It’s about this time of year, mid-July when the air temperature reaching well into the 90s on a daily basis, that I start thinking about snow. I am not a fan of the heat and do my best to escape it as much as possible. Whether it is in real life or in my head I’m just looking for a little bit of colder weather.
I’ve covered quite well that I like to go out when no one else does. Whether it’s rain, sun, hail and yes, even snow. Snow hiking is perhaps my favorite time to go out. The trails are usually empty and the scenery can’t be beat. Whether it is a creek, overlook, or just a snow-covered trail I enjoy it.
There’s something just peaceful about hanging out in the snow. When the freezing temperatures drive off all the tourists, you can be left in spectacular areas with no one to bother you. The photo below was taken with air temperatures in the low-10s or upper single digits and 35-45MPH wind gusts, on top of 1-2ft of snow on the ground. To this day it was one of the craziest hikes I’ve taken.
In comparison, some snow hikes aren’t quite so crazy. I took a trip up Elk Knob, a state park in Boone, NC, on a calm day with temperatures in the 20s. The trail was hardly disturbed with just a handful of people making a trek to the top that day which gave me a chance to capture this peaceful scene late in the afternoon.
Maybe my favorite winter shot was one I took many years ago of a lone tree. I was out in yet another single-digit day, albeit with a bit less wind this time, when I came across this tree. One quick hop over a barbed wire fence and I caught it covered in rime ice with early morning shadows crossing the ground.
Regardless of the conditions, nothing quite compares to the peace I find in the snow. The quiet crispness can’t be beat, even if it does get a little cold sometimes.
Have a great week, and perhaps I’ll see you on the trail…..
All photos credit to Tyler Penland
