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.

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Goodman Mountain
Route 30
Long Lake, NY 12847
This old road used to be Highway 10 between Long Lake and Tupper Lake; it has now been turned into a wonderful trail that leads to Goodman Mountain. During the summer of 2014 DEC created a trail to the summit of Goodman Mountain.
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There's a bald summit with great views.
Goodnow Mountain
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.
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The view from the Goodnow Mountain firetower is one of the best in the Adirondacks.
Owls Head Mountain
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.
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The fire tower adds more scenic possibilities.
Coney Mountain
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.
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Great views and a sense of accomplishment when the summit is reached.
Good Luck Lake
Route 10
Lake Pleasant, NY 12108
Follow this short, gentle path through the forest to a remote lake with views of distant rolling hills. This trail makes for an incredible hike, snowshoe, or ski making it perfect for an easy outing no matter the season.
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Good Luck Lake is a wonderful paddling lake.
Beaver Brook Bog
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. 
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Old Dam Nature Trail
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 1.6 mile hike.
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There's interesting scenery on all the hiking trails at Limekiln Lake.
Queer Lake
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.
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Wakely Mountain
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. 
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The Wakely Mountain Firetower offers the best views from the wooded summit.
Sacandaga Pathway
State Route 30
Speculator, NY 12164
The Pathway is a 1-1/2 mile long boardwalk & path, which provides a unique opportunity by making wetlands, transitional forest, and upland timber areas accessible to all fitness levels.
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Catlin Bay
Tarbell Hill Road
Long Lake, NY 12847
Catlin Bay is a simple 1.1 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.
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The sunsets on Long Lake make great photos.
Pine Orchard
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.
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Sawyer Mountain
Route 30
Blue Mountain Lake, NY 12812
Sawyer is one of the more popular routes in the Indian Lake Region, mainly due to its excellent payoff for little effort. Fun for the entire family, Sawyer should not be missed.
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Gorgeous views from the summit of Sawyer Mountain.
Pillsbury Mountain Fire Tower
Lake Pleasant, NY 12108
Pillsbury Mountain is one of those peaks that has a spectacular, remote, backcountry feel. A maze of scenic backroads will get you there, but you need to take it slow as they can be very rough at times.
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Blue Mountain
Route 30
Blue Mountain Lake, NY 12812
For the better part of the last century, Blue Mountain has been one of the most frequently climbed Adirondack mountains. And for good reason! The striking view, with Blue Mountain Lake below, is very popular among locals and visitors alike.
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Blue Mountain is near the center of many lakes.
Snowy Mountain
Route 30
Indian Lake, NY 12842
Snowy is one of the more demanding hikes in Hamilton County and is also one of the 100 highest highest peaks in the Adirondacks. Its steep trail and rugged terrain will make you earn every bit of this mountain's elevation.
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A wonderfully framed sunrise is the reward for a winter campout.
Tirrell Pond
3464 State Route 28
Blue Mountain Lake, NY 12812
As seen from the summit of Blue Mountain, Tirrell Pond is a beautiful gem hidden in the forest. Despite sharing a trailhead with Blue, Tirrell Pond sees less use, making it the perfect choice for a relaxing stroll in the woods.
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Tirrell Pond courtesy sunyolanda [CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)]
Cascade and Stephens Ponds
Blue Mountain Lake, NY 12812
Cascade and Stephens ponds are two beautiful gems in the Blue Ridge Wilderness. In any season, you'll find peaceful forests and pristine waters. If you're lucky, you'll catch a glimpse of an otter; they've been known to frequent these parts.
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Cascade Pond