6 Benefits of Hiking in Winter

Cold weather is not an excuse to avoid the spiritual and health benefits of hiking. As the temperatures drop and the frost (and sometimes snow) blankets the landscape, you might be tempted to hibernate indoors like a bear until spring arrives. Don’t. Suck it up, put on an extra pair of wool socks, and hit the trails. Hiking in winter offers a multitude of benefits beyond just staying active.

Here are six reasons why we think everyone should lace up their boots, bundle up, throw up their hood, and take winter hikes:

1. Stunning Winter Scenery

Yes, we know, summer hikes boast lush greenery and colorful blooms, while winter can transforms landscapes into a frozen tundra. But there is true beauty in a cold landscape—especially on a clear morning when the air is crisp and there’s a delicate layer of frost covering the leaves as the sun glistens off the icy haze. Hiking in winter in College Station is different, and worth it. You may not get snow, but you do get some dazzling photo opportunities.

2. Less-Crowded Trails

We do enjoy our solitude. Hiking in the wintertime is not easy—as they say, “If it were easy, everyone would be doing it.” But winter hiking often means fewer people on the trails, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in nature’s tranquility. Enjoy the serenity and quietude interrupted only by the soft crunch of the frozen leaves beneath your boots. For us, this is where we find clarity in our thoughts and attempt to solve the world’s problems.

3. Enhanced Physical Workout

We love hiking in winter because it’s a more challenging workout compared to excursions during the warmer months. The cold weather can boost calorie burn because your body is working harder to stay warm, according to Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin. Even though the temperature in College Station rarely dips into the single digits, it can still get pretty cold, so be sure to eat a carbohydrate-rich meal before setting out and have a similarly rich snack handy while you hike. This will help you ward off fatigue.

4. Mental Health Boost

You’ll be happy to know that exposure to natural sunlight, even in winter, stimulates the production of serotonin, the feel-good hormone. Spending time outdoors amid nature’s beauty can alleviate symptoms of seasonal affective disorder and improve overall mood and mental well-being. The tranquility of winter landscapes fosters mindfulness and reduces stress levels.

5. Wildlife Encounters

If you love nature as much as we do, winter hiking presents unique opportunities to spot elusive wildlife on Millican Reserve. With foliage stripped bare, animals are more visible, so keep your eyes peeled for deer, foxes, and various bird species as they forage for food in their winter habitats.

6. Personal Growth and Achievement

I also find that conquering winter hiking challenges gives me a sense of accomplishment and resilience. There’s really no substitute for overcoming obstacles such as icy patches or chilly winds, building confidence and character. I’ve had times when it’s just around freezing and my body is telling me to get back into my warm car with its heated seats. But my mind urges me to overcome and keep walking the trail. Every time I complete a winter hike, I add to my repertoire of outdoor experiences, I gain confidence, and I become more connected to nature.

It’s Never Too Cold to Hike

Winter weather shouldn’t be the reason to avoid the great outdoors. Here at Millican Reserve, we love to embrace the chill and discover the amazing benefits of winter hiking, from stunning scenery to the mental health break. Millican Reserve is a great winter hiking destination.

Our more than 30 miles of private trails nestled in the scenic Brazos Valley provide visitors and members a pristine wilderness escape for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels. So put on an extra layer of flannel, pull on your wool gloves, and join us on a winter hiking adventure filled with nature activities that will invigorate your body, mind, and spirit.