Finding Magic in Winter’s Stillness

Trails are always busy when there are vibrant bursts of color — reds and golds on a cool day in autumn, pastels of wildflowers on a warm spring day and even rich greens during the summer. Winter is different. The quiet hush of the winter landscape reveals a different kind of beauty, one that is often overlooked. In this stillness, I have had and shared some of my meaningful moments in nature.

My favorite time to hike is after the last leaf has fallen and before the first bloom of spring. The forests open up. The lack of leaves means that you can see things that are hidden the rest of the year. The air is crisp and carries sounds that are unique to winter. The world appears frozen, but you can hear everything around you. Twigs snap, squirrels scurry, birds sing. The small details become more obvious: the tracks of a rabbit in the fresh snow or the weathered bark of the trees.

A First Day Hike is more than just a walk. It is an invitation to this magical world. It is a chance to connect with nature on January 1, when we are tempted to stay indoors. While I enjoy my solo hikes during this time, I love seeing others on the trail. And I love bringing others along. It is a great experience to celebrate the new year with old and new friends in this way, especially people who appreciate the magic of the moment that we are experiencing. Everyone has their own experience, but each of us appreciates the raw, quiet beauty of the season.

For me, a First Day Hike is a ritual and a celebration. I can step into the new year with a sense of calm and clarity, grounded in the resilience of the winter landscape. This hike always reminds me that even in this stillness, there is beauty. We can find true connections with nature and one another in moments when we might not expect them. Being able to share with others on this day enhances it for all. The year starts by sharing this experience with others.

The tone for the year is set.