Lodge at Denton Go.

As visitors seek out outdoor recreation areas across Pennsylvania, hoping to escape from the busyness of the workaday world, Potter County remains one of the state’s favorite locations to discover places to find them.  In recent years, the state’s northern tier has become especially popular for those looking to unwind and pursue outdoor activities. If outdoor recreation areas are what you are looking for as you begin thinking about your next getaway, one of the state’s outdoor recreation spots in Potter County should be at the top of your list. Fantastic outdoor recreation opportunities and exciting new amenities await discovery at Denton Go, located at Denton Hill State Park.

Photo by Curt Weinhold. The Lodge at Denton Go after a fresh blanket of snow.

Located on historic Route 6 in Ulysses Township, directly across from the Pennsylvania Lumber Museum, Denton Go is a new site that builds on the property’s rich history as a winter ski area between Coudersport and Galeton. After several years of limited use as a trail connector between the Susquehannock State Forest and the Lumber Museum site,  Denton Hill State Park, operating as Denton Go, has been redeveloped to expand the menu of outdoor recreation opportunities for visitors in the region.

First opened in the 1950s, Denton Hill State Park was a popular ski resort under the management of the state of Pennsylvania. The park, which spanned approximately seven hundred acres, was developed to provide a place along Pennsylvania’s northern tier to enjoy winter pastimes, primarily skiing. It operated this way until  1979 before being transitioned to private operators in 2014. The park and ski area mostly stayed dormant for ten years, and visitors needed to travel to other places to enjoy their favorite activities.

Explore the trails on an ATV at Denton Go, Ulysses, PA

Today, Denton Go, a locally owned and managed company, has assumed operation and, through a developmental partnership with the state of Pennsylvania, is transforming the park and its scenic property into a year-round recreation complex. Working with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), the team at Denton Go is proving that the sometimes-complicated process of a public/private partnership, with a mutual goal of developing recreational operations like Denton Go, succeeds by offering multi-use recreational opportunities for the public to enjoy. Open now in initial phases; the plan is to extend the ski resort into a four-season adventure center that will bring visitors year-round opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors.

Popular traditional pastimes like hiking, skiing, and camping are part of the list of activities to enjoy at Denton Go, while newer and faster-paced activities like ATV riding, and mountain biking are also part of the outdoor recreation design. As development progresses, visitors can look forward to outdoor recreation blooming with the seasons at Denton Go. Skiers will once again be able to conquer the famous “Avalanche,” hikers will find a connection to the popular Susquehannock Trail system, UTV fans can rev up and connect to the area’s ATV Trail network, and bikers can expect to enjoy exploring countless miles of riding opportunities in the PA Wilds.

One of the features of the property that has begun operating again and is enjoying success is the Denton Hill Lodge, which offers both a dining and social area that, as a venue, accommodates private functions and gatherings.  This chalet-style building provides a unique backdrop for groups looking to gather in the beautiful outdoor setting. With incredible panoramic views of the mountain, the lodge is a perfect location for group events.  (Information on group or special event bookings at the park can be found on the website or by calling the park office at 814-754-9013.)

Cabins at Denton Go, Ulysses, PA

With the development of the camping sites, folks heading to the region specifically to pursue those activities will have a place to set up camp with their tent or RV to have a base while enjoying the trails of the northern tier. Scott Carts, one of the development team’s principal members, said, “Denton Go is excited to be a part of the redevelopment of Denton Hill State Park.  Bringing new year-round recreational activities to the park, along with the increased overnight lodging and camping areas, we hope to create a basecamp destination for visitors to “Get Outdoors” for the many recreational activities of the Potter-Tioga region.”

To learn more about Denton Go and what activities visitors can enjoy, or for general information about the park, visit the website (www.dentongo.com) or look up the site’s Facebook page.

Aerial view of Denton Go, Ulysses, PA