The Joy of Winter Hiking
Winter and hiking in the same sentence may seem like two entities that don’t belong together. I too did not gravitate to the idea of pursuing hiking with intention during the coldest season of the year for a long time. Over the past year, quite by accident, I have hiked more during the coldest months. I can confidently say, there is joy to be found hiking during Mother Nature’s coldest season.
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Embrace the Cold
I live in a part of the country when the winter months will encounter forty degree days frequently. I know this can’t be said for everywhere but with the right attitude and strategy winter hiking can be possible for nearly everyone. Sunshine and thirty degrees (when dressed appropriately) can be delightful.
I look at the calendar, select a few days when I’m free, and eyeball the weather. Often I’ll find the warmest two daylight hours on my selected day and plan the hike.
Start Warm and Stay Warm
Researching and investing in the right winter hiking gear is essential to enjoying your winter hike. Below are the items I feel are truly essential for a successful winter season hiking experience.
Starting warm on the hike goes a long way to ensuring you stay warm.
If you encounter snowy or icey conditions here are a few items that are great to have for traction and safety.
*Check out all my winter gear must haves here.
Nature
Hiking in what many would consider the off season brings with it unexpected gifts. First off, the trails are less crowded and hikers encountered are generally people who truly enjoy the beauty of nature and are seeking a brisk, beautiful, outing themselves.
I have never seen more beauty in simplicity than during winter hikes. There is something indescribably beautiful about winter. The stillness of nature, and the vast openness of meadows and valleys is striking. It does something unique in the soul that creates openness, possibility, and the anticipation of things to come.
Winter Hiking Solitude
Hiking with music, a podcast, or an audio book in one ear is a great way to calm the mind, and pass the time step after step. But more often then not I find myself listening to my own thoughts or the stillness of nature. Busyness of careers, schedules, and the world around sometimes requires forced stillness and simplicity. Hiking and time in nature reground, reset, and refresh my soul so I can serve my people best.
As I said at the beginning of today’s post, I have found the joy of winter hiking quite by accident. Thanks to COVID-19 my family continues to quasi-quarantine and keep our social life minimal. I’m to the point now that if I don’t go on a hike or long outdoor walk regularly I can notice it in my attitude and spirit. So the need to be out in God’s creation has become essential to my mental health and self-care.
If you are an avid hiker during the warm months of the year I hope today’s post challenges you to consider a brisk January hike in the sunshine. You, like me, may find it invigorating and beautiful.
With hope for you and your intentional home,
