Hiking in the Winter -

I really enjoy hiking in the winter. Even trails that I've hiked many times, look different. Trees look amazing with ice and snow on them. Unfortunately, the weight of the ice and snow can do significant damage, and they may need trimming and repair to fix broken limbs (I have to somehow link this to tree care!). I especially like to hike around water when it's cold. Although ice has to be respected, it is absolutely beautiful.

Hiking White Oak Canyon in the Winter

White Oak Canyon in Shenandoah National Park is a popular destination in the summer. I rarely go during the summer because it’s just too crowded. I think few people realize how stunning it is in the winter. I’ve been twice in the winter, and each time was magical. Of course, there has to have been a stretch of cold weather, but hiking there in the cold is well worth the effort. An added benefit is that it isn’t crowded.

Hiking at Great Falls Park in the Winter

If you don’t want to travel far, you can always go do some hiking in the winter at Great Falls Park. The falls are also spectacular when they are frozen. You can just walk to an overlook, take a leisurely stroll along the river, or plan a longer hike to Riverbend Park or one of the other trails that are available. There is something for everyone there.

The falls at Great Falls Park, Great Falls, VA.

The Potomac River

If crowds don’t suit you, then you can park at one of the several parks along Georgetown Pike and walk down to the river. Depending on how cold it has been, will determine how much of the river is frozen.

Ice on the Potomac River after a long stretch of cold weather.

Interested in traveling to Iceland?

Interested in traveling? Take a trip to Iceland and visit a glacier bay. When I visited there, it was pretty cold, but the glacier feeds the bay year round, so you could see the ice in warmer weather.

Glacier viewing on the way to Lake Clark, AK.

How about traveling to Alaska?

Finally, for the extremely adventurous, take a trip to Alaska, and see one of the many glaciers. This photo is from the plane as it was heading down to Lake Clark. The views were spectacular, and the plane ride was amazing. If you do decide to visit, it probably won't be warm, but it will be a trip of a lifetime!