Go for a Hike

it’s not that cold

BY IAN TAYLOR

Some may think that hiking is a strictly non-winter activity, but that could not be farther from the truth. Like many things, hiking is a fun activity that has no season, and in the winter it becomes a completely different experience.

The outdoors becomes a magical place during the winter, snowfall creates beautiful environments that look straight out of an art gallery while the changes in nature can make one place you have been to 100 times seem completely new and fresh. Many people have preferred hiking spots — repeatedly going to trails they know like the back of their hand — but will not go to them if they think the weather is not right for it.

The truth is that with careful planning and good decision making, nearly any hike can be done in the winter.

To start, you will probably need a few more layers than if it were 70 degrees and sunny outdoors. With temperatures dropping, thicker jackets, gloves and a hat are a good start.

Checking the weather is important before a hiking trip any time of year, but in the winter it is especially important. Precipitation — either rain or snow — can cause some parts of the hike to get slick while also increasing the chance of getting sick.

One of the key points to keep in mind with winter hiking is that exposed skin means two things: heat loss and frostbite. Having as much skin covered as possible will help keep you warm and avoid frozen tissue. Making sure your ears, fingers and toes stay warm is very important in winter hiking. Additionally, hand and toe warmers are a must for staying warm and staying comfortable.

When looking at cold weather gear, be sure to avoid cotton products. Cotton is notorious for taking a long time to dry, so if it gets wet it will make you miserable. At the same time, tight clothing can cause poor circulation, which is not a good thing when you’re already cold.

Also, the sun still comes out in the winter, so pack sunscreen to avoid sunburn.

When it comes to food and drink, the first rule is to not forget them. The human body is a lot like a car engine, if it has fuel then it will get warm.

A key to remember with food and drinks is they are not immune from the effects of a snowy day. The water bottle or hydration reservoir you have with you can freeze up, so outdoor equipment company REI suggests keeping them insulated in a backpack and blowing back into

PHOTO BY GARRETT PRICE Unique and interesting scenery is sure to greet the hiker who ventures into the woods outside of the summer months.

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your reservoir tube to keep it empty.

Another option is to pick up a vacuum-insulated bottle, which will help keep water from freezing or keep drinks like hot tea warm. At the same time, a lot of different foods like chocolate, nuts, cheese and candy bars can succumb to the cold and be more reminiscent of bricks, so keeping them in a warm place is a good idea.

Ultimately, hiking in the winter is a little more work than heading out on an April afternoon, but the reward of seeing nature in a different light is worth it in the end.

FILE PHOTO The High Country isn’t without beautiful views during the winter months, as any hike on one of the region’s countless trails would

{Winter. Wonderland.}

Fall colors give way to a blanket of white, then come the blooms of spring. But the wonder of Grandfather Mountain knows no season. Or equal. Book today at grandfather.com

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