Winter Hiking Tips

Hello, Adventurers! Welcome back to the Coastal Expeditions blog! If this is your first time visiting our blog, we’re happy to have you here. We are all about nature, adventure, and making the most out of the beautiful outdoors of South Carolina. If you enjoy all things hiking, paddling, kayaking, and spending time outdoors, you’ve come to the right place! Here on the blog, we dive deep into different habitats, excursions, conservation efforts, and nature programs. Our site is filled with interactive maps, destination guides, and educational resources. Since the weather is incredibly warm, we want to help you get out there and take advantage of all that the Lowcountry has to offer! We offer guided tours of the beautiful Lowcountry by kayak, paddleboard, ferry, boat, and private charter. We also have hands-on workshops taught by highly-trained guides on wilderness skills, birding, identifying native plants, sustainability, and camping. Anything you want to learn about, we teach! If you haven’t already, we encourage you to take a look around our site to learn more about our offerings. In our last post, we discussed some of our furry friends in the Lowcountry: Beavers! Today, we’ll be discussing everything you need to know about hiking during the winter months! This includes essential gear as well as safety tips. It’s getting cold out there, but that doesn’t mean your adventures have to stop! If you are interested in learning more about winter hiking, you’re in the right place! Let’s get started.

 

Temperatures are dropping, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the great outdoors! Here at Coastal Expeditions, we encourage everyone, young and old, to get out there and explore all that the Lowcountry has to offer! And even if you are not in the Lowcountry, we encourage you to go explore the outdoors. Bulls Island is an excellent place to explore in the winter and the ferry is running every Saturday. Also, be sure to check out our January tours and trips! Don’t let the chilly weather stop you from enjoying the beauty of the outdoors.

 

Hiking during the winter months is a unique experience. Depending on the weather, you may be able to walk across snow-filled trails, spot animal prints in the snow, and view frozen waterfalls and ponds. While it is a beautiful sight, winter hiking comes with a set of unique challenges. It is best to be well-prepared, so you’ll definitely want to think ahead and plan your trip carefully! With that being said, we’ve compiled some helpful tips for winter hiking that you don’t want to skip out on.

 

  1. Be prepared – Know where you’re going!

 

As with any hiking trip or excursion, you’ll want to be prepared before you go. First and foremost, you want to determine exactly where you are headed. What is your start and end point? You will want to figure this out ahead of time, and avoid heading down trails on a whim. When you plan exactly which direction you will be heading as well as your destination, you will reduce the likelihood of getting lost. In order to determine your destination, checking out a map of the area will be helpful. It is important to note, however, that you do not want to rely on cell phones or other technological devices that require cellular service. Many areas do not have service, so it is better to bring along a map and compass for navigation. Of course, this will only be useful if you know how to read a map and compass. Therefore, make sure you learn how to properly use them before you leave for your trip. 

 

  1. Check the weather forecast

 

Depending on the area in which you will be hiking in, the weather may change quickly and unpredictably– Especially if you will be in a mountainous area. It is important to check out the weather forecast ahead of time for the day you plan to hike. Be sure to look for an hourly forecast to get an idea of what kind of weather conditions you will be facing, and when. It may also be helpful to look up the website for the national park or trail you will be traveling on, as they may post important information regarding trail conditions. By keeping track of weather conditions prior to your hike, and on the day of, you can determine whether or not you may need to postpone your trip, or how much time you should spend on the trail. Additionally, keeping up with the weather forecast will help you figure out what items you may need to bring. 

 

  1. Dress appropriately

 

As with a hike in any type of weather, you want to be dressed appropriately. When it comes to hiking in the winter, your choice of clothing will differ. When hiking in colder temperatures, you’ll want to invest in some good, weather-appropriate clothing and gear. For example, you may want to invest in clothing that is made of high-quality fabric, such as down or wool. These fabrics help regulate body temperature and tend to last longer. Additionally, you’ll want to invest in some good, waterproof hiking boots. Proper footwear is essential for hiking, as you spend the majority of your time on your feet. This is especially important in cold or snowy conditions, as you’ll want footwear with good tread in case of snow or ice. If you expect the snow to be deep, wear snowshoes. Keep in mind that even if it isn’t icy nearby, heavily used trails may still be packed down with ice. 

 

When hiking in cold temperatures, you’ll want to dress in layers. Depending on the area and time of day, temperatures can fluctuate quickly. Dressing in multiple layers makes it easy to add or remove clothing to stay comfortable. If you are planning on hiking to a higher elevation, such as up a mountain, remember that the temperature will be much colder as you reach the summit. With that being said, here are some clothing items you may want to consider bringing:

 

  • Heavyweight winter socks
  • Gloves, and an extra pair of them
  • A winter hat or cap and/or a jacket with a hood
  • Waterproof outer layers
  • Fleece or wool inner layers

 

  1. Carry the 10 Essentials

 

You will also want to bring along the 10 Essentials– These items should be brought on every hiking trip, regardless of the weather! A couple of these items were already mentioned above, but here is the full list:

 

  • Appropriate footwear
  • Map and compass
  • Water
  • Food
  • Rain gear and fast-dry layers
  • Safety items (light, whistle, and means to start an emergency fire)
  • First aid kit (various adhesive bandages of varying size, alcohol-based sanitizing gel, antiseptic ointment, tweezers, latex gloves, etc.)
  • Knife or multi-tool
  • Sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, hats)
  • Shelter (lightweight space blanket)

 

Be sure to check out our blog on outdoor survival tips for more helpful information!

 

  1. Don’t hike alone

 

Regardless of the weather, it is always a good idea to hike with a partner, especially during the winter months. The outdoors can be rather unpredictable, so if something goes wrong, being stranded alone can be extremely dangerous. Having a partner on the trail can help you avoid common mistakes, and they may also be able to find help if needed. If you must travel alone, you should still make sure to share your plans with friends or family, so that people know where you are headed to and approximately when you’ll be back. You may also consider sharing your plans with park staff at visitor centers. 

 

As you can see, these are just a few tips for winter hiking. We encourage you to go out there and explore, but make sure you do so safely! And remember, if you happen to encounter any wildlife on the trails, observe them from a safe distance. If hiking isn’t your thing, Coastal Expeditions offers a variety of guided eco-tours, so be sure to check out our current tours and trips! We hope you found this article informative! As always, we thank you for reading and we hope to see you back on our blog soon. If you have any questions about our guided tours, reach out to us! At Coastal Expeditions, we are committed to introducing people to the wonders of the ecosystems of the Charleston area by providing guided tours and educational opportunities. If you’re looking to explore all that the Lowcountry has to offer, check out our offerings on our website to find the adventure which suits you best! We also offer kid-friendly tours as well as kids’ programs, camps, and kayak lessons. Our tours are led by knowledgeable, approachable naturalists and sea captains who are eager to answer your questions! Until next time, readers. Get out there and explore! Adventure awaits!

Explore. Chat. Visit. And come on back, y’all.
@coastalexpeditions

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Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant Rentals

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Take in the stunning beauty of local creeks and waters from one of our kayaks or SUPs. Walk-ups are welcome or call / text to book and we’ll be ready when you are. All gear and instruction provided.

Call or text 843.884.7684 to book.

Outpost Location

Need A Guide?

If you really want to get a feel for the local history, identify the native wildlife, and get to special places, you'll need someone experienced to show you the way. We'll get you there.

Check out our Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant tours.

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Isle of Palms Rentals

Offering Kayaks and Paddleboards

Take in the stunning beauty of local creeks and waters from one of our kayaks or SUPs. Walk-ups are welcome or call / text to book and we’ll be ready when you are. All gear and instruction provided.

Call or text 843.884.7684 to book.

Outpost Location

Need A Guide?

If you really want to get a feel for the local history, identify the native wildlife, and get to special places, you'll need someone experienced to show you the way. We'll get you there.

Check out our Isle of Palms tours.

Rent a Kayak or Paddleboard Click to Book via Text