Though winter has seemed to overstay its welcome, there has been some great news for those who savor the season, particularly those who back outdoor activities. Besides the boon for the ski resorts, local snowmobile trails have been buzzing all month.

Across the state, there are more than 1,000 miles of trails, spanning 775,000 acres of State Forests. Some of these trails are part of the New York State Snowmobile Trail system, while others are part of the more local State Forest Trail Systems.

As noted recently in an Outdoors column by Forrest Fisher, in Cherry Creek, in Boutwell State Forest, 6.5 miles of snowmobile trails are maintained by the Cherry Creek Sno-Goers Snowmobile Club (https://cherrycreeksnogoers.com/) through a volunteer stewardship agreement.

The trail connects to other snowmobile trails that travel off state property; maps are available online at no cost. In the summer and winter, the 2,944-acre Boutwell Hill State Forest provides opportunities for countless informal outdoor recreational activities.

Seeing snowmobilers may not be the best sign for those longing for spring, but it does boost the economy. Area restaurants, wineries and hotels are bound to benefit.

Besides, previous winters have been full of disappointment for many outdoor enthusiasts. This year, however, is quite the opposite.