Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing in the Finger Lakes

Looking for something different this winter? Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are versatile sports in that no matter your activity level, you can find a pace and trail perfectly suited to your needs. Take in the beauty while walking or get your heart rate going at a brisk run. When you're ready to warm up afterwards, our tasting rooms and cafes are ready to help you refuel!

Cumming Nature Center

Winter is a beautiful time to explore the nature trails at Cumming Nature Center (6472 Gulick Road, Naples, N.Y.). With 3 miles of terrain rated on the difficulty scale as easy, this location is great for beginners or leisure snowshoers. Don't worry if you don't have your own equipment, snowshoe rentals are available. If cross country skiing is more your speed, there are also 9 miles of groomed trails and ski rentals available on site. Whether by boots or snowshoes, keep your eye out for the Gnome Roam, where gnomes take over the Helen Gordon Trail. 

Ganondagan State Historic Site

Did you know Ganondagan (7000 Couny Road 41, Victor, N.Y.) is not only home to the replica Seneca Bark Longhouse and Seneca Art & Culture Center, but has excellent trails as well? Snowshoes, or Ga-Weh-Ga-A, have been used for hundreds of years by the Indigenous people of North America. Through the grass and forests, you can enjoy a leisurely-paced snowshoe on the Trail of Peace, or a more intense hike when you follow the Granary Trail up Fort Hill.

Bristol Mountain Nordic Center

Experience up to 3 km of outdoor Nordic fun at the summit of Bristol Mountain (5589 South Hill Road, Canandaigua, N.Y.). Half of the trail is comprised of natural snow — open when weather permits — while the other half has snowmaking, lighting, and groomed trails great for the entire season! Grab your snowshoes (or rent them) and purchase a Snowshoe Trail Ticket. These trails are also great for cross country skiing with equipment rentals available for those seeking a different experience.

Bristol Hills Trail

A branch of the Finger Lakes Trails system, the Bristol Hills Trail covers over 50 miles from Bristol, N.Y. to Wheeler, N.Y. and is marked with orange markers. Starting at Ontario County Park at Gannett Hill (6475 Gannett Hill Park Dr., Naples, N.Y.), the first 16 miles of trail heads south through Grimes Glen in Naples and ending at Conklin Gully. The Finger Lakes Trail has an interactive map that will help you plan your trek, no matter how long or short you want to make it. 

Victor Hiking Trails

Victor Hiking Trails is a system of over 70+ miles of multi-use trails throughout Victor, Farmington, Pittsford, and Brighton. For beginners, the Auburn Trail and Lehigh Valley Trail are popular choices with more level terrain. There you can connect Fishers Park (7929 Main Street Fishers, Victor, N.Y.) and Lehigh Crossing Park (7350 Victor-Mendon Road, Victor, N.Y.), favorites amongst the locals. If you're looking for a challenge, Dryer Road Park (7405 Dryer Road, Victor, N.Y.) offers trails for levels easy, intermediate, and difficult. 

Harriet Hollister Spencer State Recreation Area

At Harriet Hollister Spencer (6775 Canadice Hill Road, Springwater, N.Y.), one of our favorite views is the overlook of Honeoye Lake — take your snowshoes for a spin and see the view for yourself! This recreation area boasts over 20 miles of multi-use trails for snowshoeing, cross country skiing, and snowmobiling. View the winter trail map to follow the appropriate trails. 

Rentals:

RV&E Bike and Skate (168 South Main St., Canandaigua, N.Y.) offers MSR snowshoe rentals — all you need are your own boots. Cross-country ski, boot, and pole rentals are offered as well. Check with the store for current availability. 

Other tips to keep in mind:

• Dress in layers! Warm socks (perhaps your new pair of alpaca socks?), boots, hats, gloves/mittens, outerwear, and long underwear are great ways to keep warm.

• If you are unfamiliar with the trail you’re on, bring a map!

• Bring snacks and water (yes, you're still at risk for dehydration in the winter) and make a day of it!

• Handwarmers are an excellent addition to your pack.

• Many snowshoe trails are located next to tracks for cross-country skiing. An important piece of etiquette is to steer clear of the groomed trails and tracks for skiers – it is much easier to forge your own path as a snowshoer!

• Don't forget your SPF, even in the snow.

Which snowy exploration will you embark on this winter? Be sure to tag to tag us @VisitFLX and #VisitFLX.