Cold weather is rolling into the Southeast and is forcing most people indoors. But do not be so hesitant of going outside! Winter brings with it great opportunities to go camping. Hiking in cold weather means less people on the trails, which equals more wilderness to yourself.
Winter weather in almost any other part of the country is brutal compared to the mildness we experience in the South. Days are cool, but pleasant, and nights may get a little chilly. With proper gear and preparation, cold weather camping can be a great experience.
In January 2011, my brother and I tested our mettle on a two-night, three-day backpack on a section of the Bartram Trail near Highlands, NC. This was our first time visiting the Nantahala National Forest, and first time camping in the middle of winter. We experienced highs in the low 50s, and nighttime temperatures of about 22 degrees.
We chose a ~12 mile section of the Bartram Trail to do an out-and-back hike, for a total of ~24 miles. We started at the Osage Mountain Overlook, only a few miles past the GA-NC border.
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| From the parking lot of the overlook. |
From the trail-head, we immediate started climbing to the top of Scaly Mountain. The temps may have been cool, but we were sweating profusely by the time we reached the top.
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| The way up Scaly. |
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| From the top of Scaly Mountain, 4,804 ft. |
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| Panorama from the top of Scaly Mountain. |
After topping Scaly Mountain, we began a descent to Tessentee Creek, where we camped for the night. Sleeping that night was difficult; we were not psychologically ready for how chilly the weather would be. I layered up in just about all the clothes I had packed, which I realized later was a poor choice. Too many layers on your body when sleeping prevents the sleeping bag from achieving its full insulating ability.
We had descended about 2,000 feet to bottom out at Tessentee Creek, and started the next morning with a 2,000 foot climb back to the ridge-line. Tough as the hiking was, we immediately realized that it was worth it. Our research about the trail had told us there were some views at Jones Knob and Whiterock Mountain, but we were not expecting to be so awe-stuck.
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| View of Whiterock Mountain from Jones Knob, 4,622 ft. |
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| Panorama from Whiterock Mountain, 4,480 ft. |
There was some ice on top of the mountains, and on a few points along the trail, but nothing too hazardous. Ice, in no matter what amount, can be dangerous if you unsuspectingly step on some. If you are hiking in cold weather, be on the lookout for ice. We encountered one stretch of trail that was completely iced over, but it was easy to step around.
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| Ice covering the trail. |
With the fall semester coming to a close and winter break almost here, you can bet that I'll be hitting the trail soon!
