Simple Winter Footpaths for Your Enjoyment
The American Mountaineering Club (AMC) has suggested a series of easy winter hikes suitable for snowshoeing or skiing, primarily in the Northeast United States. These trails offer a gentle introduction to winter hiking and provide stunning views of nature's winter beauty.
In New Hampshire, the Ammonoosuc Lake Loop is a 1.2 or 1.8-mile loop trail with a 250-foot elevation gain. This picturesque trail offers opportunities to spot wildlife such as moose and beavers, and provides breathtaking views of Mount Washington. The trail takes approximately 1-2 hours to complete, making it an ideal choice for a leisurely winter outing.
Another trail worth exploring is the Lincoln Woods Trail in Lincoln, New Hampshire. This 6.4-mile out-and-back trail follows the Pemigewasset River through a scenic forest valley, offering a low-effort winter hiking or skiing experience.
For those seeking a more challenging introduction to winter backcountry hiking and snowshoeing, the Lonesome Lake Hut Trail in Franconia Notch, New Hampshire, is a 1.5-mile one-way trail with a steep 2,775-foot elevation gain. The hut is open year-round, including winter, providing shelter and a backcountry experience without the hardest climbs.
In addition to these trails, the AMC offers a Winter Hiking Series in the White Mountains of New Hampshire for more advanced experience and training on winter hikes. This series is designed for experienced hikers preparing to safely hike larger winter mountains but also highlights accessible winter day hikes.
Outside of the Northeast, the trails near Snoqualmie, Washington, such as the East Peak-Rattlesnake Trail and West Rattlesnake Trail, offer moderate elevation gains and scenic views, making them suitable for snowshoeing and winter hiking.
In the heart of the Northeast, the Lake Artemesia trail system in College Park and Berwyn Heights, Maryland, is known for common sightings of deer and rabbit tracks. The trail system offers a 6-mile loop trail, the Northeast Branch Trail, and the West Pond Loop, a 3-mile loop trail within the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge in Broad Channel, New York.
In Connecticut, the Sessions Woods Wildlife Management Area features two wildlife-viewing blinds and a watch tower, offering visitors the opportunity to observe local wildlife. The trail in Sessions Woods passes an enclosure where wildlife biologists conduct research on the effect of deer browsing on forest regeneration. The Tree Identification Trail in Sessions Woods provides printed booklets to help identify trees.
In Massachusetts, the Tucker Preserve was once an industrial site but is now a protected riverside trail. The trail crosses several stone walls, which are former pasture markers. The West Pond Loop, located in Broad Channel, New York, is a popular spot for birders, offering sightings of wrens, sparrows, seagulls, herons, egrets, and swans.
In Pennsylvania, the Valley Forge National Historical Park River Trail preserves several miles of the Schuylkill River as undeveloped green space. The trail passes the site of Sullivan's Bridge, the only bridge built by the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. The nearby ironworks forged the anchors for the U.S.S. Constitution.
In Maine, the Conners Nubble, located in Acadia National Park, offers a 360-degree view of the national park's snowy landscape.
Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a beginner, these trails offer a chance to explore the beauty of the outdoors during the winter season. So, grab your snowshoes or skis and embark on an adventure!
The Ammonoosuc Lake Loop trail in New Hampshire, with its opportunities for wildlife spotting and breathtaking mountain views, is perfect for lovers of outdoor-living who want to experience a touch of home-and-garden beauty amidst winter. After exploring the Northeast, one might also consider venturing to the trails near Snoqualmie, Washington, for a moderate snowshoeing or winter hiking experience.
