Many people may only use the Raccoon River Valley Trail system in warm weather, but there’s plenty to do in the winter as well.

Guthrie County Conservation Director Brad Halterman says that one common winter activity is riding snowmobiles, as long as there is at least four inches of snow on the trail. He tells Raccoon Valley Radio that those looking to enjoy the trail no longer have to buy passes to do so.

“Not just Guthrie County, but all three counties, Dallas, Guthrie and Greene County, where the Raccoon River Valley Trails run through, all three of those counties do not require any daily passes or annual passes to use the Raccoon River Valley Trail. And that started January 1st of this year.”

Halterman adds that cross country skiing and snowshoeing are the next two most popular activities for those traversing the trail. He mentions that while passes are not needed, other rules are still in place for the safety of those enjoying the trail, the wildlife living around it, and to keep any damage to the trail to a minimum.