Enjoy Winter Trekking on Snowshoes

Snowshoeing has become quite popular in recent years due to exciting equipment advances, new trails, and a renewed spirit to get out and discover the outdoors in winter. Snowshoeing is easy to learn and has been around for eons. At Garnet Hill, we have a staff that is experienced with snowshoe equipment, techniques, and trail routes, and can get you out on the trails having a great winter experience in no time at all.

Our snowshoe trail system at Garnet Hill is extensive with 6 different routes intertwining with our Nordic ski trails providing 15 km of onsite trail snowshoeing. When combined with the wilderness trails in the area, snowshoers can easily enjoy a whole week of winter adventure. Some of the trail routes we have available are:

1. Double Down Loop – a 1.5 mile loop starting and finishing at the Log House that takes you through our beautiful wooded terrain.
2. Hooper Mine – a short (0.7 mile round-trip) but challenging climb up to the old garnet mine with wonderful views of the area.
3. Balm of Gilead Mountain – 2.2 miles round-trip with 400 feet of elevation gain – offers a nearby summit with a great view, a classic Adirondack snowshoeing trek for those comfortable with a climb and looking for more of a challenge!

The newest equipment gives snowshoers a great advantage over the old “woodies.” Most new style snowshoes are constructed with a very light weight aluminum or plastic frame with a light weight decking.

In addition, these newer shoes have snow and ice cleats that grip into the snow creating a no-slip traction system that is great for steeper ascents and descents. Improved bindings round out the advances creating a very light, easy to use snowshoe.

Try them out! The Garnet Hill Outdoor Center rents and sells Dion and Atlas Snowshoes if you don’t already have your own set. Snowshoe (and cross-country ski) trail passes are complementary for overnight guests of the Lodge, and trail maps can be picked up at the Outdoor Center. Guided snowshoe tours are available by arrangement and can be booked by calling the Outdoor Center at 518-251-2150.