Shared by Rachel Toward, Hungry Mother Education Support Specalist, as Guest Blogger.

There are many of words that can be used to describe winter: cold, long, dreary, bland etc, but the word “beautiful” isn’t typically the first word that comes to mind

Winter does seem to drag and many say they could skip January, February, and March all together, and that they are more than ready to jump right into spring. But if we skipped winter we would be missing out on what Mother Nature has to offer this time of year. I personally have always enjoyed winter but more recently, I have learned to appreciate this time of year even more being able to enjoy it at Hungry Mother State Park.

If we didn’t have winter, would spring feel as refreshing? Would summer feel as warm and upbeat? Would we cherish the beautiful weather as much?

Hiking in the winter creates a new experience

The other day, I went for a hike on the Lake Trail at Hungry Mother State Park 

It was an extremely frigid day but the sun was out and shining. Whenever I’m out on the trail, I find it to be great “thinking” time. As I started out, I noticed how quiet it was. A fresh coat of snow had fallen the night before. This new white coat covered the trail, glistening in the sunlight. There were no other footprints, and I had the entire trail to myself. Occasionally I heard the call from a nearby Cardinal but other than that, I was simply serenaded by the crunching of the snow beneath my feet.

As I continued walking down the trail the harsh breeze hit my face. Although the wind was cold, it filled the air with a fresh smell leaving me feeling recharged.

This Hemlock tree shows off its colors

The bare trees seemed bigger now

I looked around and up at the trees that swayed back and forth with the breeze. I heard the fluttering of a few dead leaves still hanging off an Oak tree. The trees look so bare yet this time of year you truly realize how their massive size and powerful structure surrounds you. The vibrant green color from a Hemlock caught my eye and I thought to myself that in the spring or summer, the lovely shade of the Hemlock needles may go unnoticed when the rest of the forest is glowing with color.

Winter is the time for the Evergreens to stand out and display their unique beauty.

Views like this make it worth braving a cold day

Water takes on a new hue in the wintertime

I came up to a clearing on the trail that overlooked the lake. I heard the clash of the waves against the shore and it almost seemed rhythmic.

I looked out across the lake; shimmering in the sun. The water was a deep royal blue displaying a rippled pattern from the breeze and it was remarkable. As I took in the beauty from this view, my gaze was caught by the snow covered mountains in the distance. The unique shape of the mountains displayed it depth, rolling valleys, and enormous size so effortlessly.

As I finished my hike that afternoon, I felt content and relaxed but more importantly, grateful for having such a wonderful state park at my fingertips.

Beautiful is Beautiful

So what I am trying to say is that I love how nature looks and feels in the winter. Cold is cold, but beautiful is beautiful.

Come out to Hungry Mother State Park and see for yourself!