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

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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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