5 Thoughts For an Enjoyable Winter Hike in the Southern Appalachian Mountains

By Ken Turner

One of the attractions of the Southern Appalachian Mountains (North Carolina / Tennessee) is that the winter weather is never severe for very long. Most snow and ice doesn't last very long. Even in January and February, there are days of sunshine and mild weather. Get out of the cabin and relish theses days.

Here are just five thoughts that will help to make your hike more enjoyable.

1. STAY WARM - The Appalachian Mountains in winter is a great time to enjoy nature. It is a whole lot more enjoyable if your teeth are not chattering. Dress in layers. Wear a warm hat that will not blow off. Wear warm gloves. Extra layers can be removed if you get too warm. Your day pack can carry whatever you take off if you warm up. But an empty day-pack will not warm you up.

2. STAY DRY - In winter there is a real danger of hypothermia. This is when the body loses more heat than it can generate. This is a real danger. If you have any doubts or questions about the importance of this, ask anyone at your local outdoor shop. More than likely they will have a story to tell you about someone who got in trouble on the very trail you are going on. Wool or synthetic clothing in multiple layers will keep you drier and warmer.

3. HYDRATION - No matter when, where or what trail, take a bottle of water, per person. This is important year round. You can get just as dehydrated in winter through respiration. It always makes for a more pleasant hike if you stop and celebrate often with a sip or two.

4. SNACKS - Always take snacks on every hike, especially on winter hikes. It is very important that you keep your energy level up. Your body is using energy just to stay warm. The extra effort to hike up the mountain with warm clothing also takes some extra energy. Keep snacks handy. Recycle a plastic bottle with a large screw cap into a handy snack dispenser. Then you can have a snack often without taking your gloves off.

5. TIME to SUNSET - Know that the sun goes down much earlier in the winter. Knowing your local time for sunset will tell you when you need to be off the trail. This means marking your start time. Count how many hours before sundown. Divide in half. For an out-and-back hike, this is your turn around point. Stop and turn around when time is halfway between your start time and sunset.

Because the leaves are off of the trees and swimming areas are closed, doesn't mean there is nothing to do outside. Just a little extra thought and preparation will make a very enjoyable day in the mountains.

I hope this encourages you to get out and find more ways to appreciate our Southern Appalachian Mountains. For more ideas on places to see and things to do check out: http://www.MountainTips.com.

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