Something about winter in Pittsburgh 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.

1. Cooksburg
Cooksburg, PA 16217, USA
Facebook/Gateway Lodge
Cooksburg provides the perfect backdrop for a beautiful winter adventure. Spend a day exploring Cook 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.
2. Claysburg
Claysburg, PA, USA
Facebook/Blue Knob All Seasons Resort
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.
3. Champion
Champion, PA, USA
Facebook/Seven Springs
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.
4. Hidden Valley
Hidden Valley, PA 15501, USA
Facebook/Hidden Valley Resort
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 snowboarding outdoors. Or, explore other popular local attractions, including Kentucky Knob and the Duncan House, both masterpieces of Frank Lloyd Wright.
5. Farmington
Farmington, PA 15437, USA
Facebook/Nemacolin
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. Keeping reading to learn all the amazing experiences available at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort.
6. Bedford
Bedford, PA 15522, USA
Facebook/Omni Bedford Springs Resort
Up for a bit of a drive? When it comes to small towns near Pittsburgh, Bedford is breathtaking. 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. Check out this article to learn more about the charming town of Bedford.
7. Portersville
Portersville, PA, USA
Facebook/Moraine State Park
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 in this article.

When looking to embrace the season and get cozy during winter in Pittsburgh, what other nearby small towns 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 Pittsburgh.

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More to Explore

Winter In Pittsburgh

Tori Jane | December 14, 2021

What are some of the top winter attractions near Pittsburgh?  

There are plenty of 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. Some of the top winter attractions in and near Pittsburgh include:

  • Schenley Park Ice Rink
  • Tubing at Boyce Park is pretty much a rite of passage. 
  • Pittsburgh Zoo makes a great wintertime day trip.

And, speaking of day trips... 

What are some fun winter day trips near Pittsburgh to take?  

The entire family can make the most of the colder weather on these fun winter day trips near Pittsburgh:

  • As just mentioned, the Pittsburgh Zoo is incredibly easy to spend a whole day there.
  • 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.
  • McConnells Mill State Park
  • Moraine State Park has activities like snowshoeing, sledding, ice boating, ice fishing, snowmobiling, and so much more.

For more details on these and more, check out these winter destinations in Pittsburgh you’ll love.  

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