Hiking in the Winter

Winter snow and ice on the Pocosin Hollow trail in Shenandoah National Park

A day hike in the winter can be a wonderful experience. Cold, brisk days. Outstanding views you can’t see in the summer. No insects. Few visitors. Ice sculptures on cliff faces and waterfalls.

But it also requires careful planning so it becomes an experience to treasure and not to dread. Winter hiking usually involves winter travel. That means walking on snow and ice. In normally warmer climates, when winter precipitation falls, snow can thaw and then melt, making for icy travel (such as in Shenandoah National Park where I just walked an eight-mile circuit hike in snow and ice). Snow walking can easily sap your strength quicker than you realize. When planning a day hike, it's important to use wisdom in calculating time and distance. Don’t be afraid to limit your hike for the day. It’s better to walk the trail and return safely with limbs intact than try for a higher mile day, slip due to fatigue and sprain an ankle or worse.

When walking on snow and ice, some sort of traction device on your feet is wise and makes for better assurance on the trail. Yaktrax works well in snowy conditions. Microspikes (such as Kahtoola) are useful in steeper and icier terrain. When walking in snow, use trekking poles to help with balance and give support in icy spots or over stream crossings. Take care that sometimes snow will cover rocks and logs in the path which could trip you up. Also, you are working ligaments and tendons much more in snow. Don’t overdo it or it can set you up for overuse injury such as straining a calf muscle, overworking the arch in your foot, or putting a strain on the Achilles tendon. It's also a good idea to use gaiters to keep snow and ice out of your boots. Once inside your boot, the snow can chill your feet and even cause frostbite and blister issues.

If you are contemplating a winter hike, carry the necessary gear in a sturdy daypack. Typical gear includes warm clothing (hat, gloves, insulated jacket, a pair of silk long johns can add warmth under clothing with minimal weight, a wind jacket helps break a cold wind or bring a rain jacket), a first aid kit, a headlamp (there is much less daylight in winter), maps, food and water, and a charged cell phone. Be sure to let someone on the homefront know where you will be and how long you will be gone.

Winter view from Hightop Mountain, Appalachian Trail, Shenandoah National Park

With just a few safety measures, winter hiking can be a great experience.

Related Blogs:

Winter Hiking Blues - Can't Hike

Winter Backpacking

YakTrax Review

Staying Warm at Night

Guest Blog: Group Hiking

Planning Your Group Hiking Trip

By Rob Wipfler

Hiking is a fun and rewarding activity that can be enjoyed as a family, with a group of friends, or even solo. Getting cozy with Mother Nature requires some serious planning however, as the last thing you need on your trip is for someone to arrive without their essentials or for the hike to go wrong. Below, we will discuss some of the important questions you’ll want to ask yourself to make sure that your first trip will be as safe as it is fun.

Who are you going with?

If you are leading experienced hikers, they will likely know what to do. But make sure you run through all of the basics with them and that everything is in order before departing. However, if you are planning a trip for other first-time hikers or with young children, there is a lot to consider when planning. For example, everyone should be on the same page about the scope of the trip. Is everyone in good physical shape and wanting to try something strenuous? If so, a more challenging hike may be appropriate. Are there children in the group who will likely need to be carried for part of the trip? If this is the case, a shorter trip would probably be best. Gauge the capabilities of the group before your departure. Also, be sure you know first aid. Carry a group cell phone to use in case of emergency.

It is also a good idea to establish group ground rules such as sticking together or stopping to take a break at certain time intervals. Knowing basic hiking etiquette, such as staying to the right of the trail and passing fellow hikers on the left, is also important.

Where are you going?

There are a number of beautiful trails, mountains and canyons that are favorite hiking spots of many seasoned hikers. You first need to determine what your capabilities are when determining a specific route. Since it is your first time hiking, a 2-day extravaganza may not be the best choice. For your first hike, test your stamina and abilities with a shorter trail that can be completed within 1 day. Some things to consider when choosing a hike include:

• Parking opportunities for the group
• Bathroom facilities ahead of time and also LNT (Leave No Trace) practices during the hike including carrying out trash and waste disposal
• Length of trip
• Expertise level
• Scenic Views

Be sure that everyone is clear on the path and operate with a leader and sweeper. The leader is the first one in a group and stops at each and every cross trail until the sweeper brings up the back. This will ensure that no one will stray from the group and as a whole you will be able to stay on track.

What are you bringing?

Proper Attire

Every member of a hiking group should come prepared with the proper attire. Hiking boots or shoes should be worn to provide grip so you can navigate your way across slippery rocks and uneven trails. Be prepared for weather changes. The peaks of mountains are significantly colder than the valleys, so bring an extra layer to stay warm while you enjoy the view. A hat is a good idea. Mother Nature is unpredictable, so if you don’t want to spend your hiking trip soaked from head to toe, bring raingear.

Food & Essentials

Food and water are the most important items on your packing list. Bring at least twice as much water as you normally drink, as you may be sweating or just get held up somewhere you didn’t intend to. Unfortunately dehydration is a common and costly mistake that many novice hikers make. In addition to an adequate water supply, you will want nutritious food that will provide sustained energy. Healthy snacks such as natural granola, trail mix and fruits are always great ideas. For lunch try peanut butter, bagels, jerky, and pepperoni.

Other necessities for a safe and enjoyable hiking trip are insect repellent, a first aid kit, and a map and compass when traveling through an unmarked trail.

Hiking is a beloved hobby all around the world, but it is a potentially dangerous one too. It’s incredibly important to make sure the group you are traveling with is on the same page as you so no one is overexerted. By planning out the trail location, setting ground rules, and triple checking the items you pack, everyone will be able to enjoy the group hiking trip!

Rob Wipfler is one of the co-owners of Kingswood Summer Camp for Boys located in New Hampshire. When he is not busy running the camp, Rob often writes articles which are aimed at encouraging an active and healthy outdoor lifestyle for children in New Hampshire

Great Day Hikes in the Great Whites

This week Blissful Hiking welcomes guest blogger Kevin Devoto with some of his picks for day hikes in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, ranging from easy to difficult. Go on out an enjoy the fall with some great hiking! 

Great Hikes in the Great Whites

Few places are better than New Hampshire when it comes to majestic scenery and the great outdoors. Set against the backdrop of the White Mountains, some of the best hikes in the world can be found there in the boundaries of the granite state. So if you are a keen hiker, or just a lover of the outdoors, this is the place for you. For accommodations, consider nearby North Conway. Hotels, motels, and other kinds of accommodations including camping are easy and plentiful to find in the area.

Here are four great hikes in the White Mountains that you’ll be sure to enjoy.

Boulder Loop Trail

Difficulty (via usda.gov): Easy/Moderate

Length: 2.8 miles

This is a trail that is perfect for a group with varying hiking abilities, at just under three miles long, you can move at whichever pace you choose and still be done in a timely manner. In the case of this trail however, it might be worth it to slow down a little, as the views to be had are absolutely stunning. For the more adventurous hiker, you can strap on some snowshoes and hike it in the winter. In the summer or fall however, it should take you around two to four hours.

Mount Chocorua Summit

Difficulty: Difficult

Length: 10 miles

For those who enjoy a challenge, but still want to finish their hike the same day, the hike to the summit of Mount Chocorua is the perfect option. If you are prepared for the long haul, you will be rewarded with a stunning view at the summit. It should take you half a day, but you can take your time and spend a full day on it. It is dog friendly, and family friendly—as long as you are all in good shape. Be sure to bring some cash to park at the trailhead, as it will cost $3 to park there for the day.

Mount Potash Summit

Difficulty: Medium

Length: 4 miles

If Mount Chocorua seems like a bit too much of a challenge or time commitment, Mount Potash is a slightly easier alternative. The hike to the summit and back should take you about four hours, and will offer you views to rival those of the Chocorua summit. There are some steep parts of the trail, and some sheer ledges at places, but although those require caution they also provide some of the best views of the hike.

Greeley Ponds Trail

Difficulty: Easy

Length: 5 miles

Located along the picture-perfect Kancamagus Scenic Byway, the Greeley Ponds trail gives you a chance to see a different side of the White Mountains. There are two ponds, the Upper and the Lower Greeley Pond. This casual hike will only take you two to three hours, and can be enjoyed by people of all hiking abilities. Take lunch and make a day of it as you enjoy the contrast of the green water and majestic cliff faces. You can also fish in both ponds.

Author Bio: Kevin Devoto is an avid outdoor enthusiast and freelance writer. He enjoys writing about sustainability, eco-friendly behaviors and local travel. He has traveled all over the world but has taken a particular interest in our great National Parks. 

Other Links of Interest: 

Hiking in the White Mountains

Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) - guidebooks and maps, hiker shuttle service

Similar posts:

Hiking Spots in the Great Smoky Mountains