Snowshoeing - The Maine Winter Sports Series
In Maine, it’s common to find snowdrifts of three or four feet. Obviously, this rules out hiking as an activity, but there’s a great alternative to get out and visit the trails — snowshoeing. Safe and easy, even for those who aren’t particularly athletic, snowshoeing is a great way to see Maine’s beautiful winter scenery and get some great exercise at the same time.
Photo by nonanet.
Snowshoes are large paddle-like footwear worn over a pair of boots, which distribute your weight evenly over the snow, so that you don’t sink in. They may seem unwieldy on dry land, but they make quick and easy work of walking on top of five feet of snow. After a heavy snowfall, try snowshoeing on one of Maine’s great hiking trails, such as Mount Battie in Camden. You’ll have the unique experience of seeing the trail all covered in snow, and are likely to have the view all to yourself.
Other great places for snowshoeing in Maine include Smiling Hill Farm in Westbrook, where snowshoe rental is available; The Birches, an 11,000 acre preserve in the Moosehead Lake region; Sugarloaf Ski Resort, which offers a guided one-hour snowshoe tour for beginners; Gilsland Island Farm, in Falmouth; and Bradbury Mountain in Pownal, with 5 miles of hiking trails that are accessible by snowshoe in winter. For a more comprehensive list of parks, trails, and ski areas that offer trails for snowshoeing, visit this page.
At some ski resorts, you will be able to rent snowshoes. If you’d prefer to check out some of the more remote snowshoeing areas, though, you’ll probably need to buy your own pair of snowshoes and other gear. The best place in Maine to stock up is the L.L. Bean Bike, Boat, & Ski Store, in the shopper’s paradise of Freeport. Along with a pair of snowshoes, you’ll want to buy lightweight poles to help you balance during your walk; you can also get a bag to carry your snowshoes if you like.
Additionally, you’ll want to have waterproof boots, a wind-resistant thermal jacket, long underwear, and a warm hat, scarf, and gloves to keep you warm against that cold Maine winter weather. While you’re snowshoeing, your body will start to warm itself up, so don’t go for bulk — just look for clothing that is designed to keep the wind out. The store attendants should be able to help you pick out the right pair of snowshoes for you, along with whatever other gear you need.
Though snowshoes can cost several hundred dollars, you can often find the best prices at the tail end of winter — I bought my first pair in March, for $70, marked down from $130. Though I didn’t get much practice this winter, I’m looking forward to plenty of snowshoeing as soon as the first snow hits in December.
Written by Kathy Hawkins on June 27, 2007
Filed Under Maine, Lakes, Sports, Recreation, Winter
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