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.

[field_header_image]

[title]

[field_subtitle]

[body]

[views_conditional]

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.

The view from the Goodnow Mountain firetower is one of the best in the Adirondacks.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Gorgeous views from the summit of Sawyer Mountain.

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.

Blue Mountain is near the center of many lakes.

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.

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.

Cedar Lakes

Cedar River Road

Arietta, NY ‎12139

This incredible hike provides views of the forest, mountains, and the water. With plenty of well-trafficked trail, this hike can be enjoyed as an out-and-back of any length.

The Cedar Lakes of the Adirondacks are a wonderful paddling, camping, and hiking destination.

Chimney Mountain

Big Brook Road

Indian Lake, NY 12842

This is a great hike to a very interesting and unusual geological chimney formation surrounded with a maze of caves and crevices near the summit.

Echo Cliff-Panther Mountain

Piseco, NY 12139

This is a very popular hike located near Piseco, NY, with easy terrain. The trail to this popular destination is well worn and occasionally steep.

Colonel Peck's Grave

Speculator, NY 12164

Off South Shore Road in Lake Pleasant, a trail leads to an old cemetery containing the grave of Colonel Loring Peck, Hamilton County's only Revolutionary War officer.

William C. Whitney Area Trail System

901C Sabattis Rd

Long Lake, NY 12847

The William C. Whitney Wilderness Area is a paddlers paradise. But that said, there are hiking opportunities here for hikers, birders, campers, fishermen and women, and even some hiking for paddlers.

This wilderness area is a great place to view fall foliage.

John Pond

Indian Lake, NY 12842

John Pond is a worthy destination in the Siamese Ponds Wilderness. This relatively flat trail through an Adirondack wilderness area ends at a lean-to, the perfect place to rest on the shore of scenic John Pond.

Rock Lake

State Route 8/30

Indian Lake, NY 12842

This short and easy trail offers a short jaunt for a nature hike, birding, and a perfect Adirondack paddle on a secluded lake. Shhh... it's also a remote fishing lake.