winter hiking tips

story by Scott Roberts

photos by Indiana DNR

Enjoy the beauty and solitude of hiking Indiana State Parks this season

During the winter months some Hoosiers curl up by the fire, stay inside and wait for spring, but winter can be the perfect time to explore your favorite DNR property or discover a new one.

Caitlin Lacy of Plainfield hiked McCormick’s Creek, Spring Mill, Turkey Run, and Shades state parks, and Cataract Falls State Recreation Area last winter and said she was amazed how different each looked in winter compared to rest of the year—especially when they were covered in snow.

“It’s like exploring an entirely new place,” she said.

Tim Wells of Kendallville agreed. He said winter provides the best hiking he does the entire year because everything seems much quieter, and he loves the crunch of snow beneath his boots. He especially loves tackling Pokagon State Park’s Hell’s Point Challenge and any trail at Indiana Dunes State Park.

Potato Creek State Park in St. Joseph County

Turkey Run State Park in Parke County

While winter hiking offers beauty and solitude, you must be properly prepared to stay safe and get the most out of it. Freezing temperatures and slippery conditions make staying warm and upright more challenging but following a few tips helps make for an enjoyable outing.

Turkey Run interpretive naturalist Aaron Douglass said dressing in layers is essential. Start with a moisturewicking layer underneath because staying dry is the key to staying warm. If you get wet, you won’t feel warm again until you’re dry. Synthetic fibers work best.

Potato Creek State Park interpretive naturalist Jessica Filer said layering should extend to your extremities. Carry extra socks and shoes, if possible, in case the first pairs get wet, and wear insulating gloves underneath regular gloves to keep your hands warm. When the body starts to conserve heat, it will focus on warming its core, so feet and hands feel cold first. Be sure you wear warm boots that are waterproof.

Gary McNickle of Martinsville has been winter hiking for several years and said lip balm and hand cream have really helped. He said his hands and lips crack easily in the dry, cold weather and having those help keep his hands and lips comfortable.

Filer also encourages checking the weather forecast and knowing your limitations. Be sure you’re prepared if the forecast calls for snow and ice—or save your hike for another day.

Having proper equipment is a great help. Some state parks have snowshoes for rent if there is enough snow on the ground. Call the property you’re planning to visit and see if they have some available. Turkey Run also rents out crampons, or spikes, which can help you get a grip in icy conditions. Many hikers also use hiking poles on uneven or icy terrain.

Brown County State Park

Always have a form of communication. Cell phone reception can be spotty in some areas of Indiana, including state parks, so having a walkie-talkie connection with someone else or carrying an emergency radio is advisable. When hiking alone, Filer recommends telling someone else where you plan to be and when you plan to return.

Avoid walking on frozen bodies of water. It’s extremely difficult to tell how thick the ice is, and it can easily crack. If you go in, even if you manage to make it out, you will be at severe risk of hypothermia.

Always have a form of communication. Cell phone reception can be spotty in some areas of Indiana, including state parks, so having a walkie-talkie connection with someone else or carrying an emergency radio is advisable. When hiking alone, Filer recommends telling someone else where you plan to be and when you plan to return.

If you’re going to be out for an extended time, Filer suggests bringing a small stove or heating device for boiling tea or coffee. She does so and finds it helps keep her going on long hikes.

If you’re hiking at McCormick’s Creek, Turkey Run, Fort Harrison, Spring Mill, Clifty Falls, Pokagon, or Brown County state parks, try warming up at the inn on site and consider making it your overnight headquarters. Guests can get two nights for the price of one during the winter months from late November through February on weeknights, excluding holidays. Some properties have heated cabins that are open year-round—check the DNR Recreation Guide at on.IN.gov/ recguide.

For those who want to be rustic, some campsites are also open yearround, with heated comfort stations. Check camp.IN.gov for open cabins and campsites.

If you’re looking to get something to give to a four-season hiker you know, gift certificates for inns and camping, as well as annual state park passes, are available at stores.innsgifts.com.