Remember those brutally hot days of summer? We couldn’t wait until winter and probably even promised ourselves that we wouldn’t complain at all once the snow started falling. Now that winter’s here…well, maybe we’re already yearning for those shorts and flip-flop days. Add a bit of heat to your winter by embarking on one of these winter day trips. You might even want to tick off each one this winter… just be sure to bring along your coziest winter travel essentials.

1. Ohiopyle State Park – Ohiopyle

Ohiopyle State Park, 124 Main St, Ohiopyle, PA 15470, USA
Facebook/Ohiopyle State Park
Have you been Googling, "day trips near me?" Chances are you won't find better than this one. A winter day trip to Ohiopyle State Park is practically a tradition in the summer, and it should be in the winter, too. Time your visit for after a fresh snowfall, especially if you plan to visit Cucumber Falls and Ohiopyle Falls, two of the park's beloved cascades. If you're up for a breathtaking hike, follow the Youghiogheny River Trail, which leads to Jonathan Run Falls. Don't worry if you get too cold. Ohiopyle State Park also hosts a warming station. Warm up and get back outdoors for more exploration. Read more about this popular Pennsylvania state park in our previous article.

Click below to see a wintry Cucumber Falls in this YouTube video by Simpson In The World.

2. Pine Creek Gorge – Wellsboro

Pine Creek Gorge, Watson Township, PA 17740, USA
FourSquare/Jussi S.
Pine Creek Gorge, the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania, really should be the top spot on every Pennsylvanian's bucket list. It's a must-visit in all seasons, especially when painted in fall's colors and when blanketed in fresh snow. You can view the state's largest canyon from the scenic overlooks at Leonard Harrison State Park or Colton Point State Park. If you're up for an adventure, follow one of the scenic hiking trails. One, Turkey Path Trail, leads to the bottom of the canyon and back. Read more about this natural wonder in Pennsylvania in our previous article.

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3. Mount Davis – Elk Lick Township

Mount Davis, Mt Davis, Elk Lick Township, PA 15558, USA
All Trails/Ed Smiley
Breathing in that fresh, crisp winter air is so rejuvenating. One of the best ways to soak up every moment of winter - and to drink in the beauty of the scenery - is to set off on one of Pennsylvania's many hiking trails. While you can reach the observation tower at Mount Davis State Park on a short walk, consider following the Mount Davis Highpoint Trail instead. It tallies more than five miles and will take you through the winter wonderland that is Forbes State Forest. Get a glimpse of the winter beauty that awaits at the highest point in Pennsylvania.

4. Camelback Mountain Resort – Tannersville

Camelback Ski Resort, 301 Resort Dr, Tannersville, PA 18372, USA
Facebook/Camelback Mountain
Camelback Mountain Resort is all about staying cool in the summer. Its waterpark is one of the most popular in Pennsylvania. However, wintertime means zipping down the mountain on a snow tube or on skis. The popular year-round resort, in fact, is home to the largest snow tubing park in the United States. It boasts more than 40 lanes and promises an epic adventure. Read more about this popular year-round resort in Pennsylvania in our previous article.

5. Eagles Mere

Eagles Mere Borough Office, 915 Laporte Ave, Eagles Mere, PA 17731, USA
Facebook/Eagles Mere Borough
Journey to the tiny village of Eagles Mere for an enchanting winter day. (It's one of the best day trips in December, especially around the holidays.) A stroll around the village will make you feel as though you've stepped into a real winter wonderland. The village also hosts, weather permitting, an epic toboggan slide that goes right through town. If you don't feel like spending time outdoors, explore the village's shops. Learn more about this tiny Pennsylvania village.

Even if the weather's not cold enough for the toboggan slide to run for the season, you can get a front-row seat thanks to this YouTube video by fatyfisherc.

If you’ve been on the hunt for the best “winter day trips near me,” you’ve certainly hit the jackpot! What are your favorite winter day trips in Pennsylvania? Let us know in the comments! For another fun day trip this winter, visit this natural wonder in Pennsylvania. It’s spellbinding when dusted with snow.

Before you head out on one of these winter day trips (day trips in December, around the holidays, are particularly enchanting!), make sure you’ve got all of your winter gear, including a warm coat and comfy shoes.

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More to Explore

Winter In Pennsylvania

Beth Price-Williams | December 01, 2023

Are there any winter hikes in Pennsylvania?

When you’re not day-tripping during the winter, why not set off on a breathtaking winter hike? Here are just a few of the best winter hikes in Pennsylvania:

  • Journey to the tallest waterfall in Pennsylvania. Raymondskill Falls in Milford is simply enchanting when framed by snow.
  • Stroll through a winter wonderland along the Laurel Hill Lake Trail in Somerset. The short but sweet trail meanders just one mile.
  • Bring the kids along on the kid-friendly Chickies Rock Overlook Trail in Columbia; it boasts stellar views of the Susquehanna River.
  • Little compares to a frozen waterfall, and that’s what you’ll see on the Jacoby Hollow Trail in Trout Run. It leads to the breathtaking Jacoby Falls.
  • Follow the Tank Hollow Trail, an easy trail in Jim Thorpe that’s perfect for hikers of all ages and skill levels, including kids. It’s also dog-friendly and leads to jaw-dropping views of the Jim Thorpe landscape.

Winter hiking is one of the best ways to make the most of the season. Check out the best winter hiking trails near Philadelphia and breathtaking winter hikes near Pittsburgh, too.

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