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A snow-covered wooden bridge surrounded by a peaceful forest of tall trees within the Austin T. Blakeslee Natural Area.
Trails
December 23, 2024
New Year’s Hikes to Ring in 2025
Ring in the New Year with a scenic First Day Hike in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Whether you prefer a guided hike or exploring on your own, you’ll find the perfect trail to embrace nature's beauty and kickstart your year with an outdoor adventure.
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Step into the New Year with Scenic First Day Hikes

Start your year off right with a First Day Hike in Northeastern Pennsylvania. There’s no better way to reflect, reset and embrace new beginnings than by immersing yourself in the crisp mountain air and peaceful beauty of NEPA’s winter landscapes. From snow-dusted trails to serene forests and breathtaking views, the region offers the perfect backdrop for a refreshing New Year’s tradition.

Prefer a little company on your journey? Join a group of fellow outdoor enthusiasts on an organized First Day Hike. These guided events are a great way to explore local trails and connect with nature.

Guided State Park First Day Hikes
Snow-covered trail surrounded by bushes and evergreen trees at Beltzville State Park.
Beltzville State Park

January 1 at 2 p.m.

The Friends of Beltzville State Park and park staff will lead a 3.5-mile trek from the Environmental Interpretive Center to the tower on top of the dam. Hikers will be rewarded with a view of the lake. Dogs are welcome.

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Snow-blanketed landscape featuring a partially frozen lake surrounded by frost-covered trees at Lackawanna State Park.
Lackawanna State Park

January 1 at 9 a.m. & 1 p.m.

Lackawanna State Park will host two guided First Day hikes, one in the morning for early risers and a second in the afternoon. Both will take hikers on a nearly 2-mile moderately difficult hike along the Snowflake and Frost Hollow Trails.

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Partially snow-covered rail-trail tracks wind through mountains dotted with evergreen trees along the Lehigh Gorge Trail.
Lehigh Gorge State Park

January 1 at 10 a.m.

Welcome the new year with an easy 2-mile walk on the Lehigh Gorge State Park rail trail from White Haven south access to Tannery and back. Dogs are welcome. Registration required.

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A large snow-covered wooden sign perched atop a stone wall welcomes visitors to Nescopeck State Park.
Nescopeck State Park

January 1 at 1 p.m.

Venture out on this easy, 2.5-mile hike through Nescopeck State Park along the Nescopeck Creek to kick off 2025. Dogs are welcome. Registration required.

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A snow-covered field bordered by a wooden fence along a road, with a red barn and evergreen trees in the background welcomes visitors to Vosburg Neck State Park.
Vosburg Neck State Park

January 1 at 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Vosburg Neck State Park will host two First Day guided hikes to start 2025. The morning hike covers a moderately challenging 2.5 miles trek along the Vista Trail. At 1 p.m., hikers will enjoy a relatively easy 1.5-mile journey along the Canal and River Trails.

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Your Winter Adventure Begins Here

Missing a First Day Hike doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the adventure. January 1st marks the beginning of a year full of possibilities for exploring Northeastern Pennsylvania’s network of trails and parks. Revisit beloved trails or uncover new favorites as you wander through glistening landscapes and tranquil forests. Layer up, grab your hiking poles and step into the crisp, refreshing beauty of NEPA’s great outdoors.

 

NEPA Winter Hikes
A snow-covered trail runs through an evergreen forest.
Austin T. Blakeslee Natural Area

Blakeslee, PA

With 130 acres to explore, the Austin T. Blakeslee Natural Area has incredible views and trails for all skill levels. The shorter Pine and Highland Trails are a bit more laidback while the Red Blazed Creek Trail is a perfect intermediate hike for those seeking a bit of a challenge.

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A snow-covered trail lined with trees and a wooden fence on one side.
D&H Rail-Trail

Simpson, PA

Stretching 38 miles from Simpson to the Pennsylvania-New York border, hikers can hop on the D&H Rail-Trail all across NEPA. Whether you’re walking or cross-country skiing, you’ll see plenty of wildlife, stunning views and even a few historic sites along the way.

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A snowy trail winding through a landscape dotted with trees, with the setting sun casting a warm glow behind large mountains on the horizon.
Dick & Nancy Eales Nature Preserve at Moosic Mountain

Jessup, PA

Head up Moosic Mountain for one of the most incredible views of the valley. Dick & Nancy Eales Nature Preserve’s walking trail winds through secluded heath barrens and forests. For a truly stunning sight, catch a sunrise or sunset atop the peak.

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A partially frozen lake surrounded by snow-covered land, with mountains visible in the distance.
Frances Slocum State Park

Wyoming, PA

Frances Slocum State Park is so much more than a summer family favorite. Take the Lakeshore Trail for views of the frozen lake or catch a glimpse of the park’s diverse wildlife and habitats on the Deer Trail.

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Snow-covered land with the Francis E. Walter Dam bridge extending into a scenic gorge.
Francis E. Walter Dam

White Haven, PA

This 60-year old Francis E. Walter Dam doubles as one of the most tranquil spots to observe the beauty of the Poconos. The icy reservoir and snow-covered trails will leave explorers feeling like they are on another planet.

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An earthen trail surrounded by snow-covered, leafless trees, with a glimpse of the setting sun peaking through the branches.
Gouldsboro State Park

Gouldsboro, PA

With trails of varying length and difficulty, Gouldsboro State Park has a bit of something for everyone. For a peaceful winter stroll, Old Route 611 keeps things breezy and scenic.

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A snow-covered, partially frozen lake with trees lining the far side.
Hickory Run State Park

White Haven, PA

There’s much to see and explore across Hickory Run State Park’s 44 miles of trails. Hickory Run Trail winds through frozen fields and forests. Meanwhile, the Fireline Trail presents a bit of a challenge, but leads to a stunning overlook of the Lehigh River.

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A snow-covered trail winding through trees blanketed in snow.
Lake Scranton Walking Trail

Scranton, PA

This easy 3.5-mile loop around Lake Scranton Walking Trail is ideal for wintry waterfront strolls. The flat, paved path makes this an accessible trail for adventurers of all abilities to have a laidback winter excursion.

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Partially snow-covered rail-trail tracks wind through mountains dotted with evergreen trees along the Lehigh Gorge Trail.
Lehigh Gorge Trail

White Haven, PA

Hiking, cross-country skiiing and even snowmobiling are all on the table when you hit the 26-mile Lehigh Gorge Trail. Located within Lehigh Gorge State Park, explorers will come across icy waterfalls and historic ruins along the way.

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Snow-covered land with benches, a frozen lake and large mountains in the background.
Mauch Chunk Lake Park

Jim Thorpe, PA

Just as beautiful as it is during the warmer months, Mauch Chunk Lake Park is truly a special place during the winter. Follow shorter trails along the lake and dam or take the Switchback Railroad Trail for a bird’s eye view of Jim Thorpe.

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A stunning blue and purple sky over a snow-covered landscape with snow-dusted evergreen trees.
Promised Land State Park

Greentown, PA

Catch a glimpse of Promised Land State Park’s incredible wildlife in the quiet of winter. Explore more than 50 miles of trails while keeping an eye out for the park’s treasured bald eagle pair in the snow-covered trees.

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A snow-covered boardwalk trail winding through trees.
Thomas Darling Preserve

Blakeslee, PA

Follow a 2.2-mile loop trail through 2,500 acres of meadows and marshes. The Thomas Darling Preserve’s boardwalks make it easier to hike in winter conditions, ideal for viewing one of Pennsylvania’s largest spruce forests covered in snow.

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A person walking along a snow-covered forest trail surrounded by trees.
Winter Hikes

Northeastern Pennsylvania offers countless winter hiking spots, from serene state parks to hidden trails, where you can chase frosty waterfalls, snow-covered woodlands and sweeping mountain views.

Article Updated from its Original Version Published on 12/30/2020.