Harrisburg, Pennsylvania -- Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources State Parks Director John Hallas today announced the first phase of improvements to transform Denton Hill State Park into a four-season recreational destination in Potter County.

A first phase this summer will include the improvement of current hiking and biking trails; upgrading and opening traditional tent camping, recreational vehicle sites, and modern cabins; and reopening the iconic lodge as a venue for large events, including weddings.

"We are working with our partners, Denton Go, to reimagine Denton Hill and create a year-round destination for visitors from the Commonwealth and the Pennsylvania Wilds region," Hallas said. "Our goal is to turn Denton Hill into a a premier destination for camping, events, and more as we implement a strategic plan and fully bring new ideas to life."

Governor Josh Shapiro recently launched a new brand for the Commonwealth -- Pennsylvania: The Great American Getaway -- and pointed to Pennsylvania's state park system as incredible destinations for a weekend getaway. State parks are great summer destinations for swimming, boating, cam​ping, and other outdoor recreation opportunities.

Denton Go, LLC formed in 2023 and is comprised of three members from the local area. The company brings a wealth of business and mountain recreation experience that includes ski and hospitality operations. It will operate the overnight and other facilities at the park under a temporary agreement as a 35-year agreement is being finalized.

"Denton Go looks forward to partnering with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to establish a regional headquarters for outdoor recreational enthusiasts, dark sky viewing visitors, and anyone else living in or visiting northcentral Pennsylvania who is passionate about four-season outdoor recreational opportunities," said Todd Brown of Denton Go.

Brown said Denton Go will be opening a Polaris Adventures Site for the public to rent off-highway Utility Terrain Vehicles for use where allowed in the park and the surrounding Susquehannock State Forest.

The first phase of work at the park also includes the removal of some of the outdated ski lift equipment.

Other areas of improvement the department and Denton Go have identified include relaunching the ski lift operation for downhill skiing and snowboarding; lift-serviced mountain biking; mountaintop dark sky viewing; expanded overnight cabin, recreational vehicle and tent camping opportunities; and numerous additional or expanded daytime recreational activities including improved trail connections.

All permanent infrastructure at Denton Hill is owned by the department and needs major rehabilitation and modernization. The department is committing $10 million in capital improvements to the park.

The 700-acre Denton Hill State Park is located along Route 6 in Ulysses Township in the Route 6 Heritage Corridor and in the Pennsylvania Wilds.

It was developed by the department as a specialized ski area in the early 1950s. The ski area has been closed since the winter of 2014.

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.

Find more information about Denton Hill State Park on the department's website or follow Denton Go on Facebook.

Check out the department's Calendar of Events for events on public lands.

MEDIA CONTACT: Wesley Robinson, 717-877-6315​

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