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What time of year would you rather hike?

Guyon

Guyon

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I'm sure this has come up in different contexts, but it's an interesting question nonetheless.

I'm attracted to winter hikes for a few reasons. No bugs, less snakes to worry about. Less folks on the trail. Better long-distance vistas if you're hiking in hardwoods as there's little or no leaf canopy. Winter hikes just feel a little more "rugged" if that makes any sense, and you do have to be aware of weather and the temperature in some ways that are different from other times of the year.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not afraid to sweat, and I sure like me some green. But winter hikes are often more peaceful and restorative to me.
 
Guyon said:
I'm sure this has come up in different contexts, but it's an interesting question nonetheless.

I'm attracted to winter hikes for a few reasons. No bugs, less snakes to worry about. Less folks on the trail. Better long-distance vistas if you're hiking in hardwoods as there's little or no leaf canopy. Winter hikes just feel a little more "rugged" if that makes any sense, and you do have to be aware of weather and the temperature in some ways that are different from other times of the year.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not afraid to sweat, and I sure like me some green. But winter hikes are often more peaceful and restorative to me.
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Those are my thoughts exactly!
 
I appreciate all four seasons although I am partial to the fall. Few bugs, moderate weather, not many people and fall colors in the leaves.
 
I like late fall. Hiking in deep snow has its merits but it is a lot of work and less ground is covered.
 
I think I may have to work the day we have winter here.

Seriously though, I do like hiking this time of year because all the kiddies are in school, and there are fewer people out and about.
 
Definitely fall. No mosquitoes. No black flies. No deer fly. Just pure hiking bliss, and some great leaf peeping. Good trout fishing too.
 
Late fall after enough below freezing temps to get rid of most bugs. Heat and humidity aren't a factor when hiking and sleeping in a tent. A little fall color might still be around. Great night time temperatures for sitting around the camp fire.
 
hoopster said:
Late fall after enough below freezing temps to get rid of most bugs. Heat and humidity aren't a factor when hiking and sleeping in a tent. A little fall color might still be around. Great night time temperatures for sitting around the camp fire.
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Exactly my thoughts!:thumbup:

The only thing for me is, the area that I like to hike, there may be hunters around. So I just wear a little blaze orange. Like a watch cap or vest.
 
The problem with fall in these parts is that there are still a LOT of bugs. We didn't really have a good freeze until last week. Now, it's finally time to start doing some hiking. I guess my so-called winter is the equivalent of late fall to a lot of folks here.
 
To me each season has its own beauty and I'm draw to the forests for different reasons.

I like the crisp colors and cool weather of the fall, and enjoy watching the animals prepare for the winter.

In the winter, I love how the same forest that seams over grown and almost choked with greenery can become open; it becomes very simple to leave the trail and explore different areas. The winter is also a great time to follow tracks left by animals. Lots of fun!!

The summer with its lush greens is always beautiful.. I also enjoy the abundance of wild berries.

My favorite would have to be spring. I love how the plants seam to race eachother to grow the quickest before the trees block all the sun as their leaves fill in. It also signifies the beginning of the fishing season :)
 
I like the fall - nothing like hiking with a rifle slung over your shoulder, a sharp knife on your belt and a moose or deer tag in your pocket!
 
hoopster said:
Late fall after enough below freezing temps to get rid of most bugs. Heat and humidity aren't a factor when hiking and sleeping in a tent. A little fall color might still be around. Great night time temperatures for sitting around the camp fire.
Click to expand...

This pretty much summed it up for me! :) FALL!
 
I'm another four season guy.

Winter is great. I love the cold, crisp air, the reduced colour palette, and the crunch of snowshoes through fresh powder. I particularly love the freedom that comes with being able to effortlessly wander off-trail without worrying about the (buried) underbrush. My dog loves to romp in the snow, too, so she's always fun to hang out with in the winter. Camping takes a bit more effort, though, and some of my favourite outdoors activities (canoeing, caving) are impossible.

By the time Spring rolls around, even snow-junkies like me are looking forward to seeing some greenery again, and I always enjoy the thoroughly-muddy early Spring hikes along my favourite trails. These usually involve loads of maintenance work - the clearing of downed trees and branches, fixing signage, etc. So it's a great time of year for serious knife use during my hikes.

Summer is terrific for hiking and camping (and canoeing, caving, etc.), so long as the temperature stays reasonable. If it never rose above 15C in this part of the country, I would be happy! I also tend to associate summer with more serious multi-day outings, as this is the only time of year when I can get away from work for such things.

Fall is probably the ideal season for serious hiking, in my opinion. It gives you the best of all worlds - not too hot; not to cold, fewer bugs, beautiful scenery, and a full range of outdoor activities available (save for the snowsports). Late summer / early fall is also a great time for meandering hiking trips that seek out wild apples and pears.

All the best,

- Mike
 
I prefer Winter and Spring. But really any time of year, the wood are enjoyable. :thumbup::thumbup:
 
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