Enjoying Snowshoeing in Lansing, Michigan
The City of Lansing has many urban delights to offer visitors, as well as more serene activities, such as snowshoeing. Lakelands Trail State Park is located near Lansing, Mich., and is one of Michigan’s most active rail-trails. Many people of all ages visit Lakelands Trail State Park because it is within a short driving distance from major cities, such as Ann Arbor, Detroit, Lansing, and Jackson.
The trail takes the snowshoer through 26 miles of beautiful central Michigan, exposing the adventurer to farmland, marshes, and wooded areas full of interesting, animal sightings. Twenty miles of snow-covered, soft, limestone surface (with minimal elevation gain) is what the snowshoer can expect to encounter from Stockbridge to Perry. The elevation at center point is 945 feet (288 meters), and 6 miles from Perry to Hamburg Township is snow-covered asphalt.
Along the way, you will pass through a town named Gregory, which has cafes, pubs, and eateries where you can stop for a rest and a bite to eat on your journey.
If you can walk, you can snowshoe, and this is a relaxing trail to walk on. Expect to see people of all ages on this trail, as snowshoeing is a popular sport in Michigan and this trail is a well-known snowshoe trail. I started to snowshoe myself last winter because I wanted to participate in a winter sport that required little equipment and training. Getting used to walking in the shoes and turning seemed a bit awkward at first, but I soon was walking without getting tired. Snowshoeing is like anything — you need to get used to it. I also kept thinking I would fall through the snow, but the shoe prevents this by distributing your weight equally. Snowshoeing is great exercise and costs less than most other outdoor winter sports.
If you want to find a winter sport less intimidating than skiing, snowshoeing may be what you are looking for, and I suggest you try out the Lakelands Trail State Park in Lansing, Mich.
Happy Trails!
Sources:
Lakelands Trail State Park Website
Personal experience
