Snowshoeing has to be one of the most underrated winter activities out there. It’s low impact, fun, and allows you to get out into some of the most beautiful trails in your area.
Many people, myself included, love getting out and wandering the trails in the winter. Not only will the scenery be incredibly peaceful, but there will be far fewer people out on the trails.
The key to remember with snowshoeing is to dress properly. It doesn’t involve much equipment other than the snowshoes and a set of poles, but make sure you have a good pair of waterproof boots and pants to really get into it. Stay warm and hydrated!
Let’s take a look at some of the best places around the country to try out snowshoeing.
National Parks
Some of the most popular of the National Parks are Yosemite, Yellowstone, Acadia, and Rocky Mountain. Each of these parks get well over two million visitors each year mostly from May to October. If you’ve ever been to any of these in the summer, it’s virtually impossible not to run into tour buses full of people!
But, in the winter? You could have each of these parks virtually to yourself.
Each of these parks will have miles and miles of trails to snowshoe, from very easy beginner trails, to more complex hikes. If you don’t have your own set of snowshoes, many of the parks will offer rentals, and even guided tours for you to explore.
Ski Resorts
Ski resorts are ready made for snowshoeing, since they have plenty of powder and lots of nature to embrace.
Many of the biggest ski resorts will have specific snowshoe trails for you to check out, and like most of the National Parks, will offer rentals for you to try out if you don’t have your own equipment.
Mt. Washington Valley in New Hampshire is a great place to start. Not only do they have a snowshoeing school with guided hikes, by they also host a Chocolate Festival right on the trails.
Mount Hood in Oregon is another great snowshoe spot. Home to ski resorts and a National Forest, the Ski Bowl offers snowshoe rentals and a number of different tours.
Your Backyard
The best thing about snowshoeing is it’s like walking, you can literally do it anywhere. Unlike ski slopes or kayaking there is no limitation to where you can snowshoe. When I started getting into it, I’d just walk around my own neighborhood or to a local park.
Plus, don’t forget, snowshoeing is also a fantastic workout. That little bit of extra resistance because of the snow, and added weight from walking with the snowshoes can help burn quite a few additional calories!
Are you a fan of snowshoeing? Have you been thinking about giving it a shot? Let us know in the comments what the snowshoeing is like in your area. We’d love to hear it!
