New Perspective

Written By: Deena Bouknight | Issue: December 2023

Spring, summer, and fall are not the only times to get outdoors and enjoy walking and hiking the countless trails in Macon and Jackson counties. And, with most of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and the Nantahala National Forest open year-round – as well as the Bartram Trail – opportunities for outdoor treks are endless on crisp, clear, winter days.

“Winter on the Plateau is a wonderful time to take advantage of quieter trails and unobstructive views,” said Hilary Wilkes, one of the owners of Highland Hiker. “Most of the local trails remain safe to traverse during the winter, but always be on the lookout for icy spots. We recommend hiking with trekking poles year-round, but they can especially come in handy for saving you from a fall due to slippery terrain. Ice cleats are also nice to attach to most shoes to get around unavoidable patches of ice, both on the trail and in town.”

Primarily, planning for a just a short hike, a half-day hike, or a full-day hike requires the same preparation.

The reason?

One never knows what one might encounter. For example, a few years ago in late fall, two friends decided to do a “short hike” on a trail in Standing Indian. They brought nothing with them because it was going to be a “short hike.” After losing the trail for hours, they found themselves in the dark and lost with no provisions, flashlight – nothing. Thus, they sat on the trail all night, huddled together, in nippy autumn temperatures, until daylight came and the managed to figure out how to get back to their trailhead. They were fortunate, but hiking can be dangerous if one is not prepared, no matter the time of year.

National Park Service advises these winter hiking safety tips:

-Food – especially salty foods. Eat a good meal before your trip.

-First-aid kit – band aids, ace wrap, antiseptic, moleskin, etc.

-Map – not all trails are well-marked in winter, maps are helpful tools.

-Water – plain and some with electrolyte replacement.

-Appropriate footwear – waterproof boots, gaiters to keep snow and mud out of boots.

-Over-the-shoe traction devices – it will only take a short and unexpected stretch of ice to make you glad you have extra traction.

-Hiking poles – to help with footing on icy trails.

-Whistle and/or signal mirror – for emergency use, especially if there is no phone service.

-Waterproof/warm clothing – parka, hat, gloves for the snow and rain, plus an extra set of dry clothing – in case you get wet.

And always, no matter what season, let someone know where and when hiking, and check the weather forecast. Take along a flashlight, even though you may think you will not be out after dark; plus, days are shorter this time of year.

Finally, ending on a positive note, a main benefit to hiking in winter is what VisitNCSmokies dubbed “a new perspective.” Shared was this insight: “Sometimes you can’t see the forest for the trees. But winter hiking opens a whole new world that you don’t see in the other seasons. With no understory covering the forest floor, you can see much further through the woods, making it easier to spot wildlife or marvel over a moss-covered boulder you would miss during lusher times of year. Pay attention to unique and striking tree shapes, which are usually hidden by leaves, or even try your hand at tree identification by studying the bark.”
by Deena Bouknight