This page will be used to provide information related to upcoming group hiking adventures. Currently, these adventures are being planned one at a time.

After discussing the joys of winter hiking with some new hikers, I decided to plan an "Intro to Winter Hiking" trip for early 2026. The goal of this hike is to educate hikers on the joys and challenges of winter hiking and to give hikers real-life experience in a winter setting.

Details are TBD at this point and this page will be updated up until the hike is fully planned...

The hike destination is TBD, but will probably be Flume Gorge in Franconia Notch. There is mild elevation gain throughout and the 2 mile loop will give us all a very good chance to get acclimated with the conditions as well as our equipment. Note that the actual gorge itself is usually closed to hikers during the winter due to falling ice danger. On previous trips there, Claire and I have been able to go a few feet into each end, but that's it. We have seen ice climbers in there practicing, but they wear helmets and have the specialized equipment to handle those sorts of adventures.

We will not be entering the gorge itself, but will hike the approach to it and then the bypass to its immediate west and then the loop trail beyond.

Note that keeping track of the weather is of vital importance when planning a winter hike. We are out to have fun, not bring medical supplies to the Inuit. If the ambient temperature drops below 20°F, or if the wind chill drops to below 10°F, then we will postpone the hike. Those sorts of temperatures call for extra care and are too extreme for an intro hike.

Understanding the equipment load-out is a large part of this adventure. There are two primary challenges in winter hiking: temperature management and traction.

Clothing and footwear are the largest equipment considerations and each hiker will learn what works for them and what doesn't. Layers are of prime importance. A warm base layer, aka long underwear, will help quite a bit. After that, one can wear whatever they want as long as you can deal with the twin issues of temperature and wind.

Layers are important because your body will emit a lot of heat as it works hard while hiking. Excess heat must vent away from your body. Therefore, you will be removing layers as you hike. Otherwise, you will sweat and sweat in winter conditions will be uncomfortable at best and deadly at worst. The ultimate temperature goal while winter hiking is to be on the cool side of comfortable. When you stop for a break, you will want to put those layers back on as your body is no longer emitting excess heat. You will find yourself constantly managing your comfort levels during a winter hike.

Wind is also an important consideration. A jacket that can block the wind from wicking heat from you is very beneficial. That said, I tend to use multiple layers of fleece as part of my temperature management scheme. While fleece will not block the wind, it can lessen its effect and I use the wind to help me vent excess heat as I hike. It does, however, make temperature management during breaks more difficult. It's a personal choice based on experience and the fact that I am a furnace in the winter. Again, the more you hike and the more you grow accustomed to its challenges, and the more you understand how your body reacts to winter conditions, the more you can tailor your equipment load-out.

You will need winter boots. Additionally, you will need micro-spikes to put over those boots. In powdery conditions where the trail hasn't been broken out, or even when it has been, you will need snowshoes. But not for this hike. The primary purpose of this hike is to get you accustomed to the weather and not to more extreme trail conditions. If you find after this adventure that winter hiking suits you, then we can consider showshoes and more difficult terrain.

You will need a larger backpack for winter hiking. Clothing in winter is bulkier and you will be adding and removing layers as you go. You will need a backpack that can fit your layers as you are hiking, as well as your food and water and other gear.

Managing your water and hydration is also a consideration. While you won't sweat, the drier air is still wicking moisture from your body. You won't seem thirsty, but you will still need to stay hydrated. When the temperatures drop to freezing, however, your water may freeze, preventing you from being able to drink. It is a good idea to either get an insulated pouch for your water bottles and/or pack your water upside-down. When your water bottle is upside-down, the water will freeze on the upturned bottom of the bottle, instead of across the mouth of the bottle. Even in winter, there is nothing like cold, crisp water during a hike.