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R. B. Winter State Park facts for kids

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R. B. Winter State Park
IUCN Category III (Natural Monument)
RBWSP Mountain Basin.jpg
Scenic overlook at R. B. Winter State Park
R. B. Winter State Park is located in Pennsylvania
R. B. Winter State Park
R. B. Winter State Park
Location in Pennsylvania
Location Hartley, Union, Pennsylvania, United States
Area 695 acres (281 ha)
Elevation 1,565 ft (477 m)
Established 1933
Named for Raymond Burrows Winter
Visitors 140,00
Governing body Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Website R. B. Winter State Park

R. B. Winter State Park, also known as Raymond B. Winter State Park, is a beautiful state park in Pennsylvania, USA. It covers 695 acres in Hartley Township, Union County. The park is nestled in a valley surrounded by the Bald Eagle State Forest. Its main attraction is Halfway Lake, a popular spot for fun activities. The park is about 18 miles west of Lewisburg.

The park was first called "Halfway Dam State Park." But on May 23, 1957, it was renamed to honor Raymond Burrows Winter. He was a state forester who worked hard for 45 years to create and care for this park and the nearby forest.

Rapid Run Natural Area: A Protected Forest

RBWSP Darkish
Rapid Run Natural Area

Long ago, the first settlers found a very thick forest here. It was so dense that sunlight could barely reach the ground. Some parts of this old forest still exist today at R. B. Winter State Park.

The Rapid Run Natural Area is a special 39-acre section. It is set aside for scientists to study nature. It also protects unique plants and animals. This area has been mostly untouched since it was last logged in 1850.

You might see Pileated woodpeckers and Barred owls living here. In spring, vernal pools fill with water. These pools are home to tiny fairy shrimp, caddis-flies, spotted salamanders, and wood frogs.

Halfway Lake: Cool Waters and Fun

Halfway Lake gets its water from mountain springs. It is held by a dam made of native sandstone. This dam was the first one built with cement and stone by the Civilian Conservation Corps.

The lake's water is always around 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius). This is because much of the water comes from underground springs. A special spring called Little Bubbler seeps up through the sand on the west side of the beach.

You can swim in Halfway Lake, but there are no lifeguards. The lake is a great place for fishing. It is stocked with brook, brown, and rainbow trout. When the lake freezes, you can go ice fishing if the ice is at least 4 inches thick.

Recreation: Fun Things to Do

Camping: Stay Overnight

If you want to stay overnight at R. B. Winter State Park, you have a few choices.

  • There are 59 modern campsites. Some have electricity. All sites have restrooms with showers, a fire ring, a picnic table, and a lantern holder.
  • You can rent one of three cottages. They sleep up to five people. Cottages have electric lights, a small heater, wooden floors, and a porch.
  • There is also one modern cabin available all year. It has two stories with a living area, kitchen, bathrooms, four bedrooms, and two porches.

Trails: Explore the Park

R B Winter State Park Dam
The CCC-built dam in the park

R. B. Winter State Park has 6.3 miles of hiking trails. These trails wind around the park and along the lake. The park is also a starting point for trails in Bald Eagle State Forest. These trails are great for hiking, mountain biking, and snowmobiling.

Most trails in the park are open for mountain biking. However, Rapid Run Trail, Mid State Trail, and part of Overlook Trail are for hiking only. In winter, the park is perfect for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.

Hunting: Wildlife Activities

Hunting is allowed on 487 acres of R. B. Winter State Park. Hunters must follow the rules set by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Common animals hunted here include ruffed grouse, eastern gray squirrel, wild turkey, black bear, white-tailed deer, and woodcocks. Hunting groundhogs is not allowed.

Nearby State Parks

Here are some other state parks close to R. B. Winter State Park (within 30 miles):

Images for kids

  • R B Winter Beach Panorama

    Panorama of the beach and lake at R.B. Winter State Park

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