Group Hikes in Pennsylvania this December

Photo by: Becky Clawson Arnot

Pennsylvania hikers don't slow down in colder temperatures - in fact, some hikers enjoy the trails even more in the winter. Trails offer a completely different experience when trees lose their leaves, ice forms along trickling streams, and snow dustings become the normal on mountain peaks. Enjoy a Pennsylvania hiking trail this December with the comfort of warm conversation from a local hiking group! Here are just a few happenings this month:

• 12/3, 9am: Double Run Lower and Upper Impoundments (5 miles) - Alpine Hiking Club
• 12/8, 6pm:  Frick Park Evening Hike (3 miles) - Pittsburgh: Queer the Trail
• 12/9, 9am: Reading Mountains Loop Hike (12 Miles) - Chester County Trail Club
• 12/10, 9am: Ridley Creek State Park (12-14 miles) - Batona Hiking Club
• 12/16, 7:30am: Valley Forge National Historical park (12-14 miles) - Batona Hiking Club
• 12/17, 3pm: Silent Sunset Cruise (2.5 miles) - Friends of Wissahickon
• 12/26, 12:45pm: Pulpit and Pinnacle under the Full Cold Moon (9 miles) - Allentown Hiking Club
• 12/31, 11am: New Year's Eve Hike to the Allentown Shelter (8 miles) - Allentown Hiking Club

Before hitting the trails, make sure you're prepared for the season with these Winter hiking tips from Lancaster County Day Hikes including:

• Wear and pack extra layers. Regulating your body temperature in colder weather can be tricky. You can quickly go from feeling chilled to feeling overheated, so it is best to have layers!

• Staying hydrated and fueled is just as important in the winter as it is in the summer - always carry water and snacks.
• Be extra mindful of winter's limited daylight; always carry a headlamp or flashlight and take extra time to familiarize yourself with a new trail by studying a map, checking out a guide, or talk to someone who's hiked the trail recently.