Warren County has unveiled a new website to highlight the county’s options for snowshoers and to help those who are interested in learning to snowshoe find places to enjoy winter outside.
Just in time for the best conditions of the season, Warren County Planning & Community Development, Warren County Tourism Department, Bolton Chamber of Commerce and Lake George Land Conservancy have teamed to create an interactive website, “Snowshoe Warren County,” to introduce residents and visitors to snowshoeing.
Snowshoeing has been growing in popularity in recent years, as outdoors enthusiasts realize snowshoes allow users to explore the snow-covered landscape while also providing a great workout. And all indications are that the pandemic-driven rise in interest in outdoor activities that began in 2020 has continued into the winter as well.
The new website, warrencountyny.gov/snowshoe, includes maps of trails as well as a beginner’s guide to the sport and information about where to rent or borrow snowshoes. Renting is a good way to give the sport a try before purchasing a pair.
The new website was a joint effort by a group of local organizations that are looking to promote safe outdoor activities during the pandemic that can continue to be enjoyed once the COVID health emergency ends.
Joanne Conley, Warren County Tourism Director, said: “Exploring our incredible hiking trails on snowshoes is an easy way to get outdoors this winter. With miles of trails to choose from and varying degrees of difficulty, people of all abilities can experience the scenic splendor of the Lake George Area in winter at their own pace on snowshoes!”
Heidi Hess, President of the Bolton Chamber of Commerce, said: “We are very excited about the new snowshoeing website! We have several snowshoe trails available in Bolton. This map will take these trails from ‘the best kept secret’ to the best place for fun and exercise in the beautiful outdoors. We have trails for the beginner snowshoer (visit Up Yonda Farm) or more experienced snowshoer (on the other Bolton trails). Bring your own snowshoes or rent them from UpYonda Farm or at the Bolton Visitor Center.”
Trails are also optional for snowshoes. Once you feel comfortable on them, you can just strap them on and head into the woods to explore!
Warren County Planning & Community Development staff plan to update snow conditions around the county on the website, and add more trails to the website’s map as it is developed further.
The idea to highlight Warren County’s snowshoeing opportunities sprouted from regular meetings of an ad hoc “Hospitality Communications” group of local tourism professionals who are working together to maximize the county’s tourism potential.