Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing opportunities await

The Adirondacks is seemingly in a New York 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.

One trail, two trail, red trail, blue trail!

Just like Dr. Seuss said, what a lot of trails there are! Here are some good places to get started:

  • For a gradual, mostly flat snowshoe hike, try Rock Lake, near Indian Lake
  • Snowy Mountain is one of the most challenging in the area, but a wonderful experience
  • Chimney Mountain is interesting for a ton of reasons, most notably the fascinating rock formations near the summit which give the mountain its name
  • Fern Park, Cathedral Pines, and Long Lake Recreation Area all have nice, mellow snowshoe trails through quiet woods

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.

Leave No Trace 7 Principles

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.

Experience More

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Route 28N
Newcomb, NY 12852
Goodnow is a very prominent peak when seen from Route 28N. This ragged-looking mountain is home to one of the remaining fire towers in the Adirondacks.
The view of mountains and a large lake from above
Endion Road
Long Lake, NY 12847
Owls Head Mountain is part of the Sargent Ponds Wild Forest, which covers an impressive approximate 45,000 acres. This rather prominent peak in the Long Lake area is made up of four separate summits, two of which are referred to as the horns.
The fire tower adds more scenic possibilities.
Route 30
Long Lake, NY 12847
As far as views go, this is one of the best in the area and should not be missed. The waters of Tupper Lake can be seen to the north as well and the wooded hills of the Horseshoe Lake Wild Forest to the west.
Great views and a sense of accomplishment when the summit is reached.
Route 10
Arietta, NY ‎12139
The scenic trail to secluded Jockeybush Lake follows a stream and passes by several small cascades and a moderately sized waterfall.
An especially scenic trail leading to a secluded lake.
327 Big Moose Rd
Inlet, NY 13360
Moss Lake is a beautiful place for a picnic, a hike, a cross-country ski, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing! 
The wildlife viewing platform is a great way to experience Moss Lake.
Rondaxe Road
Inlet, NY 13360
While not part of the Hamilton County Fire Tower Challenge, Bald Mountain is part of the Adirondack Fire Tower Challenge and is a great “bang for your buck”
This is a fire tower hikes with an extra rocky ridge to walk on.
Rondaxe Road
Inlet, NY 13360
This little used trail is the perfect spot to find some solitude away from the crowds. Visitors can hike, fish, snowshoe, or cross-country ski. 
Lily pads on murky water
Route 30
Long Lake, NY 12847
This mountain, named after civil rights activist Andrew Goodman, has it all: history, a beautiful walk through the forest, and great views from the summit. During the summer of 2014 DEC created a trail to the summit of Goodman Mountain.
There's a bald summit with great views.
Uncas Road
Raquette Lake, NY 13436
Beaver Brook Bog is a birding area located off Uncas Road, near the village of Raquette Lake. The trail is on the right when leaving the village. 
A gentle, wide trail through the forest
Limekiln Lake Road
Inlet, NY 13360
The Old Dam Nature Trail loop, located near Limekiln Lake campsite #87 on the back side of the leach field, is an easy 1.3 mile hike.
There's interesting scenery on all the hiking trails at Limekiln Lake.
Cedar River Road
Indian Lake, NY 12842
Wakely Mountain’s 70-foot tower is one of the highest in New York state, and the tower stairs afford an excellent view of the West Canada Lakes Wilderness to the south and great views of the High Peaks to the north on clear days. 
The Wakely Mountain Firetower offers the best views from the wooded summit.
Big Moose Road
Inlet, NY 13360
Known as the "Great Eight Lakes", this trail is easy to intermediate and is only 3 miles to Queer Lake, then 2.3 miles to Chain Ponds. Even longer loops to the other loops are possible.
A white flowering pond plant
Crotched Pond Road
Indian Lake, NY 12842
Follow this secluded trail with towering pines overhead. Take the path past Round Pond and along creeks as you stroll through the hardwoods and rolling hills.
Long, scenic, and secluded, the Kunjamuk River Trail is all you need.
South Shore Road
Inlet, NY 13360
This place really has it all: hiking, bird watching, cycling, skiing, snowshoeing, and maybe even some fishing! Follow this quiet herd path through the spruce and balsam trees along a winding creek. 
Big Moose Road
Eagle Bay, NY 13331
Windfall Pond is a beautiful destination for those looking to hike, cross-country ski, snowshoe, bird, or even fish!
Lily pads dot the water.
State Route 30
Speculator, NY 12164
The Pathway is a 1.5 mile long boardwalk & path, which provides a unique opportunity by making wetlands, transitional forest, and upland timber areas accessible to all fitness levels.
A group of people at a deck with interpretive signage on a trail
Tarbell Hill Road
Long Lake, NY 12847
Catlin Bay is a simple 1.4 mile hike along the Northville-Placid Trail at a scenic location along the northeast shore of Long Lake. Catlin Bay is also easily reached by canoe or kayak for an outstanding multi-day canoe camping adventure.
The sunsets on Long Lake make great photos.
Wells, NY 12190
Take a walk beneath towering old growth pines and mature spruce trees on this leisurely trail. A mix of fields, wetlands, marshes, and hardwoods keeps the scenery changing every step of the way.
Large pine trees towering above