The trails are beautiful and the mountain air is soothing, but its hard to remain confident in your hike when a grizzly could be around any corner. Donaldson. 12 Top-Rated Hiking Trails in Vermont | PlanetWare Emmons are about 18 miles round trip. Haystack is far in the backcountry. Cascade Mountain, NY. Its the danger that makes Precipice Trail so difficult. That is the first of many summits of the day. Timberline TrailMount Hood National Forest, Oregon. Over the course of a 3 or 4-mile descent, this can really add up in reduced wear and tear on your knees. Camp at Sitting Bear for sunset views all the way to Grandfather Mountain, or watch the sunrise from the iconic Chimneys rock formation. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The Appalachian Mountain Clubs Galehead Hut, near the halfway point, provides the logistical advantage of a water resupply and leftover pancakes-but tempts you to linger so long you may never get up again. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. July 20, 2022 by Julian Hooper. Hardest hikes in the US: 7 trails for experienced adventurers When we are looking at what makes a hike hard there are 4 main factors that affect the difficulty. They are both long and rugged but Skylight gets the edge in toughness because of the extra climbing. There are no views to motivate you to press on. A lot of the trail is steep slab climbing with only roots at the side of the trail for handholds. Visit Japan: Best Tours to the Top Places. Since it is so difficult, there are minimal crowds.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'trainsplanesandtuktuks_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_12',189,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-trainsplanesandtuktuks_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0'); The mileage depends on how many nights you want to backpack and what trails you want to hike. It is a beautiful hike with lots of variety from staircases to boulder jumping to wooden bridges, meaning hikers will experience a lot in the 2-3 hour walk. Many trails in the Adirondack High Peaks have sections that require you to scramble with the assistance of your hands as well. If you thought you had to dig deep before, wait until you reach the Mau-Har Trail at the 9.3-mile mark. This 20.4-mile hike traverses some of New Hampshire's highest mountains. 5 What are the best hiking spots in the US? Places like the slabs on Gothics mountain have steel cables to grab that assist climbing and descending. Explore the state's beautiful scenery with our list of the top hiking trails in Vermont. Its lovingly named ITAYG which stands for Is That All You Got?. This has to be the Great Ranger Traverse. If you're already ticking off routes in the Whites, the Six Husbands Trail on the east side of Mt. These 8 trails are not the only extremely difficult hikes in the country, of course. This is where you have the steel cables to help to descend the steep slabs. Here you can pick up the southbound Appalachian Trail that will guide you through the George Washington National Forest. The states 6-year-old reckless hiker law means that if you try something hairball and need to be rescued, you reimburse the costs. In Glacier National Park, the odds of you having an encounter with a bear are higher than anywhere else in the Lower 48 states. What It's Like to Hike 2,000+ Miles with Your Best Friend What is the most difficult hike in NH? | Hiker Rest Stop Giant mountain is a 3050-foot elevation gain over 3 miles and you return the same way. You could get trapped in long lines at Peekaboo Slot Canyon. Find your pace that you can hold without having to take breaks every 5 minutes. The Lower Gulch route runs in the opposite direction. The top of Upper Yosemite Falls has an amazing panoramic view. Within the first few miles they end up so fatigued they have to take extended breaks with really slows down your overall pace. Are there any national parks on the east coast? Be prepared with the right gear i.e. The Kalalau Trail, or NaPali Coast Trail, is routinely ranked as one of the 10 most dangerous trails in the world. Focus instead on the Eden of wildflowers, gnarled trees, glaciers, and mountain goats. The Smokies famed low clouds and chronically wet ground (Bryson writes of rain falling there with an endless, typewriter pattern) lend the incessant downhill a distinctly Appalachian flavor-youll churn through slick mud, rocks, and roots. Credit: Sarah Quandt Gray Peak, Mount Skylight, and Mount Marcy Distance: 17 miles Elevation Gain: 5,200 feet Trail Head: Adirondack Loj / Heart Lake A thru-hike is a long-distance backpacking trip that often takes up an entire season. For too long, athletically built White men have used its too hard for you as a tool to gatekeep the outdoors for people who look like them. One recent study suggests there are more than 550 bears in the park, leading to a ratio of 35 bears every 2.5 square kilometer. One mistake and you could be left for up to three days waiting for a rescue committee. What is the hardest hike on the East coast? what is the hardest hike in the northeast? The fact that 1 in 4 people don't finish the thru-hike (hiking the entire trail in 12 months or less) with more than 3,000 hikers attempting it every year, didn't ease my mind either. Another popular hike is the Brandywine Gorge Trail Loop. The best times to visit this trail are May through October. Hood. Want to climb the highest peak in the Northeast the hard way? These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Contact: Appalachian Trail Conference, (304) 535-6331; www.appalachiantrail.org. easiest to hardest adirondack high peaks - simpsonpeterson.com North Mount Elbert Trail | Map, Guide - Colorado | AllTrails Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this sites author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. On crowded weekends, hikers clog up the cables, making it impossible to make a quick escape should a storm roll in. Grand Canyon South Rim to North Rim AZ Score: 74 Miles: 21 Elevation Change: 10,500 feet X Factor: Dehydrating heat, For sheer majesty, this beauty takes the cake. They will help you keep your balance and regain your footing should you take a slip. Every step downhill is an eccentric lengthening of the muscles under load, which is why you will often be sore in the quadriceps (front of the thighs) the day after a hike with a lot of descending. Imagine a trail that descends into a massive hole that you have to climb back out of thats the South Kaibab and Bright Angel Trails. Peak summer heat is another challenge. scioto county mugshots busted newspaper. 53: Kettlebell Training For the Outdoor Athlete. Experience this 9.5-mile out-and-back trail near Twin Lakes, Colorado. After even just a little bit of rain, the trail turns into a disastrous slip n slide, which isnt as fun when youre on the edge of a 90 metre (295 foot) cliff that falls right into a rocky surf. Old Rag Mountain via the Ridge Trail, Virginia. what is the hardest hike in the northeast? Location: Pasayten Length: 12 miles, roundtrip Elevation Gain: 1,550 feet Highest Point: 7,200 feet Best Season: July - October Horseshoe Basin. The Half Dome | Art Markiv/Unsplash Get to the trailhead as early as possible (no later than 2 am) and ensure the weather conditions are right for summiting (summers are usually ideal). Locals ID dayhikers who pull off this feat by their gimpy gait; they call it the Grand Canyon Shuffle.Contact: Grand Canyon National Park, (928) 638-7888; www.nps.gov/grca, 8. The end is near when you reach the Maupin Field Shelter at the 13-mile mark. Heres How it Went. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Distance: Varies depending on trail choices, typically 37-45 milesElevation gain: 9,000+ feet, of which 6,000 is concentrated in just 9 miles.Permits required: Yes, on weekends from April-October. 42: Outdoors for Newbies, LiveWild Radio Podcast Ep. Then the trail takes you on to Hedgehog mountain before you start ascending peaks that are on the 46er list. When I'm extolling the virtues of the High Peaks to my local hiking brethren, one of the top attractions is just how gnarly the routes are. What Is The Hardest Hike In The Adirondack High Peaks? - Livewildradio.com The rougher the terrain the harder the hike will be. Sign up for Outside+ today. At the first sign of clouds descend as soon as you possibly can. To put a finer point on it, theres a popular loop that encompasses half the Grand Loop the easier half. Haystack. These notable thru-hikes in North America belong on any backpacker's bucket list. From Cloud Cap Saddle, for example, youll lurch 1,500 feet up in less than 3 miles, then drop more than 1,800 feet in the next 2. The map indicated that I should scramble into the canyon below. The route scales nine peaks, including six 4,000-footers and the aforementioned 5,344-foot Mt. Buckskin Gulch, Utah 2. The first mile begins mostly shaded and ends at Columbia Rock. Its known as the Grand Canyon of the East. . Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Carrie Mann and Trains,Planes and Tuk Tuks with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. The longer the hike the more demanding it will be. Contact: Wenatchee National Forest, (509) 548-6977; www.fs.fed.us/r6/wenatchee, 9. The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. Starting at the Waipiti Lake Trailhead, follow the Waipiti Lake Trail for 0.6 miles (1km) and then turn left at the junction to join the Clear Lake-Ribbon Lake trail. How steep is the Grand Canyon hike? - 2023 Get to know the winter safety gear you need in your pack. by RyderS Wed Jul 18, 2012 1:56 pm. From here, its just 2 miles to complete the hike in the parking area. Along the way, I saw mountain lion droppings and a peregrine falcon. Here's my top picks. Numerous climbs and descents hamper your progress. The toughest trail: Ryan Mountain See park-trails map Vermont's highest mountain is also one of its most interesting and rewarding, not only for the sweeping views, but for the more than two miles of ridge-top hiking above tree line. Make sure to add this difficult hike to your. The Black Mountain Crest Trail is a point-to-point featuring the two highest peaks on the east coast. Contact: Grand Teton National Park, (307) 739-3300; www.nps.gov/grte, 10. In fact, there are 7 US National Parks on the East Coast. But just because its popular, doesnt mean its easy This 22 kilometre hike will push you to your physical limits; from fatigue, altitude sickness, and dehydration the possibilities seem endless. The trail is home to whats called the death zone an area where temperatures reach well over 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit), leading to heat illness and exhaustion. ____7____. Non-GPS navigation skills open up these trails, and thousands more across the country, as safe possibilities. The trail gets ruthless on the fierce half-mile climb to 3,331-foot South Horn, the ridges are waterless, and the summits windy and exposed. At least five deaths were reported in hard-hit Kentucky, Gov. The Appalachian Trails infamous switchback-free section from Newfound Gap to TN 32 at the national parks northeast corner breaks you down mentally and physically, rising 4,600 feet and dropping (perhaps literally) a staggering 7,678. Its a popular hike, but still one of the most difficult. 30: ADK Ranger Scott van Laer about his epic tales of search and rescues. what is the hardest hike in the northeast? There are many ways down from the summit. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Then, youll wade across the Hanakapiai River. Theres truly nothing like the Gorge if youre up for the challenge. What is the hardest hike on the East coast? - Sage-Answer Devil's Path | Green County, N.Y. What is the hardest hike in the US? Sure, you could drive along Highway 12, through the town of Escalante, and be fooled into thinking theres civilization here. If we think of smooth, flat trails as the easiest form of hiking then steep, mountainous terrain that is uneven would be at the other end of the spectrum. Hood National Forest, (503) 668-1700; www.fs.fed.us/r6/mthood, 2. An early-morning police shooting Saturday sent one man to the hospital in critical condition after Columbus police said the man shot at them, prompting them . Distance: As long as you want I went out for about 7 miles, turned around, and got lost on the way back. Contact: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, (865) 436-1297; www.nps.gov/grsm, 7. Notes: Walking poles are a must for this route. Photo by trip reporter Wild Side. Send us a note or comment with your hardest routes in the High Peaks. The route scales nine peaks, including six 4,000-footers and the aforementioned 5,344-foot Mt. 1. Jefferson is pretty tough. With incredible views, youll want to soak it in! How hard is hiking the Grand Canyon? But I . Whitney-but on the highest peak in the lower 48, you begin at 8,360 feet. Its not cool our public lands are for everyone. Notes: Almost every fall from Half Dome has occurred when the rock was wet. The 3.2 mile loop seems short, but the trail quickly rises over 1,000 feet on sheer cliff faces. 100 Mile Wilderness. Having been a visitor to the Adirondack High Peaks for over 30 years and we talk all about it in LiveWild Raido's Podcast Ep. The line between them is thin, subjective, and different for every person. This trail is one of the hardest hikes in the US due to how hot it is and how little water there is. But numerous cols and false summits, plus heinously eroded trail beds, wear you down physically and psychologically. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. While undeniably beautiful, this expert level hike is not the place for inexperienced hikers. 3 Where can you go backpacking in the US? This goes especially for harder terrain. Contact: San Juan National Forest, (970) 247-4874; www.fs.fed.us/-r2/sanjuan; Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, (970) 247-2733; www.durangotrain.com, 5. From the start, you are climbing, but thankfully you are quickly rewarded with a scenic west-facing view before the 1-mile mark. There is no route option that doesnt require each of the above at least once. Be ready for dazzling views and pitiless winds above treeline-and go hard; even if youve lucked into a tailwind, this is likely a 16-hour trek, with miles of jouncing descent on shaky legs in the dark, even on summers longest days. Backpacking Has Changed a Lot Over the Past 50 Years. The 100 Mile Wilderness is a section of the Appalachian Trail in northern Maine that is one of the most remote stretches of trail in North . What Is The Hardest Hike In The Adirondack High Peaks? Whats the most extreme hike youve ever been on? Dont miss the slot canyon on the Joint Trail. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Ted's Bio; Fact Sheet; Hoja Informativa Del Ted Fund; Ted Fund Board 2021-22; 2021 Ted Fund Donors; Ted Fund Donors Over the Years. No need for an expensive navigation course! Enchantment Lakes Traverse Cascade Range, WA Score: 71 Miles: 18 Elevation Change: 11,000 feet X Factor: Sketchy footing up high, When you eyeball the route over 7,800-foot Aasgard Pass into the massive cliffs hemming in Colchuck Lake, youll know why this hike made the list: The loose, primitive footpath climbs a ridiculously steep 2,200 feet in three-quarters of a mile. See Also: Extreme Travel Adventures: The Most Extreme Vacations in the US. There are a lot of technical sections that take scrambling and skill to get through but my two favorites would have to the Saddleback Cliff and the backside of Mt. I rolled up to the backcountry permit office on Memorial Day weekend to ask for recommendations. Lower Wolf Jaw is followed by Upper Wolf Jaw. But one of the most common questions I get asked by hardcore hikers is what is the hardest hiking route? The good news: Its tough to get lost; hike clockwise and keep the volcano on your right. What goes up, must come down and this is where the beating on the joints comes in. For this, I picked something that is challenging but well under 10 miles round trip. Culminating at the tallest, Mt Mitchell at 6,684ft. Plus you have to grab onto roots and rocks the pull yourself up the trail, and when I did it a few years ago everything was still covered in forest fire ash so your hands were pure black by the end. New England Outdoor Bucket List: The Best Hikes and Views in the Northeast But these are Oregons Cascades, so the challenge goes well beyond trekking more than a marathon and a halfs worth of miles. The South Kaibab Trail drops 7 stunning miles and 4,700 feet from the South Rim to the Colorado River; the 14 miles up the North Kaibab Trail are less steep (and less crowded) but beyond epic in duration. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Save 10% on your fitness equipment by using Coupon Code "LIVEWILD" Where is the best place to hike in the USA? What is causing the plague in Thebes and how can it be fixed? what is the hardest hike in the northeast? Save some money meanwhile also supporting us. While it doesn't require ropes for protection it can seem very daunting to someone with no rock climbing experience. This makes for a great place to begin hiking but it doesn't take long before the challenge seekers yearn for something harder. Contact: White Mountain National Forest, (603) 528- 8721; www.fs.fed.us/r9/white, 3. irregular terrain demands much more from the stabilizer muscles to keep you from falling over. I hit the top of Rooster Comb just as the sun finally came up. Unlike some of the previous hikes, the Muir Snowfield is difficult due to its extremely cold temperatures and unforgiving arctic landscape. It once logged 231 mph winds, the current record for the highest wind speed on land (not associated with a hurricane). You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Contact: Adirondack Mountain Club, (518) 668-4447; www.adk.org, 4. They take a significant amount of advanced planning and preparation, but the journey is often memorable and rewarding. Because over 80% of the island of Kauai is inaccessible via roads, hiking is the only way to experience the NaPali coast up close. They become available at midnight Hawaiian time 60 days before your hike and theyre gone by 12:05 am. Skylight is both taller at 4926 feet with more climbing on the day to get to it at around 4300 feet. Drownings are alarmingly common from flash floods at the many river crossings and currents on the beaches. trekking poles for this hike! Recommended by Michelle of The Wandering Queenif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'trainsplanesandtuktuks_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_10',175,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-trainsplanesandtuktuks_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0'); One of the best backpacking trips in Utah is located in theNeedles district in Canyonlands National Park. Some involve bushwhacking through nettles so thick you cant even see where youre going. Both Skylight and Mt. By clicking Accept All Cookies you agree with the use of analytical and tracking cookies. Inca Trail, Peru. Washington. On a hot summer day, you will need it! Recommendations for hiking Precipice Trail: wear good hiking boots that grip, a light backpack for water and snacks, keep your hands free with a GOPro headmount for photos, and dont look down! Steep climbs exposed rock slabs and blazed trails that are nothing more than markers painted on the leftovers of an old rock slide. The United States has over 600 million acres of public lands, waiting to be explored. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. what is the hardest hike in the northeast? At 14,440 feet Mount Elbert is the highest peak in . But if youre up for a real challenge, the Keyhole Route is the best trail for those who dont mind getting sweaty. This is accentuated if you are wearing a pack with your camping gear as you have to brake even more weight. How hard a hike is will have a lot to do with the weather. Garfield, South Twin, and the Bonds. Backpackers are not allowed to camp in the Gorge longer than that. It is within the abilities of any fit, healthy person but if you aren't used to using your hands when you hike it can be a bit unnerving. At the pass, drink in views up and down the range, but dont celebrate yet: 11 long miles down Cascade Canyon await. Studies have shown that using poles reduces the impact on your knees by up to 30%. Note that this is not a hike to be taken lightly, and many people have had to get rescued for biting more than they can chew. Mount Sterling Loop Trail (Via Low Gap)Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee. 7 Best Hikes To Experience In Ohio - TravelAwaits Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. On the list of peaks you'll tag is Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeast and known for having the worst weather in the world. what is the hardest hike in the northeast? - fennimuayene.net This is a great place to day hike, and it is a magnificent area to explore in the early morning. While there is a road that could take you to the summit, most hikers agree thats the easy way out. This area in Upstate New York was lucky enough to not be ground down by the glaciers during the last ice age, leaving steep rocky mountains for us to enjoy suffering on. For longer hikes, look for a pack between 30-50 L with an integrated frame (to prevent the bag from putting too much pressure on . These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Just south of the village you pick up the trail up to Rooster Comb. Precipice Trail is perfect for thrill-seekers who will take pride in surviving Acadia Parks most dangerous hike. Keep your hands free on this hike so as to grip those iron rungs tightly. Ranked by difficulty, these are the seven hardest hikes in the US based on a number of factors; including physical difficulties, risks and dangers, logistics, and uncontrollable environmental considerations. Windom Peak San Juan Mountains, CO Score: 85 Miles: 20 Elevation Change: 11,600 feet X Factor: Violent thunderstorms, Once you commit to Windom, theres no dawdling over views: In summer, the lightning risk is so great that climbers should top out by 11 a.m. That isnt easy, given the 10-mile, 5,800-foot hump through increasingly thin air to the precarious 14,082-foot summit. They are both long and rugged but Skylight gets the edge in toughness because of the extra climbing. Since Emmons is one of the lowest of 46ers it doesn't have the best views but you are more likely to see fewer people due to its location. Not to mention you must be good with heights, as hikers climb up steel cables bolted into the rock all the way to the top. Gothics, at 12 miles, and Lower Wolfjaw, at 8.5, could be combined in a long, long day, but I'll do each individually. There are many ways down from the summit. They have lots of accommodations for hikers which I made use of. It can really only be done in dry weather, as rainy conditions make many parts of the trail impassible.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'trainsplanesandtuktuks_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_8',600,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-trainsplanesandtuktuks_com-large-leaderboard-2-0'); The first two miles are muddy and there are some ups and downs. But come prepared for wild temperature inversions and possible rain and hail up high; the worst scenario is to be forced to descend waterless in the ruthless afternoon heat. In fact, youll need to catch an 1880s steam locomotive that follows the Animas River Canyon just to get to the trailhead, then camp nearby (no hardship-its lovely aspen country) for the compulsory alpine start. The Needles are jutting out in the distance, and it is utterly stunning. I started in the Village of Keene Valley before the sun came up. That said, some people argue the risk of lighting strikes on the way up isnt worth the struggle. Emmons is at a height of 4040 feet. ), Youthinknavigation through a canyon would be easy just follow the riverbed but Escalante contains entire canyon systems, formed by rivers with many intersecting forks. PONTA DO CLERIGO HIKE ON MADEIRA - Journey Era Gaining 2000 feet over 2 miles is much harder than gaining the same height over 5 miles even though it will often take less time. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Start before dawn, because temps hit triple digits more than 100 days a year, and theres no water below 8,500 feet. Great Range Traverse Adirondacks, NY Score: 90 Miles: 25 Elevation Change: 17,600 feet X Factor: Endless ups and downs, Theres no small irony in the fact that New Yorks tallest peak is merely the last challenge on this classic loop-and far from the toughest. Kalalau . When she isn't planning her next trip, she can be found watching Netflix documentaries, enjoying time by the water, or eating soft-serveice cream. By the time I hit Johns Brook Lodge, it was dark but the terrain had eased off so it wasn't bad to hike via headlamp. When first hiking in the mountains many people get too excited and go too fast from the beginning. Both Skylight and Mt. You don't want to be on a summit or exposed ridge-line when there is the risk of lightning. Backpacker Magazine calls it one of America's hardest day hikes - and I'd buy anyone a beer who is able to complete the entire thing in a day. I did not see another human or even a sign that another human had ever been there, like, ever the whole time. You could follow the Mt. See Also: Preparing for High Altitude Hiking: Your Guide. What characteristics allow plants to survive in the desert? As the state with the highest elevation, Colorados mountains see an outstanding amount of electrical activity, the biggest hot spot being Pikes Peak. It becomes a difficult hike to manage, due to the planning and preparation it takes to confidently say you could survive a bear attack. I Tried to Sew My Own Ultralight Tent. Your muscles will be tensed the entire hike! There is a category for winter and the rest of the year so you can end up with two badges if you are ambitious. Mansfield. But if youre up for the challenge, it is one of the most rewarding experiences. What are the best hiking spots in the US? Home; About. Additionally, its crucial to let the rangers know youll be doing this hike, so they can start a rescue party same-day if needed. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. A backpacking favorite where you can spend a dayor a weekexploring the wonders of this alpine landscape. The trail through 9 US states including New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, California, and Arizona. The scenery was otherworldly if you picture a nuclear apocalypse where youre the only survivor, thats how it felt.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'trainsplanesandtuktuks_com-netboard-1','ezslot_21',603,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-trainsplanesandtuktuks_com-netboard-1-0'); I drank every drop of the 8 liters of water. That being said, the scenery is mind-blowing. June 16, 2022 . 11 of the Most Dangerous Hikes in the U.S. - Wildland Trekking 29: Adirondack Adventures, LiveWild Radio Podcast Ep. what is the hardest hike in the northeast? Be sure to bring at least three to four liters of water, as well as a water filter and purifier to fill up at streams along the way. When dressed in winter clothing you have increased resistance compared to hiking in shorts in the summer. Eccentric (lower your weight) loading is the prime cause of sore muscles when you lift weights.