Cool air surrounds you as you step out of the car, reminding you to grab your mittens and other wooly things. Your coat crinkles as you zip it all the way to the top and smooth down the puffy layers. Quickly, you scan an empty parking lot wondering if you are crazy for venturing out on this bright winter morning. 

Winter offers a muted palette of beautiful colors

As you make your way to the trailhead you notice the hard frozen ground doesn’t stick to your shoes, but cracks and crunches under your boots. The sky is a vivid blue contrasting with the dark skeleton trees. The structure and design of the intersecting branches cut the blue into a thousand diamonds. You spot some red berries, and hear a chorus of birds. The songs echo through the bare trees mingling with the bubbling sounds of water in a nearby creek.  

Walking quickly, you realize that you are warming up fast. Unzipping a layer you find the brisk air refreshing. You smile remembering the sticky sweat that would soak your t-shirt in July. Climbing up a ridge you find an uninterrupted view.  You gaze across the winter vista admiring the muted colors, smoky trees, and sky. Heading down again, you find a sunny spot and pause in the radiant heat.  Alone in the cool, yet warm atmosphere enjoying the sounds and silence that nature provides. You leave refreshed of soul and body having ventured out of the comfort of the house to experience nature at a less appreciated time of year.

Winter is the slowest time of year for Virginia State Parks. Most vacationers are hard at work and school. Chilly temperatures and the impression that nothing is happening outside make a barrier for many potential visitors. But, winter is a great time of year to get outside with plenty to see and enjoy.

A group of adventurers enjoying a winter trail

Winter is a great time of year for bird watching. During the warm parts of the year birds hide among the tree leaves, and spread out in nesting territories. In the winter, birds form flocks that are easier to spot without all those leaves. Virginia is part of the winter home for many birds, including Bald and Golden Eagles, Canada Geese, Barn Owls, and more making them much easier to find since there are more of them here between December and February. As spring approaches songbirds start warming up their voices, and are a joy to hear and observe.

A Golden Eagle fighting with a Red-tailed Hawk over a deer carcass
in the winter of 2011. This picture was taken with a game camera
set up on a road-killed deer carcass

Golden Eagles are not very common in Virginia,
but more of them are seen during the winter months.

Winter is a multi-sensory experience with fantastic views, echoing sounds, dramatic structure, and frozen sculptures. The absence of tree leaves allow you to see and hear to a much greater distance. Removing tree leaves can also help you focus on other aspects of plants including shape and texture. Ice forming along a stream or dripping from a rock outcrop can be a natural work of art. Snow can reveal animal tracks and trails which would otherwise be hidden. Fewer people out on the trails mean your walks are less interrupted by human noises. Getting out in winter takes a little more effort, but is well rewarded with memorable experiences.     

Snow sculptures created by the wind

Here are a few tips for visiting Virginia State Parks during winter to make your outing an enjoyable experience.

• Check the weather before you go. Keep in mind wind chill factors, even a breeze can have a significant effect on the temperature.
• Dress in layers: long underwear, a thick coat, and a rain/wind-proof jacket shell will keep you warm and snug. A pair of mittens and a warm hat can make all the difference.
• Happy feet make happy people. Wear sturdy shoes, and wool socks. Wool socks are especially good during winter because even when damp they still insulate the feet. Keep a dry pair of socks in the car to change into when you return from your hike.  
• A water bottle and snack is a good idea. We forget to drink during the winter, but it’s always a good idea to have water handy when you’re exercising. Cold winter days require more energy so a healthy snack can be refreshing.

With the right gear even kids enjoy a break outside in winter