New England Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is a fantastic winter activity that has grown in popularity here in New England. Offering a mix of exercise, exploration, and scenic winter landscapes, snowshoeing allows you to enjoy winter trails at your own pace. We are excited to tell you more about this its benefits, and where to find top trails and rentals in New England.
Why Snowshoeing?
Accessible for All Ages: Snowshoeing is low-impact and requires minimal skill, making it accessible for families and beginners while still challenging for athletes.
Great Workout: Walking in snow offers excellent cardiovascular exercise and engages multiple muscle groups, burning more calories than hiking in warmer weather.
Connects You with Nature: Snowshoeing takes you to remote areas where the winter scenery is untouched, with glistening snow, winter wildlife, and silence that adds to the peaceful experience.
Basics of Snowshoeing
Equipment: Besides snowshoes, you’ll want trekking poles, waterproof winter boots, and appropriate clothing layers. Snowshoe rentals are available at most trail locations in New England, often at ski resorts and outdoor outfitters.
Technique: Snowshoes distribute your weight to keep you atop deep snow, allowing for a more stable walk even in powdery conditions. Beginners can typically pick it up quickly.
Safety Tips: Because trails can be isolated, consider going with a friend or a group, carry a map or GPS, and pack essentials like water, snacks, and a first-aid kit.
Top Snowshoeing Spots in Massachusetts
Mount Greylock State Reservation (Adams): The highest point in Massachusetts, Mount Greylock has various trails with breathtaking views. The park is especially popular in winter for snowshoeing, and rentals are available at local shops.
Wachusett Mountain State Reservation (Princeton): A popular spot for snowshoeing and skiing, Wachusett offers groomed trails and stunning summit views.
Trekking Sketches
Blue Hills Reservation – Milton, MA
Details: Located about 30 minutes from Boston, the Blue Hills Reservation often hosts guided night snowshoe hikes when conditions allow. The trails provide great views of the Boston skyline, especially scenic under the moonlight.
Contact: Reach out to the Blue Hills Trailside Museum or the Friends of the Blue Hills for the latest information on scheduled night hikes.
Blue Hills Trail
Great Brook Farm State Park – Carlisle, MA
Details: About 45 minutes from Boston, Great Brook Farm is known for its groomed cross-country skiing trails and offers occasional moonlight snowshoe events in winter. They sometimes have rental gear available if you don’t have your own.
Contact: Check with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) or the park office for winter event details.
Everyone Outdoors
Appleton Farms – Ipswich, MA
Details: Managed by The Trustees of Reservations, Appleton Farms frequently offers seasonal outdoor events, including moonlight snowshoeing when weather permits. This site is about 45 minutes north of Boston, and the open farmland makes for stunning views under the moon.
Contact: Visit The Trustees' website or contact the Appleton Farms office to check on winter night events.
Trustees of Reservations
Nashoba Valley Ski Area – Westford, MA
Details: Known primarily as a ski area, Nashoba Valley sometimes hosts winter moonlight snowshoeing events, especially on or around the dates of a full moon. Rentals may also be available.
Contact: Visit the Nashoba Valley Ski Area’s website or call for event details.
Wachusett Mountain State Reservation – Princeton, MA
Details: While this site is a bit farther from Boston (about an hour’s drive), Wachusett often has guided winter treks, and the moonlit snowshoe hikes provide a beautiful experience in the forested trails.
Contact: The DCR’s Wachusett Mountain page or local organizations like the Wachusett Mountain Ski Area can provide current information on moonlight treks.
Snowshoe Magazine
Mass Audubon’s Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary – Sharon, MA
Details: About 30 minutes south of Boston, Moose Hill Sanctuary hosts nature events year-round, including occasional night hikes and snowshoeing in winter, offering a unique look at nocturnal wildlife activity.
Contact: Visit the Mass Audubon Moose Hill website for schedules or call their office directly.
Mass Audubon Snowshoeing Spots in New England
Vermont
Smugglers’ Notch Resort (Jeffersonville): Known for its cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails, Smugglers’ Notch offers rentals and guided tours, with options for beginners and more advanced explorers.
Green Mountain National Forest (Burlington area): With miles of trails, including the challenging Long Trail, Green Mountain National Forest offers varied terrain for all levels and picturesque views of Vermont’s winter landscape.
New Hampshire
White Mountains (Franconia Notch, Conway, and beyond): The White Mountains offer some of the most scenic snowshoeing trails in New England, like the Flume Gorge in Franconia Notch State Park. Mount Washington Valley offers guided tours and rental spots for all levels.
Bear Notch Ski Touring Center (Bartlett): This location has dedicated snowshoe trails alongside ski trails and is known for its beautiful, peaceful surroundings.
Jackson NH
Maine
Acadia National Park (Mount Desert Island): Acadia’s winter trails are less crowded and offer rugged coastline views. Trails like Jordan Pond Path provide gorgeous coastal scenery and wooded trails for a variety of experiences.
Rangeley Lakes Trails Center (Rangeley): Known for both skiing and snowshoeing, Rangeley Lakes Trails Center offers an array of groomed trails with lakeside views and mountain backdrops.
Down East Magazine
Connecticut & Rhode Island
White Memorial Conservation Center (Litchfield, CT): Known for its well-maintained trails and snowshoe rentals, White Memorial offers 40 miles of winter paths.
Pulaski State Park (Chepachet, RI): Located on the Rhode Island–Connecticut border, Pulaski State Park has peaceful trails perfect for a beginner-friendly snowshoeing experience.
The Valley BreezeSnowshoeing Events in New England
Throughout the season, many areas host guided snowshoe hikes and moonlight snowshoe treks that allow you to experience the trails by the light of the full moon. These events are often beginner-friendly and offer a unique, festive experience during winter.
Snowshoe Rentals and Gear Shops
New England has many rental and retail locations where you can try snowshoeing for a reasonable fee. Many state parks and ski resorts have onsite rentals. REI and L.L. Bean stores in the region also offer rentals and workshops on snowshoeing basics.
Additional Tips for a Great Snowshoeing Experience
Dress in Layers: New England weather can vary, so layers are key to staying comfortable.
Stay Hydrated: Cold weather often masks dehydration, so remember to drink water regularly.
Keep to Marked Trails: Especially in mountainous areas, following marked trails helps avoid dangerous terrain and ensures a safe journey.
Snowshoeing offers an incredible way to enjoy the beauty of New England's winter landscape, no matter your skill level. With accessible trails, scenic views, and plenty of rental options, it's a fun, healthy, and family-friendly way to make the most of the snowy season!
We loved the idea of moonlight snowshoe treks...so we did a little research and found: Moonlight snowshoe treks are a popular way to experience the winter landscape under the glow of the moon, and several locations near Boston and throughout New England offer these events. Here are some spots that frequently organize moonlight snowshoeing treks or similar guided night snowshoe events:
Tips for Finding Moonlight Snowshoe Treks:
Check Local Organizations: The Trustees of Reservations and Mass Audubon often host moonlight snowshoe treks across various properties in Massachusetts.
Local Ski Areas: Small ski areas in the Boston region, like Weston Ski Track or smaller mountain resorts, sometimes host nighttime events when there is enough snow.
REI and L.L. Bean Outings: Both REI and L.L. Bean have stores in the Boston area that offer guided snowshoeing treks and events, including moonlight outings, especially around the full moon.
It's wise to call ahead or check online, as these events can depend on weather conditions, and snow cover.