The Appalachian Mountains are my idea of a Winter Wonderland, y’all. It’s a beautiful place. Even when the trees are bare and the sunlight is a little less bright, there’s still a bit of magic in the air that I need to soak up at every opportunity. Naturally, one of my favorite ways to appreciate the season is with a few (or several) winter hikes. If you’ve never gone hiking in Appalachia in the winter, just trust me. . . it’s an adventure that you’ll want to plan.
Need a little convincing? I’ve got you covered. Let’s uncover some scenic winter hikes in Appalachia, and why you should start planning one!
Why Winter Hiking in Appalachia?
In my humble little hiker opinion, winter is an incredibly underrated season for hiking — and that’s part of what makes it so great.
Long-Range Views
Y’all, this is my favorite bonus from winter hiking. I’ll be honest, I don’t really like watching the leaves part ways with trees. It makes me kinda glum. But, for hiking it’s pretty cool. Without foliage, you can see through the trees and enjoy a plethora of mountain views before you even reach the summit.
Escape the Wrath of Bugs
Gnats, bees, spiders, mosquitos, and all manner of winged and crawly critters like to hang out on the trails when the weather is warm. If you’re not a fan of swatting bugs away from your face or running into spider webs, then planning some hikes in the winter may be worth your while. These multi-legged friends are much more sparse this time of year. That means you can whistle your merry way down the trail, swat-free.
Hiking is Sweaty, Less So in Winter
Can I be vulnerable for a moment? I’m a sweaty person. There, I said it. And there’s nothing that works up a sweat quite like a hike. However, it’s not as bad when the temperatures drop! I once went on a hike near Mt Mitchell in North Carolina in February, and the temperature barely got above freezing the entire day. That sounds miserable on its face, BUT, I sweated (swatt?) very little. The hike was hard enough that I even shed layers down to my t-shirt, and the sub-freezing temperatures felt nice.
Lower Crowds
Many small towns in Appalachia attract tourists in the summer months. It makes sense, y’all — summer break is in session, the days are longer, and summer just feels lively. Though I’m a warm-weather fan myself, I have to say, trails can get a little too people-y that time of year. That’s the beauty of hiking in the winter time. Although your popular trails won’t be people-free, some of the lesser-known gems out there will be considerably less crowded. If you like to hike for solitude, this is the best time to go.
Scenic Winter Hikes in Appalachia
Truth be told, you probably can’t go wrong with any trail in Appalachia at any time of year. However, I’ve personally hiked the listed trails in the colder months, and I can attest that they are indeed scenic and well worth the trek.
Bartram Trail to Williams Pulpit - NC
Located near Franklin, NC, this 4-mile, out-and-back trail offers sweeping views of the Nantahala National Forest.
Opossum Creek Falls - SC
Tucked deep in the Sumter National Forest, Opossum Creek Falls is a stunning cascade accessible via a 4.6-mile, out-and-back trail.
If waterfalls are your thing, check out my waterfalls page for some adventure inspo.
Lookoff Mountain - GA
The North Georgia Mountains are really something special. This trail, in Blackrock State Park, is a 3.1-mile loop, and a great day hike.
Chimney Tops Trail - TN
This might be the most popular trail on the list. Of course, Chimney Tops is in the Great Smoky Mountains, 3.6 miles out-and-back, and has some jaw-dropping views.
Tips for Winter Hiking in Appalachia
Now you know why winter hiking in Appalachia is awesome, and you have some ideas on where to go. Woo! High five (virtually)! From here, it’s important to make sure that you’re prepared for that winter hike. It’s essential and ideal to be prepared for every hike you go on, but these tips are ones to keep in mind specifically for those winter treks.
Check the Weather
I’ll say it ‘til I’m blue in the face: Check. The. Weather! Especially in the high elevations of the Appalachian Mountains, weather can change on a dime. You might see snow, ice, freezing temperatures, high winds — all manner of winter weather. Plan ahead and prepare! Keep an eye on the forecast as you head out to your adventure.
Pack the Right Gear
Depending on how cold your hike is going to be, it’s important to pack the right cold-weather gear. Layers are key! And no, you aren’t “built different.” You’re gonna get cold. If you’re heading to the higher elevations, there’s also a chance that you’ll run into some wintry weather. It’s nice to have waterproof layers to keep the ice and snow out. You may also consider trekking poles for those slippery spots, and microspikes if you’re heading somewhere icy.
Mind Your Trail Manners
Everyone has a better experience on the trail when you know your hiking etiquette. Leave No Trace, knowing the right of way while hiking, and respecting other hikers and wildlife are just a few things to keep in mind. If you’re interested in the details here, check out my Hiking Etiquette blog!
Thanks so much for following along, folks! See y’all out on the trail, maybe sometime this
Winter?
For more photos and explorations, be sure to follow The Wandering Appalachian on Instagram and Pinterest! Be sure when you're discovering new places to practice Leave No Trace principles. Take only pictures, and leave only footprints. Happy wandering, y'all
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