Winter Hiking Advice

11/14/2012

I decided to get out of camp and take a stroll down Trillium. For the most part, the last mile is clear. There are still patches of ice and snow. This section in the picture was the iciest section I saw. The icecicles clinging to the rock wall made for a beautiful winter display. It was a chilly day up top. The high was 35 with a low of 18. It is already 31 this morning. The day is looking like it is going to be a bit warmer with bright blue skies.

I had someone ask about hiking in these conditions. They wanted to know the proper clothing to wear to stay warm and dry. Layers is the key word. You want to be able to regulate your body temperature by adding or taking off layers of clothing. When I started hiking up on Friday, I was bit on the cold side. I quickly warmed up. I was able to add layers as I got to the top and that helped me stay dry and comfortable. You want to make sure you have extra dry clothes to change into when you reach the top. You will become chilled when you stop moving. I always carry my hat and gloves in my pocket. This way they are easily accessible when I need them. If you are day hiking, make sure you know what time it is and what time the sun is setting. Please make sure you have enough time to hike down. If you enjoy night hiking and have a dependable flashlight, no problem. I have met to many hikers in the past couple of weeks that did not pay attention to the time and did not plan on hiking in the dark. Please, be prepared for every scenario. The last advice I have is drink, drink, drink. I am talking about water. Even though it is cold out side, make sure you stay hydrated. I see more cases of dehydration on this mountain then any other medical issue. It does not matter the temperature out side, you still need to drink plenty of water. I hope you will get out and enjoy this beautiful time of year. Happy hiking and stay safe.

Pam

11/13/2012 11:52:06 pm

Wow beautiful pic! Also wonderful hiking info for all those who may be out hiking. Sure wished we lived closer but it is what it is. So I'll live through your beautiful pics and wonderful blogs until next summer. Stay safe.

Debi

11/13/2012 11:56:49 pm

Your a degree warmer than us today. Hopefully I can get out and finish my leaves. Great advice Allyson. People listen to her! Of course the ones that don't, probably don't read the blog. Sorry people. Love the picture today. Thank you!

Audue link

11/14/2012 12:34:35 am

We came up Alum trail Sunday and ran in to this couple. This is not how you hike in the winter!!!

Audie

11/14/2012 12:41:21 am

https://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/photo.php?fbid=547227471959450&set=a.547224718626392.137441.100000166076375&type=3&theater

Jenny

11/14/2012 01:02:43 am

Audie, great pictures! Can I steal the one of your boys eating lunch for my blog? I'll give you photo credit. I told Carson I should have snapped one to go with the audio clip...and thanks again for everything!

11/14/2012 01:03:34 am

Also, I have to confess that I was afraid this would be a picture of Carson and me trying to hike icy Alum with no traction devices or poles! Sigh of relief when it wasn't...

11/14/2012 03:20:39 am

Jenny, by all means.

doug

11/14/2012 12:58:19 am

I took Trillium up Saturday morning, then back off down Bullhead and I remember this spot, but I think it had a bit more snow & ice on it the other day. Yes, some people hike in winter conditions and I cannot see how they make it. Maybe I'm not as tough as they are or something ! I, too, wish all the time that I lived closer to the Park. I should have become a Park Ranger years ago; I know the Park as well or better than most of the rangers I do believe, but I followed an engineering and science teaching career instead. Debi: I have plenty of leaves if you want some more ! I generally load them onto my utility trailer, then drive like mad out an old gravel road that's seldom travelled. It's interesting just how well all those leaves blow off !!

11/14/2012 04:00:00 am

My great husband got them all done before I even got outside today. Awsome man!!

Brian N bama

11/14/2012 01:56:59 am

@Highonleconte just a little thank you for all you do to make each trip a lifelong memory. I have stayed at the lodge 3 times and the shelter twice, each time the crew have been very friendly and helpful making you feel like you are a family memeber. I hope that y'all get down safely and I am already looking forward to my march 2013 visit.

Rohan link

11/14/2012 02:18:33 am

Me and my friend had been there on Monday, 12th November, via the Alum Cave trail. We started at 10.30 AM - pretty late for a day hike - since we weren't planning to do the hike at all. Reached the lodge at 2.00 PM. Went to the high point, came back, warmed ourselves and started the descent by 3.00 PM. We reached the parking lot by 5.30 PM.

All we had in our sacks were plenty of layers, plenty of water and some high-calorie quick snack. Honestly, based on Monday's condition, I did not feel the need for any traction devices.

Will write a blog and post the pics soon .

elktonbrant

11/14/2012 05:06:44 am

Allyson,

Can you pin this article to the side or top of the website so that those of us who are stopping by the blog every day won't have to repeatedly read the questions about "what to take and what to wear" for a winter hike?

Your tips are completely on the money, and they should be heeded by everyone this time of year if they're on the trails.

Patty Stevens

11/14/2012 06:11:15 am

Oh my gosh this is to funny. My son and I hiked up on the 29th of October, first on the Trillium trail. There were log steps somewhere? Guess under all the snow we hiked up in, i didn't know what was under my feet. Will have to do it again in good weather to see all that I missed. I am still on a high from that hike and all the snow. Wonderful crew up top but i don't need to tell you that if you have ever stayed.

Dot Cooper

11/14/2012 09:52:05 am

Hey Allyson! My husband and I hiked up last weekend- Beautiful mountain you have there! I do have one worrisome question though. I noticed a tremendous amount of downed trees. Wouldn't that create an enormous risk of fire on LeConte? All that wood looked like kindling!

John T

11/14/2012 10:48:46 am

I've often thought that same thing Dot. One lightning strike or one careless person could set that whole mountaintop ablaze.

libby

11/14/2012 11:06:14 pm

has ther ever been a forest fire up there?

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Winter Hiking Advice

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