Cross Country Skiing & Snowshoeing
The hilly state forests and state parks of Connecticut offer lots of places to get out on cross country skis and snowshoes. At least one downhill (Alpine) ski area offers groomed trails and equipment for Nordic skiing. Many Connecticut state parks and forests allow Nordic skiing and snowshoeing on their multi-purpose trails, but don’t count on finding supports like equipment rental, lodges and warming huts, or food. Bring your own gear.
4 places to visit
Barkhamsted, CT
American Legion & Peoples State Forests
These two adjacent state forests are located along the west branch of the Farmington River, named a wild and scenic river by the National Park Service. Cross country skiing is done in the snowy seasons. - Cross Country Skiing Map (PDF)Between Center Hill Road (CT Route 181) and East River Road 860-379-2469
Hampton, CT
James L. Goodwin Forest
Cross country skiers are welcome on the very extensive trail system of this forest. One trail, along an old railroad bed, is level and particularly well suited to XC skiing (not groomed). Trail maps are available at the nature center on the property. - Trail Map23 Potter Road - Off US Route 6 860-424-3200
Farmington, CT
Winding Trails Cross Country Ski Center
Family-friendly Nordic ski area offers 20 kilometers of groomed trails in woodlands. Trails for all levels of skill. Snowshoeing not permitted on trails. Equipment rentals and retails sales. Center also rents pulk sleds for children and tubes for snow tubing. Tubing and sledding allowed on summertime soccer and softball fields. It is a 150-foot hill with a slope of 20 degrees. Bring your own sled; tubes available for rent.50 Winding Trails Drive 860-677-8458
Litchfield, CT
White Memorial Conservation Center and Museum
This conservation area has 35 miles of trails open year-round for hiking, biking, cross-country skiing and horseback riding. Good assistance from a color-coded trail map. Guided tours of the woodlands are offered on occasion throughout the winter. For skiers, there is no trail grooming, lodge, or rentals. Bring you own equipment.80 Whitehall Road 860-567-0857