Wintertime’s the perfect time to get outdoors and explore, if you ask us. Sure, we might prefer being in the great outdoors during the warmer summer months, but there’s so much we can’t do during the summer that’s so much fun to do in the winter. We’re quite fortunate, in fact, to live within driving distance of numerous state parks near Pittsburgh that offer a full menu of wintertime activities and fun. Let’s take a look at some of our favorites:

1. Laurel Hill State Park – Somerset
Laurel Hill State Park, 1454 Laurel Hill Park Rd, Somerset, PA 15501, USA
Laurel Hill State Park Complex/Facebook
Bundle up for a day at Laurel Hill State Park, a picture-perfect destination any time of the year. However, in the winter, especially after a snowfall, it is particularly pretty. Slip on your hiking boots for a picturesque hike, or bring your sled for a day of sledding. You can start a fire with the wood that’s near the sledding hill, too. Snowmobiling is another popular winter activity at the park. Stop by the official website of Laurel Hill State Park for lots more info.
2. Raccoon Creek State Park – Hookstown
Raccoon Creek State Park, 3000 PA-18, Hookstown, PA 15050, USA
Raccoon Creek State Park/Facebook
Lace up your ice skates for a leisurely glide around Raccoon Lake, when the conditions permit. The 101-acre lake provides an idyllic backdrop for a morning or an afternoon of ice skating. The park also features a 2.1-mile trail for cross-country skiers while snowmobiling is allowed in certain areas of the park. Make sure to visit the official website for Raccoon Creek State Park to learn more.

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3. Oil Creek State Park – Oil City
Oil Creek State Park Trail, Titusville, PA, USA
Oil Creek State Park/Facebook
Get ready for a day of sledding when you visit Oil Creek State Park after a fresh snowfall. For a beautiful and scenic tour of the park, slip on your skis for a bit of cross-country skiing. Oil Creek State Park boasts more than 11 miles of trails for cross-country skiers. (You will have to pay for a ski pass to use the trails.) You can also stop by the warming hut when you need to warm up. Check out the official website of Oil Creek State Park for more information.
4. Moraine State Park – Portersville
Moraine State Park Road, Moraine State Park Rd, Franklin Township, PA 16057, USA
Moraine State Park/Facebook
Hiking’s always a great way to explore Moraine State Park. However, if there’s snow on the ground, you might want to opt for a day of cross-country skiing or snowmobiling. Head to the South Shore with your sled for a bit of sled riding too. Learn more on the official website of Moraine State Park!
5. Ohiopyle State Park - Ohiopyle
Ohiopyle State Park, 124 Main St, Ohiopyle, PA 15470, USA
Ohiopyle State Park/Facebook
Go sledding on an epic hill at Ohiopyle State Park. The Sugarloaf Snowmobile and Mountain Biking Area boasts a hill that’s perfect (and designated) for sledding. Snowmobiling and cross-country skiing are also popular winter activities. If you’ve got the time, make it a point to also visit Cucumber Falls and Ohiopyle Falls. Neither require hiking, and both are absolutely stunning in the wintertime, especially when frozen and sprinkled with snow. Find more information on the official website of Ohiopyle State Park.

What are your favorite state parks near Pittsburgh to visit during the winter? Join the conversation in the comments! Next time we enjoy a fresh snowfall, consider heading to one of the six best sledding hills in Pittsburgh!

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More to Explore

State Parks Near Pittsburgh

Tori Jane | January 30, 2022

What are the best places for hiking around Pittsburgh?  

It seems like no matter where you look, you’re sure to find great hiking, biking, and walking trails in and around the city of Pittsburgh. The best places to look are in local parks, of course, like Riverview Park and Frick Park. We also like the trails located in parks like Schenley Park, and there are also lots of really cool conservation areas lined with trails as well, like Montour Woods Conservation Area, where you’ll find lots of trails to fall in love with (see below!). You’ll also find great hikes in state and national parks like Point State Park or Moraine State Park. Want some more ideas? Check out this list of five of our favorite urban hikes in Pittsburgh, with entries like North Shore Riverfront Trail, Eliza Furnace Trail, and more.  

What are the best hiking trails in Pittsburgh? 

Here at Only In Your State, we have the firmly held belief that yes, you can absolutely find wonderful hiking trails in the big city. In fact, anyone who claims you can’t has simply never looked – or never been here. There are lots of wonderful, unique trails in and around Pittsburgh that you’re sure to love. Be sure to check out Hollow Oak Loop, in the Montour Woods Conservation Area, which is 3.2 miles of moderately challenging (but totally rewarding) woods. Some hikers claim it’s not well-marked, so downloading a map ahead of time on your phone is a good idea. Another local favorite is the Frick Park Tour Loop Trail, located in, well, Frick Park. That one’s a little longer – almost five miles long – but it leads through some lush, beautiful areas sure to tickle the outdoorsman’s fancy. The Emerald View Trail is great, and so is Riverview Park Loop Trail. 

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