An invigorating chill in the air. Hiking in the winter can be an infinitely rewarding experience. There are no bugs to shoo away or poison ivy to avoid. And with practically no human presence on the mountains, there is a peaceful solitude nearly impossible to attain during the summer. But there is an obvious reason that few creatures are on the trails during the winter.
Extreme weather can kill within minutes.
Mount Washington, in New Hampshire, the Northeast's tallest mountain, has claimed 122 lives since 1849. Each had an extra sweater, but eventually both had trouble walking because their legs were so cold. Without a flashlight, they tried to find the trail in pitch darkness with a cigarette lighter. Luckily, they had a cellular phone and dialed 911. Although exhilarating, winter hiking is also dangerous, even with the proper gear.