With snow on the ground, PRLT preserves look like a winter wonderland and are perfect for exploring. However, some trails are better for winter adventures than others, depending on whether you want to walk, snowshoe, or ski. Here’s where we recommend starting out this winter:

If you want to walk, try…

East Windham Conservation Area – there’s a wide, surfaced ADA trail from the parking area into the center of the preserve.
Gambo Preserve – walk the loop trail on the raised historic Cumberland-Oxford Canal Towpath.
Rivermeadow Nature Preserve – the new boardwalk and natural trail near downtown Westbrook are nice and flat.
Frazier Preserve and Steep Falls Village Preserve – both have flat, wide trails that are ideal for winter visits.

If you want to snowshoe, check out…

Black Brook Preserve – traverse trails in forest and field (but note that the Route 202 trailhead is not plowed, please use the Windham Center Road trailhead instead).
Lowell Preserve – explore over six miles of hilly trails.
Randall Orchards – we recommend the trailhead behind the Colonial Marketplace (Hannaford) parking lot for winter access.
East Windham Conservation Area – there’s a diverse trail system perfect for winter exploration, offering scenic forested paths, water views of Little Duck Pond, and glimpses of the snow-capped White Mountains. The Purple Loop Trail (3.1 miles) is a wide, mostly flat, and accessible trail that includes some steep hill inclines that make it ideal for snowshoeing. The technical trails are narrow, wooded, and steep (and perhaps not a good fit if it’s your first time on snowshoes).

If you want to cross-country ski, we recommend…

East Windham Conservation Area – Purple Loop Trail is also fun for adventurous cross-country skiers. The Woods Road (part of the Purple Loop Trail) is a wide trail suitable for skiing, though there are some steep sections.
Frazier Preserve – the trail is flat and wide (a great spot for beginners).
Pride Preserve – Red Loop Trail is a flat and wide 1.5 mile excursion. From the preserve you can also connect to Hardy Road Conservation Area in Falmouth for more exploring.
(Please note: none of the trails at our preserves are groomed, so you’ll need to bring an adventurous spirit!)

Conditions can vary dramatically this time of year; depending on what the weather has been like, trails can be icy and slippery. Hiking poles and ice cleats (also called microspikes, crampons, or stabilicers) are great tools for improving traction if you’re walking. Always use your best judgment and stay within your fitness level, especially in winter. Don’t forget water and to wear wicking layers (remember: “cotton kills” in cold and wet conditions).

For more info about PRLT trails to explore this winter, visit https://www.prlt.org/best-winter-trails.