Top Winter Hiking Destinations
Has all this wintry weather kept you indoors to the point of inducing cabin fever? Perhaps a few hours outdoors are in order. Hiking is a great way to get exercise outdoors, and there are some great destinations throughout the U.S.
Here are just a few:
Rocky Mountain National Park
Pack your bags and take a trip out to majestic Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. Pick up a pair of snowshoes at a local rental shop and check out the scenic vistas. A wide variety of well-marked trails provide something for everyone.
Green Mountain National Forest
The trail system throughout Vermont`s Green Mountains offers a vast array of scenic views. Try a different method of "hiking" by renting cross-country skis and following the well-groomed trails.
Paul Bunyan Trail, Minnesota
Check out the currently frozen lakes close to the headwaters of the Mississippi in the heart of northern Minnesota by venturing out from the Paul Bunyan Trailhead near Lake Bemidji. Try your hand at ice fishing or just stick to the trail and listen for birds and look out for deer.
Amicalola Falls, Georgia
Looking for something a bit warmer? Try the southern parts of the Appalachian Trail in northern Georgia near Dawsonville (about a 90-minute drive north of Atlanta). Although the hike is rather lengthy, the view at the Falls is well worth the effort. With 729 feet of falling water, they are the tallest in the Southeast.
Red Rock State Park, Arizona
There are dozens of trails around the Sedona area which provide great views inside scenic Red Rock State Park. Check with the local trail guide office to get a full report on distance and difficulty to find the right hike for you.
Hoh Rain Forest, Olympic National Park
There are several river valley trails throughout the Olympic Peninsula, and if it`s going to rain, why not go check out a rain forest? A 10-mile hiking trail along the Hoh River will take you through the mossy, lush canopy of trees fit for all kinds of wildlife.
These are just a few places to go for a hike during the winter. A quick search with your local tourism office will likely reveal the closest option to you, so get out and exercise!
Image: A snow-covered trail in Sparkill, N.Y. (H. Martinez, WeatherBug user)