Your Guide to Winter Outdoor Recreation
Winter doesn’t have to stop you from getting outside. With the proper knowledge, gear, and companions, winter can be a great time to experience the outdoors. Whether you’re into hiking, fishing, birding, or skiing, we’ve got some tips on how to get out this winter.
Snowshoeing: When there’s snow on the ground, you’ll likely need snowshoes or other “over the shoe” devices to help gain traction and prevent postholing. Before purchasing snowshoes, check out our events page to find snowshoeing events at one of our education centers. All DEC trails are open to snowshoeing, but some areas might be better suited for it than others, visit our snowshoeing page to learn more.
Birding: Even in winter, birds can be found throughout the State. Along with the birds in our community parks, backyards, and neighborhoods, many birds visit for the winter from their northern breeding grounds. The Great Lakes, Adirondacks, and Long Island become home to unique finches and waterfowl in winter. To find places to observe birds, visit the New York State Birding Trail. Stay tuned for the start of the I BIRD NY Challenge on March 1.
Ice Fishing: It requires the proper gear and safety considerations, but this activity can be a great way to extend your fishing season to the winter months. To get started, visit our Ice Fishing webpage and consider going with a guide or someone who has gone ice fishing before. Always check local ice conditions to ensure the ice is safe for fishing—a minimum of three to four inches of solid ice is the general rule for safety.
Cross-country Skiing: Cross-country skiing can take place on all DEC trails, but some trails are more suited for skiing than others. Cross-country skiing requires skis, boots, bindings, poles, and the proper clothing. Since you’ll be generating a lot of heat once you’re skiing, it’s best to wear non-cotton clothing in layers.
