Winter Hiking

Views such as this offer the High Country hiker a reward for the effort.

PHOTO BY DEREK HALSEY

Winter hiking: It’s not that cold

BY MOSS BRENNAN

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 it becomes a completely different experience during the winter.

The outdoors becomes a magical place during the winter. Snowfall throughout the cold months create 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 — as long as you can get to them safely — 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.

SEE HIKING ON PAGE 51

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 50

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.

Food and drinks 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 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. Always remember safety as you can’t hike if you can’t get to the trail.

PHOTO BY LANDIS TAYLOR | GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN STEWARDSHIP FOUNDATION Surprising to many, Grandfather Mountain has many milder days during winter that make for some of the best hiking weather of the year. Pictured here is the park’s Black Rock Trail, a one-mile hike that culminates in stunning views of the WNC High Country.

Get away from it all. Get Inspired.

Folks come to Grandfather Mountain for all sorts of reasons — to get close to nature or simply get away from it all. But after a day on the mountain, and in the new interactive Wilson Center For Nature Discovery, everyone leaves inspired. grandfather.com

GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN®

Wonders Never Cease

NEW Wilson Center for Nature Discovery NOW OPEN

Jefferson Landing is the premier wedding venue of the High Country. We would love to help you plan your special day and create the perfect wedding memories you will cherish for a lifetime.

From ceremonies to receptions, rehearsal dinners to luncheons, we have everything covered. Whether you prefer grand or intimate, country chic or traditional elegance, we're your venue. You have the option of an outdoor wedding, rehearsal or reception dinner down by the stunning New River at Riverside Park, or you may desire a more elegant reception at the recently renovated Club House with seating for 200 plus. The centerpiece of the luxury rustic Club House is the Main Dining Room with its 33-foot-high vaulted ceiling, a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace and breathtaking views of the mountains, perfectly landscaped scenery and beautiful golf course. To get you even closer to nature, the Club House doors open to a 6,000-square-foot patio with spectacular panoramic views for your special event.

Jefferson Landing Country Club and Resort is a full service banquet and catering facility. A full catering menu is available offering everything you will need, from buffets to plated luncheons or dinners, as well as your own custom requests for our Executive Chef. Our expert events and catering staff will assist you with planning every detail to insure that your event conveys a sense of excellence and make your beautiful day stress free.

Only minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway and just under two hours from the Charlotte and Greensboro airports, Jefferson Landing is located in the Northwest Mountains of North Carolina. You and your guests will feel more than welcome, and we will work our hardest to ensure complete customer satisfaction.

148 E. Landing Drive • Jefferson, NC 28640 (800) 292-6274 • (336)982-4449 • visitjeffersonlanding.com