If you’re an Eagle resident with an hour to spare and calories to burn, where’s the best place to head to mingle with Mother Nature? Use this quick guide to learn where to go and when to whoa – and what to wear to ensure you’re safe and happy.
By Jamie Dillon

One by one, people are waking from holiday-induced food comas. A long two months of too-much, too-often food benders are behind us. Football season -- that permits us to give tailgates and recliners top priority -- is past.
So now the collective community is ready to get off its proverbial duff, break a sweat and spike the flatline.
It’s time to get outside.

If you’re an Eagle resident with an hour to spare and calories to burn, where’s the best place to head to mingle with Mother Nature? Use this quick guide to learn where to go and when to whoa – and what to wear to ensure you’re safe and happy.

Where to Go
Admittedly, the Boise Foothills get most of the attention when it comes to trekking nearby. They boast a variety of options for all skill levels.  There aren’t a lot of public options within 10-15 minutes of Eagle’s city center, says Tim Breuer, executive director of the Land Trust of the Treasure Valley (www.lttv.org), a non-profit organization that works to conserve nature close to home. But not a lot doesn’t mean none at all, he says.

The trail along the Boise River through Eagle is what Breuer deems an underutilized, amazing gem. The trail permits hikers to go a fair distance as they move upstream from Merrill Park (637 E. Shore Drive), and long stretches of compacted gravel makes the area user-friendly during a cold, wet winter.

One of the most recent additions to the Boise River Trail System, the Star River Walk, also offers Eagle residents a chance to stretch their legs outside without venturing too far. Drive Highway 44 west to Star. Head south on Main Street until it dead ends to find parking and the trail head.

Jonathan Weech, who lives in Star about a mile from the Boise River, says there’s nothing like this stretch to stretch your legs. “Once you find your way, you feel like you have stumbled onto something private and special,” Weech says. “On our last visit, we fished; saw wild turkeys, herons and a fox. It ended up being a great afternoon of adventure for my son and I, and it was virtually in our backyard.”

When to Whoa
Generally speaking, if the ground is soft, stay off.
While it’s tempting to wait until later in the day when the temperature is at its peak, that’s also the time you have the potential to wreak havoc on trails, Breuer says.

Instead, opt for the earlier, colder parts of the day when the sun is out enough to light the way but the ground is still frozen and firm underfoot.

Although the Idaho Velodrome & Cycling Park is among the most popular playgrounds for Eagle residents, it’s likely you want to steer clear of it and other mid-elevation trails. Because they stay wet longer during the day, they have more potential for making a mess. Tromping around in mud is tough on your gear – and even harder on the trails. If you have to rely on late afternoon exercise, opt for heavily wooded areas that haven’t received much sun – or head to higher elevations.

Wick, Warm and Waterproof
Even if you’re staying close to town, wearing the same stylish duds to hit the trails as you wear to the go shopping just doesn’t cut it. Instead, opt for three layers to wick, warm and waterproof, says Michael Freyman, owner of Eagle-based High Mountain Outfitters (www.high-mountain-outfitters.com).

While leaving the synthetic-versus-wool debate alone, Freyman says it’s necessary to ensure the base layer breathes and doesn’t retain moisture. Opt for Merino wool, polyester, spandex or Capilene to keep the moisture away from your skin.

The mid-layer works as an insulator, trapping the natural warmth from your body. Keep wind-resistance in mind for this layer as well, as it can serve as your outer layer when the sun is shining mid-day. A waterproof outer layer blocks wind and moisture and provides one more barrier to ensure your body’s natural warmth stays where it should.

Because your extremities are the easiest way to lose heat from your body, quality footwear, gloves and hats are mandatory. Dodge the normal cotton gym socks, and opt again for wool or synthetic options. Keep the top of your head and the tips of your fingers covered, too.  “Even if you’re just walking down the Boise River, don’t forget your gloves,” Freyman says. “You really have such high heat loss from your fingers, and hypothermia is a real threat.”

Beyond the right clothing, it’s best to expect the unexpected, Freyman says. Even if it’s just a few candy bars and a book of matches in your pocket, never leave the comfort of your car or home without the possibility of needing to keep warm and nourished.