This could be you.

This could be you.

I freely admit it – I’m not much of a winter cyclist.  I am not a fan of riding on snow, ice, streets narrowed and cluttered with snow plow crud, dark evenings etc …

While there are many DotBikers and other city cyclists who ride the year round I am not one of them.  But that doesn’t mean I become a total slug during the winter.  I do a bit of indoor spinning and other workouts and more enjoyably I make use of that snow that is unconducive to cycling for cross country skiing.

It’s fun, easy to stay warm and great exercise.  Snow permitting there are some great local places to ski.  Here’s my quick take on a few options.

First off is Dorchester’s own Franklin Park.  The golf course makes for some fairly flat and easy going and you can be virtually guaranteed that someone will have laid down some tracks if there has been any significant snow fall.  It is also quite fun to explore the ‘wilderness’ and some other paths that go through the more wooded and hillier sections of the park.  Join the Franklin Park Ski and Snowshoe club on facebook where members can plan meet ups and post upcoming events.

Also nearby are the Blue Hills.  There are some really great trails and paths that are perfectly suitable for skiing or snowshoeing.  As you might imagine from the name you can certainly find some pretty hilly expertish terrain but there are also plenty of easier options.  A couple of good places to launch from are the small lot at the intersection of route 28 and Chickatawbut.  Follow the logging/utility road that exits the back of the lot for a nice wide flat warm up before you venture into more challenging terrain.  If you park at the Houghton’s Pond Lot there are some nice flat loops out past the pond.

You will need to have your own skis or snowshoes or rent some (REI does rentals) for either of these options.

If you don’t have equipment and/or aren’t sure you will want to take up XC then you can check out the Weston Ski Track where they have groomed trails, a lighted loop for night skiing, lessons and rentals.  I hear it’s a good place to get started.

Another fairly local option is Great Brook Farm in Carlisle.  I’ve skied there and they do quite a nice job.  Again grooming, rentals, lessons and night skiing are all available.

I have peripherally touched on snowshoeing, which is an activity I am less familiar with having only tried it once.  I did enjoy it.  It was very much like a hike in the woods but in the winter where I didn’t need to worry about post holing in over a foot of fresh snow.  If you are interested in trying this DCR and BNAN are holding several events in January and February where you can try out snowshoeing.  I include the details such as I have them below.

Well enjoy the winter weather as best you can and hope to see you on the trails.

Bigfoot Stomp: A Blue Hills Snowshoe Hike
Sunday, January 24, 1:00 p.m. Call DCR at 617-698-1802 x212 for registration and meeting place.
Did you just get a new pair of snowshoes or looking to get a set? Join a DCR Ranger and an REI Outdoor School Instructor for a guided romp through the Blue Hills. REI will also have a limited number of adult size snowshoes to loan. No experience is necessary! Sponsored by DCR.

Fowl Meadow Snowshoe/Winter Walk
Saturday, January 30, 1:00 p.m. Meet at parking area on Neponset Valley Pkwy & Brush Hill Rd. Hyde Park/Milton
We’ll saunter through Fowl Meadow with Dave Hodgdon of Blue Hill Adventures and learn about this lovely site in winter. Bring your own snowshoes or skis, or call to borrow a pair of snowshoes. Without snow, we’ll enjoy a walk. Registration required. Contact BNAN at 617-542-7696

Stony Brook Winter Wildlife Discovery
Saturday, February 6, 1:00 p.m. Meet at parking lot on Enneking Pkwy opposite Smithfield Rd., Hyde Park
Join the Friends of Stony Brook and BNAN to explore the woods and look for signs of creatures that make Stony Brook their winter home.

February Break Snowshoe/Winter Walk
Thursday, February 18, 1:00 p.m. – Ryan Playground, River St., Mattapan
The riverside trail just behind Ryan Playground is a lovely place to walk and view the winter landscape of the Neponset. We will snowshoe if there is a good layer of snow on the ground, otherwise, we’ll go for a walk. Snowshoes to borrow are limited, registration required. Contact BNAN at 617-542-7696

You can also contact BNAN via email at info<AT>bostonnatural<DOT>org.