These are the reasons why I enjoy hiking during the winter months.

1) NO TICKS! Yes, I can handle bees, snakes, spider webs, and poison ivy.  However, I hold ticks with great contempt.

2) No people.  I'm a sociable person but I hike to get away from the world.  Besides, I want to scream when someone is hiking on a trail while talking on their cell phone the entire time.

3) Free (mostly).  Fee access points are rarely in operation during December-February.

4) Scenic views.  Most Missouri bluff, hill, and mountain views are blocked my thick plant growth during the summer and fall months.  It is a pleasant experience to look down at t he rivers and valleys of SE MO.

5) Naked Trees.  You simply do not realize how massive some trees are until you see them sans leaves.

6) No heat.  You can always dress in layers to stay warm during a winter hike, but it's nearly impossible to stay cool during summer months.

7) Crows.  Yes, summertime does bring the beautiful sounds of song birds, but there is something hauntingly beautiful about crows and their caws.

8) Rock formations.  I can better observe rock formations when the grass and growth have died back.  There is something enchanting about large boulders and smaller rocks in a forest.

9 Green!  During summer, most spring fed rivers and lakes are bluish in color, while winter months brings the most beautiful green hue to the waters

10 Snow.  Snow is beautiful and it is a remarkable to sight to see mother nature cloaked in a winter wonderland.

Bonus reason: It's rarely that cold in Southeast Missouri.  There are people all over the world from Vermont to Finland who are out and about during winter months, why not us Missourians?

I Luv Local Places.com would like to thank Mark for contributing this article.