WHY WINTER CAN BE THE BEST TIME TO TAKE A HIKE
Written by: Jennifer Pharr Davis
Well here we are, on the cusp of winter. Which brings with it a different- dare I say, fun - set of challenges for hikers.
Hiking in winter is not instinctive. All those animals that hibernate know what they’re doing. It’s been hard wired into them over the millennia. Us too, probably. But, if there’s one thing I’ve learned from my time outdoors, it’s that every season has it’s plusses and minuses, we just have to have the eyes to see it.
If you approach winter hiking in the right way, you can have a fabulous time. Here are a few ideas to get you farther down that cold, blustery, beautiful path…
LAYERS
To paraphrase the famous British hiker and author Alfred Wainwright, “there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.” He got rained on a lot, I’m sure, being in the UK. But that saying is truer in winter than any other time of year. Layers are critical. You will work up a sweat going uphill. Then get a chill from the sweat going downhill. Turning the corner into a strong wind can drop the “feels like” temperature fifteen or twenty degrees. A synthetic base layer, fleece, shell, long underwear, wind/rain pants, wool gloves, a hat, and of course good wool socks (!) will play a big part in how much you enjoy your hike. If you don’t have gloves or are thru hiking “ultralight,” you can also wear a pair of wool socks on your hands. :)
GORGEOUS VIEWS
The term “stick season” has a negative connotation in New England. But for those of us in the eastern United States, stick season and the accompanying winter months can be wonderful for hiking. With the leaves off the trees we can see for miles, the sky is often cobalt blue, and the outcroppings- and trails that take us there- are often empty. It’s worth braving the cold for some great exercise, solitude, and a killer view as payoff.
BE CREATIVE
The Blue Ridge Parkway runs for hundreds of miles through Western North Carolina, but in winter most of it is closed for days or weeks on end. That doesn’t mean you can’t access the trails up there. It just means you have to be more creative! Finding side roads that get you to an alternative trailhead can be incredibly rewarding and a lot of fun. You kind of feel like you “beat the system” when you get to a majestic view that’s normally flooded with hikers but in the wintertime is completely empty. It can also be fun to walk on roads like the Parkway that are not normally ideal for foot traffic.
BE SMART
Being creative with your trail access requires a greater level of expertise and planning. If you’re hiking in the winter, you’ve got to plan for being more self sufficient which means bringing those extra layers, a bit more food and water, an emergency space blanket, sleeping bag, pad, even a tent. With the exception of the American Southwest, it’s harder to survive the elements in winter than in summer. Plan accordingly. Also, always let someone know where you’re going and leave a note at home, no matter what time of year you hike!
CONSIDER HEADING SOUTH
Have I mentioned I don’t like the cold? :) One of the most logical ways to hike in winter is to head where it’s warmer. That, of course, is not easy for everyone, depending on work/family commitments, flight schedules, etc. But heading south to warmer climates is a great way to get your trail fix and thaw out in the process. A lot of thru-hikers on the east coast tackle the Florida Trail in the winter. You don’t have to do the whole thing, obviously. If you’re taking the kids to Orlando or the beach, why not build in some trail time and escape the crowds?
Every season has something different and beautiful to offer and winter is no exception. With the right mindset, winter is a welcome change. With the right planning, it may even become your favorite hiking season.
Happy trails!