Snowshoeing opportunities await
The Adirondacks is seemingly in a New Yorks State snow-belt; can't find snow, come here! As a region we thrive on snow, love snow, welcome snow and we're not afraid to admit it. Snowshoeing is a very popular past-time and a great way to extend your hiking season to an all-year activity. Did you know a Raquette is a snowshoe? That's right, we have a lake, village, and river named after one of the most popular Adirondack sports.
This winter, strap on some snowshoes and head to the Adirondacks to enjoy our mountains and forests like never before. Snowshoeing is one of the easiest winter sports to master, and works all different kinds of muscles, helping you stay in prime condition all-year round. Here, we have snowshoe trails to fit all user types, of all abilities, and fitness levels.
Beginner trails
Offering many, many miles of beginner trails that loop around through the preserve, along river bends, that circumnavigate lakes and ponds, even those that are groomed for easy access and use. These trails would be perfect to designate for family outings as well. Head back to Rock Lake near the Town of Indian Lake and look out over a pristine area with Blue Mountain in the background. You can visit Watch Hill for an outstanding overlook near Snowy Mountain. Maybe you wish to stay on the rolling hills, follow a lightly used trail back to Callahan Brook. Maybe you find these trails to be a bit easier than expected and you want a bit more of a challenge? Step it up a bit and try some of our intermediate trails.
Intermediate trails
With our intermediate trails you have a bit more of a challenge ahead of you and many more options for some outstanding views from our mountain tops. Intermediate trails might not be for everyone and young children may find them too difficult, so choose wisely. With slightly steeper terrain and longer distances you are opening up yourself to some outstanding backcountry adventures. For example, you can climb to the summit of Chimney Mountain and explore the summit crown for some of the coolest caves around, or snowshoe back West Mountain and climb high above Raquette Lake. Keep in mind if you want real winter snowshoe challenges you could step foot on to our advanced trails.
Advanced trails
Advanced might not be the perfect word for our more rugged backcountry trails, maybe you can come up with a better word. These trails are not always on the longer side but sometimes on the steeper and more aggressive. These trails are much better for those attuned to those conditions and longer days. Not typically recommended for out of shape hikers or young children, but something that can be worked up to for future outings. Snowy Mountain, Blue Mountain, and Owl's Head Mountain are three of the taller mountains in the region and require a bit more effort to accomplish. Longer hikes like the Northville/Placid Trail will access you into the backcountry and even bring you from town to town.
Find the right snowshoe gear
We don't want you to go without the appropriate gear to do the job. If you need something like snowshoes, trekking poles, winter jacket, hat, gloves, hand warmers, and/or a good pair of warm boots – oh and don't forget your map and guide book, we have outdoor gear shops with all the stuff you need and rentals too. Our New York State Guides can also help you get started by offering snowshoe trips into the region based on all types of skill levels, from a half day to a multi-day outing.
Leave No Trace and Love Your ADK
The magic of the Adirondacks is the result of previous generations taking a long view and protecting the mountains, lakes, and rivers within the Blue Line. That tradition continues today as we support and encourage everyone to practice Leave No Trace ethics, which help protect the lands and waters of the Adirondacks.
In winter, it is especially important to come prepared and practice ways to Love Your ADK; the best way to avoid emergencies is to properly plan and prepare for your trip.
