Snowshoeing in the Great Lakes Region

Running out of things to do during the winter months in the Great Lakes region? Rent or buy a pair of snowshoes and head outdoors. Snowshoeing is an easy activity to do and enjoyable at the same time.

Whether you are an athletic person or someone who is a bit rusty activity-wise, don’t worry, snowshoeing is something you can do. Once your snowshoes are strapped on your boots, you are free to move about at your own pace. You can snowshoe at a level you are comfortable with. You will get a workout and it won’t be painful.

What is really nice about snowshoeing is that you don’t have to worry about slipping while you are walking around in them. Snowshoes have metal claws on the underside that grip the snow. All you have to do is walk and enjoy the landscape around you.

Snowshoeing in the woods is especially enjoyable because you get to walk deeper into the woods and see nature in the winter time, whereas, otherwise you would not be able to do this by foot.

You can either snowshoe on trails or venture on into the woods on your own. I would recommend a compass if you do the latter. For safe measure, make sure you tell someone where you are going beforehand if you head into the woods.

There is something refreshing about breaking fresh snow on your own knowing that you are walking in an area that no one has been to since the last snowfall. You will see plenty of animal prints along the way and its fun trying to figure out which animal they belong to. There are books available to help you identify animal paw prints which make it all the more interesting.

While you are outdoors snowshoeing the weather may be freezing but you don’t have to worry about getting cold, because you keep plenty warm walking around. Just make sure that you have all the basics, such as coat, boots, hat, mitts and you will be fine.

We’ve walked through the woods when the temperatures were -20 including the wind chill factor and we were toasty warm. There is nothing more invigorating than enjoying the woodlands in the middle of the winter yet at the same time being warm.

You can either rent or purchase snowshoes. Sport shops rent snowshoes and if you decide to purchase a pair, Tubbs makes a nice lightweight snowshoe that cost a bit over $100 a pair. Well worth it. Once you purchase the snowshoes, there is nothing else to buy. All you need to have for outerwear is what you wear outside everyday. It is a relatively cheap outdoor activity.

Check with your area state park and see what trails are available for you to snowshoe on. You will have to pay a daily fee or buy a yearly sticker to have access to the trails. The national forests also have trails available to the public.

Wherever you decide snowshoe, remember to dress smart weather-wise, pace yourself and have a lot of fun!