WINTER HIKING: Possibly The Best Time Of The Year To Hike, with Hanna O'Brien of Saluda Outfitters & The Gorge Zipline

Don’t ditch your hiking gear just yet! Winter is actually one of the best times to hike in our southern mountains. What makes winter such a great time to hike? For one, without the leaves on the trees, winter landscapes open up and long-range views are breathtaking. The crowds are almost nonexistent, and cooler temperatures make hikes a lot more pleasant without the bugs & snakes. And, in the higher elevations, you might even be lucky to find the forest covered in snow.

Of course, you have to wear more clothes than you do in the summer AND start hiking earlier because of the shorter days, but with a little extra planning, layering properly, having the proper footwear, and covering your hands and head, winter hiking may just become your favorite time of the year to get out and explore.

In this episode I sit down with Hanna O’Brien from Saluda Outfitters and The Gorge, to talk about tips and hints to make your winter hiking experience as safe and enjoyable as possible.