With the hope of warmer weather in the coming months, Montgomery County state and national parks are wonderful places to get outdoors and enjoy the rest of the winter over the long weekend. Depending on the area, the parks offer sledding and skiing hills, flat ground for cross-country skiing, hiking forests, and beautiful views for selfies. Additionally, you can always check the winter report on how much snow and ice is available for your recreation needs.

Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board has compiled a four-day winter holiday guide to make Montco memories — one park at a time.

Day 1: Fort Washington State Park and Southeast Montco

Fort Washington State Park is named for a temporary fort that Washington’s troops made here before continuing to Valley Forge. Of the 3.5 miles of trails, the Green Ribbon Trail, in particular, offers cross-country skiers and hikers a beautiful view of Wissahickon Creek. That’s all before hitting the 400-foot sledding slope in the Militia Day Use Area, plus a nine-hole disc golf course.

Other activities and attractions in the area include:

• Visit Wings of Freedom Aviation Museum! in Horsham: Bring your history textbooks to three dimensions with this aviation museum, which maintains aircraft from World War I up to the War in Afghanistan. Located on a former airbase, the museum offers group tours and welcomes walk-in visitors to view the military medals, ejection seats, and helmets.

• Warm up with coffee at Backyard Beans and a laugh at The Lab in Ambler: Once you’ve broken a sweat at Fort Washington and finished learning about amazing aircraft, it’s time to relax. Head over to the bustling town of Ambler for a cup of something warm at Backyard Beans, where all the beans are roasted in-house. To round off the night, crack up with the comedians at The Lab, whose improv skills make each performance unique.  

To end a long day, sleep tight at one of 18 hotels in southeast Montco, including the Best Western Fort Washington Inn, just five minutes from the Fort Washington state park office.

Day 2: Valley Forge National Historical Park and South Montco

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, enact your legendary feats on the trails and hills, which offer opportunities for cross-country skiing and trolley tours with expert guides.

Other gems in the area include:

• Oaks Center Ice in Oaks: Shake off the snow from your boots and lace up your skates at Center Ice, where their NHL-sized rinks regularly host hockey and ice-skating lessons. A snack bar and spectator seating are available for those who like to cheer from the side.  

• Valley Forge Casino Resort in King of Prussia: With 850 slot machines and all your favorite table games, Valley Forge Casino Resort has much to offer on and off the floor. Once you’re done taking a wager or grabbing a drink at Center Bar, choose between Revolution Steak House and Valley Tavern for a hearty dinner.

If you’re looking for somewhere to stay after a long day, snuggle up in one of the 442 guest rooms at Valley Forge Casino for a well-deserved rest, or check in to 16 other possibilities in the Valley Forge and Oaks areas.  

Day 3: Evansburg State Park and Central/Northwest Montco

Evansburg State Park is the countryside that never sleeps. Year-round, the park offers camping, hiking, golfing at the 18-hole Skippack Golf Course, and wildlife watching near Skippack Creek. Cross-country skiers can enjoy most trails; contact the park office for details.

While near Collegeville, check out the horseback riding at Red Buffalo Ranch, where you can set out on a guided horseback adventure through Evansburg State Park. Trail rides are offered year-round and are tailored to the least experienced rider. Riding lessons and camps are also offered.

Evansburg State Park is nestled between the central and northwest regions of Montco, so there are numerous hotel options in either direction. One of the closest places is the Courtyard by Marriott Philadelphia Lansdale, which features two restaurants and an indoor pool.

Day 4: Green Lane Park and Northern Montco

Green Lane Park is a winter wonderland even when there’s no green in sight — ice skating, a sledding hill, and cross-country skiing trails await. When Deep Creek Lake has just the right amount of ice, you can unpack your rod and reel for some ice fishing. Unlike the other state-managed gems on this list, Green Lane is overseen by Montgomery County, whose parks department offers a variety of historical and natural programs throughout the year.

Other activities to enjoy in the Green Lane area include:

Splitting Edge Axe Throwing in Pottstown: Think darts, but bigger. Throwing instructors will keep everyone safe at this fun Pottstown event space. Book your slot ahead to ensure that all you have to worry about on the day is whose axe came closest to the bullseye. It’s BYOB and BYO-food.

Enjoy a craft cocktail at Manatawny Still Works in Pottstown: Montco is packed with breweries, distilleries, and wineries, so you have plenty of options to choose from. Near Green Lane and Splitting Edge, you’re in good hands with small-batch distillery Manatawny Still Works. They offer tours and tastings both public and private, and a rotating menu of seasonal cocktails. Whether your at-home bar is professional or amateur, MSW might deliver your next favorite spirit.

Learn more ways to enjoy the winter weather and how Valley Forge Tourism & Community Board — a private, non-profit membership sales and marketing organization — actively promotes the Valley Forge area and Montgomery County as a convention site and leisure visitor destination by promoting patronage of its member hotels, restaurants, attractions, and services.