Winter is here and a crisp cold air has settled across New England. At first glance, it feels like nature has hunkered down for the winter too, just like many of us. But if you bundle up, step oustide, and look closely — this time of year there’s much to explore and enojoy outside. From snow coating the ground and gently muffling the noises of daily life, to the soft chittering of birds, step outside and take in the beauty of winter.

Taking your First Steps

Rue Mapp, Founder and CEO of Outdoor Afro, and The Trustees’ 2025 Charles Eliot Award Winner, is a proponent of venturing outdoors year-round, but is familiar with the barriers that can pop-up along the way.

“Start small and start close,” she says. “Winter doesn’t require a grand plan. Sometimes it’s just stepping outside for ten minutes of daylight, a neighborhood walk, or time under an open sky. When you lower the bar and build consistency, winter becomes something you move with, not something you avoid.”

Mapp adds, “Winter is a great season for walking, birding, trail strolling, photography, journaling outdoors, or simply sitting quietly in nature. You don’t have to break a sweat to benefit—sometimes just noticing what’s still alive and moving in winter is enough.”

There are many no-cost or low-cost ways to enjoy getting outside in winter. Rue recommends walking. “[It’s] one of the most powerful outdoor activities we have, and it’s free,” she says. “Public parks, trails, waterfronts, and even city green spaces are open year-round. You don’t need skis to enjoy winter; you need curiosity and a willingness to step outside.”

Staying Safe

The winter months not only bring cold air to New England, but the sun sets earlier and more of the day is spent in the dark. Not to fear—it is still possible to get outside and stay safe.

“Preparation and familiarity matter,” Mapp shared. “Going out earlier in the day, sticking to known routes, bringing a friend, and letting someone know your plan all help.”

If you can’t get out earlier in the day, she suggests a small flashlight or headlamp and using reflective layers.

It’s important not only to pay attention to your surroundings, but to understand the way winter weather can evolve quickly. “Paying attention to weather changes goes a long way toward confidence,” said Mapp.

Once you know the weather, it’s time to layer up. Rue emphasized that warm and comfortable layers—clothing you will actually wear and will help you maintain your body heat—is more important than investing in expensive brand-name clothing. “A good coat and hat, sturdy shoes, socks that keep your feet dry, and gloves you’ll actually wear make the biggest difference,” she said. “Don’t forget to throw in a pop of color or flair! You can still be stylish and playful. Many people already own what they need, so it’s about using it thoughtfully. Winter doesn’t require perfection; it requires intention.”

Winter’s Offerings

Across Trustees’ properties, winter offers opportunities unique to the season—from Nordic skiing and snowshoeing, to winter hikes or just a good old-fashioned walk.

For many, there is power in people—having a group to set out with to try something new can be a great way to test the waters.

Nordic skiing and snowshoeing have long been a part of Notchview’s appeal. With more than 25 miles of groomed trails, the large forest tract in Windsor makes the perfect winter haven. There’s a cozy lodge to warm up in and helpful staff to answer any questions—it’s a great place to learn the ropes of winter recreation. And rentals are available for those who may not have equipment.

Children get involved in winter recreation through the Notchview Jr. Ski Patrol. Kids aged 6-15 learn how to assist those on the trails should they need it—building critical winter safety skills. It’s the perfect combination of recreation, skill-building, and safety training that engages the participants and ensures they will be effective stewards of the winter landscape in the future.

On the other side of the state, at Appleton Farms in Ipswich and Hamilton, North Shore Nordic Association (NSNA) grooms trails across the property. “One of the great things about our groomed trail network is that it offers something for everyone,” shared Kimberly McCabe of NSNA. “We currently groom a wide variety of trails. On a good winter day, you’ll often see lots of people skiing and snowshoeing in open areas like the Plains and the Great Pasture. These shared spaces make it easy to feel part of a community and to strike up conversations with others who love being outside in winter.”

The opportunities for winter recreation don’t stop with skiing and snowshoeing, though they are unique to the season. Many folks enjoy winter walks at Crane Beach in Ipswich, where the sand is firmer in the colder temperatures and guided opportunities are offered, or walks at World’s End in Hingham where there is new wildlife to see like owls, to name a few favorites.

If you’re in the mood to connect with nature on your own, that’s great too. Back at Appleton Farms, there are trails that extend into the woods, where you will find fewer people. “Whether you’re looking to connect with others or spend some quiet time outdoors, there’s room for both,” shared McCabe.

Mapp concurs. “Both [solitude and community] matter. Solitude can be restorative, and community can be encouraging, especially in winter. Organizations like Outdoor Afro exist because people often feel more confident stepping outside when they’re not doing it alone. Local parks, land trusts, libraries, and community groups are also great places to find guided walks, nature talks, and seasonal outings that welcome beginners.”

Cold-Weather Reflections

For Mapp, getting outside in the winter offers clarity. “The air is sharper, the pace slows, and nature reveals its structure. Without all the noise of growth and abundance, you notice resilience. Landscapes rest, reset, and prepare,” she shared. “There’s a lesson in that.”

Her favorite thing about winter? How honest it is, she says. “There’s no pretending. No rushing, no excess. It invites reflection, gratitude, and stillness. Winter reminds me that rest is part of strength.”

We hope to see you on the trails this winter—there are countless opportunities to enjoy this unique and beautiful season.