Snow Days & Slow Starts: My 52 Hike Challenge – January
January 2026 showed up with a whole lot of attitude—extended brutal cold snaps, a snowstorm that dumped almost 7 inches of snow topped with a stubborn layer of ice, and trails buried under winter’s grip for what felt like forever. Instead of those crisp morning hikes I love, I found myself doing a lot of adjusting, adapting, and reminding myself that the 52 Hike Challenge isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing up, staying determined, and giving yourself grace when life throws snowballs, I mean curveballs.
Even though January didn’t bring the miles I imagined, it still held little pockets of joy, reflection, and lessons in flexibility. Tigger and I managed one official hike—our First Day Hike at Lake Anna State Park—and honestly, that single hike carried enough inspiration to spark the whole year. It reminded me why I love this challenge and what I want this journey to feel like.
This recap is part accountability, part motivation, part “hey, life happens,” and part strategy for making up those lost hiking weeks when the weather (or real life) has other plans.
Let’s jump in!
What Is the 52 Hikes in 52 Weeks Challenge?
The idea is simple and fun: 52 hikes in 52 weeks. One hike a week, any trail, any pace and at least a mile—just intentional time outside moving your body and connecting with nature.
It’s flexible and inclusive for every lifestyle and skill level. You can hike solo, bring your family, meet up with friends, or head out with your favorite four‑legged trail buddy. Even a shorter 30–45 minute nature-focused outing counts when weather or mobility makes traditional trails tricky.
At its core, the 52 Hike Challenge is a grassroots movement that encourages people to step outside, boost their mental and physical well‑being, and reconnect with the magic of nature. January reminded me exactly why that mission means so much to me. If you’re curious what the 52 Hike Challenge looks like in my world, check out my post: 52 Hikes in 52 Weeks – Your Ultimate Adventure Challenge for 2026.
January 2026 Recap: A Month of Weather, Work, and One Memorable Hike
January wasn’t exactly a “crush the mileage” kind of month, but it did set a tone. It reminded me that commitment isn’t always comfortable—and sometimes showing up means showing up in ways you didn’t plan for.
Here’s what the month looked like:
Brutally Cold Temperatures
The month started off with mild temperatures then switched gears and brought biting cold that made even quick dog walks feel like tiny Arctic expeditions. Trails froze solid, lakes glazed over, and stepping outside required a pep talk and some serious layers.
A Heavy Snowstorm
Then came the big storm—nearly 7 inches of snow topped with a slick layer of ice. Sidewalks turned into slip‑and‑slide courses, and trails were completely buried. Between the ice and the deep freeze, hiking wasn’t just challenging—it was unsafe.
Snow Duty & Night‑Shift Exhaustion
A full week disappeared into nighttime snow‑duty shifts and long hours driving around checking road conditions, followed by cleanup. By the time I had daylight, the only thing I needed more than fresh air was sleep. Those upside‑down hours made outdoor time nearly impossible.
Hike 1 of 52 – First Day Hike
January 1 – Lake Anna State Park
Hike 1 of my 52 Hike Challenge couldn’t have been more fitting—a First Day Hike at Lake Anna State Park, marking both the start of a brand‑new year and the beginning of this year‑long adventure. Bundled up against the cold, Tigger and I hit the trail surrounded by quiet winter scenery and that unmistakable feeling of a fresh start.
There was something powerful about stepping onto the trail knowing this was just the first of many hikes to come.
From Tigger’s point of view, it was the best kind of day—new smells, crunchy leaves under his paws, and uninterrupted time on the trail with his favorite human.
Even in the chilly air, the peaceful views and shared moments set the tone for what I hope this challenge will be all about: showing up, enjoying the journey, and making memories one hike at a time.
And That Was January
One hike. Multiple missed weeks. Plenty of learning.
I’m choosing to see it not as a failure, but as a frosty nudge reminding me this challenge is a year‑long journey. With 48 weeks still ahead, there’s so much room to catch up—and I already have a plan.
How I Plan to Make Up the Missed January Weeks
January had a mind of its own, but the next 11 months are wide open. Thankfully, the 52 Hike Challenge gives tons of room for creativity.
Here’s how I’ll make up my missed weeks:
1. Double-Up Weeks When Weather Warms Up
As soon as temperatures climb and trails thaw, I’ll mix in extra hikes—maybe a short one on weekdays paired with a longer weekend adventure.
2. Embrace Micro‑Hikes
Short doesn’t mean it doesn’t count! One‑mile loops, nature‑preserve strolls, neighborhood trail walks—they all add up as long as they’re intentional outdoor miles.
3. Take Advantage of Seasonal Opportunities
Winter hiking isn’t off the table; it just requires more layers and more planning. Shorter scenic hikes still count and help keep the momentum going.
4. Add Themed Hike Days
To keep things fresh:
- Sunrise hikes
- Waterfall days
- “Only new trails” weekends
- Wildlife‑spotting mornings
- Little local history excursions
Themes make hikes feel like mini‑adventures.
5. Mix Local & Travel Hikes
Road trips and weekend getaways are the perfect chance to knock out two hikes in a single week. New scenery = new motivation.
Adventure Hike Ideas for an Exciting Year
Here are some fun ways to boost the adventure all year long:
Winter Adventures
- Scenic winter overlooks with crisp, quiet views
- Snowshoeing in a state park
- Frozen waterfall trails
Spring Adventures
- Big waterfall circuits when the water is roaring
- Wildflower walks
- Streamside trails
Summer Adventures
- Shaded forest trails
- Lake loop hikes + picnic or swim
- Big ridge or summit challenges
Fall Adventures
- Wildlife-focused early‑morning hikes
- Peak leaf‑peeping days
- Ridge walks with golden views
Year‑Round Ideas
- Turn long drives into trail‑stop journeys
- Hike every trail in one state park
- Explore a brand new park each month
- Sunrise + sunset hikes on the same day
- “Progressive hiking” (tiny hikes building into bigger ones)
Adventure really is everywhere.
From Frozen Trails to Fresh Starts
January wasn’t the launch I expected, but it reminded me what this journey is about: staying committed, being flexible, and celebrating progress—even the small stuff. Winter slowed me down, but it didn’t stop me.
I’m rolling into February with new energy, a growing wishlist of trails, and a hiking bag that might as well be part of my home décor at this point. To keep things fun, I’m adding a goal: visit at least two state parks Tigger and I have never been to before. New places, new memories—just what we need after a slow start.
And the best part? We have a Valentine’s Day adventure planned that makes my heart happy just thinking about it. We’re heading to Sweet Run Virginia State Park for their Become a B.A.R.K. Ranger guided hike. It feels like the perfect way to celebrate love—because honestly, what’s sweeter than time outdoors with my favorite trail buddy?
Tigger is absolutely thrilled. If he could talk, he’d probably say:
“Mom says I get to earn a badge! A real badge! And meet new dog friends! And go on a guided hike! I don’t know what a B.A.R.K. Ranger is yet, but I bet it means treats, ear scratches, and getting to be the Very Best Boy on the trail.”
We can’t wait to join the program and earn Tigger’s B.A.R.K. Ranger status. If you want to learn how your dog can join the fun, check out US Bark Rangers.
If January was the hurdle, the rest of the year is the run‑up to victory.
Let’s Lace Up Together
If you’re tackling the 52 Hike Challenge too—whether you’re ahead, behind, or starting fresh—I’d love to cheer you on. Share your wins, your challenges, your favorite trails, and your February plans in the comments below!
Let’s stay accountable, stay curious, and stay outside—one hike at a time.
Happy Hiking!!
Thank you for visiting with me at
Down Home at Dee’s
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