Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing is something every family should experience at least once. It is a great way to break out of cabin fever and get outdoors in the wintertime. There isn’t a huge learning curve and it’s fairly easy to do. And bonus: the woods can be just breathtaking in the winter. There is so much a family can get out of spending an afternoon tromping through the snow. Snowshoeing is an excellent opportunity to teach children about animal tracks and winter animal behavior.

Animal Tracks

If you are interested in wildlife, snowshoeing is a great way to view all sorts of animal tracks. The snow makes the tracks easy to see and make out the species of animal that left it. Often times the tracks can even tell a story. For instance, we have seen tracks that clearly show a fox in pursuit of prey and can see the very place where it pounced.

Tracks can show you not only what animals are in the area, but also follow where the animals are living, where they are walking/running, and even what they might be up to such as hunting or searching for food. We enjoy taking pictures of the tracks we find and identifying them.

What To Wear

People seem to have the misconception that snowshoes put you on top of the snow. While your feet won’t sink nearly as far into the snow, they do sink some. Therefore, proper footwear is a must. Thick wool socks and waterproof boots, because your feet will get snow-covered.

Whatever winter activity you engage in, wearing layers is essential. Snowshoeing is no exception. start with a tight base layer (thermal is best) and cover with other layers, preferably fleece or wool. Of course, a hat and waterproof gloves are a must. Like your mother always told you, you lose most of your heat from your head.

Where To Go

If you have your own snowshoes, you can go on basically any trail. Although, for beginners, I would recommend starting on a flat trail to start with. Fortunately, there is a very short learning curve to snowshoeing. Once you get the hang of it, you can go just about anywhere. It is even easy to go off-trail and explore. Snowshoeing makes it easy to get out in the winter and enjoy the outdoors and some exercise.

Try Before You Buy At These Destinations

My personal recommendation are Tubbs. They are what we use and we are very happy with them. They can be on the expensive side, so we have compiled a list of places to snowshoe that also offers rentals.

Baldwinsville

Beaver Lake Nature Center-

8477 East Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville

Beaver Lake is a gorgeous nature center near Syracuse. There are miles of trails that are great for hiking in the spring, summer, and fall. Winter is another great time to visit, and visitors can rent snowshoes for $5.

Naples

Cummings Nature Center-

6472 Gulick Road, Naples

Part of the Rochester Museum and Science Center, Cummings Nature Center is a great place to learn about the natural world. Visitors can rent snowshoes for $5 to hike the miles of groomed trails.

Buffalo

Tifft Nature Center-

1200 Fuhrmann Boulevard, Buffalo

Snowshoeing for ALL ages! Traditional wood snowshoes and young children’s plastic snowshoes are available for rent in the Education Center when snow is at least 6 inches deep. For children ages 3-6, $3 per pair Children 45 lbs and Adults, $5 per pair Please call 716.825.6397 to ensure availability or for more information. Sturdy footwear is recommended (hiking and work boots are best)

Depew

Reinstein Woods & Nature Preserve-

93 Honorine Drive, Depew

Visitors to the nature preserve can take advantage of the several miles of trails that traverse the woods. snowshoes can be rented for $7 Members/$10 Non-members (you can also rent cross country skis) and come in various sizes, including small children’s. Snowshoes can be rented from 9 am-4: 30 pm Monday-Friday and 1:00 pm-4: 30 pm on Saturdays.

Bethany

Genesee County Park-

11095 Bethany Center Rd

Acres of beautiful woods and organized snowshoeing hikes for families make this a great place to try it for the first time. There are both day hikes and moonlight night hikes. $5/person or $15/family.

Savannah

Montezuma Audubon Center-

2295 State Rt. 89, Savannah

The Montezuma Audubon Center offers snowshoeing events and has special rental prices for snowshoes. Often, events are posted on their Facebook page.

Mumford

The Genesee Country Village and Museum Nature Center-

1410 Flint Hill Road, Mumford

During the months of January through March, visitors can rent snowshoes and hike the trails of the Nature Center on Sundays from 10 am to 4 pm. The Museum can accommodate anyone’s shoe size, including children.

Henrietta

Tinker Nature Park

1525 Calkins Rd, Pittsford

Skis and Snowshoes are available to rent for $3.00/pair, cash only. They will provide poles if needed.

Fabius

Highland Forest County Park

1254 Highland Park Rd, Fabius

Snowshoe rentals are available daily, weather permitting. Adults $10, Child $5 (15 & under). 

Oswego

Oswego Expedition

3 Basin St.,Oswego

Rentals and tours are available for adults and youth.

Fairport & Canandaigua

RV&E Bike & Skate

Fairport – 40 N. Main St., Fairport

Canandaigua – 168 S. Main St., Canandaigua

Available for $10 a day or $20 for the weekend, please stop into the store for current availability.

New York State Parks

There are always great places in the state parks to snowshoe. Most trails in the state are snowshoe friendly. So bundle up and have a blast!

REI 

With several stores throughout New York State, you can rent snowshoes easily and give this fun winter sport a try. This is a great place to buy snowshoes because REI takes special care to outfit you with snowshoes that are appropriate for your weight. The sales staff aren’t just selling the equipment, they are themselves active outdoors people and have extensive knowledge. Not to mention the return policy at REI is out of this world. You have up to a year to return your purchases, which is basically unheard of in the world of retail. REI also offers classes, not just in snowshoeing, but in pretty much any outdoor adventures you might be interested in learning about.

Medved Running and Walking Outfitters-

Another retailer who offers rentals for a nominal fee. Plus, if you really enjoy it, your rental fee can go towards your purchase of a new pair.