Sometimes, the best hikes you’ll go on can be through the snow and during winter on the top winter hiking trails.
The cold temperatures and winter weather can be perfect for your hiking adventures. During the coldest months of the year, you can walk for several miles and never see another person. In order to brave the winter weather, you need the right gear. Once you have the necessary gear to go hiking in the snow, these are some of the best winter hiking trails where you can enjoy the scenery and peacefulness.
Jud Wiebe Trail in Telluride, Colorado
The trail starts and ends in town, which is perfect for winter hikes. There’s nothing quite like knowing you’ve got a hot cup of cocoa waiting for you when the hike is over. When you hike along this trail, you can watch the skiers on the slopes at the Telluride Ski Resort, which can be the perfect scenery for your hike through the snow. This three-mile hiking trail remains relatively dry all year long, making it easy to enjoy this beautiful trail.
Cumberland Trail in Cumberland Trail State Park, Tennessee
There are several sections to the Cumberland Trail, which has 300 miles of trails across Tennessee from north to south. This trail clears out in the winter, which makes it one of the best winter hiking trails you can visit and enjoy. The 9.5-mile Possum Creek Gorge section allows you to see waterfalls, a wooded creek, and many other amazing scenes along the way. This incredible trail is one that’s worth visiting during winter.
Watchman Trail in Zion National Park, Utah
You won’t have to deal with typical winter wonderland snow and cold if you head to the Watchman Trail for a wonderful hiking experience. This trail is a three-mile look that takes you through Zion National Park past sandstone spires and prickly pear cacti that spend their time in the sun all year long. The typical dry heat of the area is gone when winter arrives, making it one of the most enjoyable trails that you can hike during the winter months.
Cape Falcon Trail in Oswald West State Park, Oregon
If you want to hike in the winter and go somewhere you might see a pod of whales, you’ve got to get close to the ocean. The Cap Falcon Trail covers 2.3 miles to take you to a panoramic outcropping where you can use a pair of binoculars and watch for the spray from whales. Where else are you going to hike in the winter and see whales? This experience allows you to enjoy one of the best winter hiking trails in the country, making it a great place to see these amazing creatures in their natural habitat.
Gorham Mountain Loop in Acadia National Park, Maine
Maine can be a cold place to visit during winter, which could make it a great place to go when you want to enjoy hiking on some beautiful trails. The Gorham Mountain Loop takes you across 3.5 miles of uneven terrain, which requires you to have a pair of snowshoes or cross-country skis to cover some of the snow-covered areas of the trails during your hike.
Mazama Ridge Snowshoe Trail in Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
Mount Rainier is one of the most amazing sights in Washington and this trail is a great way for you to enjoy hiking and experiencing the mountain. When you want to enjoy one of the best winter hiking trails in the country, you’ll be glad to take on the Mazama Ridge Snowshoe trail, which is a six-mile out-and-back trial, giving you continuous views of the amazing mountain that is a huge part of Washington’s landscape.
Florida National Scenic Trail in Suwannee River State Park, Florida
When you don’t want your winter hiking to feel like winter, you should head to this trail and enjoy the amazing scenery in northern Florida. This trail covers nearly eight miles in one direction, from Jasper to Holton Creek River Cap. You’ll see beautiful cypress trees, a white-sand beach, and the sinks, swales, and sloughs in the Suwannee River Water Management District. You’ll love the trail and the beautiful views but especially enjoy the lack of winter weather during your winter hiking experience in Florida.
Some of the best winter hiking trails in the country don’t require you to spend time in the snow. These trails will give you the hiking experience you’re looking for.
