We received a ton of snow early this week, which means the trails of Vermont will be looking absolutely magical. Winter is probably one of the best seasons to go hiking in this state (although, mud season aside, they’re all pretty great). We thought we’d put together a short guide to winter hiking so you can recreate safely and enjoy all that the landscape around us has to offer.

Be Prepared

It’s easy to forget that hiking in Vermont can still be dangerous if you’re not prepared, particularly with so much precipitation and cold temperatures. Here are just a few basic tips for making sure you stay safe while having fun:

• Elevation: Be aware that the temperature drops 5°F for every 1000ft you climb. For your taller mountain hikes, the temperature could drop as much as 20°F by the time you reach the top. Not to mention, you’ll be a lot more exposed, so expect some brisque winds up there as well. 
• Stay dry: If you stay dry, you’ll stay warm. This means avoid wearing cotton so your clothes aren’t holding all the moisture from your body.
• Layers: It’s good to know how to layer in the winter time. The first layer you’ll put on is your base layer, and should consist of something like a thin wool long sleeve or a thermal long john top. This is the layer that you want to help keep sweat off of you, so again, no cotton if you can help it. The next layer is your midlayer which will help keep your heat in. For this layer, you can go for a fleece or wool sweater. The insulating layer will be a jacket, like a puffy, that has down in it. If you do choose something with down, you can’t get it wet, so don’t make this your outermost layer. The final layer is the outer shell. This will be waterproof, like a raincoat or hard shell jacket. If you follow these layering steps, you should find yourself fairly comfortable on any hike in the cold.
• Pants: This is pretty much up to you. My legs get fairly cold, so I usually wear a pair of long johns, then put leggings over them. If I know it will be raining, or I think it will be extra snowy, I add a waterproof layer of hiking pants.
• Footwear: Bringing snowshoes or some traction for your boots, like microspikes or yaktrax, can be helpful. Always check ahead of time to see how a trail is looking to make this decision. 
• Navigation: Always bring a map, even if you’re really familiar with a hike. Trails can look different after a snowfall, and it can be harder to tell where you’re going. There are usually physical maps at trail heads. I always download a map from All Trails so I have it on my phone. 
• Lighting: The days are much shorter in the winter, which means it gets dark fast. In case you find yourself still on a trail when night suddenly arrives at 4:00PM, carry a headlamp or flashlight so you’ll still be able to see.

Just a quick fun note, many of the libraries in the state have snow shoes that you can barrow for added winter adventure. 

Local Trails

• Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge: Black Creek and Maquam Creek Nature Trails
  • Right in our backyard!
  • Rated easy, duration of ~1 hour, 2.5 miles
  • Getting there: This trail is located in Swanton. Take exit 21 off of I-89 and drive down VT 78W for 3.5 miles. You’ll bear right at VT 7/VT 78W, then bear right again at VT 36/VT 78W. The trailhead will be on the left.
  • Navigating the trail: When you start walking, you’ll pass over some railroad tracks. Eventually, you’ll arrive at the junction of the Maquam Creek and Black Creek trails. Bear right onto the Maquam Creek trail. The next intersection will be the junction of the Black Creek trail again. Go straight and head to the end of the trail which becomes Lookout Point. When you’re done taking in the sights, retrace your steps and turn right onto the Black Creek Trail which will take you all the way back to the parking lot.
  • Sights: This is an important area for migratory birds. Artificial nesting boxes, beaver dams, Maquam Bay, Maquam Creek, and Black Creek are just some of the things you’ll see along the way.
• Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail
  • Rated easy (depending on how far you walk), 26 miles stretching from St. Albans to Richford
  • You can walk or bike this trail! You can do it all in one go, or in chunks.
  • St. Albans to Sheldon is primarily open farmland transitioning into wetlands and pine trees. This portion of the trail is mostly gravelly, and only crosses the road a few times. 
  • Sheldon to Enosburg Falls follows the Missisquoi River and provides views of river rapids, farms, and Jay Peak.
  • Enosburg Falls to Richford includes open fields, shaded forest, and wetlands. This portion of the trail is best for bird watching. 
  • For more information about the trail, you can visit this website.

State Parks

• Lake Carmi State Park
  • Located in Franklin
  • Recommended trail: Marsh Brook Natural Trail, 1.5 mile loop that takes ~1.5 hrs
• Knight Island State Park
  • Located in North Hero
  • Has 3 trails all connected in a loop with great views of the lake.
• More State Parks
  • Knight Pointe State Park (North Hero)
  • Niquette Bay State Park (Colchester)
  • Underhill State Park (Underhill)
  • Wood Island State Park (St. Albans Bay)