Why I Never Go on a Winter Hike Without a Plan

There was a time when I believed in the phrase “just a quick hike.”

This story is about the hike that cured me of that belief.

A few years ago, my husband and I were camping with friends at Big South Fork. Camp was set up late in the afternoon, the light was golden, and the woods were calling. We had a couple hours before sunset and thought, Why not squeeze in a quick hike?

I even picked the trail and chose a turnaround point that would get us back before dark. Feeling very responsible, very outdoorsy.

We didn’t bring any gear—no packs, no layers, no food, no lights—because we weren’t planning to be out long.

Spoiler: plans change.

We reached our turnaround point much sooner than expected and decided to go a little farther. Still daylight. Still calm. Still making questionable choices.

As the woods started getting darker, we realized we couldn’t find the turnaround point.

Because… we had already passed it, and we ALL forgot that we had decided to hike past it.

Now we’re deep in the forest, daylight slipping away, and one of our friends—who grew up in South Africa—is understandably panicking about wildlife. I’m trying to reassure her by explaining that we don’t have lions, rhinos, or hyenas here. Meanwhile, my internal voice is quietly spiraling because bears are still bears and coyotes are still coyotes—and I did not pack for this.

That’s when it really hit me: we might be spending the night out here. Cold. Uncomfortable. Unprepared.

By sheer luck (and a lot of wandering), we eventually stumbled onto a road and were able to hitch a ride back to camp with some kind strangers we met along the way. Trail angels are very real.

We made it back safe—but the lesson stuck.

The Lesson Winter Hiking Taught Me

Now, I never step on trail without a plan to be lost.

That means:

• I tell someone where I’m going and when I’ll be back
• I download maps ahead of time
• I carry enough gear, food, and layers to get through the night if I have to

Not because I expect things to go wrong—but because sometimes they do.

Winter hiking is beautiful, grounding, and incredibly empowering. But it also demands a little extra respect. Short daylight hours, changing weather, and quiet trails mean preparation matters more than ever.

You don’t need to be extreme or fearless to belong outside. You just need to be thoughtful and prepared.

Download the Free Winter Hiking Checklist

That hike inspired me to create something I wish I’d had back then.

I put together a free Winter Hiking Checklist—a simple, one-page guide designed to help you feel confident, cozy, and prepared on the trail. It covers planning, safety essentials, winter-specific gear, food, and comfort items so you can head out knowing you’ve got a plan—even if things go sideways.

You can download the checklist HERE. 

Save it to your phone. Print it out. Tape it by the door.

Because confidence on the trail starts before you leave the house—and you deserve to feel at home out there. 🤍❄️