This might be a bit of an ironic post, given the Winter Storm Watches that will cover the Michigan weather map tomorrow, but there are some very unique joys to winter hiking in Michigan.

The first benefits to winter hiking are the improved scenic views.  Michigan is a largely flat state.  Scenic views are difficult to come by.  This is especially true during the late spring, summer and fall.  Leaves and other vegetation just always get in the way.  There are many places in southeast Michigan with hidden lakes, streams and rivers.  A month ago, they were hidden.  Today, these are possible to view.

Another benefit to the frozen season is the improved ability to locate “legacy” paths.  Legacy paths are those that were created during a previous era of ownership or management.  Owners or management objectives changed and these trails were left to die.  When vegetation dies, many of these paths emerge from the brush.  Illegal renegade trails and deer paths also reappear.  This is a boon to the adventurous hiker.  The Waterloo and Pinckney Recreation Areas and Michigan’s state game areas are great places to find such legacy trails.

The ground also begins to change during winter, opening additional hiking possibilities.  Muddy areas will often solidify during below-freezing periods.  I was able to hike to Lake Erie at the Pointe Aux Peaux State Game Area in Monroe County several years ago over frozen creek mud.  During a low water period at Sterling State Park, I was able to hike across hardened mud and connect the islands near the boat launch area on the north side of the park.  And the Woodtick Peninsula and marsh areas in the Erie State Game Area CAN be much easier to hike when the western Lake Erie ice and mud freezes solid.  This, however, should only be trusted during the coldest weather and in the most shallow lake areas.  Otherwise, it can be dangerous.

The onset of winter does several additional things.  It tends to clear the trails of warm-weather traffic.  It takes a hardy hiker or mountain biker to take to the trails in cold weather.  On several occasions, I have stood at the tip of the Pointe Mouillee State Game Area in north Monroe County and looked across miles of frozen Lake Erie ice.  It might as well be the Arctic.  The point is about 2.5 miles from the nearest parking area and I know that the winds have had nothing to stop them since Cleveland.  For some reason, I just love to put my head down and hike straight into that, lonely, beautiful wind.  It is exhilarating and good for the soul.

The hunting seasons also begin to abate during the winter months.  We are just reaching the end of the traditional firearms deer season.  There are some extended gun deer seasons in portions of lower Michigan, but we are entering the downslope of the hunting seasons.  By January 1, it will be possible to safely hike in the state game areas again.  For winter campers, it is also possible in these months to backpack camp in these same state game areas.

So, here’s my recommendation.  Turn down the fireplace, kick off the fleece blanket and get out on the trail.  Cold weather is good hiking weather.

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