Monday, January 10, 2011

Learn to snowshoe, North Shore style

It’s the low-tech, low-stress way to explore winter. The best way to get out and really experience the snowy woods is by snowshoe. You can stop and look around and you don’t have to worry about slamming into a tree.

The snow lies deep along the North Shore. The purple and deep blue lines along the shore in the map below indicate snow that's two feet deep or more. It's time to get out and explore.

But what if you don’t have snowshoes? Lucky us! There are great North Shore snowshoe events, and the snowshoes are provided! It's all FREE.

Snowshoe events
January 15 and February, 2:00
Tettegouche State Park
Learn to snowshoe and join a group hike of about one mile. Reservations can be made by calling 218-226-6365 extension 234.

January 2, 1:00
This hike is led by the park naturalist and will include some fun facts and winter stories. Call ahead to reserve snowshoes (218) 384-4610.

Snowshoe rental
If you can't make these events, you can still rent snowshoes and use them on your own.

Rent snowshoes and use them right away at Jay Cooke, Split Rock and Tettegouche state parks, or at Hartley Nature Center

Private businesses also rent snowshoes. Check it out at Ski Hut in Duluth, Sawtooth Outfitters in Tofte, or the Lake Superior Trading Post in Grand Marais.

1 comment:

Bayfieldwis.com said...

My favorite place the Cascade Lodge
just south of Grand Marais rents equipment but not sure about snowshoes? They do have XC skis!
They have great trails just behind the lodge that go for miles! Deerpark Loop and Pioneer trail loop. Or go to Cascade River State park for more trails. Off season rates right now at the cabins.
And I pulled out the guide to the Superior Hiking Trail which was the old version and to my surprise you were the author! Small small world. You have a author's name for sure. While I do XC ski I'm not very hard core but it's great to get out a few times and see the snow.