Snowshoeing, an activity of the Original Vacation, allows outdoor enthusiasts to explore the snow-covered Adirondack landscape and get a great winter workout in! Just in time for our region's latest snowstorm, here is a list of trail networks to pack down with a pair of snowshoes.
Health Benefits of Snowshoeing
As briefly mentioned, snowshoeing is a great winter workout! Extend your hiking season by strapping on a pair of snowshoes and reap the health benefits that include:
- Improving cardiovascular fitness through aerobic exercise, and burning up to 1,000 calories per hour!
- Low-impact muscle building for those with joint injuries; snow acts as a cushion to spare the knees.
- Building endurance, strength, and balance in leg, back, and core muscles.
- Bettering mental health by connecting to nature. Breathing in fresh air and soaking up Vitamin D from the sun's rays helps combat those winter blues.
Gearing Up
Snowshoeing is a relatively inexpensive form of recreation with affordably priced gear or rentals. It also calls for attire that you most likely already own. However, some important things to remember when gearing up include:
- Choose snowshoes that are right for your weight, terrain, and snow conditions.
- Poles (with snow baskets) are recommended, but not required.
- Dress in layers designed to handle cold and wet conditions, including warm, waterproof boots.
- Avoid cotton layers as they can get soaked easily and chill you. Synthetic or wool material wicks moisture and retains warmth, even when wet.
*We've noted which locations below have snowshoe rentals available.
Snowshoe Trails in the Lake George Area
Cole's Woods
Cole's Woods is a network of trails behind the Glens Falls YMCA, including lighted and non-lighted cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails. For the most part, the easily accessible snowshoe path is distinctly separate from the cross-country skiing routes, but they do intersect at several points.
REMINDER: when snowshoe and cross-country skiing tracks run in tandem, snowshoers should always keep to the far right of the trail.
North Creek Ski Bowl
Located at the foot of Little Gore Mountain is the North Creek Ski Bowl, a one-of-a-kind facility offering cross-country skiing and snowshoeing for all levels. Lit routes and trails of varying inclines means you can customize your trek to your own ability. *Snowshoe rentals available here; purchase of a trail pass necessary.
Up for some competition? Register for the Citizens Series Snowshoe and Cross-Country Race.
Gurney Lane Recreation Area
This 150+ acre park in Queensbury is a popular four-season recreation destination with designated cross-country skiing and snowshoe trails. These trails at Gurney Lane may be rated as easy, but they do include some steep, but brief, ridge climbs – enough to work up a sweat, but won't tire out a majority of snowshoers.
Up for some competition? Register for the Gurney Lane Fat Tire Bike Race & 5k Snowshoe Race.
Dynamite Hill Recreation Area
Dynamite Hill Recreation Area is a hub for family-friendly winter recreation and allows snowshoeing on their standard hiking trails. Explore 5 snowy paths with terrain of easy to moderate difficulty.
Garnet Hill Outdoor Center
Photo Credit: Kacey O'Brien
Home to one of the region's top Nordic networks, Garnet Hill Outdoor Center provides a backcountry cross-country skiing and snowshoeing experience. There are many advantages for snowshoers at Garnet Hill including 34 miles of well-groomed trails, and at 2,000 ft. in elevation, there is always enough snow! *Snowshoe rentals available here; purchase of a trail pass necessary, trail passes complimentary for overnight guests.
Up for some competition? Register for the Garnet Hill Maple Fest: Maple Mini Snowshoe Race.
Natural Stone Bridge & Caves
See the stunning features of Natural Stone Bridge & Caves from a new, frozen perspective. The 14.5 miles of additional snowshoe trails lead to other interesting geological landmarks within the park, including the old Sink Hole, Beaver Stump Loop, or the Bobcat Ledges. *Snowshoe rentals available here; purchase of a trail pass necessary.
Up for some competition? Register for the Stone Bridge Caveman 6k Snowshoe Race.
Up Yonda Farm
Nearly 3 miles of easy-to-moderate trails at Up Yonda Farm are ideal for snowshoers of all ages. If taking a self-guided tour, please check in at the Farmhouse upon arrival and grab a trail map. *Snowshoe rentals available here, children and adult sizes; must pay a day-use fee.
New to snowshoeing or want to learn more about the Adirondacks? Reserve a spot on a naturalist-led hike that covers the basics of snowshoeing, animal tracking, winter ecology, and the history of Up Yonda Farm; held on weekends in January and February when snow conditions allow. This program is suitable for ages 5+ and snowshoers able to trek along gradual uphill terrain, as you will traverse about a mile over the course of an hour including a stop at Up Yonda Farm's scenic overlook of Lake George. The program finishes near the Farmhouse, where you can warm up around a campfire with a cup of hot chocolate – a great end to a wonderful winter walk in the woods. *Reservations are recommended via a nonrefundable reservation deposit of $1 per person; your reservation deposit will be applied toward the cost of the program, and the remaining balance will be collected upon check-in.
Additionally, the interactive website, Snowshoe Warren County, includes beginner's guides, maps of trails (those listed above as well as others), and information about where to rent or borrow snowshoes. This website was a joint project created by Warren County Planning & Community Development, Warren County Tourism Department/Lake George Area, Lake George Land Conservancy, and Bolton Chamber of Commerce.