There’s no need to stop hiking in the winter just because there’s snow on the trail. If you’re looking to spend more time outdoors, try snowshoeing!
There are a few places around Rochester where you can rent snowshoes and learn how to use them. You’ll find that many are nature centers with excellent trails for both snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
And a few even offer cross-country ski rentals if you’d like to try both snow sports.
Places to Rent Snowshoes Around Rochester
Most places charge about $5 per rental of snowshoes. Some may be 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 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. Medved Running and Walking Outfitters
From their website, “Our 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).” Sounds like a great idea if you are thinking about buying your own.
11. REI
From their website, “Renting gear is the best of both worlds. You get the stuff you need without needing a new closet to keep it all in. Gear up for your next outdoor adventure with rentable gear from your local REI store, handpicked by our in-store experts. You can rent snowshoes, skis, snowboards, camping gear and more. And we can show you how to use it.”
Already have your own 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 trails all winter long.
“The solitude and all engulfing silence of the wilderness in winter await. Many trails are actually easier to traverse in winter as the rocks, roots, and mud are covered over 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!”
49 New York State Parks Within a 2-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.
53 Nature Centers, Preserves, Refuges, and Observatories Around Rochester
Our nature centers, wildlife preserves, management areas, etc., all serve to protect and sustain life, while making nature accessible.
Monroe County parks are free, so take advantage of 12,000 acres of natural, zoological, historical, and geological experiences.
74 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.
Snow Sports: 6 Ways to Stay Active in Winter
Skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, skating, and tubing are great snow sports to shake the winter doldrums with exposure to fresh air and sun.
18 Wonderful Winter Walks in Monroe County
These winter walks in Monroe County will inspire you to spend more time outside, breathing in cold, fresh air, and soaking up a little sun.
Some pictures in this post from pixabay.
Where is your favorite spot to rent snowshoes?
Please share your thoughts and stories with us in the comments. Your insight and experience are invaluable!
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/