Cooler temperatures and crisp, falling leaves make for a wonderful time to venture down a trail in the forest. Educational state forests (ESFs) are transitioning to winter hours starting Nov. 1. With this transition, ESFs are open to the public weekly Tuesday through Friday and closed on weekends and state holidays. Winter hours will remain in effect through the end of February. Ranger-led classes are still available for reservation during this time of year.
During winter months, it’s common for ESFs to undergo maintenance projects, prescribed burning, timber harvesting, staff training and other projects that may require certain public use areas or trails to be partially altered or closed. Before visiting your local ESF this winter, check the website or call the forest office.