When my family and I relocated to Hickory from upstate New York, one of the things we were most excited about was a more moderate winter. Yes, it still gets cold here in western North Carolina, but not “freeze your face off if you step outside” cold! And, our cold spells are often mingled with bouts of warmer weather. When those warmer days hit, my family loves to get outside. It helps break up the monotony of winter. Plus, we’ve found that there is so much beauty to be had outside all year round.
Over the New Year’s holiday, we opted to head outside to nearby South Mountains State Park for a day of hiking. Our destination was High Shoals Falls via the High Shoals Falls Loop Trail. This state park can be busy (even in the winter), so if you want your pick of parking spots and a less crowded trail, plan on arriving by mid-morning. There are bathrooms at the start of the trail. My kids enjoyed taking turns as Trailblazer (the main task on this particular hike was pointing out muddy spots to avoid!) and stopping at a few overlooks. The trail follows, and then crosses, scenic Jacob Fork River. The trail is flat and easy to navigate for about ¾ mile. But, the last ¼ mile to the falls becomes more strenuous as you climb across cascading falls via a boardwalk and up the face of the mountain via stairs and rocks. It was a lot of upward climbing, but was still doable for my 4, 7, and 9 year olds. We opted to carry our 2 year old the last quarter mile. Hiking carriers would be recommended for children under 2. The climbing is well worth it to get to view the majestic 60 ft tall High Shoals Falls from the observation deck. It is so beautiful! It had been raining recently, so the falls were extra full. We took turns getting wet from the spray and enjoyed a quick snack break. We could have carried on the loop for a slightly longer hike (2.7 miles roundtrip,) but instead, decided to turn back the way we came (2 miles roundtrip). It was the perfect length of hike for our crew, and, somehow, despite the muddy conditions, everyone came away relatively clean! We ended our outing with a picnic lunch at the large picnic area, located at the start of the trail, next to the parking lot.
When preparing to hike with your family in the winter, it’s important that your kids wear sturdy, warm sneakers (or hiking boots if they have them) and thick socks. There’s bound to be mud, and your kids need shoes that won’t slip and slide. We keep some extra socks and a kids’ change of clothes in the car, just in case a muddy/wet disaster strikes. Also, be sure to dress in layers. When in doubt, bring an extra jacket for when the clouds roll in and the breeze picks up. As you would for any hike, regardless of season, be sure to pack plenty of water and snacks (kids get hungry when hiking!) and a small first aid kid that has bandaids. Lastly, make sure you have accurate directions, and don’t rely solely on your phone’s GPS. In the mountains, cell coverage can be spotty, and you don’t want to end up stranded in an unknown locale.
Hiking in the winter might take slightly more prep, but it can be just as fun and rewarding as summer hiking – sometimes even more! The lack of foliage on trees can make for breathtaking views and new perspectives. Getting your kids out of the house and able to burn off some of their pent up energy is an added bonus. South Mountains North Carolina State Park is located at 3001 South Mountain Park Avenue. Connelly Springs, NC 28612. Call 828-433-4772 for questions about the park or click here for more information on South Mountains State Park. And, check out the Hickory - W Piedmont Macaroni Kid Events Calendar for activities events hosted by South Mountains State Park Rangers!
Like this article? Be sure to check out our Ultimate Local Winter Guide for more places to get outside in the winter. Subscribe HERE for our FREE Hickory - W Piedmont Macaroni Kid e-newsletter for more local fun ideas delivered right to your inbox!
