Posted: 02/07/2023

Outdoor Adventure during the Winter in Lancaster, PA

Getting outside during the winter can be hard, but we know that for outdoor adventurers its a must. Find everything to do this winter to fill your love of the outdoor and break that cabin fever.

Riverlands

You can find outdoor fun in the Riverlands of Lancaster awaits. Take a walk or bike ride on a beginner trail, or for the more experienced outdoor adventurers, try a more challenging hike.

Beginner Trails

For those looking to bike, we recommend these trails.

Northwest River Trail
Chickies Rock Overlook Trail
Turkey Hill Overlook Trail
Enola Low Grade Trail
Highpoint Heritage Trail (right across the river in Wrightsville)

Moderate/Difficult Trails

Although we don't recommend kayaking in the river during winter, there are other opportunities to experience the beauty of the Susquehanna - like walking on the Northwest River Trail. Make sure you stop by Columbia Crossings to learn more about the history of the Susquehanna River and its surrounding areas. Not only can you see and learn amazing things on the trails, there are also great overlooks on and around it!

Beautiful Overlooks

Amish Countryside & Small Towns

Experience Lancaster's Amish Heritage on a road trip around the county, to find all of 25 covered bridges. This is great for those who love the sense of adventure, but prefers from the comfort of a vehicle this time of year. These historical bridges are an amazing site and great photo opportunity.

Download Covered Bridge Driving Tour

Covered Bridges

Coleman Covered Bridge | 41 Fox Hollow Rd, Pequea
Baumgardener Covered Bridge | 88 Covered Bridge Rd, Pequea
Lime Valley Covered Bridge | 300-402 Brenneman Rd, Willow Street
Kurtz's Mill Covered Bridge | Kiwanis Dr, Lancaster
Landis Mill Covered Bridge | Shreiner Station Rd, Lancaster

Tours

Some of these businesses have special winter hours, be sure to visit their website or contact directly for the most up-to-date hours of operation.

Downtown

You might not think that Downtown Lancaster can fuel your outdoor adventurous spirit, but we can assure you that it can. Unique Lancaster Experiences offers a self-guided scavenger hunt tour where you (or a group of friends) will venture to over 15 local shops and hunt for hands-on activities! It's a race against the clock to do as many activities as you can in 3 hours!

Adventure can come in all forms and just walking around the city by itself can be an adventure on its own. From passing by historic buildings and visiting local markets like Central Market and Southern Market to exploring unique shops like BUiLDiNG CHARACTER like Madcap & Co. There is always something exciting to find and experience in the city that will satisfy anyone's need for adventure.

Another great way to get outdoors and into nature this winter is by volunteering at the Lancaster Conservancy. Volunteering with the Lancaster Conservancy provides the opportunity to on preserve our natural lands by removing invasive plant species, trail work, litter removal or tree care. There is no experience and no long-term commitment necessary to volunteer. You can also make it a family outing with kids (over the age of 10) being able to join.

No matter on the trails, seeing covered bridges, or in the city, Lancaster is beautiful and picturesque. So, make sure to whip out that phone or bring your camera along and tag us on Instagram in some of the amazing photos you'll be bound to take.