Go on a fun and safe winter hike at a Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District park with these helpful tips.
Enjoying the Outdoors is brought to you in partnership with Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District.
Avid hikers aren’t bothered by a bit of cold, but you might be itching to get out of the house and enjoy the beauty of winter up close, too. You can hit the trails for a holiday hike this season and stay safe with these eight tips.
Winter Hiking Tips
1 | Stay Hydrated.
It’s easy to remember to drink water on a hot summer hike, but staying hydrated on a winter walk is equally important.
2 | Never hike alone and always let someone know where you are.
3 | Be on the lookout for unexpected hurdles.
Even a familiar trail can be treacherous if there’s unexpected ice, snow-covered holes or cliffs, and weather-damaged trees or walkways.
4 | Take into account reduced visibility.
Nightfall comes earlier and winter whiteouts are always a possibility on the trails.
5 | Have proper footwear and winter layers.
6 | Know the signs of hypothermia.
7 | Start small and early.
If you’re new to the winter hiking scene, get a head start early in the morning to avoid unexpected nightfall. You should also pick a short trail; 12 miles in summer is vastly different than 12 miles in winter.
8 | Be sure to carry the 10 essential tools for hiking:
- Food
- Water
- A map or compass/GPS
- proper footwear
- rain gear
- safety items (i.e. light, fire signal, whistle)
- shelter
- knife/multi-tool
- sun protection
- first aid kit
Take advantage of the local beauty offered at a MWCD Lake Park!
- Atwood Lake Park and Campground
- Charles Mill Lake Park and Campground
- Clendening Lake Marina and Campground
- Leesville North Fork Campground
- Piedmont Lake Marina and Campground
- Pleasant Hill Lake Park and Campground
- Seneca Lake Park and Campground
- Tappan Lake Park and Campground
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