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Walking in a Winter Wonderland: Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust
Written By: Kyle Pursel | Issue: 2021/01 – Winter | Photograph By: Terry Barnes
Walking in a Winter Wonderland can be a lot more enjoyable and a lot safer when you practice these sensible steps, courtesy of the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust.
In a year where people may have been cooped up more than usual, folks may be more apt than typical to take a walk in the woods this winter. While the leaves may be down, there are still many sites to see, making winter wanders rewarding. However, the winter comes with its own set of challenges, with the cold temperatures and snow and ice. Here are some tips and tricks you can use while you are out and about this winter.
The Cold: Walking around in cold weather can be tricky. You want to remain warm, but if you get too warm, you can sweat and the resulting wetness can then cool you down when you stop and can even lead to hypothermia. When planning a long hike in cold weather, it is best to wear layers of clothes that you can then peel away as you warm up. A good pack is also handy that you can stick the layers into, and to hold a thermos with some sort of warm liquid. My preferred liquid is hot chocolate, but tea, coffee, and even warm water can do. This will give you something to help get a quick warm up in case you start to feel a bit of a chill.
Ice and Snow: Snow, while not as slick as ice, can still be slippery, so be careful on steep paths covered in snow. Likewise, snow can cover up ice, especially ice on bare rock, so watch your step when walking in rocky areas. I find it best to take light steps and test the ground in such areas as you can get a feel if there is ice and slick spots underneath.
Winter hikes can be fun and full of beautiful sites. Please be careful as you head out this winter and enjoy the sites that Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust and others provide for all to enjoy. For information about our public access trails and parks and how you can help us save the places we all love and need, visit www.hicashlt.org. HCLT is a fully accredited nonprofit land conservation organization whose mission is to conserve valuable natural resources for all generations.