Don’t let the snow on the trail stop you from hiking in the winter. Why not try snowshoeing to spend more time outdoors? There are some places around Rochester where you can rent snowshoes and get proper training. Many of these places are nature centers offering excellent trails for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. If you want to try both, some even provide cross-country ski rentals.
Places to Rent Snowshoes Around Rochester
Many places charge around $5 per snowshoe rental. Some may charge for the whole day, and some by the hour—check before you go.
1. Hanson Nature Center in Tinker Nature Park Henrietta
2. Wild Wings Inc. Bird of Prey Facility and Nature Center Mendon Ponds Park
3. Helmer Nature Center’s Saturday Snowshoe Irondequoit
4. Cumming Nature Center Naples
5. Genesee Country Village Mumford
6. Montezuma Audubon Center Savannah
7. Genesee County Park & Forest Bethany
8. Bryncliff Resort Varysburg
9. Reinstein Woods & Nature Preserve Cheektowaga
10. REI
11. Medved Running and Walking Outfitters
According to their website, their “rental fee is $20 per day, and the first two days can be used toward the purchase of a pair of snowshoes (if made within 30 days of the rental return).” This sounds like a great deal if you are considering buying your own.
Already have snowshoes?
There are hundreds of places around Rochester to take them! A bit of inspiration from the NYS DEC: “Don’t let snow keep you off New York State’s thousands of trails this winter. Grab a pair of cross-country skis or snowshoes and enjoy your favorite winter trails.
“The solitude and all engulfing silence of the wilderness in winter await. In winter, many trails are more manageable as the rocks, roots, and mud are covered with nothing but smooth, deep snow. You can go to areas otherwise not accessible in summer due to wet conditions and take short cuts across frozen lakes. You may be surprised that a day of exercise and exploring nature in winter could be so much fun!”
Explore More
Not all waterfalls are hidden in dark ravines. Many of the region’s most stunning waterfalls can be viewed from the road or a short walk.
Nature Centers and Preserves Around Rochester
The various nature centers, preserves, and management areas all work to protect and maintain natural spaces for the benefit of all.
Snow Sports: 6 Ways to Stay Active in Winter
Skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, skating, and tubing are fun winter activities that offer exposure to fresh air and sunlight.
50 New York State Parks Within a Two-Hour Drive of Rochester
Venture into one of these New York State Parks within a two-hour drive of Rochester and discover what makes them unique.
Monroe County parks are free and offer 12,000 acres of natural, zoological, horticultural, historical, and geological experiences.
80+ Hiking Trails Around Rochester
Less traveled than in our parks, these hiking trails around Rochester offer a secluded and rustic area to immerse yourself in nature.
Where is your favorite spot to rent snowshoes?
I’d love to hear from you—please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
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Enjoy the Journey Together!
Some pictures in this post are from Pixabay.
Where can I try cross country skiing? I would like to rent and ski in one location.
We have an article specific to skiing! Let me know though if you don’t find what you’re looking for here and I can help find more info: https://daytrippingroc.com/skiing-around-rochester/