Niekamp also appreciates the increased solitude during the colder months as fewer hikers brave the trails. But winter doesn’t have to mean a hiking hiatus. In fact, it might just be the cure for holiday overindulgence and the winter blues.
“You burn more calories in the winter, when it’s colder your body has to burn more calories to keep warm,” Niekamp said. “And hiking in the winter is a great way to fight off the winter blues or seasonal affective disorder. I recommend hiking in a group in the winter for socializing. The combination of socializing, exercise, and sunlight will help get rid of the winter blues and improve your mood.”
Plan ahead
A little preparation can go a long way toward having a safe and enjoyable winter hike.
Check the weather forecast before leaving home to be better prepared for the elements. While many trails are open long past sunset, with shorter days, it’s advisable to bring a headlamp for late afternoon hikes.
And layering is key.
“Have a base layer against your skin to help wick moisture to the outer layers,” Niekamp said. “A mid-layer helps insulate you from the cold and keep you warm. An outer layer will protect you from the elements of cold, wind and snow.”
Waterproof boots or shoes are also recommended, and a hat, gloves and pair of thick socks are must-haves. Fabrics should be wool or fleece.
Recommended gear includes trekking poles, knee-high gaiters, traction devices or microspikes for your shoes when the trails are snowy or icy. Bringing water and snacks is also essential to stay hydrated and fueled.
Avoid pitfalls
Wearing cotton clothing or socks is a common mistake.
“You should avoid cotton as it loses its insulating properties when it gets wet,” Niekamp said.
And winter is not the time to overlook sunscreen or sunglasses. Snow and ice can reflect up to 90 percent of the sun’s rays, increasing their intensity.
Even though hikers may not feel like they are breaking a sweat, drinking water is critically important for winter hikers. According to the American Hiking Society, cold, dry air strips water from the body faster than warm humid air, requiring the consumption of more water during a winter hike.
Exposed skin can be prone to frostbite, so make sure nose, cheeks and ears are adequately covered.
Hikers weigh in on the ‘hot spots’
- “Charleston Falls Preserve just north of Huber Heights near Tipp City. Very wide well-maintained trails that aren’t too slippery and of course the beautiful waterfall – even prettier when it’s frozen,” Kimberly Hamilton, Adventure Chicks
- “Some of my favorite places to hike in the winter are Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve, John Bryan State Park, Englewood MetroPark, Grant Park and Sweet Arrow Reserve. All have great winter-only views,” Andy “Captain Blue” Niekamp, Dayton Hikers
- “Cedar Cliff Falls and Massie Creek at Indian Mound Reserve are gorgeous especially after it freezes,” Jen Paterchak, Adventure Chicks
- “My favorite winter hiking spots are Englewood and Germantown MetroParks because of the beautiful wonderland the snow creates of the landscapes. My favorite time of day is mid-afternoon when light is starting to dim and creates interesting patterns,” Joan Schiml, Dayton Hikers
- “I love the Englewood MetroPark. The trails that go to the Patty’s Falls are nice, and Taylorsville MetroPark is wonderful also. Nothing quite like the sound of the woods in the winter snow,” Kathy Smith, Adventure Chicks
- “Huffman MetroPark is very pretty during and after snowfall. You can catch glimpses of the lake along the trial,” Tina Wyatt, Adventure Chicks
Hiking series
Five Rivers MetroParks Try Winter Hiking Series
What: Free program designed to help people acclimate to cold weather hiking. MetroParks’ outdoor recreation team guides these cold-weather hikes, giving participants the opportunity to learn more about the trails and ask about hiking tips.
Info: Visit www.metroparks.org
Ohio Department of Natural Resources Winter Hike Series
What: ODNR staff have dozens of winter hikes planned around the state in nature preserves and state parks. Participants in these naturalist-led hikes will receive a commemorative Winter Hike Series decal while supplies last.
Info: Visit https://ohiodnr.gov
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