With a thick blanket of snow on the ground, the Allegheny National Forest has opened some of its trails to winter use.

On Tuesday, the ANF announced that the Marienville, Timberline, and Rocky Gap – Grunder Loop all-terrain vehicle and off-highway motorcycle trails would open for permitted use as of 8 a.m. Wednesday.

“We are excited to be able to open these trails so early in the winter season for riding and are hopeful that weather conditions will allow us to keep trails open for some time,” ANF recreation staff member Justin Woldt said.

Other trails — including Willow Creek, Penoke, and Rocky Gap-Elkhorn Loop — remain closed.

Permits valid through the end of the calendar year are required to use the ATV/OHM trails, according to the release. Information about the permits can be found at the ANF website.

“Winter trail conditions are more challenging, and riders are encouraged to consider their skill level when evaluating whether to use any trail,” according to the release from Public Affairs Officer Christopher Leeser. “Trails may be icy or have snow cover of 12 inches or more in some segments, and trails are not groomed.”

“Riders are cautioned to adjust their use to these variable winter conditions,” Leeser said.

They are also cautioned to stay alert for other users – who may or may not be using ATVs or OHMs. “Riders may encounter vehicles, groomers, snowshoers, skiers, or hikers at any time on these multiple-use trails,” he said.

The ATV/OHM trails that are open will remain so “until temperatures or trail conditions no longer support winter use,” he said. “Forest Service staff will continue to monitor ATV/OHM trail conditions and will consider sustained warming temperatures, evidence to damage to the trail surface, or unsafe icing conditions when decided to close the trails for winter use.”

Trail users are asked to practice ethics including Leave No Trace and Tread Lightly “so that everyone can continue to enjoy the trails for generations to come,” Leeser said.