Winter at Resting Eagle Cabin: A Pennsylvania Wilds Cabin Rental for Big Groups

Winter in the Pennsylvania Wilds

When the leaves are gone, the Sinnemahoning valley gets quiet. Resting Eagle Cabin sleeps 24 across 6 bedrooms and 4.5 baths, so a big family, a church group or a crew of friends can spend the winter weekend together under one roof. Starlink keeps everyone connected. The state parks around you stay open all year.

Sources: PA DCNR, Sinnemahoning State Park Winter page

Getting here in winter

The driveway is plowed in winter, but you'll still need a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Small trailers can park at the cabin; contact us before you book for the specifics.

Snowmobiling and trails

Sinnemahoning State Park has a 6.6-mile snowmobile route, made up of 1.5 miles of joint-use road and 5.1 miles of trail. At Brooks Run Road it connects to Elk State Forest trails, for about 25 miles in total, and the state forest grooms its trails weekly. Elk State Forest has roughly 100 miles of snowmobile trails overall. Sleds can run from the day after the last December deer season until April 1, weather permitting. They must be registered, and they are not allowed on frozen water. Plan to bring your own sleds.

Sources: PA DCNR · Sinnemahoning State Park Winter page · Elk State Forest

Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and ice fishing

When there's enough snow, the park's trails and open fields are open for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Ice fishing is allowed on the park's lake. DCNR doesn't monitor the ice, so check it yourself: it recommends at least 4 inches for one angler and 7 inches for a small group.

Sources: PA DCNR · Sinnemahoning State Park Winter page · Cross-Country Skiing in PA State Parks

Dark winter skies at Cherry Springs

Long winter nights mean more time for the stars. Cherry Springs State Park is about 1 hour 10 minutes away. It's open every day of the year, and DCNR calls it one of the best stargazing spots on the eastern seaboard. It's an International Dark Sky Park, and visitors there get about 60 to 85 good observing nights a year. Dress warmer than you think you need to, and expect little or no cell service.

Sources: PA DCNR, Cherry Springs State Park · DarkSky International

Winter elk viewing

Winter is a good time to see big elk herds, and sometimes they come right to the cabin, like the bull at the top of this page. The Keystone Elk Country Alliance says herds of 150 or more can be seen from November through February. In cold weather the elk shelter among the trees, and dawn and dusk are the best times to look. Benezette is about 28 minutes from the cabin. The Elk Country Visitor Center there is open Thursday through Monday in November and December, and on Saturdays and Sundays from January through March.

Sources: Keystone Elk Country Alliance FAQ & Visitor Center hours

Cozy inside

When everyone comes back in from the cold, turn on the gas fireplace and gather in the great room. Rack up a game on the pool table or break out the board games, or head to the shuffleboard table on the main floor. The kitchen is commercial-grade, so cooking one big meal for 24 is easy.



An honest note about snow

Snow in the Wilds is never guaranteed. The nearest NOAA station, in Emporium, averages about 47 inches a winter, with January the snowiest month at about 12 inches. Even so, only about 15 days a year bring an inch or more. Some seasons start late or end early. Before you trailer your sleds, check DCNR's Sinnemahoning Winter Report for current snow depth and ice. Even without snow, a winter weekend here still means elk, stars and a warm cabin.

Sources: NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Emporium station · PA DCNR



Winter weekends are open

The holidays are booked, but several winter weekends are still open, including the MLK weekend. Gather your group and grab one.