Safely enjoying a winter wonderland on the Buckeye Trail

Practical tips for staying safe, warm, and energized while exploring the Buckeye Trail in winter

Most perhaps would hike during the summer when it’s warm and the light filtering through the tree canopy shines on their faces. Some enjoy the somewhat cooler months of spring and autumn. Spring brings new life like the early spring flowers (otherwise known as spring ephemerals) and a migration of birds, easier to spot among the still mostly bare branches. Autumn is wonderful for its fiery colors and the pleasant sound of fallen leaves crunching beneath one’s feet. Winter brings its own beauty and wonder, but it also brings its challenges for hikers and campers.

Hiking safety during winter

Wintertime truly transforms the land, especially when it snows. You could hike a trail during all other seasons and it can still feel like a whole new adventure. Some sights you can only see during this time, such as the large ice pillars that form under waterfalls in Hocking Hills. But before you go on a winter walk, the first thing you absolutely need to do is check the weather conditions and any potential hazards. It is key to prepare properly for your hike. Hypothermia is a risk in temperatures below 50o F (10o C). Weather reports also list what time the sun will set—an important time to note as you’ll either want to return before then or start setting up camp at least an hour in advance. Make sure to have a map and a plan of your route and inform friends and family where you will be and when you plan to return. If you have a hiking partner or group who could join you on your adventure, even better! Hiking with others not only makes hikes a shared experience, but then you all can keep each other safe.

Hiking during winter requires its own dresscode. Hikers should dress in layers of wool or synthetic fabrics (cotton holds moisture). When you hike, your body generates heat and so you may need to remove a layer of clothing along the way so as not to sweat profusely. Have you ever noticed a sudden drop in your body temperature after taking a break during a winter hike? That’s because sweat (any kind of moisture) causes the body to lose heat. It’s what sweat is designed to do, but this can spell disaster when the air temperature is already chilling.

So make sure to cover up! Hats, thick gloves, thick socks, water-proof or resistant boots and scarves. For extra measure, you can pack along hand warmer and toe warmer packets and it never hurts to have extra socks. If your fingers or toes start to feel numb from the cold, make sure to check on them as soon as possible and warm them up. This is the first sign of frostbite, known as frostnip.

Food for Thought

When hiking, it’s a good habit to bring water and snacks with you to stay hydrated and energized. This is still true for winter! It may not be hot and so it may not cross one’s mind, but staying hydrated (especially with a warm drink in a thermos) is important for one’s safety in winter. Our bodies also need food to generate heat to keep us warm. Some great snacks to bring are anything that contain a lot of calories, such as roasted nuts, seeds, or granola treats.

Stages of Frostbite:

First stage: frostnip
Affected area will be paler compared to surrounding skin and feel tingly and numb. Damage is reversible still.

Second stage: superficial frostbite
This is when damage begins to occur. The skin will be soft, but become discolored.

Third stage: severe frostbite.
The skin has now hardened and become cold. It will appear blue or black, indicating death of the skin cells in the affected area. This is a medical emergency.

First aid treatment for cold-related injuries and illnesses

*Send for help immediately.

*Seek shelter in a dry, warmer area. If there is not an indoors
location nearby, take shelter in a natural spot that blocks the
wind and rain/snow.

*Remove any wet clothing and replace with dry clothing or
blankets. Head and neck should absolutely be covered

*Do not massage any frozen or cold skin.

*If there is frost damage, elevate the affected area.

*Offer warm, non-alcoholic beverages.

*Chemical heat packs or hot water bottles should be used to
warm the person’s core to get their body temperature up.

*If with one or more people, huddle together like penguins. Your
collective body warmth will help keep you warmer and block
some wind.

*If you have the means to start a fire, that is another option while
you wait for help.

*Perform CPR if the affected individual stops breathing.

On getting help

Having a radio with you is helpful if you will be in an area with
little to no cell phone service. However, if you don’t have a radio,
here is what you should do with your phone: text 911. If you end
up in service for even a moment, the text will send. Rescuers can
find you via your phone and its signal to a cell tower even when
turned off. You can also record your status and location in your
voicemail so even if you cannot answer the phone, they will receive
information. However, changing your voicemail will deplete your
battery quicker, so if you have service, it’s best to preserve the
battery so that you can answer the phone if park rangers call you.
If you have no radio and your cellphone is dead, your last resort
will be sending smoke signals—continous single columns.