I love hiking in winter! There are no bugs, no snakes, and the trails tend to be a little quieter.
Thankfully, there are several winter hikes near Philadelphia that are perfect for getting out on the trail even when it’s below freezing outside. And don’t worry. I’m not just throwing together a list of hikes near Philly. I’ve actually hiked every single one on the list below during the winter. So you know it’s good!
I know winter hiking isn’t for everyone, but maybe I can convince you that it’s worth it, and then you can also enjoy a quiet winter hike on one of these trails.
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Hiking Safely in Winter
There are a few things you want to think about and plan for before heading out on a winter hike. Of course, you’ll want your usual day-hike essentials, like a backpack with a first-aid kit, snacks, etc. However, there are some other things to consider.
First, wear some kind of bright orange, whether it is a vest, jacket, or winter hat. Winter time is also hunting season, so you’ll want to be safe while you’re out on the trail.
Next, wear the right clothing. This includes a synthetic bottom layer to help keep moisture off your skin (you will sweat, even in 20 degree weather!), warm socks (think wool or synthetics), and multiple layers you can easily remove as you warm up (you don’t want to overheat). Don’t forget a hat and gloves! And if you’re nervous about getting cold feet or hands, bring a set of hand warmers with you.
You never know if you’ll encounter ice along the trail, so bring a pair of ice cleats to throw on your boots, so you’re not slipping and sliding.
Lastly, don’t forget to drink water on the trail! Even though it’s not hot out, you’ll still be losing fluids as you sweat along the trail.
Quick Tip: Store your water bottle upside down to keep the top from freezing. Or use an insulated water bottle.
Best Places For a Winter Hike Close to Philadelphia
Wissahickon Valley Park Trails
- Trail Location: Wissahickon Valley Park in Philadelphia
- Trail Length: varies up to 20 miles
- Trail Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Fees: None
- Dog Friendly: Yes
You can’t have a “winter hikes near Philadelphia” post without including the trails at Wissahickon!
We have hiked in Wissahickon during every season. Winter is a favorite mainly because it’s less crowded (and there is less trash on the ground). However, it can be icy on the trails! So be prepared with ice spikes or stick to Forbidden Drive.
Wissahickon has over 20 miles of trails, so you can mix and match to your heart’s content. I have a detailed guide of five different trails you can use, or you can pick something fun to see inside the park (like cool bridges and statues) and hike to that
Sourland Mountain Preserve Trails
- Trail Location: Sourland Mountain Preserve in Hilsborough Township, NJ
- Trail Length: up to 8 miles
- Trail Difficulty: Moderate
- Fees: None
- Dog Friendly: Yes
Sourland Mountain Preserve is one of my go-to spots for winter hiking near Philadelphia. I love that you can mix and match the trails to create a different hike each time you visit. And, as many times as I’ve hiked during the winter months, I haven’t encountered too much ice along the trails. (Of course, there can always be ice on trails in the winter, so it’s always good to be prepared!)
One of the coolest things about Sourland Mountain Preserve is that you can see the Lower Manhattan Skyline! And with clearer (not as hazy and humid) skies in the winter, it’s the best time to see it.
Like Wissahickon, there isn’t a specific trail combination I would recommend. However, we typically do the Orange to Yellow loop. However, to see the skyline, you’ll need to connect to the White Trail.
Top Rock at Haycock Mountain
- Trail Location: Top Rock Trail in Quakertown, PA
- Trail Length: 1.5 miles
- Trail Difficulty: Hard due to rock scrambles
- Fees: None
- Dog Friendly: Dogs are permitted, but some may have difficulty on the rocks
Top Rock is one of those hikes I actually prefer to do in winter or early spring rather than any other time of year. And that’s mainly because I think the trail is easier to follow when there are no leaves on the trees!
This trail is also popular for bouldering, and believe it or not, you’ll find people there year-round.
Because you’ll be climbing on and around large boulders for a large portion of the trail, be mindful of ice. We recently hiked this trail just after a day of rain in January, and the rocks were slick in some areas.
The trail runs through the State Game Lands, and although it’s not an “official” trail, it still features trail markers that begin about halfway.
This trail doesn’t lead to any spectacular views, but if you love a rock scramble, it’s still worth it. It provides just enough work to make you feel like you did something without wearing you out.
Glen Onoko and Lehigh Gorge Overlook
- Trail Location: Lehigh Gorge State Park at the Glen Onoko access area along the Lehigh Gorge Trail
- Trail Length: 3.6 miles
- Trail Difficulty: Hard due to steepness
- Fees: None
- Dog Friendly: Yes
I love a trail that combines a waterfall and an overlook! And this is the perfect trail for that.
Although you might have heard that the Glen Onoko Trail is closed, that is not entirely true. There are three trails at Glen Onoko, and two of them are still open. And those are the trails we used to make a loop!
We hiked the Glen Onoko trail to the Lehigh Gorge Overlook on New Year’s Eve and still managed to stay up until midnight! I feel like that is pretty impressive.
We took the Overlook Trail (super steep!) and connected with an unmarked trail in State Game Lands 141. This is what leads to the overlook of the Lehigh Gorge. Although it is unmarked, you can follow the trail using a hiking app like AllTrails or Strava.
After backtracking, continue on the Overlook Trail to connect to the Shortcut Trail (you can see one of the waterfalls just off the Shortcut Trail).
Mount Minsi
- Trail Location: Lake Road in Bangor, PA
- Trail Length: 5.5 miles
- Trail Difficulty: Moderate
- Fees: None
- Dog Friendly: Yes
The longest hike on the list, Mount Minsi, is such a fun winter hike that is a short drive from Philadelphia. Like other trails on this list, you’ll encounter tons of rhododendrons along the trail, giving you some beautiful green in the middle of winter.
The trail starts off on the easy side of moderate, and you can actually get a great view at Lookout Rock about 1.3 miles into the trail. It makes a perfect destination if you don’t want to deal with the cold weather or ice on the trail.
But of course, I recommend continuing to the summit! There you’ll get two beautiful views. One looking east towards Mount Tammany (another favorite of ours, but I would do this one in late fall or early spring), and another view looking south along the Delaware River.
Hawk Falls
- Trail Location: PA-534 in Albrightsville, PA
- Trail Length: 1.2 miles out and back
- Trail Difficulty: Easy
- Fees: None
- Dog Friendly: Yes
There is nothing like a waterfall hike in winter! Typically, the falls are fuller (if they are not frozen over), and they aren’t crowded like in the summer.
The trail to Hawk Falls is the perfect winter hike. There are tons of rhododendrons and mountain laurel along the trail, keeping it green year-round. And, it’s relatively easy and mostly flat, though there are a few sections with a slight descent. However, since it is near water (both the waterfall and creek), the trail can be icy! So hike with caution.
This is a short hike, so to make it worth the drive, I recommend combining it with Shades of Death (see below). Both are perfect for a winter day hike!
Shades of Death
- Trail Location: Hickory Run State Park in White Haven, PA
- Trail Length: 2.5 miles out and back
- Trail Difficulty: Moderate
- Fees: None
- Dog Friendly: Yes
Shades of Death Trail is the perfect winter hike because of all of the rhododendrons along the trail! It’s the best place for a little color during the gray and brown days of winter.
It’s a moderately difficult trail, mainly due to the many rocks you have to navigate. It’s not overly steep (elevation gain is only 270 feet), but there are some instances you’ll have to navigate stairs and steep sections.
You can access the Shades of Death Trail from PA-534 or behind the Hickory Run Visitor Center. We prefer parking at the visitor center because of its large parking lot and bathrooms. Though the start of the trail isn’t too exciting coming that direction.
If you have time, combine this hike with the trail to Hawk Falls (information above).
Bake Oven Knob Via the Appalachian Trail
- Trail Location: Bake Oven Road in Germansville, PA
- Trail Length: Less than 1 mile out and back
- Trail Difficulty: Moderate
- Fees: None
- Dog Friendly: Yes
We accidentally hiked to Bake Oven Knob in the snow! I didn’t realize the mountain had snow, so when we arrived, we weren’t fully prepared. I guess this is a good lesson to always bring winter gear with you (including hats, gloves, and ice spikes) even if you think you won’t need it.
Good to know: Bake Oven Road is a dirt road that is not maintainted during the winter. Heavy snowfall may cause road closures.
But lucky for us, this turned out to be an excellent snowy winter hike. The trail to the outcropping is less than a half-mile and is on the easy side of moderate. It’s a little steep in one small section, but it starts off pretty flat. Just be mindful of the rocks at the overlook – don’t slip!
If you want to extend the hike, head back toward the parking lot, but then continue on the Appalachian Trail to Bears Rocks Overlook. Again, that trail starts off pretty flat, but starts to get steeper as you get closer to the rocks.
Hawk Mountain Trails
- Trail Location: Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Kempton, PA
- Trail Length: As short as 1 mile and as long as 5.5 miles
- Trail Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
- Fees: $10/adult
- Dog Friendly: No
If there is a list about hikes near Philadelphia, you know I’m going to put Hawk Mountain on it! We’ve hiked at Hawk Mountain during every season, and winter is a favorite time to visit.
Like most other trails, you’ll have to watch out for ice along the trail, especially on the River of Rocks and very steep Golden Eagle trails.
However, for a hike that will warm you up quickly without wearing you out, take the 1-mile trail to the North Lookout. Most of the steeper sections have railings to assist, so they will be helpful if you encounter slippery surfaces along the trail.
King & Queen Seat at Rocks State Park
- Trail Location: The Rocks State Park Rocks Ridge Picnic Area entrance is off St. Clair Bridge Road in Jarrettsville, MD. From there, you can easily access the Orange and Red trails, which will lead you to the White trail loop.
- Trail Length: The White loop is about 3 miles long
- Trail Difficulty: Moderate
- Fees: Up to $5 per person
- Dog Friendly: Yes
Most people head north for hiking trails near Philadelphia, but if you head south, you’ll find some fun trails in Maryland! Rock State Park, less than two hours from Philadelphia, offers several miles of hiking trails. You can mix and match them to build the perfect trail for you.
The main loop is the White Trail, which is 3 miles long and encircles the park. It’s moderately difficult with occasional steep sections, so if you’re visiting after a snowfall or in below-freezing weather, you may want to wear crampons or ice spikes if there is ice on the trail.
The highlight of Rocks State Park is the King and Queen Seat, a beautiful rock outcrop that overlooks Rocks Road and Deer Creek. The White Trail leads right past it, or you can take the easier red trail from the parking lot to reach the rocks.
Combine this trail with the Kilgore Falls Trail to make it worth the drive!
More Hikes Near Philadelphia
As noted above, I can recommend the above winter hikes near Philadelphia because I’ve done them during the winter months. Of course, any trail can be hiked in winter as long as it’s 1) open and 2) you’re prepared. These are some other trails near Philadelphia that might be fun to tackle in the wintertime.
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