For snow lovers who aren’t interested in snowmobiling or skiing, the Grayling area has other options. Winter hiking, ski walking and snowshoeing are growing in popularity and are a perfect way to either relax, or to have an aerobic workout.
Most of the same trails that are open to the public during the non-snow months are also open when there is snow on the ground. And while snowshoes are certainly more useful when there is a lot of snow, lesser amounts of snow are easy to traipse through wearing hiking or winter boots. Snowshoes are available in a huge variety of sizes, shapes and colors; while the old fashioned wooden type are still sometimes used, the modern versions are smaller, lighter and more durable.
Ski walking is a form of exercise that utilizes poles that are similar to ski poles. The poles give hikers a better balance and stability and can result in less back pain for backpackers. Ski walkers use more of their body which burns more calories and they often have less knee and back pain due to the improved posture.
Love to walk during the summer? Take a walk during a light snowfall, or on a cold, crisp morning when the sun is just rising and the snow is glittering like a million crystals! Dress warmly, walk with a buddy, grab poles or ice grips for your boots, and enjoy the exercise and fresh air; even if the grass isn’t green and the sun isn’t shining.
Hanson Hills Winter Sports Park has two snowshoe trails open. The Overlook Trail is 2 miles long and the Easy Rider Trail is 2.9 miles.
Hanson Hills Snowshoe Trail Map
Hartwick Pines State Park has several trails available for snowshoeing.
