Explore NEPA’s Winter Trails
Winter hiking offers a refreshing way to experience Northeastern Pennsylvania long after the leaves have fallen and the busy trail season winds down. Snow-covered landscapes transform familiar routes into something completely new, with frozen waterfalls, frosted pines and quiet paths that stretch through peaceful winter woods. Footbridges, boardwalks and lakeshores take on a calm, wintry stillness, making even the most popular spots feel serene and secluded.
Whether you gravitate toward paved loops, wooded footpaths or long multi-use routes, NEPA’s parks and preserves offer plenty of winter-friendly options for every skill level. From quick afternoon walks to more challenging cold-weather treks, the region’s trails make it easy to get outside and enjoy the beauty of the winter season.
Austin T. Blakeslee Natural Area | Blakeslee, PA
The Highland Trail at Austin T. Blakeslee Natural Area in Blakeslee, PA is a 1-mile loop with peaceful views along Tobyhanna Creek. Snow-covered pines and quiet forest paths create a calming winter hike for all ages. Its gentle terrain makes this trail an easy cold-weather option for families and casual hikers.
Distance: 1 mile
Bear Creek, PA
Natural Lands’ Bear Creek Preserve in Bear Creek offer over 9 miles of trails through snow-covered forest and along frozen streams. Scenic overlooks take on a rugged winter beauty as snow settles across the landscape. Wildlife tracks and quiet woods make this preserve a peaceful cold-season destination.
Distance: 9+ miles
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Locust Lake State Park | Barnesville, PA
The Bicycle Trail at Locust Lake State Park in Barnesville is a 1.3-mile paved loop ideal for gentle winter walks whenever conditions allow. Snow-dusted hills and frozen lake views create a relaxing cold-weather experience. The flat, wide surface makes this a dependable choice for winter strolls or snowshoe loops.
Distance: 1.3 miles
D&L Trail | Wright Twp., PA
The Black Diamond Section of the D&L Trail in Wright Township is a 9.2-mile winter route with a noticeable grade and long stretches of quiet forest. Snow-covered bogs, ponds, and wooded areas make this a scenic but more challenging hike. It’s a great option for experienced cold-weather hikers or cross-country skiers seeking a longer adventure.
Distance: 9.2 miles
Bruce Lake Natural Area | Delaware State Forest | Greentown, PA
Bruce Lake Trail at Bruce Lake Natural Area in Greentown offers a quiet 7.4-mile loop trail through snow-covered forests and wetlands. The trail leads to the frozen glacial lake, creating a serene reward at the end. Cross-country skiing is common here, adding to its cold-season appeal.
Distance: 7.4 miles
Lackawanna State Park | North Abington Twp., PA
The Frost Hollow Trail at Lackawanna State Park in North Abington Township is a 2-mile trail with quiet forest views and a scenic dam overlook. Cold-weather walkers and snowshoers enjoy the peaceful terrain and gentle hills. The trail remains open year-round and offers a calm winter escape close to the lake.
Distance: 2 miles
Hazle Twp., PA
Greater Hazleton Rails to Trails in Hazle Township offers over seven miles of flat, winter-friendly trail along a former rail line. Snow-covered forests and meadows create peaceful cold-weather scenery throughout the route. The crushed stone surface provides an easy winter hike for walkers and cross-country skiers.
Distance: 7+ miles
Scranton, PA
The Lake Scranton Walking Trail in Scranton is a 3.57-mile paved loop with frozen lake views. Snow-lined trees and quiet forest sections make it a calm cold-weather escape. The smooth, traffic-free surface remains accessible for walkers of all ages.
Distance: 3.57 miles
Tuscarora State Park | Barnesville, PA
The Lake View Trail at Tuscarora State Park in Barnesville offers a 2.3-mile hike through snow-covered pines with views of Tuscarora Lake. Frozen streams and quiet woods add to the cold-weather atmosphere. The trail pairs well with winter activities like ice fishing elsewhere in the park.
Distance: 2.3 miles
Multiple Access Points
The Lackawanna River Heritage Trail, running 30+ miles between Pittston and Carbondale, offers flexible hiking on paved and crushed-stone segments. Snow-covered riverbanks and quiet open spaces make it a refreshing cold-season option. With dozens of access points, winter visitors can choose short walks or long hikes.
Distance: 30+ miles
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Mauch Chunk Lake Park | Jim Thorpe, PA
The Shoreline Trail at Mauch Chunk Lake Park in Jim Thorpe offers a 1 mile lakeside hike. Snow on the surrounding Pocono Mountains and lakefront adds scenic beauty to cold-weather outings. Hikers can choose short or long winter hikes on additional trails.
Distance: 1 mile
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Blakeslee, PA
The trail at Thomas Darling Preserve in Blakeslee is a 2.2-mile loop through quiet snow-covered marshes and evergreen forest. Boardwalks help maintain footing through frozen wetland areas. The trail offers one of the region’s most peaceful cold-weather hiking experiences.
Distance: 2.2 miles
La Plume to Factoryville, PA
The La Plume to Factoryville Section of Trolley Trail is a 1.7-mile trail along a crushed-stone railbed. Snow on The Woodlands Campus and through town creates a quiet, gentle seasonal route. Its smooth grade makes this an easy, family-friendly winter outing.
Distance: 1.7 miles
Prompton State Park | Prompton, PA
The West Shore Trail North at Prompton State Park in Prompton is a 1.8-mile hike with wide views of the frozen lake. Snow along the forested edges and hillsides adds peaceful seasonal scenery. This trail serves as a calm winter route for hiking, snowshoeing, or cross-country exploration.
Distance: 1.8 miles
Waterfall Ice Hiking at Ricketts Glen State Park
The Adventures Don’t Stop there
Northeastern Pennsylvania offers a rich variety of trails for all skill levels, from leisurely walking paths to challenging hiking routes through scenic landscapes. Check out our NEPA trails page for regional guides, trail maps, and recommendations to help plan your next outdoor adventure. Exploring NEPA’s hiking and biking trails is a great way to enjoy the region’s natural beauty and stay active year-round.
Article updated from its original version published on 12/27/22.
10 Scenic Winter Hikes in NEPA
