Where to go Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing
If you read my previous post on the basic intro to winter hiking and snowshoeing, now you’re excited and ready to try it! Right?! Here are some recommendations to get you out there and moving. Grab some snowshoes and enjoy.
For beginner and intermediate groomed trails, head to the ADK Club’s Cascade Welcome Center. They offer 12 miles of trails for XC skiing and snowshoeing, and have rental gear on site. The trail network is composed of largely flats and rolling hills with some steeper downhills on the south end. Trails wind through dense forests and along a large wetland, which offers excellent views of neighboring high peaks. Open 7 days a week, 9 am until 5 pm. ADK Club members can ski and snowshoe for free - reason enough to join. Or non-members are $15 for adults and $8 for youth. Dogs are allowed on a leash.
For more mostly flat trails through the woods, but may not be groomed, refer to this post on walking trails. Jackrabbit trail, for instance, is a classic XC ski trail that you can also snowshoe. And there are endless possibilities at Paul Smith’s VIC. These are family friendly and mostly dog friendly (except the Wild Center does not allow dogs). Additionally, the rail trail between Lake Placid and Saranac Lake is open for winter activities. This 9-mile trail allows XC skiing, snowshoeing, winter biking with fat tires and snowmobiling. Remember on potentially busy trails, like the rail trail, keep single file, ski or snowshoe on the right and pass on the left.
As you start thinking about trying some elevation gain, check this earlier post on five pond walks with less than 500 feet of elevation gain. These are nice, short hikes that are usually well traveled and a great opportunity to build confidence. The ponds will likely be frozen sometime in December, but be careful if you aren’t sure whether the ice is thick enough — best to admire from the shore. These hikes are dog friendly and family friendly.
When you’re ready for more elevation, consider the Winter Lake Placid 9er Challenge, starting with Cobble Hill. In AllTrails, Cobble Hill is a 2.3 mile loop with 495 feet of elevation gain. Another popular winter trail is Mt. Jo, right out of the ADK Club’s Loj. The Mt. Jo loop is 2 miles with 698 feet of elevation gain, so a bit more challenging. Dog friendly. Just be sure to double check mountain conditions and wind speed before you go.
