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Cross-Country Skiing & Snowshoeing:
Ungroomed Destinations

By Laura Clark

FREE skiing and snowshoeing? Got your attention? In this age of workout schedules and personal trainers, it is refreshing to know that there is some nature out there that are still relatively free. Supported by your tax dollars, New York's many state and national parks offer boundless opportunities for those who want to enjoy a crisp winter's day without the hassles of sometimes more crowded and pricier commercial areas. You can spend the day or a few hours and not feel obligated to ski past enjoyment just to get your money's worth. 

            On the possible downside, depending upon your point of view, many of the trails will not be groomed. If you are among the first to arrive after an all-night snowfall, a strenuous session of trail-breaking awaits you. If the snow has been around for a while, expect some ruts and bumps. If there are broad fields, expect to see multiple crisscross routes. Bring along a good sense of direction, a trail map, or a GPS system. If you plan to be out for a while, bring food or come prepared to forage with the squirrels—you will not find snack bars placed at strategic intervals along the route. Similarly, expect to bring all your own equipment, although some outfitters like Inside Edge, adjacent to Crandall Park in Glens Falls, have rentals available for park users. 

            In the Capital-Saratoga Region, Saratoga Spa State Park offers 20km of mixed novice-intermediate ungroomed trails. The flatter ones meander around the golf course and are an excellent choice for beginners or young children. These trails are punctuated with man-made mounds to climb up and ski down, a confidence builder for the timid and a delight for the children. Johanna and Ron Farra, authors of the newly published must-have book Winter Trails New York: The Best Cross-Country Ski & Snowshoe Trails, are currently re-mapping the entire trail system. Debbie LeBarron, the Park's manager, reports that the new maps may be available for distribution during the annual Winterfest held on the first weekend of February. Because of its slightly higher elevation, the park is one of the first places in the Saratoga Springs area with skiable conditions. Even if the woods are still relatively bare, the golf course usually seems to attract enough early season snow. Call (518) 584-2535.

            Nearby Moreau Lake State Park in Gansevoort offers both a three and an eight mile ungroomed novice-intermediate loop with wooded hills and flatter sections along the lake and marsh area. Snowshoers are welcome to use the trails as long as they stay to the side and are encouraged to enjoy the backwoods area as well. The park also conducts beginner snowshoe clinics, complete with a campsite fireplace picnic afterwards. Call (518) 793-0511.

            John Boyd Thatcher State Park in Voorheesville boasts 23.5 km of novice-intermediate ungroomed trails. Because of its location along the Helderberg Escarpment, skiers and snowshoers will experience spectacular views of the Hudson-Mohawk Valley and the Adirondack foothills. Some of these trails, such as the Cliff Trail Loop, contain fairly technical sections, so if you’re a beginner be sure to consult the park map for appropriate bypasses. Call (518) 872-1237.

            East of Troy, Grafton Lakes State Park is one of New York's largest parks, offering 20 miles of ungroomed single track and backcountry trails with day and night options. Skiers, snowshoers and snowmobilers share most trails, with some reserved strictly for skiers. Because this is an extensive system, with some trails in the difficult category, it is advisable to stop at the park office for a trail map. Call (518) 793-0511.

            Among the many choices in the Adirondack Region is the Glens Falls International Ski Trail in Crandall Park. While this small park has only three miles of trails, they are machine groomed for both classic and skating style and lovingly maintained by the Friends of Cole's Woods, an enthusiastic group of local volunteers.  Not only was Crandall Park the first North American site to institute lighted cross-country ski trails, in 1971 it hosted the first international nighttime ski competition. With this background in mind, realize that the trails range from easiest to most difficult. So be prepared to fall, scream or use the optional cut-offs when necessary. Since the focus is on providing a quality cross-country ski experience, snowshoers are not encouraged. Call (518) 761-3813.

            In Warrensburg, the roughly 6-mile Warren County Nordic Ski Trail System is managed jointly by Warren County and the DEC. In addition, the owners of the nearby Cronin Golf Resort have extended the boundaries by permitting skiing and snowshoeing on their property. Sled groomers make single-track trails, while snowshoers are expected to stay on the side. This trail system encompasses a wide range of terrain for all abilities. An awe-inspiring treat and a definite photo-op are the many views afforded of the spectacular ice floes along the Hudson River, with iceberg-sized blocks reminiscent of Titanic scenes. Call (518) 623-2877.

            Further north, one of the most popular destinations is the Jackrabbit Trail System, named after Herman "Jackrabbit" Johannsen, who designed many of the routes. The 25 miles of ungroomed trails connect the villages of Keene and Saranac Lake. Eventually, the trail will extend to Tupper Lake, with optional side trips to various points of interest such as the Adirondack Park Visitor's Center, for a total of roughly 60 miles. Skiers and snowshoers who travel in groups can play car leapfrog, leaving different cars stocked with dry clothes at various overnight locations along the trail. There are sections to accommodate all skill levels over a wide variety of changing terrain. While most of the trail is free, a donation to the Adirondack Ski Touring Council is suggested. The Cascade Cross Country Ski Center, however, charges for trail use on its sections. Call (518) 523-1365 or 576-9949.

            In the Thousand Islands-Seaway Area, the Tug Hill Tourathon Trails are located in Boylston and consist of hundreds of miles of interconnected ski, snowshoe, dogsled and snowmobile trails. The Tug Hill area typically receives a wonderfully heavy snowfall that comes early and stays late, making this a perfect spot for those who want to ski before Christmas and after Easter. Most of the trails, such as the 30 miles in the Winona State Forest, are groomed regularly. This system hosts National Nordic Ski races, as well as a 50km race, and has trails to suit every level of ability. Do stop at the Tug Hill Ski Club office at the River Valley Inn, on Route 11 in Mannsville to get a trail map. The heavily forested woods can become disorienting to even the most experienced, and the unpredictable lake-effect weather can dump snow at the rate of several inches an hour, obliterating my old fail-safe motto, "Just follow your tracks backward to where you've begun."  Call (518) 387-5964.

Sources:

Johanna and Ron Ferra.  Winter Trails New York: The Best Cross-Country Ski and Snowshoe Trails (Globe Pequot Press, 2001).

New York State Winter Travel & Ski Guide, 2000-2001.  1-800-CALLNYS

Laura Clark is an avid trail runner, snowshoer and cross-country skier, and a Children's and Young Adult Librarian at the Saratoga Springs Public Library.

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