Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area (AOAA) General Information USER RULES: All visitors to the AOAA must check-in at the Welcome Center before using the area. PARKING LOT AND ACCESS ROAD MAX SPEED IS 5MPH! NO HORSE PLAY OR STUNTS ON ACCESS ROAD OR PARKING LOT! HELMETS MUST BE WORN WHEN WHEELS ARE MOVING! INCLUDES PARKING LOT, LOADING & UNLOADING! All trail users must have a valid AOAA Permit. All riders and passengers must complete and sign the liability waiver.
At least one person in each riding group must have a charged and working cell phone in their possession. GPS or location smart phone app recommended (ex: MAPRIKA app). IF YOU HAVE A BREAKDOWN OR ARE GOING TO LATE PLEASE CALL THE TRAILHEAD (570)648-2626 No alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs on the AOAA property.
Firearms or weapons of any kind are prohibited except during hunting seasons.
Parking is permitted in designated areas only.
Stay on marked trails. Stay within the posted area of the AOAA. Expect oncoming traffic and always be courteous and utilize proper trail etiquette. Camping is not permitted on AOAA property. ONLY AT TRAILHEAD CAMP GROUND 570-495-4453
TREAD LIGHTLY and be respectful of other users. Pack it in- Pack it out. Remove all litter. ATV and MOTORCYCLE: Everyone must wear an DOT approved helmet and protective eye wear (goggles, face shield, glasses, etc.). NO BICYCLE HELMETS OR SKATEBOARD HELMETS! Wear protective footwear---no open toes or sandals permitted. Recommended rider gear ---gloves, chest protector, long pants and long sleeve shirts. No passengers unless the unit is manufactured for the driver and a passenger. We recommend riding in groups of 2 (two) or more. SIDE-BY-SIDE UTILITY VEHICLE (UTV): Everyone must wear an DOT approved helmet and protective eye wear (goggles, face shield, glasses, etc.). NO BICYCLE HELMETS OR SKATEBOARD HELMETS!
The number of passengers carried on a side-by-side utility type vehicle shall be limited by the number of manufacturer installed seat belts or as approved by an AOAA official.
All riders must keep their hands, arms, feet, head and legs inside the vehicle at all times during operation.
Units should be equipped with Roll-Over Protection System from the manufacturer or a suitable alternate.
Machines must be equipped with manufacturer seat belts and must be in good working order. FULL-SIZE VEHICLES SAFETY REQUIREMENTS: All full-size vehicles must have the following: MUST TRAVEL IN GROUPS OF TWO OR MORE Proper roll-over protection to include the passengers.
Battery tie down (no bungee cords).
Seat belts for everyone in the vehicles, fire extinguisher and trash bag for liquid spills.
At least one tow point (example: tow hook or receiver hitch)
Front and rear tow points are mandatory for the harder trails along with a winch and locker. PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES: Starting or maintaining a fire except in a designated fire pit, grill or stove.
Damaging or removing, in whole or in part, a living or dead tree, shrub or plant.
Damaging, or removing rock, shale, sand, clay, soil or other mineral product, natural object or material.
Feeding wildlife.
Dumping, litter, trash, refuse, garbage, bottles, or pollutants.
Disorderly conduct of any kind. Failure to comply with AOAA rules, regulations and safe operating procedures may result in arrest, fines, temporary or permanent banning from using the facility. All official rules must be followed. Emergency Contact numbers: Emergencies dial - 911 AOAA Trailhead AOAA SECURITY & OPERATIONS STAFF (570)648-2626 (570) 452-4363, (570)238-4078 Today's Date: January 26, 2022 THIS IS A RELEASE OF LIABILITY - READ CAREFULLY BEFORE SIGNING. BEFORE SIGNING THIS DOCUMENT - IT IS A BINDING AGREEMENT ACTING AS A WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY The Northumberland County Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area Authority (hereinafter, “NCAOAAA”) is a municipal authority of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and leases or owns certain lands, located in the County of Northumberland, where are hereinafter referred to as the “AOAA”). The NCAOAAA strives to provide recreational opportunities, including but not limited to: off-road vehicle operation, hunting, hiking and conservation activities. The NCAOAAA also strives to provide economic benefits for the surrounding communities, including the City of Shamokin, the Township of Coal, the Township of Zerbe, the Township of Mount Carmel, the Township of East Cameron and the Township of West Cameron (hereinafter, “Municipalities”). Some or all of the Municipalities, at varying times, at varying locations, and via varying streets, patrons of the NCAOAAA to access certain Municipality streets and real property, including by operation of off-road vehicles on Municipality streets and real property. In addition, other authorities, such as the Housing Authority of the City of Shamokin, permit patrons to cross their property. Finally, certain lands owned by non-governmental or quasi-governmental bodies are leased to the NCAOAAA for use by patrons. Collectively, these lands that form the facility, as well as the means of ingress and egress, and the public streets patrons are permitted to access, are collectively referred to as the AOAA and the aforementioned parties who permit AOAA patrons to access to their lands or streets are hereinafter referred to herein as “Indemnitees”. This document is hereinafter referred to as the “Waiver”. In consideration for Indemnitees granting access to the AOAA, the undersigned hereby agrees as follows: I understand and acknowledge that: (a) there are risks and dangers exist in accessing the AOAA; (b) my assessing the AOAA may result in injury and/or illness including, but not limited to bodily injury, disease, strains, fractures, partial and/or total paralysis, death or other ailments that could cause serious disability; (c) my accessing the AOAA and may result in damage to my property or the property of others; (d) these risks and dangers may be caused by: the negligence of Indemnitees, their appointed officials, employees, agents, and business associates; the negligence of the undersigned; the negligence of other parties; accidents; breaches of contract; or the forces of nature or other causes; (e) these risks and dangers may arise from foreseeable or unforeseeable causes and (f) I may be injured by Indemnitees attempts to rescue me, should the same prove necessary. BY MY ACCESSING THE AOAA I HEREBY ASSUME ALL OF THE AFOREMENTIONED RISKS AND DANGERS AND ALL RESPONSIBILITY FOR LOSSES AND/OR DAMAGES, THE UNDERSIGNED, ON BEHALF OF MYSELF, MY PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES AND/OR MY HEIRS AND ASSIGNS, HEREBY VOLUNTARILY AGREE TO RELEASE, WAIVE, DISCHARGE, HOLD HARMLESS, DEFEND AND INDEMNIFY INDEMNITEES, THEIR APPOINTED OFFICIALS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, CONTRACTORS, SUBCONTRACTORS, AND/OR BUSINESS ASSOCIATES FROM ALL CLAIMS, SUITS, OR CAUSES OF ACTION FOR BODILY INJURY, PROPERTY DAMAGE, WRONGFUL DEATH, LOSS OF SERVICES OR OTHERWISE WHICH MAY ARISE OUT OF MY ACCESSING THE AOAA. I agree that, should any claim or action arise pertaining to the undersigned’s accessing the AOAA, the undersigned agrees that proper jurisdiction and venue shall lie exclusively in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, and I waive jurisdiction and venue anywhere else. The undersigned acknowledges that this Agreement shall be considered to have been executed in the County of Northumberland, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The undersigned acknowledges that maps of the AOAA have been made available to me. However, because lands are added and removed from operation, these maps may not be accurate at all times and that I am responsible for obeying all signage on the AOAA. I acknowledge that it is my duty and responsibility to not enter lands of adjacent landowners who have not permitted said access and that by doing so I may be trespassing and that there may be serious, foreseeable or unforeseeable dangers on adjacent lands, including but not limited to open pit mining operations. I certify that any vehicle(s) I am operating on the AOAA are lawfully registered, inspected, and insured, and that I have no knowledge of any condition that might render the vehicle(s) unsafe in any way. Additionally, I acknowledge that operating a vehicle at the AOAA is physically demanding and I am certain to be jostled and bounced about. I certify that I am physically and mentally healthy and have no condition that will put me at risk while participating in any activities, herein described. I acknowledge that I have read and understand this Waiver. I acknowledge that I have informed myself as to the rules and regulations of the NCAOAA, including but not limited to the ban on the use of alcohol or illicit drugs and the requirement for all persons to wear a DOT or SNELL certified helmet. I further expressly agree that this Waiver is intended to be as broad and inclusive as is permitted by the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and that if any portion thereof is held invalid, it is agreed that the balance shall, notwithstanding, continue in full legal force and effect. I have read this Waiver and fully understand its terms. I am not under the influence of any drugs or alcohol or suffering from any impairment that would limit my ability to understand the terms of this Waiver. I understand that I have given up substantial rights by signing this Waiver, and sign it freely and voluntarily without any inducement. MINOR CHILDREN In consideration of my minor child ("Minor") being permitted to access the AOAA, I agree as follows: I acknowledge the nature of the activities taking place on the AOAA and understand the Minor's experience and capabilities and believe the Minor to be qualified to participate in said activities. I hereby warrant that I am the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of the minor or I have been granted explicit authority by the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of the Minor to execute this Waiver and, on behalf of the Minor, I do hereby bind the Minor to the terms hereof to the same extent as for myself and that the AOAA has relied upon my representations to that effect in granting the Minor access to the AOAA. I do hereby agree to indemnify the AOAA for any claims against AOAA made on behalf of the Minor. PARTICIPANT AGREEMENT, RELEASE AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK In consideration of the services of Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area Authority, their agents, owners, officers, volunteers, employees, and all other persons or entities acting in any capacity on their behalf (hereinafter collectively referred to as "AOAA"), I hereby agree to release, indemnify, and discharge AOAA, on behalf of myself, my spouse, my children, my parents, my heirs, assigns, personal representative and estate as follows: 1. I acknowledge that my participation in open trail riding activities entails known and unanticipated risks that could result in physical or emotional injury, paralysis, death, or damage to myself, to property, or to third parties. I understand that such risks simply cannot be eliminated without jeopardizing the essential qualities of the activity. The risks include, among other things: there is the possibility of rough terrain; passengers can be jolted, jarred, bounced, thrown about and otherwise shaken during rides; it is possible that riders could be injured if they come into contact with other passengers or equipment; injuries can be sustained from the trail, equipment or from items on the trail such as holes, bumps, ruts, obstacles, tree limbs and branches or rocks; major injuries are a risk as are bruises and sprains; musculoskeletal injuries including head, neck, and back injuries; exposure to the elements of the outdoors and natural surroundings which could cause hypothermia, hyperthermia (heat related illnesses), heat exhaustion, sunburn, and dehydration; exposure to potentially dangerous wild animals, insect bites, and hazardous plant life; the negligence of other participants or persons who may be present; further, passengers can be thrown off the vehicles which can result in any of the above events occurring; accidents involving other vehicles; collision with fixed or movable objects; flipping over; transmissible pathogen or disease; accidents or illness can occur in remote places without medical facilities and emergency treatment or other services rendered. Furthermore, AOAA personnel have difficult jobs to perform. They seek safety, but they are not infallible. They might be unaware of a participant's fitness or abilities. They might misjudge the weather or other environmental conditions. They may give incomplete warnings or instructions, and the equipment being used might malfunction. 2. I expressly agree and promise to accept and assume all of the risks existing in this activity. My participation in this activity is purely voluntary, and I elect to participate in spite of the risks. I agree to wear a properly fitted and secured DOT or SNELL certified helmet while participating in this activity. 3. I hereby voluntarily release, forever discharge, and agree to indemnify and hold harmless AOAA from any and all claims, demands, or causes of action, which are in any way connected with my participation in this activity or my use of AOAA’s equipment or facilities, including any such claims which allege negligent acts or omissions of AOAA. 4. Should AOAA or anyone acting on their behalf, be required to incur attorney's fees and costs to enforce this agreement, I agree to indemnify and hold them harmless for all such fees and costs. 5. I certify that I have adequate insurance to cover any injury or damage I may cause or suffer while participating, or else I agree to bear the costs of such injury or damage myself. I further certify that I am willing to assume the risk of any medical or physical condition I may have. 6. In the event that I file a lawsuit against AOAA, I agree to do so solely in the state of Pennsylvania, and I further agree that the substantive law of that state shall apply in that action without regard to the conflict of law rules of that state. I agree that if any portion of this agreement is found to be void or unenforceable, the remaining document shall remain in full force and effect. By signing this document, I acknowledge that if anyone is hurt or property is damaged during my participation in this activity, I may be found by a court of law to have waived my right to maintain a lawsuit against AOAA on the basis of any claim from which I have released them herein. I also agree that this document is valid for subsequent visits and participation at AOAA. I have had sufficient opportunity to read this entire document. I have read and understood it, and I agree to be bound by its terms. PARENT'S OR GUARDIAN'S ADDITIONAL INDEMNIFICATION (Must be completed for participants under the age of 18) In consideration of the following minor(s): being permitted by AOAA to participate in its activities and to use its equipment and facilities, I further agree to indemnify and hold harmless AOAA from any and all claims which are brought by, or on behalf of minor(s), and which are in any way connected with such use or participation by minor(s). | 