The Best Trails and Gear for Snowshoeing in Westchester

Where to go for those dipping their toes in the snow around Westchester.

Snowshoeing is a red-hot trend among those looking to get fit during the winter. One of the county’s best spots for trying out this low-impact aerobic activity is Ossining’s Teatown Lake Reservation (below), which boasts wide expanses of flat land, gorgeous native trees, and scenic waterways. The Bronx River Pathway and both the North and South County Trailways are also excellent for snowshoeing, as is Pleasantville’s bucolic Rockefeller State Park Preserve.

Photo by Austin Schatz

For a slightly more challenging jaunt, try Peekskill’s Blue Mountain Reservation, and remember that many local golf courses become veritable snowshoeing wonderlands during winter months. But having a fun, safe time depends heavily on the equipment, so before you head out, gear up with these top picks:

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^{Standard Snowshoe}

^{Crescent Moon Gold 10 Backcountry Snowshoes}

^{REI, Yonkers;}$219

^{When it comes to all-around solid snowshoes, it’s difficult to do better than these three-claw, stainless-steel specimens with sliding ratchet buckles and single pull loops to ensure a super-snug and secure fit.}

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Trekking Pole

Black Diamond Alpine FLZ Trekking Poles

REI, Yonkers; $159.99

These top-of-the-line trekking poles by Black Diamond are indispensable for control and stability. They offer Flicklock technology, which allows users to adjust pole length on the fly, as well as a three-section foldable design and natural cork grips.

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Trail-Running Snowshoe

Atlas Run Snowshoes

REI, Yonkers; $249

Snowshoeing doesn’t necessarily have to be a laid-back jaunt. These trail-running snowshoes allow you to turn an outdoor adventure into an all-out sweat fest, with spring-loaded suspension, aluminum frames, and a lightweight, low profile.

Gaiters

Outdoor Research Verglas Gaiters

REI, Yonkers; $65

When snowshoeing, it’s important to protect your feet, ankles, and shins from cold and abrasion. These ultralight, waterproof, and breathable gaiters by Outdoor Research fit the bill, boasting three-layer Pertex Shield nylon ripstop upper sections and 500-denier Cordura nylon lower sections.