Winter Hikes: Get Outside in Wilkes County!

Winter Hikes: Get Outside in Wilkes County!

One of the things that makes the Great State of Wilkes so great is the ability to enjoy outdoor activities all year long. The biking and hiking trails see plenty of traffic whether it’s during summer months with lots of shade or in the winter when the bright blue sky can be seen through the tall, barren trees.

We asked some Wilkes County folks to share their personal favorite winter hikes.

Wilkes Hiker Casey Billings, Ronda, NC

Completed the Appalachian Trail 2022

Trail: Cedar Ridge Trail

I love to find a trail in the winter that offers solitude so I can experience the quietness of the forest in winter. It’s especially magical right after a snowfall.

One of my favorite places to hike in Wilkes is Doughton Park off of Longbottom Road in Traphill. In particular the Cedar Ridge Trail, which takes you from the parking area up to Brinegar Cabin. This trail is 4.4-mile one way or 8.8 mile round trip if you go all the way to the cabin and back. But you don't have to go all the way to the top to experience some great views of the neighboring mountains. It is a beautiful trail any time of the year, but in the winter with the leaves off the trees you can see so much more. I have hiked this trail many times and never met another person, so if solitude is what you are looking for this is the trail to find it!

Wilkes Hiker Carrie Hatfield Ridgell, Boomer, NC

Trail: Mountain Loop at Stone Mountain.

Winter is a great time to hike the Stone Mountain loop trail! If you catch the day just right the sun warms as you hike. There are no bugs and very little crawling critters out on the trail. The loop takes you through the waterfall to the beautiful streams with the mountain laurel and rhododendrons line the trails. The best part of winter hiking is that the cool air refreshes you especially on the strenuous parts of the hike. I love to take our with us when we hike this trail.

Wilkes Hiker Jessica Ferguson, Ronda, NC

Trail: Overmountain Victory Trail

The winter months may seem cold and wet but there are still trails to hike and bike. We enjoy the trails at Kerr Scott Reservoir. My favorite is the Overmountain Victory Trail (OVT) that begins at the ranger station and goes to Bandits Roost campground. OVT, Warrior Creek and the Dark Mountain trails are also excellent for mountain biking. Always be mindful of trail closures, especially in the winter. Closures are reported on the W Kerr Scott Reservoir Facebook page.

Winter Hiking Tips from the Old Farts Hiking Club, Wilkesboro

No matter what time of year you hike, it’s important to be prepared for the weather. That means a little different type of preparation in the winter than in the summer.

First, check with a park ranger or trail guide to make sure the trail is open and accessible. If it is, then the weather conditions become the primary consideration

• If it is dry and the winds are calm, don’t let cold temperatures deter you! Cold alone is not a real factor as you can layer on clothing to stay warm. Make sure your base layer is wool or a synthetic material. Stay away from cotton, as it takes longer to dry and can leave you feeling damp.
• Windy days, however, can drastically change what the temperature feels like. Prepare accordingly, with a proper windbreaker jacket and pants.
• Always wear a warm hood or knit cap, to help keep your body warm.
• Be sure to keep water with you, staying hydrated is just as important in the winter as it is in the summer.

There’s a lot of great hiking opportunities just outside Wilkes County as well. The Old Farts tell us that on higher elevation trails such as those found at Elk Knob State Park, Grandfather Mountain, and Moses Cone Park, if you are lucky, you can hike in a wonderland of trees covered in crystals known as “Rime” or Hoar” ice which are formed under special cold weather conditions. You just have to be careful and avoid being under the trees when the sun warms up and the crystals start to melt and fall off!