Published: November 12, 2024
By Sheila Rupp
Crunching leaves under my feet is my favorite soundtrack this time of year. Add in the smell of pine in the mountain air and it’s complete perfection. Many people think of hiking as a spring and summer activity, but fall and winter are my favorite times to hit the trail. The holiday season is one of the most magical times of the year, filled with family gatherings, traditions, and, of course, delicious food! But as lovely as these moments can be, they sometimes come with a bit of holiday stress, or maybe even feelings of loneliness as many military families are away from extended family or a deployed service member. Getting out for a day of hiking may be exactly what you need to make merry this holiday season!
Scenic views
Leaf-peeping can be one of the most fun activities you can have as a family. The colors are gorgeous and it makes for a great scavenger hunt to find a variety of colored leaves from different types of trees. Checking out the fall colors varies depending on location and weather, and every trail is different!
As the crisp autumn air turns to brisk winters, one of the best parts of a holiday hike is enjoying the beauty of nature in winter. Trails take on a whole new personality as the winter sets in, from frosty leaves and crisp, cool air to scenic vistas that feel quiet and serene. Whether you’re surrounded by snow-capped trees or admiring a clear, brisk day, the outdoors in winter feels fresh and invigorating. If you have a great amount of snow, give snowshoeing a try! One of our favorite pastimes is snowshoeing trails we hike in warmer weather. Keep your eyes peeled for animal tracks in the freshly fallen show, too!
Give pause
Hiking together is a chance to slow down, disconnect from screens, and appreciate the people around you. As you walk, take a moment to talk about what you’re thankful for this season. Kids and adults alike can share their favorite holiday memories or reflect on what they look forward to in the coming year.
Bringing a journal along can also help capture special thoughts and observations from the hike. Encourage family members to jot down what they see or feel during the hike—these reflections make lovely keepsakes to look back on in the years to come.
Make it special
We’re really big hiking and snowshoeing enthusiasts, so it’s an average weekend for us to spend time on the trail. But holiday hikes are a time when we amp it up a bit. We love to bring a thermos full of piping hot cider or hot cocoa in the car to enjoy after our trek. For our trail lunches, we might bring a holiday inspired meal. For Christmas hikes, we might add homemade sugar cookies to our packs, or wear ugly Christmas sweaters as one of our layers. Treating these hikes, regardless of how long or short, a little different, adds to the special atmosphere.
Make it a new tradition
Years ago, when our now-teenage daughter was just a toddler, we set out on a pre-Thanksgiving meal hike. We layered up our gear, packed our snacks, and headed out. She spent half the hike in a carrier and the other half stopping to admire fallen leaves and munching on trail mix. The tradition has continued; now we incorporate the holiday into our hikes, from Thanksgiving-themed meals on the trail or finding turkey-related trail names. We continue to take part year after year, even when our service member is away, building a catalog of “remember that time …” stories.
Making time for a family hike during the holidays is an opportunity to unplug, appreciate nature, and strengthen family bonds. These simple, joyful outings offer a break from the holiday rush and create a tradition that everyone will treasure. So, lace up your hiking boots, bundle up, and take a family hike this holiday season. It’s the perfect way to make memories that last long after the holidays are over. Check out ideas for hiking areas on the Military Families Outdoors page and share your favorites in the Outdoors Community in the Blue Star Neighborhood.