The 7 Coziest Towns Near Pittsburgh To Snuggle Up In This Season
Something about winter just conjures feelings of coziness, doesn’t it? Wrapped in a blanket, cuddling in front of a cozy fire or in front of a window as snow tumbles down, sipping hot chocolate as you read a favorite book or binge-watch your favorite show. And, staring out the window at night, the outdoors illuminated by the pure white snow. Coziness and winter just go hand-in-hand. For a unique winter experience, visit one or all of these seven coziest small towns near Pittsburgh.
During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.
Cooksburg provides the perfect backdrop for a beautiful winter adventure. Spend a day exploring Cook's Forest State Park, where you can glide along the lit ice skating area along River Road. Or, soar down hills on your favorite sled. The winter landscape's also ideal for a vigorous hike before checking into the cozy Gateway Lodge, where you can relax by the fire or indulge in a delicious meal. Read about Cook Forest State Park, one of Cooksburg's most beautiful attractions, in this article.
Winter and spending time outdoors, before cozying up by a roaring fire, just go so well together. For an unforgettable adventure, visit the cozy town of Claysburg, home to Blue Knob All Seasons Resort. The resort boasts "the highest skiable mountain in PA." Go skiing or spend a few hours tubing down that massive mountain. Or, check in at the resort, where you can relax in a hot tub or by the heated pool. Read more about Blue Know All Seasons Resort in this article.
Of course, if you want to stay a bit closer to home, journey to Champion, the home of Seven Springs Mountain Resort. In the mood to just relax for a day or two? Check into the resort and pamper yourself at the spa. Or, spend an action-packed day outdoors skiing and snow tubing. You can also go on a cozy 30-minute sleigh ride along the snow-capped landscape. Read more about the sleigh ride in this past article.
Spend a leisurely day outdoors among the freshly fallen snow in the cozy town of Hidden Valley. Of course, you'll find plenty to do - from skiing to snow tubing and snowboarding outdoors. Or, explore other popular local attractions, including Kentuck Knob and the Duncan House, both masterpieces of Frank Lloyd Wright.
Farmington might be best known for Fallingwater, the perfect day trip destination in the winter. After your visit to the famous home over a waterfall, stop by Ohiopyle State Park, which offers an assortment of winter activities. Cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and sledding are among Ohiopyle's cold-weather activities. Then, visit Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, for a cup of hot chocolate or a ride on a dog sled. Click here to learn more about Nemacolin Woodlands Resort.
Up for a bit of a drive? When it comes to small towns near Pittsburgh, Bedfore is a breathtaker. It sits less than two hours from downtown Pittsburgh. Its cozy downtown promises plenty to do - from window shopping and dining out to catching a film at the historic movie theater. At the end of the day, check into the Omni Bedford Springs Resort. Relax in the heated indoor pool or pamper yourself at the spa. Click here to read more about the town of Bedford!
Portersville promises spectacular winter scenery at Moraine State Park and McConnells Mill State Park. Both offer plenty of winter activities, especially after a fresh snowfall. Hiking, sledding, snowmobiling, and sledding are popular at Moraine State Park while McConnells Mill State Park offers winter hiking. Read more about Portersville here!
What other small towns near Pittsburgh would you add to this list? Let us know in the comments! And, if you’re up for a little treasure hunting, plan a visit to these five winter flea markets around the ‘Burgh. Click here to read more!
Address: Cooksburg, PA 16217, USA
Address: Claysburg, PA, USA
Address: Champion, PA, USA
Address: Hidden Valley, PA 15501, USA
Address: Farmington, PA 15437, USA
Address: Bedford, PA 15522, USA
Address: Portersville, PA, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Small Towns Near Pittsburgh
December 14, 2021
Tori Jane
What are some of the top winter attractions near Pittsburgh?
Pittsburgh is a beautiful city with plenty of things to do and see all over, even when the weather gets chilly and snow begins to fall. In fact, winter might just be the best season to come and see this city – there are so many activities to kill a whole afternoon that it’s hard to list them all in a short paragraph! Some of the top winter attractions in and near Pittsburgh include the Schenley Park Ice Rink, which has been a local favorite for seemingly ever, and tubing at Boyce Park is pretty much a rite of passage. There’s also Pittsburgh Zoo, which makes for a great wintertime day trip! And, speaking of day trips…
What are some fun winter day trips near Pittsburgh to take?
We’re glad you asked! As we just mentioned, the Pittsburgh Zoo is an amazing place for the entire family, and it’s incredibly easy to spend a whole day there. Our state parks are also wonderful destinations for winter day trips, as they’re usually open year-round and turn into absolute wonderlands under a fresh coat of snow. We like McConnells Mill State Park, which is just 45 minutes away from the Pitts. We also really love the winter experience at Moraine State Park, which is also 45 minutes away from Pittsburgh and has activities like snowshoeing, sledding, ice boating, ice fishing, snowmobiling, and so many more. There are enough, really, to turn that one (and most of the state parks) into more than just a day-long adventure. You and the family will also enjoy Wildwood Highlands, where snow tubing adventure abounds and there’s also laser tag. For more details on these and more, check out these winter destinations in Pittsburgh you’ll love.
Address: Cooksburg, PA 16217, USA
Address: Claysburg, PA, USA
Address: Champion, PA, USA
Address: Hidden Valley, PA 15501, USA
Address: Farmington, PA 15437, USA
Address: Bedford, PA 15522, USA
Address: Portersville, PA, USA
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