10 Reasons to Keep Day Hiking this Winter

When winter hits and the temperatures drop, it's tempting to retreat to the treadmill, the gym or the comfort of the couch. I, myself, have been known to say 'it's too cold to go outside!' If you give into this, you'll miss out. Here are 10 reasons to keep day hiking this winter:

1) Fewer people on the trails - Most hikers like solitude. We've all experienced the crowded trails at popular parks in the summer where you're practically arm-in-arm with other day hikers. During the winter these crowds virtually disappear.

2) Street Cred - Let's face it, who doesn't feel hardcore when they're hiking in the dead of winter? I know I do...

3) Gorgeous views - With the leaves off the trees, views are amazing!

4) No bugs - We've all been on THAT hike. The one where bugs swarm your head and follow you the entire time. Or you're so busy slapping the mosquitos off your body you look like Elaine from Seinfeld trying to dance. Doesn't happen in the winter.

5) Frozen creeks & waterfalls - Ever see a creek or waterfall that has frozen over? You can still see the water rushing underneath. Beautiful!

6) The Sound of Silence - No people, No bugs, just the sounds of nature and your feet crunching through the snow....

7) Yak Tracks - I just love saying this word. Yak Tracks.

8) Snowball Fights -Need I say more?

9) A better workout - The more crud you have to hike through, the more strenuous the hike. If you have to strap on snowshoes, you're burning 45% more calories than walking at the same speed.

10) Icicles - Whether they're hanging from a tree branch, or your nose, they're just beautiful! 

Bonus Reason: Hot Chocolate when you return home!

Here's a photo from one of my favorite winter day hikes in Ithaca, NY.