People have been snowshoeing for thousands of years but the activity has never been hotter than it is today. Modern aluminum-framed snowshoes are lighter and easier to use than the older wooden models and they provide fun for all ages.

Some of today’s snowshoers are casual participants who occasionally head to the forest to enjoy nature and a bit of fresh air. Some snowshoers enjoy leaving civilization for long backcountry treks. Others are competitors who love the challenge of a snowshoe race. And some snowshoers are photography or birdwatching enthusiasts who use snowshoes as a tool to get the most out of their hobby.

Oneida County is a fantastic place to experience this fun winter sport at any level. You’ll find places to snowshoe virtually anywhere; the county has thousands of acres of public land open for backcountry snowshoeing and miles of beautiful snowshoeing trails. Oneida County has fun snowshoeing events very year that are open to all. And best of all, Oneida County gets lots of snow every winter so there’s usually a lot of fresh powder to explore.

Here are five great places to start your snowshoeing adventure:

Almon Park Trail

This trail, located five miles south of Rhinelander, has two loops featuring beginner and intermediate terrain.

Enterprise County Ski/Hiking Trail

Located about seven miles south of Rhinelander, this ungroomed trail features beginner to intermediate terrain.

Minocqua Winter Park

In northwestern Oneida County, this park is a winter playground, featuring miles of snowshoeing and groomed cross country ski trails. Warm up at the park’s heated chalet.

Three Eagle Trail

This trail in Three Lakes offers gentle terrain and miles of snowshoeing fun. The trailhead is in Don Burnside Park.

Washburn Lake Trail

For a more challenging trek head to this hilly trail system west of Rhinelander. There are separate ski and snowshoe trails and there’s a heated shelter at the Perch Lake trail head.