Five Safety Tips for Enjoying the Wissahickon in Winter
by Amelia Marren, FOW Programs Manager
The air is crisper, the trees are bare, and the temperatures are most definitely colder. These conditions indicate that it is winter here. Winter brings a rare beauty to the Wissahickon. The valley becomes quiet and pronounced. The layers of schist and icicles glisten on the hillside. The songs of cardinals, pileated woodpeckers, and dark-eyed juncos echo across the creek.
These winter wonders are a treasure to explore, but it is important to consider how we can stay safe outdoors in these colder temperatures. As an FOW field staff member and outdoor hobbyist, here are a few beginner safety tips I’ve learned over the years.
1. Dress in Layers
It is very important to dress in layers and cover your whole body. This will not only keep you warm, but it is also an effective way to regulate your body temperature. You want to be warm enough to enjoy the outdoors comfortably without sweating. I suggest wearing wool or synthetic fabrics that are moisture-wicking. If there is snow in the air or on the ground, waterproof outer layers and boots will keep you dry.
Most body heat is released through exposed skin and areas of the body with blood vessels near the skin surface, such as the head. These areas release more heat, so be sure to wear a hat that covers your ears.
2. Keep Moving
While outdoors in the cold, it is important to keep moving. This will keep your blood circulating and your body warm. Make sure to move your fingers and toes, so blood can flow to your extremities and you can avoid frostbite. Hand and foot warmers can be a helpful tool in frosty temperatures, but most of the time, layers and movement are enough to stay warm.
3. Beware of Snow and Ice!
Snow and ice can be slippery and inherently dangerous. Personally, I avoid recreating in icy conditions because of how challenging it is to navigate. If you choose to enjoy the park in icy conditions, make sure you have the right gear. An equipment suggestion for icy conditions are microspikes or chains, slip-on traction devices with spikes that fit onto your shoes. Snowshoes can also be useful in large snow accumulations, so you don’t posthole.
Avoid using the trails right after a snowmelt. The trails will be muddy. It is also important to stay on trail and not avoid the icy hazards by going around them and subsequently widening the trail. These steps can help minimize our impact on the trails.
4. Pack the Essentials
These are common essentials to bring on every outdoor expedition.
- Navigation – Plan ahead and decide what route you are taking. Bring an FOW pocket map or have the FOW Map App downloaded on your phone. Make sure your phone is fully charged before going out. Please note there may not be cell reception in portions of the park.
- Illumination – Since the days are shorter in the winter, bring a light source in case you find yourself in the park after sundown.
- Sun protection – UV rays are still around during the winter. Protect yourself from sun exposure with layers, a brimmed hat, and sunscreen.
- Nutrition – Bring food to nourish yourself.
- Water – it may be cold, but your body still needs to stay hydrated.
- Insulation – Layers will help you stay warm and dry.
- First Aid Kit – Winter brings more hazardous conditions, so being prepared in case of an injury is important.
5. Safety in Company
It is always safest to go out in the park with at least one other person. In case of an emergency, you’ll be glad you went with someone else. If you are excited to go out in the Wissahickon this winter, but you don’t want to go alone or are nervous to hike in the cold, join us for a free guided hike with our volunteer Trail Ambassadors. Trail Ambassadors lead a variety of hikes throughout the year, and you can sign up for one now. Check out our calendar of events here.
Find more general year-round safety tips on our website here.
Photos by Amelia Marren and Shawn Green