Gazing longingly out the window, but feel trapped due to the colder temperatures? There is still plenty to do outside in East Tennessee during the winter months! At ORTHOKnox in Knoxville or Athens, Tennessee, we hope you have a great time enjoying the outdoors, but we are here for you if you sustain an orthopaedic injury. Don’t hesitate to contact us for treatment of your sprains, strains, tears, and fractures! Our favorite ways to enjoy our beautiful East Tennessee during the chillier winter months are listed below!
1. Hiking
We have hopefully all seen the gorgeous blooms in spring and summer and the colorful foliage in the fall, but the winter snow and icicles can be just as breathtaking in the Great Smoky Mountains. You can also see farther into the woods with fewer leaves on the trees, and birds and wildlife are easier to spot!
A top spot for sparkling icicles and roaring waterfalls is Middle Prong trail. Mt. LeConte (best for panoramic views) is also beautiful this time of year!
While the ice is mesmerizing, extra caution should be taken when hiking in the winter. Make sure to check for road closures and alerts on the National Park Service website.
Also, dress appropriately in waterproof layers, complete with hats, gloves, thick wool socks, and waterproof snow or hiking boots. Take plenty of water and snacks and always hike with a buddy. Feeling too cold? Don’t push it, you can always drive around to take in the beauty of the mountains!
2. Fun in the Snow
Kids out of school due to snow? There are endless activities to do outside! Find a prime sledding spot to ensure tons of fun. Also, it won’t hurt that they are using a ton of energy hiking back up that hill. Building snow forts and snowmen can also be a great way to burn some energy and get those creative juices flowing as well! Classics like snow angels and making snow ice cream can be fun ways to embrace the cold. Just add a couple drops of vanilla to a handful of snow for easy homemade snow cream!
You don’t even have to go far to take your family on a skiing trip with Ober Gatlinburg. Spend a day on the slopes or make a weekend of it!
3. Short Activities with the Family
Catalog Nature and Wildlife
Help your kids make DIY birdfeeders by mixing some birdseed with peanut butter and a little honey and rolling it all on a pine cone. They can place them in the yard and catalog which birds fly over and note which ones like their birdseed creations. You can also take them for a stroll around your local park or neighborhood (bundle up tight!) and see if you can spot any other animal tracks on the ground or in the snow. You can also play tree bingo, where your kids can mark off different types of trees as they see them while walking.
Ice Crafting
Making frozen bubbles and other DIY crafts gets everyone outside and focused on an activity! You can use a store-bought or homemade bubble solution. If it is below freezing, then try it outside! If not, then catch your bubbles on the stick and freeze in your freezer.
You can also add food coloring to an ice tray to create ice blocks that your kids can build with outside, along with any other snow or ice that may be around. If it is below freezing, then you can sprinkle some water onto the ice blocks to quickly freeze them together.
GETTING TREATMENT
With its board-certified surgeons and new Urgent Orthpaedic Care that is available without an appointment, OrthoKnox has got you covered if you sustain an injury during your outdoor winter activities. For more information about how OrthoKnox can treat your injury, call (865) 251-3030, or fill out our easy-to-use online appointment request form. We look forward to hearing from you!