Top Winter Hikes Near Philadelphia

Just because it's winter doesn't mean the hiking season is over. As a matter-of-fact, winter hikes can be some of the best hiking you will do all year. With no leaves on the trees, you will have better luck seeing wildlife such as birds, foxes, deer and other critters. There is nothing better than taking a walk through the newly fallen snow. Philadelphia and the surrounding area offers beautiful and scenic trails through a number of public parks. Whether it's in the city or the suburbs, there are plenty of places for a good winter hike. It is a perfect time to spend with the family and capture beautiful pictures and treasured memories.

The Pinnacle Trail
1700 Hawk Mountain Road
Kempton, PA 19529
(610) 756-6961
www.hawkmountain.org

Some say The Pinnacle Trail has the best view along Pennsylvania's Appalachian Trail. You can see for yourself by trekking around five miles to a blue-blazed trail that will lead you to the Pinnacle. If you continue on for another two miles, you will hit Pulpit Rock. This sight will afford you the opportunity to take in even more spectacular views. The trail is considered moderate in difficulty. Bring plenty of water to stay hydrated on your walk, even in the colder months.

Related: 5 Most Scenic Walking Trails In Philadelphia

Pennypack Creek Trail
Pennypack Environmental Center
8600A Verree Road
Philadelphia, PA 19115
(215) 685-0470
www.phila.gov/PennypackEnvironmentalCenter

Pennypack Creek Trail is maintained all year round, so it makes for great hiking even during the winter months. For an easier hike, stick to the paved trails. For a more difficult trek, try the unpaved trails. You will find the arteries to these paths off of the paved trails. Enjoy the full 12.4-mile trail or just choose certain areas such as the Verree Street entrance. You will be sure to come across beautiful scenery and picturesque views of foot bridges and wildlife.

Schuylkill River Trail
140 College Drive
Pottstown, PA 19464
(484) 945-0200
www.schuylkillriver.org

Schuylkill River Trail was named the "Best Urban Trail" in USA Today's 10 Best Readers Choice Awards. This 60 miles of finished trails has something for everyone and is perfect for the winter hiker. The trail runs through Philadelphia, which makes for excellent urban hiking as well. Once The Schuylkill River Trail in Southeastern Pennsylvania is completely finished, it will cover a 130-mile span.

Wharton State Forest
31 Batsto Road
Hammonton, NJ 08037
(609) 561-0024
www.state.nj.us

Head over to New Jersey and follow the Batsto Lake Trail in New Jersey's Wharton State Forest. It runs for 4.2 miles and travels through the Pine Barrens. There are many loops to choose from, and maps can be found at the visitors center in Batsto. Create your own winter hike excursion. You can find different trails that offer a variety of skill levels. The Batsto Lake Trail is quite scenic and relatively easy.

Ridley Creek State Park
1023 Sycamore Mills Road
Media, PA 19063
(610) 892-3900
www.dcnr.state.pa.us

Ridley Creek State Park is the perfect choice for a winter hike excursion. There are 12 miles of hiking trails with four trails that are interconnected. There are also five miles of paved trails for biking and equestrians. The park is well maintained and offers many different hiking paths at an easy to moderate skill level.

Related: Hiking America's Most Treacherous Mountains

Christina Thompson is a freelance writer living in Philadelphia. She reports on various topics such as: Social Media, Local Events, Entertainment, Food and Drink and more. Her work can be found at http://firstsendmedia.com/.