Fun Fall & Winter Outdoor Activity - Off-Season Hiking

The fall and winter season might not seem like the best time for hiking, but consider the appeal of experiencing natural settings in different seasons to partake of how the scenery transforms. If you hiked through a certain area in the spring or summer, why not try it again in the fall or winter, to offer yourself a new perspective on the terrain? What was lush green foliage in the summer may be a lovely landscape of multi-colored leaves in the fall. What was a gushing waterfall in the spring may be a beautiful glissando of sparkly ice in the winter.

My husband & I hiked several trails in the Hocking Hills region of Logan Ohio this past spring and summer, but we have also treated ourselves to the area during the winter months for a different kind of getaway. During the warmer months, our hiking excursions were day trips; during the colder climes, since the area and its offerings are considered off-season for hiking and other outdoor activities, the many cabins and other kinds of lodging available in the area feature special off-season pricing that is significantly more affordable. Thus, we can afford to rent a rustic cabin secluded in the woods and add a special overnight component to our getaway. We even have the opportunity to take along our beloved dog, as many of these cabins are pet-friendly.

Recently, we stayed at the Honeybee Hideaway, one of the pet-friendly cabins offered by Getaway Cabins, which I would recommend for an appealing mix of cozy and secluded. I would suggest bringing your own food (for both humans and pets). Many of these getaway cabins do include a kitchenette, as well as all the basic kitchen accoutrements. Supplying your own meals and snacks is not only a more economical option, but is also more convenient than driving potentially icy roads to find one of the few & far between stores or eateries in a secluded area. Bring your own beverages, too, including coffee if you're a java drinker. You might even desire to provide a nice bottle of wine or champagne for the festivities.

How does wine or champagne fit into this picture? Well, another wonderful cold weather camping feature is the utter delight of an off-season hot tub experience. Take a moment if you will to imagine just yourself and your special someone, alone together in a pretty and secluded wilderness, in a cabin that is equipped with its very own steamy little hot tub. Imagine the luxurious contrast between cold air and hot, bubbly water, as the two of you sink inside the hot tub, in the great outdoors, with little snowflakes in your hair, but still warm and toasty. Such a scenario has the potential to be relaxing or exhilarating or downright romantically racy!

Of course, a fall or winter nature getaway isn't all about relaxation and romance; you'll also want to participate in some actual outdoor activities, such as the aforementioned hiking! Don't forget your camera and don't forget protective gear in the way of weather-appropriate attire, including comfortable footwear with enough traction to reasonably navigate some snow and ice and uneven terrain. Even when outfitted with such equipment, use good sense and a certain degree of caution when deciding upon what terrain is safe for you to hike. Your experience as a hiker might come into play here, but even if you're pretty experienced, you probably don't want to risk your safety on a particularly steep, slippery, or otherwise perilous trail, even if it's a trail you've hiked safely in less icy seasons. For example, we've hiked the Conkles Hollow Rim Trail during the summer, but this trail is not recommended during the winter-and warning signage is posted to advise of this fact. I would recommend abiding by such warning signs.

The Conkles Hollow Gorge Trail would likely be a perfectly lovely little fall or winter scene, though, as would Ash Caves. We've even visited Old Man's Caves in the winter, which was a majestically pretty wonderland well worth experiencing, although we restricted ourselves to a partial hike due to some steep and icy terrain. We stuck to the more level parts of the trail and enjoyed quite a visual treat. If you balance your sense of adventure with common sense and reasonable safety precautions, your fall or winter hiking excursion should be a beautiful and memorable experience for you and your partners. Again, remember your weather-appropriate gear, including warm walking shoes or boots and gloves, if needed. If you do start to get cold and have rented a cabin, then you have the added luxury of a cozy little home base at which to regroup or relax, whether that involves sharing a meal, some leisure reading, or another toasty dip in that hot tub!

For more Hocking Hills information and ideas, including lodging options, feel free to check out the first three links below. For more Hocking Hills content by me, see the next three links. Happy reading and happy hiking!

*

http://www.hockinghills.com/

http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/parks/hocking/tabid/743/Default.aspx

http://www.getaway-cabins.com/

*

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2096779/beautiful_autumnal_hiking_trails_in.html?cat=8

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1717682/great_outdoors_month_2009_hocking_hills.html?cat=16

http://www.associatedcontent.com/slideshow/27237/hocking_hills_hikes_spring_and_summer.html?cat=11