can still be found, including the camp exchange, infirmary, recreation hall, administration building and a fountain. The Halfway Dam State Park was renamed in honor of Mr. Raymond B. Winter, a forester who started work in the park area and the surrounding state forest in 1910. He spent 45 years of his life dedicated to his work. In 1955 the park was officially named Raymond B. Winter State Park. Raymond B. Winter State Park offers recreational opportunities throughout the year. The area is especially scenic during the spring when the first new growth appears and the mountain laurel and rhododendron are in bloom and during the colorful fall foliage. The winter season brings contrast between the bare desolate oak forest on the surrounding ridges and the snow covered pine and hemlock trees with rhododendron whose leaves are curled tightly in the cold.
Recreation - Raymond B. Winter State Park offers 695 acres on which to recreate. The area lies within the Bald Eagle State Forest in a narrow valley 1,500 feet above sea level surrounded by oak forests on steep mountain ridges. This beautiful area offers recreation opportunities throughout the year. The park is a cold-water fishery which features brown and brook trout in the 7 acre lake and Rapid Run offers 12 miles of trout stream. The park provides camping in 60 tent and RV sites and one modern cabin. Folks enjoy walking the 6.3 miles of trails and enjoy using them as cross-country skiing trails during the winter months. Three areas are provided for picnicking. Approximately 350 tables insure a place to dine in the outdoors with charcoal grills, playfields and restrooms nearby. Snowmobilers from Bald Eagle State Forest use the park facilities during the winter months. An environmental education specialist on a year-round basis presents programs. Programs are available for organized groups and general public. Historical and natural resources topics are addressed during hikes, slides presentations videos, children's programs and special events. A butterfly garden is located between the park office and lodge. Halfway Run Environmental Learning Center is a wildlife viewing area and displays on local mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians are among the highlights to be experienced at the center. Various "hands-on" exhibits are available including microscope explorations, touch tables, a "Wall of Wood," computer stations and a cozy reading corner loaded with nature books, puzzles and games for young and old. Summer hours are posted, otherwise the center is open only by appointment. Approximately 400 acres of Raymond B. Winter State Park are open to hunting, trapping and the training of dogs during established seasons. Common game species are deer, bear, turkey, woodcock, squirrel and grouse. Hunting woodchucks, also known as groundhogs, is prohibited. Dog training is only permitted from the day following Labor Day to March 31 in designated hunting areas. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Pennsylvania Game Commission rules and regulations apply. Contact the park manager for accessible hunting information. Climate - Pennsylvania generally has a moist climate with cold winters and warm summers. The Raymond B. Winter State Park area has cold winter months with temperatures averaging around 24 to 28 degrees Fahrenheit (-4 to -2 degrees Celsius). The area's average summer temperatures range around 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit (20 to 22 Celsius). Location -
The park is located in central Pennsylvania, Union County on PA Route 192, 18 miles west of Lewisburg.
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