Break Out the Snowshoes!

Winter has arrived! 

Those in the know understand there is no time to waste once the white stuff hits the ground. We never know in our warming climate whether snow will last. So grab those snowshoes and let's hit the outdoors. 

Snowshoeing is a great aerobic form of exercise. You don't have to be out for hours or long miles to get your heart pumping hard. I'm usually out for an hour or two every day the snow is deep enough - and as soon after a fresh snow as I can. 

I tend to stick to flatter areas with less elevation - and the possibility of fascinating discoveries while off-trailing. You don't just have to use trails marked for snowshoeing or hiking - snowshoes let you tramp and explore anywhere.

If you don't have snowshoes, check with local school districts, universities, ski/bike shops or libraries to see if they rent/lend out a pair. If you in La Crescent, you can contact the La Crescent-Hokah Community Ed Dept 8:30-4 on school days to rent a pair for $5 (507-895-5150). The Winona Outdoor Collaborative rents out snowshoes and microspikes. 

To get you started, here are a few suggestions of great places to do a little snowshoeing on (and off) the trails in the Driftless. They work well for beginners, families and - let's face it - all skill levels!

Apple Blossom Overlook Park  33642 County Rd 1, La Crescent MN    Perfect under 1.5 mile series of loops near the woods and through the prairie areas. Some elevation gain; spectacular views in winter. Plenty of deer trails to explore off the trail as well!

Aghaming Park, Latsch Island, Winona MN    Head over the bridge from Winona towards WI and take the first right you come to on the bridge to Latsch Island. There is a lovely flat 1.5 mile trail along the Mississippi River. Plenty of off-trail opportunities to explore the many sloughs. You can park at the side of the road right by the trailhead after you cross the old historic bridge.

Veteran's Park, N4668 Cty Rd VP, West Salem, WI      Flat trails along the La Crosse River and over to the State Bike Trail provide a quick easy snowshoe in a lovely floodplain. While short, the scenery is worth the snowshoe!    

Root River WMA, Hwy 16, Hokah MN     Located just north of town on the west side of the highway, this flat walk in the Wildlife Management Area is ripe for off-trail exploration in wetlands and wooded areas. You also can snowshoe over to the Root River dike and explore near the river.   

Halfway Creek,  300 Roberts St, Holmen WI (park behind the library to access the trail)   This is a lovely snowshoe along Halfway Creek on a relatively flat trail in an urban forested ravine. Off-trailing lets you follow the creek from bridge to bridge.

Mathy Quarry Snakeroot Trail   N3065 County Road FA, La Crosse     This Mississippi Valley Conservancy has the perfect snowshoe trail - about 1.5 mile loop through woods and along the prairie (see the map: 10-9-8-7-5-6-1) and over a small bridge. Gorgeous in winter.

There are also some great snowshoeing opportunities to your left along both sides of the Root River just as you turn onto Hwy 26 south of La Crescent. I favor the north side of the Root River trail - a great out-and-back adventure. Park to the west of the railroad tracks and explore!

Hopefully, this will give you a few snowshoeing ideas outside of golf courses and state parks. Let me know in the comments where some of your favorite snowshoeing spots are and I'll see you on the trails!

All images - Marge Loch-Wouters