|
Winter Camping at Letchworth State Park
Frozen waterfalls, the roaring Genesee River and snow-covered forests turn the renowned Letchworth State Park into a winter wonderland.
The park, nicknamed the "Grand Canyon of the East" because of its deep gorge, and cliffs that soar hundreds of feet above the canyon floor, is open to camping year-round. Winter activities include snow tubing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and interpretive programs.
The park operates the Maplewood Lodge and winterized cabins. The lodge is ideal for snowmobilers because of its connection to the NYS snowmobile trail system. Contact the park directly at 585-493-3600 for reservation information. For those who like more creature comforts than the lodge or cabins offer, winter accommodations are available at businesses nearby.
Watchable Wildlife at Sapsucker Woods
On the grounds of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Sapsucker Woods is home to the yellow-bellied sapsucker, one of more than 225 bird species found here.
In winter, the trails, boardwalks and observation platforms may offer views of white-throated sparrows, black-capped chickadees, northern cardinals, tufted titmice, downy and pileated woodpeckers, white-breasted nuthatches, dark-eyed juncos, blue jays and mourning doves. In addition to numerous bird species, you may see white-tailed deer, minks, muskrats, red and grey squirrels and chipmunks.
Use the Winter Trail Guide to find the best places for viewing this season's wildlife.
Squirrel Hunting Popular at Stewart State Forest
Gray squirrels are one of New York's most plentiful small game species, and Stewart State Forest is one of the state's most popular places to hunt small game with air gun or shotgun. December is right in the middle of squirrel season, and you'll find these ubiquitous furbearers venturing out of their treetop nests on calm winter days.
Stewart's 6,700 acres include dozens of parking areas for hunters. Located in Orange County close to Interstate 84 and other nearby roads, Stewart is an easy drive from the New York City area and neighboring states.
Hike of the Month: Exploring Five Rivers' Nature Trails
Five Rivers Environmental Education Center comprises more than 450 acres of broad fields, towering forests, and tranquil wetlands visitors can enjoy year-round. There are seven interpretive trails, two of which are favorites during the winter months for hiking, skiing, snowshoeing and watching wildlife.
North Loop (2-mile loop)
Go the distance on this skiing/hiking boundary trail through broad fields and forests of pine and northern hardwood. Stately trees, dense brush and dynamic views lend a sense of wilderness.
Wild Turkey Trail (2-mile loop)
Another great skiing and hiking trail, this one traverses old fields and extensive grasslands on the way to an enchanting wooded ravine of the Phillipinkill. Be sure to scan the grasslands for northern harrier in winter. There's also a good chance you'll see owls and turkey in the deep woods.
Brochures for interpretive trails are available at the Visitor Center and at trailhead kiosks.
Snowshoeing at the Adirondack Interpretive Center
At the Adirondack Interpretive Center (AIC), snowshoe, ski or hike the R.W. Sage Jr. Memorial Trail, Rich Lake Trail, Peninsula Trail, or Sucker Brook Trail, all of which begin at the AIC building. Comprising nearly four miles of the 236-acre property, these trails take recreationists through diverse habitats, including lakeshore, river, mixed forest and wetland ecosystems.
The Sucker Brook Trail is particularly good for seeing wildlife, including otters sliding in the snow near the Rich Lake outlet. Trails are open every day from dawn to dusk, and a Winter Trail Map on the AIC website is available for downloading.
|
