Outdoors in January: Montgomery County Parks Are Worth Visiting, Snow or No

It’s January. And snow season seems to have stalled out, at least during the onset of 2023. But Montgomery County parks nonetheless provide many opportunities to shake that gray-and-dreary feeling. The Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board listed them.

Fort Washington State Park

Fort Washington State Park is named for a temporary fort that Washington’s troops made onsite before continuing to Valley Forge.

Of its  3.5 miles of trails, the Green Ribbon Trail in particular offers a beautiful view of Wissahickon Creek. If the landscape happens to be covered in snow, there’s a 400-foot sledding slope at the Militia Day Use Area; if not, there’s a nine-hole disc golf course.

Recommended additional stops in the area include:

• Wings of Freedom Aviation Museum, Horsham
• The coffee-centric Backyard Beans, Ambler
• The Lab (comedy theater), Ambler
• Accommodations: Best Western Fort Washington Inn

Valley Forge National Historical Park

Valley Forge National Historical Park. draws tourists from around the world to witness the historical landmarks where Washington and his soldiers built their strength. In a park famous for that one harsh winter, its hills and trails are perfect for downhill or cross-country skiing, respectively. If it’s dry, the guided trolly tours are both informative and fun.

Having gotten a dose of history, other nearby attractions include:

• Oaks Center Ice, Oaks
• Valley Forge Casino Resort, King of Prussia, which also offers accommodations

Evansburg State Park

Evansburg State Park is the countryside that never sleeps. Year-round, the park offers camping, hiking, and wildlife watching near Skippack Creek. Cross-country skiers can enjoy most trails; without the white stuff, the Skippack Golf Course is nearby.

A few hours at Evansburg State Park can be augmented by:

• Horseback riding at Red Buffalo Ranch, Collegeville
• Accommodations at the Courtyard by Philadelphia Marriott Philadelphia, Lansdale (added draw: an indoor pool)

Green Lane Park

When it’s cold enough, Green Lane Park is a winter wonderland: skating, sledding, skiing (cross-country and downhill), and even ice fishing. When Green Lane is green (as it is now), its park staff provides historic and nature programs year-round.

 Top off a Green Lane Park visit with:

• Splitting Edge Axe Throwing, Pottstown
• Manatawny Still Works, Pottstown
• Accommodations at the Double Eagle Bed and Breakfast, East Greenville

Accessing All Details

Complete information on all these stops is at the website of the Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board.

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Should winter 2023 turn cold enough to ice fish, Green Lane Park’s Deep Creek Lake is a prime spot for it. This video shows how to wet a winter line safely.