Don’t let the cold keep you away! Winter is one of the best times to get outside in the Finger Lakes Countrysides. The trails are peaceful, the crowds slim out, and you get to take in all the beauty that winter has to offer. If you’re looking for places to embrace the season, these local spots offer some of the best cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the Finger Lakes.

Stretching between Keuka Lake and Seneca Lake, the Keuka Lake Outlet Trail is a favorite for locals and visitors alike, no matter the season. In winter, the wide, wooded path transforms into a snow-covered route ideal for snowshoeing (amongst other things) 

Even a short section of the trail offers plenty to see. Waterfalls, historic mill sites, and stretches of quiet forest are an enchanting backdrop for your winter pleasure. The gentle grade makes it accessible for most skill levels, and with enough snowfall, it’s one of the easiest places to enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the Finger Lakes. The full trail is seven miles long, giving you the option to challenge yourself and tackle the whole route, or enjoy an easy experience exploring just a part of the trail. 

If you’re looking for a more rugged winter adventure, Italy Hill State Forest is a great place to head for the more advanced outdoor enthusiast. This 1,899-acre scenic forest sits in a quiet corner of the countryside in Branchport off of Keuka Lake and offers a mix of open areas and wooded landscapes. 

Once the snow falls, visitors can snowshoe or cross-country ski throughout the forest. It’s a beautiful spot to take in the winter scenery away from the crowds. 

The Italy Hill State Forest is rustic with limited facilities, so make sure to come prepared with everything you need to stay safe and warm during your visit.  

For a serene winter outing, the Townsend-Grady Wildlife Preserve at the Saunders Finger Lakes Museum in Branchport offers a boardwalk and surrounding trails perfect for snowshoeing. The flat paths make it an easy option for beginners or anyone who wants a slower, scenic outing. 

Interpretive signs along the trail share information about the local ecosystem, and the views across the wetlands feel especially peaceful under a fresh layer of snow. It’s a great way to enjoy skiing and snowshoeing in the Finger Lakes without venturing too far off the beaten path. 

The museum building is currently under construction, but you can still explore the campus and take your skis and snowshoes out on the trails. Check out their year-round programming like guided tours and birding events if you’re interested in group outings or activities lead by a knowledgeable and skilled local. Their guided tours are also a great option if you don’t have your own equipment.  

Keuka Lake State Park is a four-season favorite, and winter brings a completely different perspective of the landscape. With open hillsides, quiet woodland trails and stunning views of Keuka Lake, this park offers plenty of space to explore on snowshoes. 

Trails remain accessible throughout the winter and when the snow is deep enough, visitors may even find stretches suitable for cross-country skiing. 

The park has easy access to the Keuka Lake Wine Trail, so you can go warm up with a nice glass of Finger Lakes wine after your adventure.  

Bundle up, grab your gear, and explore the countryside at its quietest time of year. Be sure to bring your own snowshoes and cross-country skis, as these trails do not offer rentals (except Saunders Finger Lakes Museum, which offers rentals during their winter programming as an add-on) 

Don’t want your winter fun to end here? Keep reading for some of the best activities for snow-lovers in the Finger Lakes Countrysides or check out our winter itinerary. For even more winter fun, listen to our winter playlist during your road trip. It will put you in the perfect mood for your snowshoeing and skiing adventure.