Even an easy winter hike can have a scent of adventure. Powder-doused trails, veils of icicles, and the stillness of a world dampened by snow offer a stark contrast to the lush green paths of summer. But where to start? Here are some suggestions for remote winter escapes, from those who know best: AMC chapter trip leaders and staff.

Mount Crescent Trail
Randolph, N.H.

The Mount Crescent Trail meanders through the Randolph Community Forest and up to the double summits of Mount Crescent. With the nearby northern Presidentials garnering most of the attention, locals favor this moderate 3.2-mile hike for its peaceful, undisturbed powder. Maia Rauchenberg, AMC's Pinkham storehouse supervisor, ranks it among her favorites.

"When you get to the top of the mountain, you're in the beginnings of krummholz and it's very peaceful, just wind through the trees and rime ice," she says.

The Mount Crescent Trail starts on Randolph Hill Road, forks left at 1.1 miles, and climbs to a spectacular outlook of Jefferson. After soaking in the white-capped Presidentials, continue up to the south summit of Mount Crescent then cross over to the north summit, where the trail meets the Crescent Ridge Trail.

"I personally like to go up to the south viewpoint first. It's a moderate hike until the last half mile," says Rauchenberg, "[Then] you need snowshoes with good crampons and durable flotation since the grade is intense and there's tons of brush."

The Crescent Ridge Trail soon reconnects with the Mount Crescent Trail to complete the summit loop.

More information: White Mountain Guide Online

Wildcat River Trail
Jackson, N.H.

The White Mountains have innumerable trails to choose from, but what could be better at the end of a long hike than a mug of hot cocoa, the genial conversation of a caretaker, and a mattress to bunk down on? Eric Pedersen, AMC's huts manager, admits his bias, but says that the trails leading to the White Mountain huts are some of the best winter hikes.

"I think my favorite would be the Wildcat River Trail, which is very remote," Pedersen says. "You can ski the first couple miles and then switch to snowshoes and travel through some beautiful open birch glades."

To reach the Wildcat River Trail, take the Hutmen's Trail from Route 16. It's steep at the outset, but flattens out 0.8 miles in when it merges with Dana Place cross-country trail. If you aren't skiing, don't disturb the ski tracks, and no dogs, please.

The Wildcat River Trail itself has a moderate incline until the steeper approach to Carter Notch Hut. The two trails combined total about 8.4 miles. Remember, these are lesser-traversed trails: "The challenge of doing these in the winter is that the snow can be very deep so snowshoes are necessary," says Pedersen.

More information: White Mountain Guide Online

Pico Peak Loop
Killington, Vt.

Vermont's Long Trail (LT) is America's oldest long-distance hiking trail. Re-routings have occasionally directed traffic away from popular sections of the trail, leaving lesser-traveled gems behind. One such stretch is a personal favorite of Mark Warren, a trip leader for AMC's Boston Chapter.

The Sherburne Pass Trail was created when the Long Trail (and the Appalachian Trail; the two overlap for 100 miles in Vermont) was moved in 1999 to bypass the Pico Mountain ski area. The 7-mile Pico Peak Loop connects the Sherburne with the nearby LT/AT. Pico, one of New England's 100-highest peaks, offers "fabulous views of Western Vermont and the mountains of New York," Warren says.

Your Vermont winter expedition begins right on Route 4. The LT/AT offers a steady climb up to the intersection with the Sherburne Pass Trail. From there it's 0.5 miles to Pico Camp and the beginning of the 0.4-mile ascent of the Pico Link Trail to the summit (442 feet in elevation gain). For an easier option, bypass the summit by continuing along the Sherburne Pass Trail back to Route 4.

More information: Green Mountain Club

Bradley Iron Mine
Harriman State Park, N.Y.

Harriman State Park boasts over 200 miles of popular hiking trails, 31 lakes and reservoirs—and a host of rarely visited gems.

"[The Park is] south enough that the temperatures are not so frigid," says Carson Tang, AMC's New York-North Jersey Chapter chair. "[It has] a mix of sheltered woods and open exposure with views and it's easy to descend back into the woods if it gets too cold."

Several abandoned iron mines speckle the park and provide historically intriguing destinations, Tang says. These low-lying areas tend to flood in the summer, but winter's freeze allows passage.

Tang suggests the Bradley iron mine, which can be reached by walking from Tiorati Circle up Arden Valley Road for about a mile. Just past the intersection with the Appalachian Trail, an unnamed path on the right climbs sharply for 400 feet and takes you to the mouth of the mine. While the Arden Valley Road route is short and easy, if you crave a longer walk in the woods, take the lengthier scenic route along the Appalachian Trail and venture to the mine as the culmination of your trip.

More information: New York-New Jersey Trail Conference

Greenbury Point Conservation Area
Annapolis, Md.

Greenbury Point Conservation Area lies just across Chesapeake Bay from Annapolis, Md. The 231-acre peninsula contains an array of habitats and wildlife, including the only bobwhite quail population in the county. Richard Hillman, a trip leader for AMC's Washington D.C. Chapter, calls this stretch of land a hidden gem.

"It's amazingly remote considering that it is merely 3 miles from downtown Annapolis," says Hillman. "The herd of deer is a special treat."

You can start by meandering along the Poet's Nature Trail behind Greenbury Point Nature Center. Along this loop, brown and white signposts bear stanzas of verse for you to ponder as you hike toward the shore.

After this short jaunt, head back out to the Nature Center and the main trail. The path loops the peninsula's coastline for 2.2 miles, allowing stunning views of Chesapeake Bay and panoramas of Annapolis. There are plenty of small side trails to explore as well. Along the way you'll see several World War II naval radio towers where osprey nest. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the towers are being demolished, but the ospreys are being relocated to new homes.

More information: U.S. Naval Academy Environmental Division