Winter hiking: The best trails to explore in December

Winter hiking is always a fascinating experience since it provides fresh air, stunning scenery, and fascinatingly beautiful trails covered with snow. Those who do not know what to do with themselves in December can surely go outside and travel to the best winter hiking destinations during winter. Be it adventure in the physically challenging terrain, or the natural beauty of winter hiking vacations help you achieve a natural experience. Here are some of the places to explore in December for that great hiking experience.

Banff National Park, Canada

Banff National park in Alberta is perhaps one of the best winter destinations for hiking. Many trails such as the Johnston Canyon and the Tunnel Mountain have an added bonus of having opportunities to set your eyes on frozen waterfalls and snowy mountain tops. During winter, the park presents a scenery that obviously depicts a wonderland, making it a perfect holiday destination for travelers who prefer a quiet but slightly more adventurous destination.

Laugavegur Trail, Iceland

While most active in summer, the Laugavegur Trail provides limited scope for winter trekking, though this can be quite exciting. It’s considered one of the best hiking in December in the world which has geothermal hot springs, volcanic areas and ice-cold rivers. As a more difficult trail and with the decreased daylight, this offers a visually stunning adventure for those willing to take it on.

Zermatt, Switzerland

Switzerland means winter sports, however, it is filled with many winter hiking destinations Europe fanatics cherish. This is specifically true for Zermatt, which has trails like Five Lakes Walk or Gornergrat. These paths provide the spectacular view of Matterhorn and other magnificent Alpines; The region is considered one of the best winter hiking destinations in the Europe.

Great Smoky Mountains, USA

The Great Smoky Mountains, spanning North Carolina and Tennessee, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a haven for nature lovers. Renowned for mist-covered peaks, vibrant wildflowers, and diverse wildlife, this national park offers breathtaking landscapes year-round. For hikers in the United States, even in December, the Great Smoky Mountains offer easy, beautiful hikes. Two best trails which one can consider for their serene forest and beautiful view of the winter are Alum Cave Trail and Laurel Falls Trail. For hikers who want to go for a moderate hike, these trails are perfect as they reveal why the Smokies are among the best winter destinations in North America.

Dolomites, Italy

The Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage site in northern Italy, are a paradise for nature and adventure enthusiasts. The Italian’s magnificent mountains or the Dolomites are steep and beautiful and offer beautiful alpine villages which makes winter hiking spectacular. Such trail as Tre Cime di Lavaredo provide breathtaking views of snowy landscapes that put the Dolomites into the list of the best hiking in December in the world. Additionally, tourists will get a chance to exploit the local food and accommodation services while trailing.

Mount Fuji, Japan

Winter hikes on Mount Fuji are demanding but fascinating project for all those who like hiking. The trails are covered in snow, and it is one of the most popular winter hiking destinations in Japan; the famous Mount Fuji. This is largely so since the journey up requires proper preparation, but there are always other paths, other areas that one can enjoy Fuji’s winter scenery.

Trolltunga, Norway

The Trolltunga trail in Norway has become a dream trail for all winter hiking lovers around the world. The cliff dominating the area and towering above the fjord forces a stunning view of the snowy Norwegian landscape. Despite some obstacles, which are characteristic for winter hiking, this trail is one of the most fascinating winter hiking destinations in Europe.

Patagonia, Argentina and Chile

Any traveler planning on having his or her winter hiking vacations in the Southern part of the globe, should consider making Patagonia a must-stop region. The Torres del Paine National Park is especially recommended for hiking: it is furnished with the jagged peaks, glaciers and vast valleys. Although, December is summer for Patagonia, it has relatively low temperatures, and one will most probably not find himself surrounded by numerous tourists.

Lake District, England

Some of the beautiful walks that one can undertake include the walks in the Lake District in the UK, which are rather cute, especially when explored in December. Wonderful views of snowy fells, a multitude of calm lakes, and cozy villages in addition to low tourists’ interest make it one of the best places to explore in December. Mild but with certain degree of difficulty like Catbells and Helvellyn offer beautiful scenery once at the top.

Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

If you're seeking for the interesting trip, the best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro is in December. The dry season is characterised by clear weather, perfect for view sighting from the Roof of Africa. This difficult trail is considered one of the best hiking in December in the world, combining stamina with incredible views.

Tips for a successful Winter hike

Winter hiking can be demanding, so preparation is key to a safe and enjoyable adventure.

• Dress in layers: Wear moisture-wicking and insulated clothing to stay warm.
• Check weather conditions: Winter weather can be unpredictable; stay updated on forecasts.
• Carry the essentials: Pack water, snacks, a first-aid kit, and navigation tools.
• Hike with a partner: For safety, avoid hiking alone in remote areas.
• Choose suitable trails: Select trails that match your skill level and fitness.

Why Winter hiking is worth it

One gets to embrace the challenges of winter hiking in order to get the next best awesomeness. Even if you are all alone you hike through snow covered forest or just enjoy the view of the frozen tundra, the experience is unique. Such best winter destinations not only have the positive effects on people’s physical and mental health but also offer them the opportunity to observe the beauty of the Earth at its best.

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Which trek is best to do in December?

The best trek in December depends on your desired experience. For snow lovers, the Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal offers breathtaking Himalayan views and a serene winter atmosphere. In India, the Kedarkantha Trek is perfect for beginners, featuring snow-laden trails and panoramic vistas. For tropical adventures, head to South America’s Torres del Paine W Trek in Patagonia, known for its dramatic landscapes.