As long as you prepare, hiking in the winter can be an excellent opportunity for fun! The outdoors in the winter months offers unique and beautiful scenery that you can only experience while cold hiking. When cooler temperatures begin, it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy nature – we’ll show you how you can easily modify your adventure for the cold!

Choosing your Trail

Less popular trails can be more challenging due to snow and infrequent use. If you are an experienced hiker, then Bull Run in The Greens might be just the hike for you during snow. It runs for eight miles and at times you feel like you are in a remote forest. But if you are newer to winter hiking or have kids, then the Pinewoods Loops in The Grove might be perfect trail to explore. It is flat and easily accessible with a running stroller.

Notify Someone of Your Plans

If you are hiking somewhere new or remote, let someone know before you leave. Important information to share with friends and family includes where you are hiking, when you are leaving, and when you expect to return.

Check Weather Conditions Before You Go

Before you leave to hike, thoroughly research the weather forecast for the area you plan to hike. Pay attention to temperature, wind, precipitation, and any potential storms. Inclement weather can be hazardous when you are already dealing with low temperatures or icy conditions.

Layers, Layers, Layers

Dressing in layers is critical to enjoying a winter hike. Wear layers you can remove or put on as the temperatures change throughout the day. Gloves and scarves can help keep you comfortable. Hats are critical, as we release one-third of the body’s energy through our heads. Covering your head during the colder months is functional and prevents you from losing precious body heat.

Select the Right Footwear

Proper footwear is paramount to hiking in snowy or icy conditions. Your shoes should be insulated, waterproof, and have good traction to help with icy or muddy conditions. If you expect to hike along icy trails, consider wearing crampons or microspikes for better traction. Some snowy conditions may even warrant snowshoes!

Gear up!

It’s essential to have the proper gear when hiking.

  • Navigation aids: While your phone can be great for navigation (especially our trails app!), do not rely solely on it. Be sure to orient yourself before you leave and make a plan. If you are hiking anywhere remote, bring a map and a compass as backup.
  • Food and Hydration: Bring high-protein snacks to help you stay energized, as hiking in the cold or rugged terrain can burn extra calories. While you may not be sweating, bringing water to stay hydrated is essential.
  • Sunglasses and Sunscreen: In the winter, it’s easy to forget that the sun’s glare reflects off of white snow. Sunlight can reflect off the snow and cause additional UV exposure. Sunglasses can help protect you from the sun and the bitter wind.
  • Trekking Poles: Trekking poles can provide extra stability when hiking along icy or muddy trails. They provide more points of contact with the ground, which increases balance and traction.
  • First Aid: While you’ll want to bring your usual first aid kit, you may consider adding additional gear, like an emergency blanket, in the winter. Familiarize yourself with the symptoms of hypothermia and frostbite.

Shorter Days

Starting in late October, the days are shorter than in the summer. Plan your trip according to the time it takes to hike and when to turn back. Winter conditions can be dangerous, and it is essential to turn back if it is unsafe to go further. Pack a flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries in case your hike lasts longer than planned.

Leave No Trace

Lastly, it is important to follow the guidelines of leaving no trace. While trails can be more strenuous to see or navigate under snow and ice, you should still do your best to stay on the trail.

The Conservancy maintains many trails to enjoy during the winter months that you can find on our website and you can also download our app which includes interactive maps of all the trails. Come out and explore!