Are you looking for a new winter activity that’ll keep you fit and allow you to take in some of the natural beauty Maryland has to offer? Perhaps you should give snowshoeing a try. Originally invented as a type of footwear to prevent one from sinking into the snow, snowshoes have morphed into not only a functional tool but an activity that’s fun for people of any age. Not only is snowshoeing fun, but it’s also a great workout to improve your balance, cardiac function, strength, and agility. Here are a few places to give it a try.

Wisp Resort

Wisp Resort is known for its Winter Wonderland fun, skiing, snowboarding, and tubing – you name it, they have it. It’s also an ideal place for those who’re trying snowshoeing out for the first time. The terrain available is located on the Nordic Trails of the Fantasy Valley Golf Course.  Check into the Nordic Center to receive your trail passes. The Resort also has several restaurant options if you work up an appetite on your trek. Snowshoes can be rented onsite and lessons are available as well.

Backbone Ski Farm

With over 520 acres of open fields and forests, Backbone Ski Farm is the perfect setting for a day of snowshoeing. Set at the base of Backbone Mountain, you’ll have 9.5 miles of beautifully maintained trails to choose from. This area of Maryland typically receives up to 150 inches of snow flurries per season, so conditions are normally ideal. Snowshoes can be rented onsite.

Deep Creek Lake

Deep Creek Lake has been on the snowshoeing scene for quite some time, as the conditions and trails of the area are perfect for the sport. All Earth Eco Tours offers guided snowshoeing treks for individuals and groups. The two hour tour is through Swallow Falls State Park which is home to Cranesville Arctic Swamp Nature Preserve. For those more advanced at snowshoeing, a four hour tour includes different options like traversing through The Savage Wildlands and climbing Big Savage Mountain. Snowshoes and hot cocoa are provided with the tours.

New Germany State Park

Spanning over 483 acres, New Germany State Park has ten miles of trails for hiking, cross country skiing, or snowshoeing. The terrain is covered with evergreen forests surrounding a beautiful lake. The trails are well marked and often interconnected if you want to add on some mileage to your trek. The lodge offers a large fire to warm up, and cocoa and soup are available. Snowshoes can be rented onsite.

Savage River Lodge

Nestled adjacent to the Savage River State Forest, The Savage River Lodge boasts 43 acres of forests and rivers and 14 miles of well-maintained trails. The lodge normally gets about 120 inches of snow per season, so chances are the trails will be primed for snowshoeing in the winter months. The lodge does offer snowshoe rentals as well, and has a cozy fire and cocoa to return to when you are done for the day.

 

 

Snowshoeing is a great way to enjoy nature, get a workout, and have some fun in the winter months. Grab a group of friends and explore the winter beauty Maryland has to offer. Make sure to treat yourself to some cocoa by the fire when the day is done! Where are your favorite places to snowshoe?