It's like walking ... but with giant, flat footwear

This giant snowfall we're receiving is making me crave a nice long snowshoe trek.

My husband and I buckled into our snowshoes for the last big snowfall on Dec. 16. It was terrific. We plodded through our neighborhood, along the river and through the Fenner Nature Center and Mount Hope Cemetery.

It was a heckuva workout, even at a moderate pace. A couple years since our last snowshoe adventure, it had been high time we tackled the snow.

Now that we've received a fresh batch, I thought I'd figure out where the best places to snowshoe (or cross-country ski) are in mid-Michigan. I'm listing the places I've heard of (most of them I haven't tried, so I can't vouch for the quality), along with links to maps on where to find each place.

If you know of a good winter sport spot, share it here in the comments. Here's my list:

Fenner Nature Center, 2020 E. Mount Hope Ave.
You'll find lots of picturesque trails and open spaces, too. It's hard to believe the busy-ish Aurelius Road and Mount Hope Avenue border this quiet nature center.

Moores Park, 420 Moores River Drive.
I love it at this park during the summer running season, and I can't wait to check it out on snowshoes. This is my next destination.

Harris Nature Center, 3998 Van Atta Road, Meridian Township
A lot like the Fennder Nature Center, you'll find open spaces and preserved habitats.

Granger Meadows Park, 3501 W. Herbison Road, DeWitt.
The Richard A. Padgett Natural Area boasts 70-acres of marked and unmarked trails. I've been meaning to check this place out for a new place to run, too.

Rose Lake Wildlife Area, Stoll Road, Lansing
A co-worker has been raving about this place for too long. He says it's a great place to bike through in summer, and a nice place to ski or snowshoe in winter. According to the Web site, cross-country skiing isn't allowed until after January 1, though.

Comments

[jerry]

the best place to ski is at Groesbeck golf course...snow is consistent--lots of rolling hills...good for night skiing...park in Bancroft park by sleding hill