Everybody knows the story of Valley Forge, PA. In the brutal winter of 1777-1778, the Revolutionary Army, led by General George Washington, camped out on this site just a few miles from Philadelphia. Though no battle against the British was fought here, the soldiers dealt with horrific conditions. The winter was cold and snowy, food was scarce, frostbite claimed limbs day after day. Soldiers were not equipped with hats, gloves or coats - after all, those fighting for our country were a makeshift army dealing with their struggles as best as they could. In the time from December 1777 to June of 1778, they spent their time at Valley Forge, transforming into the determined, formidable force that defeated the British and established the United States of America as a free country.
Valley Forge itself has transformed into a National Historic Park, and walking through it in the winter is the best way to appreciate the suffering and sacrifice these soldiers made for our country.
Though there are nearly 20 miles of trails within the park, most are short 1-2 mile hikes.
Valley Forge National Historic Park is open year round, from 7:00 AM to dark. You can visit Washington's Headquarters, tour a historic chapel, and watch historic films in the theater, but the hours for these attractions vary depending on the day and season. Check their website here for details on the special attractions. You can find details on each of the park's trails, including trailhead coordinates, right here.
Valley Forge National Historic Park is located at 1400 North Outer Line Drive, King of Prussia, PA 19406, just twenty miles outside of Philadelphia.
Don't you just love the sight of snow falling? It's a cue to head outside! Philly is absolutely gorgeous when it's snowing, and these best winter hikes near Philadelphia will show you some amazing scenery while you breathe in that fresh, cool winter air. After your hike, curl up by the fire with a cup of hot cocoa and you'll really appreciate living in such a beautiful part of the country.
One of the best places for winter hiking near Philadephia is Wissahickon Valley Park. It's a wonder in all seasons, but some of the best scenes you'll see along the creek are when it's snowing and everything is silent and still. Visit the webpage to learn more.
Hiking through Valley Forge in the snow will give you a new appreciation for the struggles that Washington's Army went through, in the winter of 1776-1777. Today it's an ideal place for cold weather hiking near Philadelphia. Read our previous coverage to learn more about winter hiking at Valley Forge.
Address: 1400 N Outer Line Dr., King of Prussia, PA 19406
Hike through Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Delaware in this underrated Delaware State Park that has miles of trails and scenic creek crossings. Read our previous coverage to learn more about White Clay Creek State Park.
Address: 750 Thompson Station Road, Newark, DE 19711
There's nothing like being in the mountains while it's snowing, and Sourland Mountain is much closer than the Poconos. If you're looking for things to do in the winter near Philadelphia, come here. Visit the webpage to learn more.
Address: 421 E Mountain Rd., Hillsborough Township, NJ 08844
Ridley Creek is another gorgeous Pennsylvania State Park, and you could easily spend all day here. Bundle up! You won't want to leave these gorgeous snowy trails for winter hiking near Philadelphia. Read our previous coverage to learn more about hiking at Ridley Creek State Park.
Pennypack is great to explore when you're looking for some peace and quiet along wintery trails. You can disappear into these woods for hours. Visit the webpage to learn more.
The wildlife refuge at Tinicum exists in the shadow of our large city, but it's a great reminder that stunning nature and beautiful scenery is just a quick drive away. It;s a beautiful location for some cold weather hiking near Philadelphia. Visit the webpage to learn more.
Address: 8601 Lindbergh Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19153
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If you only have time for one winter hike this year, make it Valley Forge. There is something quite magical about walking the same paths as our Revolutionary Army, feeling the chill that they felt in their bones, and seeing the tribute to their ultimate sacrifice. Read more about the Valley Forge National Historic Park here.
Do you have a favorite winter wonderland near Philly that didn't make the list? What other best hikes near Philadelphia do you enjoy? Let us know in the comments below, and don't forget to share photos of your adventures on Instagram (@onlyinphiladelphia) or on the Only In Philadelphia Facebook page for a chance to see them featured!
If you search around for great hikes near Philadelphia, you'll see a ton of gorgeous waterfall hikes way up at the Delaware Water Gap or in the Poconos. Those hikes are all amazing, and worth doing — if you're up for waking up before the sun and hiking all day, before returning to Philadelphia well after dark. Sometimes, you don't have the entire day, but you still want to get out and enjoy the fresh air and some scenery. For a truly underrated hike that will lead you to some fantastic views, head across the river to Pennington, New Jersey, for a short scramble to the top of Baldpate Mountain.
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Baldpate Mountain, also called the Ted Stiles Preserve, is a park in Mercer County, New Jersey.
There are several loops and trails you can take from any of their three parking lots, but my favorite trail is a fun and easy hike that will leave you feeling accomplished and show off some unique views and ruins.You'll want to park in the Fiddler's Creek lot (find directions here!) and head up the blue-marked Summit trail. Stay left when the trail forks and the second half of the trail will take you to the very top of the mountain. From there, you can head back down the White-blazed trail, or enjoy the NW loop as an addition to your hike. Whichever route you take, you'll end up at the Welling/Burd Farmstead and Pond, which is the perfect place to end a beautiful hike.
From the Fiddler's Creek parking lot, you'll head up the rocky Summit trail. Though there is a small scramble at the top, this 1.3-mile trail is easy enough for most people, including young children.
From the top, you'll have a beautiful panoramic view of Mercer County, the Delaware River and Bucks County, Pennsylvania. For such a short hike up, the view is outstanding!
After you've eaten lunch and relaxed at the top, it's time to head down the white-blazed Ridge trail. This is an easy gravel road that runs along the top of the mountain.
If you're feeling up to it, you can stray from the Ridge Trail and take the NW Loop (Red) trail for a nice nature walk. This short loop has some minor elevation changes but will show off the quieter, less traveled side of the mountain. Be warned, though — the first time the trail forks, you'll see a side trail to the left that is blazed white. This is not the Ridge Trail, but instead a limited use out and back trail. Stay to the right along the NW Loop trail, following red blazes until you return back to the gravel road of the Ridge Trail.
Along the Ridge Trail, you'll run into all sorts of wildlife. Rabbits and box turtles are common, as are chipmunks, deer, and squirrels. Look up to the sky, too — there are always plenty of hawks and other large birds circling!
Eventually, the gravel road of the Ridge Trail gets a little overgrown, and you'll see a blue-blazed trail on your right. Take this down to the Wollen/Burd Farmstead.
The pond is particularly beautiful. Take a break from your hike and sit down by the water, where you'll see ducks and geese swimming along with many different fish.
If you'd rather take a shorter hike, or don't want to walk down the rocky path, you can take the main driveway down from the top of the mountain. This is a gentle grade with some beautiful views of its own, and the bottom of the driveway will bring you back to the Fiddler's Creek lot.
Any hike you take on Baldpate Mountain is perfect for the entire family — there are often young children on the trails, and dogs of all sizes can easily walk up even the rockiest section of trail.
Feel free to take a look at the park map and make your own hike — I've spent anywhere from just 45 minutes to well over 4 hours hiking these trails, and each time I visit, it's a new adventure! Be warned that the limited use Pleasant Valley trail is not all that pleasant if it's rained recently, and the Creek Spur is steep, narrow, and involves a few creek crossings — so it may not be the best for young children. Otherwise, each trail here is worth checking out!
