DCNR Announces New Recreational Operator For Denton Hill State Park
09/12/2023
Harrisburg, PA -- State Parks Director John Hallas today announced the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) will work with locally-based Denton Go, LLC, to grow recreational opportunities in all four seasons at Denton Hill State Park in Potter County.
“We’re really excited to work with Denton Go to imagine how greater access and new recreational opportunities at the park can serve residents and draw visitors to the Pennsylvania Wilds region throughout the year,” Hallas said. “Outdoor assets like Denton Hill are an important part of rural economies, so revitalizing the park will help nearby communities, businesses, and attractions grow and thrive.”
Denton Go, LLC is a new company comprised of three members from the local area that was formed to operate the concession at Denton Hill State Park. The company brings a wealth of business and mountain recreation experience that includes ski and hospitality operations.
“DCNR supports Denton Go’s vision for a variety of four season outdoor recreation experiences on the mountain, with a heavy focus on multi-use trail development and access improvements,” Hallas said. “Overnight opportunities as well as an improved lodge and rehabilitated downhill skiing infrastructure also are part of the plan.”
The next step is for DCNR and Denton Go, LLC to work out the terms of a 35-year lease, which includes a capital investment from Denton Go. The design phase for park improvements will coincide with the issuance of the concession agreement.
Hallas noted that the Bureau of State Parks considers this project a model of responding to changing outdoor recreation needs and warmer weather that could be replicated other places in the 124 state park system.
The 700-acre Denton Hill State Park is located along Route 6 in Ulysses Township in the Route 6 Heritage CorridorOpens In A New Window and in the Pennsylvania WildsOpens In A New Window. It was developed by DCNR as a specialized ski area in the early 1950s. The ski area has been closed since the winter of 2014.
All permanent infrastructure is owned by DCNR and is in need of major rehabilitation and modernization. The department is committing $10 million in capital improvements to the park.
Mountainous trails traverse Denton Hill and connect to many more miles of trails in Susquehannock State Forest, and to the nearby Pennsylvania Lumber Museum’s trails.
2022 Western NY Regional Awards Banquet
Congratulations to Paul Ross, Jeff Cole, and Al Quimby. Paul Ross was recognized with a Certificate of Appreciation for his help teaching OEC classes at Cockaigne Ski Area. Jeff Cole was awarded the Mike Reid Instructor of the Year Award. Al Quimby was recognized for achieving Alpine Senior status.
Congratulations to our new 2022 Patrol Officers:
Al Quimby - Patrol Director
Jeff Cole - 1st Assistant Patrol Director
Danielle Freeman - 2nd Assistant Patrol Director
Damon Flick - Treasurer
Vale Kenny - Secretary