Each winter, Vernon, New Jersey, transforms into a hub of crisp air and spirited activity during the Vernon Winter Festival. Set against the backdrop of the picturesque Appalachian landscape, this event offers an active celebration that isn’t just about standing still and watching—it’s about moving through the season’s challenge with enthusiasm and respect for the cold’s sharp edge.

The festival spans several days, with walking and snowshoe trails inviting everyone—from casual walkers to experienced hikers—to engage with the winter wilderness. Expect trails ranging from gentle 2-mile loops to more strenuous 5-mile hikes that climb around 600 feet in elevation. The terrain is a mix of packed snow paths, stretches of icy patchwork that demand solid traction, and quiet woods where the bare branches are as animated as the frost beneath your feet.

As you hike, the forest doesn’t just observe—it presses in with whispers of the wind and creaks from ice-laden limbs, daring you to notice its fierce winter personality. A nearby frozen pond gleams like a glass mirror, reflecting the pale sky and the sunset’s muted fire. This is a landscape alive with motion and stillness at once.

If you plan to join, hydration is essential—even in cold weather, the body loses water stealthily. Wear waterproof hiking boots with grip soles designed for uneven, sometimes slick ground. Layering is your best defense; the temperature can swing as you ascend and descend. Early morning starts are advised to catch the trails before afternoon thaws create slick patches or soft snow. Daylight in winter is limited, so keep flashlights or headlamps handy.

The festival also includes practical workshops—learn snowshoe techniques, winter survival basics, and how to read shifting trail markers under snow cover. Vendors offer warm beverages and locally sourced snacks, providing fuel for your trekking and communal spaces to swap stories.

While the Vernon Winter Festival invites you to celebrate the season’s pulse and power, it also asks you to move thoughtfully and safely. Respect the terrain’s tendencies, know your limits, and prepare accordingly to enjoy a winter adventure that’s vividly alive and reliably rewarding.