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The Lower Trail - WINTER Photo Tour

WINTER is a quiet time on the Lower Trail. For one thing, less people brave the cold and snow to visit in winter. Then too, a blanket of snow is a great sound absorber. In the wintertime, you may hear the sound of woodpeckers as they find their lunch. Cardinals and other winter birds can be heard. Tracks are left in the snow by deer, squirrels, ducks, and other animals.

If there's only an inch or two of snow, shoes or boots with good treads will suffice. If it's deeper than that, try cross-country skiing. The trail is a great place for this sport, since the entire trail is virtually level. The trail is sometimes open for snow-mobiling, also.

Temperatures during the winter months range from lows near or occasionally below zero to highs in the 40s or 50s. Average winter temperatures are probably in the 30s F.

While the trail is open to all visitors year-round, we ask that you take every precaution for a SAFE visit during the winter months. There are always some risks associated with trekking in isolated areas, but snow, ice, and cold temperatures have additional risks associated with them. A backpack with emergency supplies is recommended. We suggest that you visit with a companion who could go for help if needed. Please be advised that there are areas of the trail where cell phone signals may be very weak or non-existent.

Photos for the WINTER tour were taken in January and February 2007, since we didn't have any snow until then. Generally, any snow is gone by mid to late March.

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Photos on this page were submitted by a frequent trail user who prefers to remain anonymous. We really appreciate her letting us use the photos. If you have trail photos from any season that we may use on the site, please email them to: shirlstone@rttcpa.org

Snowy trail along the Juniate River.

Cross-country skier braving the elements on an overcast winter day.

Note that this skier has wisely come equipped with a backpack. He has also visited with a companion - the photographer!

Left - Ancient stone building (now abandoned) along the trail.

Right - Lots of ducks congregating on the river along the trail.

WINTERTIME ON RAILS-TO-TRAILS

By Bob Richers

2006 was a good season for biking late, well into the beginning of winter, due to the mild weather. Some of us rode into December and even into January. Now that the cold fronts and snow have arrived we can still enjoy our rail-trail outings.

One of the best ways to use the trails in the winter season is on cross-country skis. A snow covered trail is even more pleasing to the eye than a multi-colored autumn day. A good set of cross-country skis, poles and boots should run less than $200.00. Additional expenses, such as lift tickets, parking fee etc, are almost non existent. Just like biking, purchase proper fitting and sized equipment. Use a shop with a quality selection of skis and a knowledgeable sales staff. Watch for sales after Christmas and at seasons end.

Now we are ready to ski! Is it cold? I am colder biking on a 50 degree cloudy day than cross country skiing on a 20 degree day. Dressing in layers is important. A pair of heavy socks or two lighter pairs is good. Next wear a pair of blue jeans or sweat pants. A hooded sweatshirt and a vest will permit your arms to remain mobile. Light gloves will keep fingers warm when gripping the ski poles. A pull over cap or headband is nice at the beginning or the outing, but may soon end up in your pocket, unless it gets windy.

Other important equipment is a good pair of wrap-around sunglasses. Even on a cloudy day the snow reflects some light. I usually wear a light backpack to carry discarded clothing. We also pack bottled water, fruit or a snack, toilet tissue in a plastic bag, a cell phone, lighter, camera and ski wax. (No need for ski wax if you have wax-less skies.)

All that is needed to start is about 2 inches of snow. Dry snow is better than wet. On fresh snow, the lead skier breaks the trail. The skiing is easier for the 3rd or 4th person in line. A single pass by a snowmobile helps break the trail when the snow is deeper than 6 inches. Heavy foot traffic, quad tracks and heavy snow mobile traffic makes it difficult for skiing, especially after an overnight freeze.

A skier uses different leg and, to some extent, arm muscles than a bike rider. The first time out, limit your trip to about an hour and a half. Speed is not important. As you progress, remember to go only as fast as the slowest member of your party can go. Turning and stopping is somewhat limited because only the toe tip of you boot attaches to the skis.

That is really all it takes to get started, so if you picked up an unwanted 5 pound “cookie-butt” this winter, turn off the TV and go

visit you wintertime Rail-Trail !!

Be sure to read the article written by one of the trail's most faithful bikers and cross-country skiers. You'll find it below the photos on this page.

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