The cold and wind gave way long enough for a fair number of folks to enjoy a winter evening walk in the woods at the Irons Oaks Light Up Trail Walk.

In its third year, the walk welcomed more than 850 people between Dec. 18 and 21. Strong winds brought rain and then cold temperatures on the first two nights, but the last two evenings of the winter solstice weekend were ideal for a nighttime jaunt through the woods.

The first two nights drew around 150 people, and more than 250 people enjoyed the lights on the second two nights.

“We change the route a little each year,” said Irons Oaks Manager Cheryl Vargo. This year, the decorated path deviated from the main trail in places.

Along the magical walkway meandering through Irons Oaks, there were a few opportunities to warm up. Visitors could grab a cup of hot chocolate at one stop. Toward the end of the trail, a fire burned bright. Instead of roasting chestnuts over the open fire, as the classic holiday song suggests, marshmallows and chocolate were melted to make s’mores. 

In a change from past years, the hot chocolate and s’mores were included with the purchase of a $5 ticket. Vargo said that they had worked to make the Light Up Trail Walk an affordable local alternative for families to enjoy. 

“We hope this becomes a holiday tradition,” she said. 

The holiday trail walk will return next year. Until then, Irons Oaks remains open year-round from dawn to dusk for hiking and other activities.