Where to Winter

[Marta]

The Rockies. Hiking is fun, but spending the winter skiing is even more fun.

[turtle fast]

Damascus, Erwin, Hot Springs, and Franklin were nice. Better yet if you have the aptitude, buy a hostel.

[saltysack]

Key West, Fla.

Be careful bending over to put your PACK on!


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[mrcoffeect]

Key West, Fla.

They do have the cleanest and the most friendly hobos of anywhere I've visited.

[wornoutboots]

Mammoth Lakes, CA

[Scrum]

If you poll most long term NH hikers, they pick snow season hiking as their favorite time of the year. Sure you get to wait out some nasty days but the nice days sure make you forget quick. On clear day in winter 100 mile visibilities are quite common. The trails are remarkably well used but if you want solitude its easy to just take side trail. Off trail hiking is nice as the snow locks in the undergrowth so I can go spots I would never go during normal hiking season. Hiking is frequently easier, no rocks to speak of so most trails are a well packed sidewalk. Add a bit of fresh snow and they make good butt sledding and even better sledding. If you want entertainment, the greatest show in the northeast is free for those who walk up to Tuckermans Ravine and if the sun is out, the ravine gets downright balmy.

+1 for winter hiking in the Whites! No bugs, no humidity, smooth trails, butt sliding, fewer crowds (thought you would be surprised how many people are out hiking in the winter), great bushwhacks that only work on frozen ground, better views . . . the list of advantages just goes on.

The focus tends to be on peak bagging, rather than section hiking. Lots of folks working on their 48 or Winter 48 (climbing all 48 4000+ footers in NH). One person is trying to do all 48 in just the month of January! Take a look at some of these reports and you will see how many people are having a blast out there in sub-freezing temps. http://www.newenglandtrailconditions.com/nh/

[colorado_rob]

The Rockies. Hiking is fun, but spending the winter skiing is even more fun.

I didn't realize we're talkig about parts of the country away from the AT... so yeah, out west, hands down! In any given week here in Colorado, November thru April, we can: Ski, Hike, Climb, Snowshoe, Ski again, Bike, Snow-bike (kinda fun), and yes, even get a round of golf in. All in brilliant, clear blue skies, at least most weeks. 300+ days of sunshine.

[saltysack]

Mammoth Lakes, CA

+1


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[DuneElliot]

Everywhere. In fact this is my plan! In 2017 I will be moving in my RV and traveling the country...working and playing so I can experience different landscapes, trails, climates, people. Once I've spent a year exploring one place I will move on to the next to ride or hike new trails.

[New England Guy]

Hanover, NH

Great Answer! I was born and raised there...Can't wait to walk there from GA this summer.