Tag Archives: hiking

What we wear for cold weather hikes.

Layers!

Say it with me!

LAYERS!

Not big bulky snow suits (unless you are someone that never seems to get warm, I guess).

But base layers.

smoky

It was maybe 30 degrees when the above picture was taken, in the Smoky Mts.

I am wearing a tank top, running pullover shirt, and a fleece vest on top.

It was a lot of up hill and other then the fact I should have worn gloves I was comfortable.

I like my vest because I can zip it up to my chin if I am cold and unzip it all of the way if I am hot.

When it was really cold, I would throw on a pair of nice long underwear under my pants.

ontopIn this pic, I opted for gloves and a hat, as well as a fleece jacket to go with my thermal shirt, vest and thicker pants.

I think I put on long underwear as well.

The boys are both wearing long underwear.

My youngest never wore a winter jacket, just that hoodie with lots of layers underneath.

I don’t like hoodies for my top layer because I can not regulate my body temp as easily.

You don’t want to wait until you are covered in sweat to cool off in the winter.

That is dangerous.

I like jackets and layers with zippers so as I get hot I start unzipping it.

coldweatherhikesHere is what I would typically wear on a cold weather hike(minus bra and underwear).

Left to Right: Base Layer(I like to wear something that is a wicking material), Mid Layer(Vest), Outerwear(Pants, Jacket, Gloves, and Hat).

I like wool socks for almost any weather but I do choose the ones geared more for the cold in the winter.

I hope this helps someone get out and enjoy a winter hike!

Winter is one of the most peaceful times of the year to hike in my opinion!

Plus, NO BUGS!

snowYou might just stumble upon a fairy land like this as well.

Don’t wait until spring!

Do you have any cold weather hiking tips?

The Great Smoky Mountain National Park

smokymts

We went to the Smoky Mountains after Christmas!

I thought I would share some of my favorite pics!

fog

waterfallLaural Falls

chimneytops

Chimney Tops Trail

pinnacle

feet

mountains

snowonleafSnow!

stepsThere were a lot of steps on the Chimney Tops Trail!

barnReally cool homestead at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center.

snow

Beautiful hike on the Appalachian Trail from Newfoundland Gap.

path

mountclouds

branches

catch

different

moss

cliff

We went up to Daniel’s Bunion.

It was 9+ miles total, out and back.

cliff2

abovetheclouds

Gorgeous Views!

climb

pathwaysnow

ontopThis hike was definitely my favorite!

snowmountains2

mountainpass

This part made me nervous but it was beautiful.

ice

millMingus Mill.

overlook

Beautiful sunset on the Carolina side.

landscape

sunset2

sunset5

sunset6

sunset7

holdOur last hike was on the Alum Cave Trail.

We just went up to the arch but it was still really neat to see.

I can’t imagine what this place is like during the summer since it was pretty crowded during the week in the winter!

So beautiful though!

Have you ever been?

What was your favorite spot?

Heyburn Lake, OK

run

We went to Heyburn Lake for a hike on the day after Thanksgiving.

These boys had a lot of energy to burn.

turn

hunting

The Wildlife Management Area is open to hunting so that part of the trail is closed certain times of the year.

south

There are still trails to hike that are within the park though.

watertrail

We took the trail down to the lake.

logs

shore

The boys love to explore on the shore of lakes!

shore3

shoreexplore

shells

logs2

It is always an interesting trick to keep from sinking in the mud.

prints

lake

crossing

grass2

mud

My oldest made a poor footing choice and lost his shoe in the mud at one point.

reeds

river

jump

totter

slide

slide2

hugs

us2

My youngest and I were trying to “beat” Nick.

us3

winners

We finally one!