Take a winter hike
through JC Parks

With daylight in short supply and cold weather sticking around through February or later, feelings of restlessness can start to set in — energies wane, moods dip, and many begin to long for the warmth and light of sunny days.

The Cure for Cabin Fever

Consider taking a winter hike through a nearby park with the crunch of frost underfoot and an invigorating chill in the air. Then, finish the walk with a hot cup of coffee or tea and a sweet treat from a local eatery for a perfect winter day.

Jefferson City is a treasure trove of paved walkways and well-kept parkland. With 42% of Jefferson City residents residing within walking distance of a park, and that’s not even considering the 15 miles of the paved Greenway Trail, a piece of JC Parks is just outside the door.

From east-side beauties like Ellis Porter Riverside Park and neighborhood parks like Aurora, Rolling Hills, and Hickory-Adams Park all the way west to the 600+ acre naturescape of Binder Park, there are a multitude of winter landscapes just waiting to be explored. In addition to hiking, those who want to stay active and connect with others can also bike or even possibly snowshoe along a trail.

“Snowshoeing hasn’t happened in the last couple of years because there hasn’t been quite enough snow,” says local outdoor enthusiast Celeste Day Koon. “But, the group still enjoys getting out when it’s cold outside— even for just an hour.”

Celeste leads the Jefferson City Trail Users, a group of residents who love to hike and who also work together to support trail use, maintenance, and improvements. The group welcomes new members often, frequently shares photos from hiking trips, and invite others to join in their community hikes through their Facebook page.

“Last year, we had a trail users hike at McKay Lake in February. We had a wintry mix in the morning that continued through the evening, but six people still came,” Celeste says. “There are some members in the group who are very intrepid.”

Celeste suggests taking advantage of the warmest hours of the day, which is often between 1 and 3 P.M. She also suggests dressing in layers, wearing safe and supportive shoes, and keeping an eye on the weather.

“The warmest place to hike is Frog Hollow,” Celeste adds. “When you step out of your car, it will feel very cold and windy. But when you get back up into the trees, it’s almost 15 degrees warmer. It’s a wonderful place to walk.”

Binder Park gives views of a beautiful frozen tundra with a wide, expansive landscape and incredible views of the lake with surrounding wildlife. Common goldeneyes can often be seen diving into the cold waters of Binder Lake, and bald eagles can be seen circling high in the chilly breeze. Occasionally, hikers can catch a sighting of a doe quietly trekking through one of Binder Park’s trail systems.

“We enjoy walking in every park in the winter that we enjoy in the summer and fall,” says trail user Rick Thom.

Rick has a long history with wildlife, having worked for the Missouri Department of Conservation for nearly three decades. He once cross-country skied to work only to find out that the snowfall had canceled school and closed local businesses – including his. So, he turned right around and skied back home.

“That was long ago with more snowfall,” Rick says. “Cross-country skiing is nothing like downhill skiing, but it is a wonderful workout.”

“Any trail around here that you wouldn’t want to walk on a hundred-degree day is just right in the winter.”

Rick Thom, Jefferson City Trail User

Some people who enjoy the trails during the summer and fall avoid them in the winter, opting for indoor workouts instead. Rick is not one of those people; he enjoys his winter hikes.

“In fact, in a lot of ways, winter is the best time to hike, but you’ve got to just get out there,” he says. “We’ve got a lot of mild days in the wintertime. Any trail around here that you wouldn’t want to walk on a hundred-degree day is just right in the winter. The only drawback I can think of to winter hiking is the shorter days. You just can’t stay out as long.”

Hiking presents a unique opportunity to appreciate nature while also supporting physical and mental health. Walking with a spouse, a friend, or the Jefferson City Trail Users is a great way to incorporate social well-being.

Maria Smith joined the Jefferson City Trail Users back in August when she dropped in on one of their monthly planning meetings. Having recently moved from near the Lake of the Ozarks with her husband, she sought out park maps and trail maps online to begin picking new places to walk.

“We’re still getting used to the trails in Jefferson City,” she says. “We’ve been exploring and have found so many opportunities to get out and walk.”

The pair moved to the area to ensure easier access to healthcare for Maria’s husband. While they enjoy walking together, health factors have limited his ability to walk unpaved trails or take longer excursions.

“I’ve been looking for a group to walk with,” Maria says. “I just knew I needed to find a group of people to walk with and to keep with it. Now, here I am!”

With the falling leaves and chilly breezes comes an opportunity to see Jefferson City parks in a new way. Whether someone is an experienced hiker or just starting, the trails through JC Parks offer natural beauty, activity, and the chance to connect with others through all the seasons.