What to Expect When You Go for a Winter Hike in Branson
Branson is a great place to enjoy winter hike as the place is home to many beautiful hiking trails which many of them feature spectacular waterfalls, rugged hollows, and mountain wilderness.
Many vacationers still choose to visit Branson even during the cold season because of its mild temperature where many of them want to experience an exciting hiking adventure. As you spend a fantastic winter hike in Branson, you can expect to see wild animals such as wild turkey, lizards, bald eagles, fox, and herds of deer in the lush Ozark Mountain forests.
Taking a winter hike in Branson is one of the most exciting activities to enjoy nature as it allows you to see many spectacular sceneries such as the snow-covered plants and trees and freezing streams. For those who want to experience a fascinating winter hike in Branson, you need to know some of the tips that you need to learn before heading to many fantastic trails in Branson.
You also need to be aware that winter hiking comes with its own set of hazards, including short daylight hours and fast-changing, dangerous weather conditions. Just make sure that you’re prepared by wearing layers of warm clothes, bringing the right gear, and staying smart while you’re hiking.
It’s a must to wear several layers of clothes on top and bottom when you go for a winter hike in Branson. Put on at least 3 layers to make you properly protected from harsh weather. You need to wear layers that insulate your bodies, such as wool or fleece.
Then, on the outer layer, make sure it’s a coat that blocks moisture; try to find one with a hoody that you can pull up to cover your head in case there’s a heavy downpour of snow. Use wool or high-tech polyester as your bottom layer, as they move moisture away from your skin. Make the middle layer as the bulkiest, such as insulated fleece or a goose down jacket. Just avoid wearing cotton, as it retains moisture rather than moving it away.
Your feet will be properly protected if you opt for insulated hiking boots, warm socks, and gaiters. You need to wear boots that are made for cold weather so they provide insulation against the cold. Make sure to wear warm socks that wick away moisture, such as the ones made of wool. Gaiters provide extra protection for your legs against the cold, too.
Wear at least two socks, a thin layer with wicking material and then a thicker wool pair. Gaiters should fit your calves and ankles. When you wear them over your boots and pans, they keep snow from getting in. Use boots that have traction devices to dig into the slippery patches.
You must bring a light hat and a heavy hat to keep your head warm and help your brain stay alert. While you go for a winter hike, you should have a light winter hat to provide some protection against the cold. Use a heavy one if you want to sweat while walking. The heavy hat will keep you warm while you rest. Both hats should cover at least the tops of your ears. Choose hats that use natural materials like wool for extra warmth. Fleece is also a good choice if wool isn’t an option.
You need to take with you also light and heavy pairs of gloves when you go for a winter hike. Bring 1 lighter pair of gloves in fleece or wool, and then pick a heavier set that you can wear on top. This pair should be insulated and waterproof. You need also to pack an extra set of clothing. This helps if you get wet on a winter trail, so you can avoid getting cold very fast. You should place a set of dry clothing in your backpack, which allows you to quickly change clothes and stay warm.
Opt for a large water-resistant hiking backpack to carry things like a first aid kit, water, sunscreen, extra layers, and food. Keep them out of the water, as your extra layers are no good to you if they get wet.
Pick one that has a waterproof hood that fits over the pack to help keep water out. You need to bring also snowshoes, skies, or hiking poles for snow and ice. If the snow is more than 8 inches, then you need snowshoes or skies. With any winter weather, you should carry hiking poles just in case, as they can help you when you’re trying to walk through ice areas.
It’s also important for a winter hike to carry high-energy, salty snacks. When you sweat, you need plenty of salt to refuel. The food rich in carbohydrates, fat, and protein also keeps you going on your hike. Just remember that you need to eat more than you normally would do at home. For instance, a trail mix is a good option, since it’s full of protein and fat and high-energy carbohydrates. You could also try granola bars, fresh fruit, beef jerky, and even sports drinks.
You need to bring also 8.5 cups of water at a minimum. You’ll need at least this much for an easy day hike. For a difficult hike, you need to double this. It’s always a good idea to carry more than you think you’ll need. You can also take with you iodine tablet or a filtering straw in case you need to get water out of nearby streams or rivers. You need also to insulate your water bottle to keep it from freezing. Also, make sure to keep your water inside your jacket next to your body, which can help it warm.
Hiking during winter can be harsh if the sun is reflecting off the snow, so bring sunscreen with an SPF of 30+ with you. Apply the sunscreen 30 minutes before hiking under the sun, and then re-apply it every 2 hours throughout the day to the areas of your skin that are exposed. Always apply more sunscreen than necessary. You should use about as much as you could if you’re covering most of your body.
When you go for a winter hike in Branson, you can expect to see many things at some trails, but before hitting the trails, you need to be prepared for yourself and bring important hiking essentials.
