Annual Marilla Winter Trek on Sunday

There’s no better way to beat the winter doldrums than to tackle the great outdoors.

That’s exactly what the Tuna Valley Trail Association members had in mind when they created the Marilla Winter Trek. In its second year, the Marilla Winter Trek provides an outlet for those who want to hit the trails.

This year’s event will be held Feb. 13 from noon to 4 p.m. on the trails surrounding the Marilla Reservoir. That’s when people can explore any of the five trails for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or hiking.

This year, there will also be three new activities - ice skating on the reservoir, ice fishing and a geocache contest.

There’s also plenty to do off the ice.

For the novices out there, the association will provide cross-country skiing and snowshoeing equipment plus instruction to get you started.

Event organizers wanted to provide people with an outlet to enjoy the outdoors as well as utilize the trail system.

Free refreshments and a bon fire will be provided by the trail association.

For more experienced cross-country skiers, there will be free shuttles to the top of the Marilla Springs Trail for the four-mile trip back to the reservoir.

For more information on the Marilla Winter Trek, call Gene Cornelius at 814-362-9928 or Rick Lutz at 814-362-2323.

Pictured, this family gets ready to snowshoe at last year’s inaugural Marilla Winter Trek. This year’s event, set for Feb. 13 at the Marilla Reservoir, will also include ice skating and geocaching as well as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and hiking.