Pennsylvania doesn’t hibernate in winter, and neither should your hiking boots. From frozen waterfalls to snow dusted ridgelines and quiet forest paths, winter hiking in Pennsylvania offers some of the most peaceful and scenic trail experiences of the year. With fewer crowds, crisp air, and landscapes transformed by snow and ice, these winter trails are absolutely worth bundling up for.
If you’re looking to stay active, reconnect with nature, or explore Pennsylvania’s state parks in a quieter season, these are some of the best winter trails in PA to add to your list.
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Why Winter Is a Great Time to Hike in Pennsylvania
Winter hiking comes with some major perks:
- Fewer crowds on popular trails
- Clearer views thanks to bare trees
- Frozen waterfalls and icy rock formations
- Peaceful, slower-paced experiences
- No bugs or summer heat
With proper layering and trail awareness, winter hiking can be just as enjoyable, if not more rewarding, than hiking in warmer months.
Best Winter Trails in Pennsylvania
Ricketts Glen State Park – Evergreen Trail
Ricketts Glen is famous for its waterfalls, and winter gives them a completely different personality. While the full Falls Trail is closed in winter, the Evergreen Trail is a safer option that still offers beautiful forest scenery and frozen creek views.
Why it’s great in winter:
- Snow covered evergreens
- Quiet, less-traveled paths
- Magical frozen water features nearby
Ohiopyle State Park – Meadow Run Trail
Meadow Run Trail is a winter favorite thanks to its gentle terrain and scenic creekside views. Snow transforms the stone steps and flowing water into a peaceful winter landscape that’s ideal for a moderate cold weather hike.
Why it’s great in winter:
- Well-defined trail
- Flowing water contrasts with snow
- Easy to pair with nearby overlooks
Hickory Run State Park – Boulder Field & Sand Spring Trail
The Boulder Field becomes especially striking in winter, with snow settling between massive rocks. Pair it with the Sand Spring Trail for a quieter forest walk that feels remote and calming.
Why it’s great in winter:
- Unique geological scenery
- Open views and winter light
- Short, manageable trails
Worlds End State Park – Canyon Vista Trail
For breathtaking winter views, Canyon Vista Trail delivers. Snow highlights the dramatic landscape, and the overlook feels especially expansive without summer foliage.
Why it’s great in winter:
- Incredible scenic payoff
- Less crowded overlooks
- Ideal for a short, rewarding hike
Cherry Springs State Park – Black Forest Region Trails
While Cherry Springs is best known for stargazing, the surrounding Black Forest region offers peaceful winter trails perfect for snowshoeing or cold weather hiking.
Why it’s great in winter:
- Remote, quiet setting
- Excellent winter solitude
- Ideal for snowshoe adventures
Tips for Winter Hiking in Pennsylvania
To make the most of winter trails, keep these tips in mind:
- Dress in layers (moisture-wicking base layers are key)
- Choose shorter trails—winter hiking takes more energy
- Check trail conditions before heading out
- Wear traction like microspikes when ice is present
- Start earlier in the day to avoid losing daylight
Winter hiking is about preparation, not speed.
Make Winter Hiking Part of Your Travel Rhythm
You don’t need to wait for spring to explore Pennsylvania’s state parks. Winter offers a slower, more reflective way to experience familiar places and often reveals beauty you’d miss in any other season.
Whether you’re chasing frozen waterfalls, quiet forest paths, or wide-open winter views, these Pennsylvania winter trails prove that cold weather doesn’t mean the end of adventure.
