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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A wonderfully framed sunrise is the reward for a winter campout.
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)]
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.
Cascade Pond
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.
Big Brook Road
Indian Lake, NY 12842
*Until further notice, parking and access to Chimney Mountain has been closed. Keep up to date on access on the NYSDEC website.
Green Lake Road
Arietta, NY ‎12139
In a quiet corner of the Adirondacks sits Kane Mountain. A 60-foot fire tower was constructed here in 1925, making it a very attractive destination.
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.
Indian Lake, NY 12842
A small mountain with big views, Watch Hill follows an easy forest road to the base of the climb. Follow the foot trail up to some short, though extremely fun, sections of steep rock lips, and up to the ridge line.
Elm Lake Road
Speculator, NY 12164
This is a very mysterious cave that keeps everyone wondering if it was man-made or not. Check it out and decide for yourself. The cave itself is about 15 feet deep and 8 feet wide with a small window opening near the top.
Route 421
Long Lake, NY 12847
From Long Lake, drive 12 miles north on Route 30, to County Route 421 ( 1/5 miles past the Hamilton / Franklin County Line ).
A beautiful spot for paddling with no motors allowed.