Cooler temperatures inspire loads of winter fun in Pennsylvania, from ice boating and ice fishing to snowshoeing and snowmobiling. As Old Man Winter works his magic in Pennsylvania, sparkling ice-frosted trees and snow-dusted beauty abound in state parks and forests bustling with outdoor fun for all ages. Pennsylvania's winter wonderland offers snowy adventures from Nemacolin to the Allegheny National Forest. Add one or more of these fun-filled outdoor activities to plan the ultimate winter getaway with these places to visit in Pennsylvania in the winter.
1. SNOWMOBILING
Get your motor running on thousands of miles of roads, trails, and fields open for snowmobiling in our state forests and parks and federal lands. Opportunities abound, from scenic paths through woods to straightaway runs on closed-to-cars roadways. Most routes are open from mid-December to early April; check current dates and trail conditions.
McKean County has more than 140 miles of trails that connect to an additional 365 miles of groomed pathways within the Allegheny National Forest, with the Bradford and Marienville Snowmobile Trailheads offering the perfect launching point for your wintery rides. Other popular places to snowmobile include Bald Eagle State Forest in central Pennsylvania, which boasts 250 miles of roads and trails open for snowmobiling, and a variety of state parks like Promised Land State Park, Laurel Hill State Park, and Raymond B. Winter State Park.
2. CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING
While Pennsylvania has a robust roster of ski resorts and areas for downhill enthusiasts, the state also boasts plenty of opportunities for those who prefer the peace and tranquility of cross-country skiing. Hit groomed and ungroomed trails in state and local forests located in Sullivan and Wyoming counties in the Endless Mountains of Northeastern PA. For seven miles worth of cross-country skiing in The Laurel Highlands, Gallitzin Ski Trail in Prince Gallitzin State Forest provides four different trails each fit for different skill levels. While Loyalsock State Forest in Upstate PA, with its high elevation, offers ideal skiing opportunities, featuring more than 30 miles of trails for skiers to explore along various pathways.
A hub for hikers and bikers in the summer, the 150-mile Great Allegheny Passage is regularly groomed for cross-country aficionados on the portion that passes through Ohiopyle State Park, Presque Isle and Parker Dam State Parks also become Nordic wonderlands when summer’s pathways transform into pristine ski zones.
3. SNOW TUBING
If you’re looking for a fun-filled snowy adventure that requires practically no special skills or equipment, then try snow tubing — a fantastic alternative offered by many Pennsylvania ski areas. And forget dragging your ride up the hill — magic carpets and rope tows do all the work for you! Camelback Resort in the Pocono Mountains boasts USA Today’s Readers Choice Awards #1 snow tubing park in the country with more than 40 sledding lanes, while AvalancheXpress at Heritage Hills Golf Resort in York has a seven-story, 900-foot tubing hill, making them a top place to go in the winter in PA to get your snowtubing fix.
Mercersburg’s Whitetail Resort is also known for its excellent sledding terrain; book a tubing party or purchase a two-hour block of riding time. For an old-fashioned ride, try the Eagles Mere Toboggan Slide, which has amused kids of all ages since the early 1900s.
4. ICEBOATING
A mix of sailing, ice skating, and sledding, ice boating is an ideal endeavor for extreme recreation enthusiasts. Iceboats, essentially sailboats with sled rails, can glide up to 70 miles per hour across frozen surfaces. Set sail on the frozen waters of 19 Pennsylvania State Parks, including Moraine, Codorus, Beltzville, Pymatuning, Black Moshannon, and Presque Isle (state launch permits are required). Those who’ve never sailed on ice should consider connecting with the Erie Yacht Club, an excellent resource for first-timers.
5. ICE FISHING
Home to more than 2,500 lakes and one of the best ice fishing destinations in the country, Pennsylvania teems with outstanding ice-fishing locales in the wintertime. For places to go in the winter in PA, hot picks for ice fishing include Lake Chillisquaque at Montour Preserve in Danville, where schools of yellow perch, northern pike, and walleye hide under the ice, and Yellow Creek State Park, a hangout for sunfish, perch, and pike, located an hour northeast of Pittsburgh.
Lyman Run State Park near Coudersport is known for rewarding anglers with catches of rainbow and palomino trout, while Black Moshannon State Park near Philipsburg has yellow perch, bluegill, northern pike, and largemouth bass.
6. ICE SKATING
Whether you’re a beginner or advanced skater, Pennsylvania has divine surfaces for gliding outdoors on picturesque lakes and reservoirs. Delaware Canal State Park, Moraine State Park, Green Lane, and Gifford Pinchot are just a few of the many PA lakes and ponds offering ice skating fun. Cook Forest State Park’s lighted pond offers a fire ring, skate rental, and a nearby sledding hill.
For an urban delight, consider the Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink at Dilworth Park in Philadelphia, which has a warming hut with hot chocolate, coffee, and snacks, while the Earl E. Schaffer Bethlehem Municipal Ice Rink has an outdoor Olympic sized rink and offers an adaptive skate session for those with special needs. There are an abundance of places to visit in a Pennsylvania this winter to lace up your skates, find more places to ice skate in PA.
7. CARRIAGE RIDES
For a relaxing and romantic cruise through Pennsylvania’s postcard-worthy winter woodlands, book a horse-drawn carriage ride. Gateway Lodge in Cooksburg offers beautiful rides along snow-dusted trails in the heart of Cook Forest — a perfect way to enjoy a winter stay at this iconic property. Experience a private horse-drawn sleigh, carriage, or wagon ride through the breathtaking Christmas tree farm at Port Farms during their Country Christmas celebration. Whether you're searching for the perfect Christmas tree or simply looking to enjoy a festive sleigh or carriage ride, this winter wonderland offers an unforgettable holiday experience in northwestern Pennsylvania.
Experience the timeless tradition of a scenic horse-drawn sleigh ride in Bethlehem, better known as Christmas City, with Bethlehem Carriage Company. When snow blankets the ground, wrap yourself in a cozy blanket next to your loved ones, embrace the Hallmark movie-esque decorated town, and glide through the snow to the sound of jingle bells ringing in the crisp winter air.
For a unique carriage ride excursion, discover the breathtaking beauty of winter in the heart of Elk Country in Benezette by taking a horse-drawn sleigh ride at the Elk Country Visitors Center. Glide through a vast landscape blanketed in snow as you view the largest free-roaming elk herd in the northeast.
8. DOWNHILL SKIING
Pennsylvania offers a fantastic downhill skiing experience, with diverse terrains and trails that cater to skiers of all skill levels. Many of the state’s 21 ski resorts are uniquely located within state parks, blending thrilling slopes with the natural beauty of protected landscapes. Blue Knob State Park, home of Blue Knob All Seasons Resort, offers a heart-pounding experience with some of the most challenging slopes in Pennsylvania, perfect for advanced skiers seeking adventure.
Laurel Mountain Ski Resort, located in Laurel Mountain State Park, provides a nostalgic skiing experience with its historic slopes and a cozy lodge that boasts breathtaking views of the surrounding Laurel Highlands. Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, it offers a mix of beginner and advanced trails.
9. DOGSLEDDING
Dogsledding excursions supply tail-wagging experiences amid Pennsylvania’s gorgeous snow-carpeted landscapes. The adorable and athletic Alaskan Huskies at Nemacolin power snowy treks across the southwestern PA countryside. No snow, no worries! Their sled dog team will pull a special wheeled sled called a Touri Cart when snowy conditions and temps are less than ideal for a glide across the snow. The indelible outing is enhanced with a kennel tour for a meet and greet with the pups who make up their phenomenal sled team. This unique seasonal activity makes the award-winning resort a must-visit place to visit in Pennsylvania this winter.
10. SLEDDING
Sledding in Pennsylvania state parks offer a perfect way for you and your crew to embrace winter fun amidst stunning natural settings. With groomed hills and open spaces, these parks provide safe and scenic spots for families and thrill-seekers alike to enjoy the snowy season. For family-friendly sledding experiences in all corners of the state, the most ideal state parks include Chapman State Park in the North, Samuel S. Lewis State Park in Southern PA, Nockamixon State Park in the East, and Laurel Hill State Park in Southwestern PA.
11. WINTER FESTIVALS
Why hibernate when you can celebrate? Winter festivals in Pennsylvania state parks bring frosty fun to life with ice carving, sledding, and winter hikes that’ll have you embracing the season like a snow-loving pro. On February 8, attend WinterFest at Ohiopyle State Park to witness one of the state's most picturesque seasonal scenes while participating in outdoor activities such as sleigh riding and self-guided hiking/sightseeing. Other winter festivals happening on February 8 around the state include Morraine State Park, Lackawanna State Park, and Prince Gallitzin State Park.
12. SNOWY SCENES
As winter blankets Pennsylvania in a serene layer of snow, the season transforms the landscape into magical scenery. Experience the beauty of the fresh fallen snow this winter from a new perspective. The US Hot Air Balloon Team offers rides year-round from various PA launch sites including Lancaster, Chester, and Bucks Counties. Take flight into a whimsical wonderland with this place to visit in Pennsylvania this winter.
13. HIKING SNOW-COVERED TRAILS
Hiking in Pennsylvania during the winter offers a unique experience, with snow-covered landscapes, crisp air, and quiet trails. There are multiple places to visit in Pennsylvania this winter to watch the transformation of the state’s natural beauty into a winter wonderland.
Experience the thrill and beauty of snow-covered trails in Pennsylvania’s only national forest, the Allegheny National Forest. With its vast expanse of towering trees and pristine wilderness, the forest transforms into a winter paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. The Rimrock Hiking Trail and Overlook is a picturesque 1.3-mile trail that offers breathtaking views of the Allegheny Reservoir and the surrounding snow-covered hillsides.
For a more accessible option, the Star Mill Trail at Black Moshannon State Park in the PA Wilds offers a short and easy hike that's ideal for winter conditions. Surrounded by tranquil snow-covered terrain, this trail provides a peaceful escape into nature, making it perfect for those looking to enjoy a relaxing winter walk without steep or difficult terrain.
To learn about more fun things to do in the winter in Pennsylvania, check out the VISIT PA website. Follow us on Facebook, Pinterest, Threads, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok to stay up to date on even more great trip ideas and places to visit around the state. Don’t forget to never miss an update and sign up for our monthly PA travel e-newsletter.