It's Not Snow Bad

Horseback riding has a long history in the Finger Lakes, and with good reason – it’s the perfect way to get exercise, fresh air, and connect with an animal. Sightsee while you listen to the soft sounds of winter along the horseback riding trails of Livingston County along a trail ride at Letchworth Farm or Nunda Ranch, and appreciate the roots of the land through stories told by riding guides. Reservations for your reconnection with nature can be made online.

If you’re the type who worries about going on winter hikes because of slippery ice and snow, there’s an easy solution at hand. With microspikes, your adventure becomes a walk in the park (literally) – and best of all, it doesn’t damage nature. Designed as a traction aid, microspikes make every step a safe and fun one, so you can enjoy looking at your surroundings entirely instead of watching where you walk. Buy the traction footwear at your local outfitter or retailer.

Surrounding yourself with a community of other ice fishers while sitting on a frozen lake, taking quick breaks for drinks and indulgent snacks, is really the winter version of tailgating. This inexpensive pastime is beginner-friendly and great for family bonding, socializing with your best buds, or taking a restful escape outside. Ice fishing is all about the process, so if you’re lucky enough to catch one of the more than 13 species of fish native to Conesus Lake, Hemlock Lake, and the DEC Office Pond, it’s cause for a celebration!

There’s no need to halt outdoor activities once the temperature drops! With a fat tire bike, you can carry your love for summer rides to the winter. Chances are, many of your preferred trails are accessible in all seasons. Fat tire bikes are designed to traverse snow, allowing for a transformed, smooth ride. Once the snow melts, your fat tire bike remains an essential piece of equipment for riding any type of landscape – think mountains, sandy beaches, and muddy woods.

Some of the best outdoor winter destinations are also top-ranking for observing birds and wildlife in their natural habitats. Conesus Lake and the Conesus Inlet Fish and Wildlife Management Area are home to Tundra Swans, Canvasback, and Redhead that can be seen from overlooks; then continue your birding and wildlife-watching adventure by taking a short drive to MacKay Wildlife Preserve, which is home to various plants and species of birds.

Sledding can be a fun winter outing for the whole family, just be sure to get bundled up in warm, waterproof layers before heading to the hills. Get your sledding fix on the gentle hills of the Avon Driving Park, steeper hills at Starr Park in Leicester, or in Letchworth State Park where you can also enjoy hot cocoa and snacks at the trailside lodge. Be sure to check the weather beforehand and grab your favorite sled for your next outing.

Combining exercise, socialization, and time outside when the weather is cold can be as easy as cross-country skiing! Glide across thick layers of snow and observe the depths of land in the Finger Lakes. Choose your favorite park in the area (we know, how can you choose a favorite?!) and plan for a day of exploration. Several parks have trails perfect for an afternoon out, including Genesee Valley Greenway State Park and Letchworth State Park.

If you’ve ever wondered what it would feel like to be weightless as you drift across freshly packed snow, it’s time to try snowshoeing. This 4,000-year-old activity makes for a leisurely outing, and our friends at Trail Otter in downtown Leicester can help you find snowshoes for a calorie-burning journey across the terrain – available to rent or buy!