Page 38 - DreamScapes Magazine | Winter 2024/2025

LET IT SNOW
Discover just-right conditions for
winter sports in Oswego County
BY MICHELE SPONAGLE
DID YOU KNOW?
Oswego County’s strategic
location has made it a desirable
home to Iroquois, British and
French explorers through the
centuries. Today, history buffs
can visit Fort Ontario and see
life as it was circa 1868.
Embrace the best of the season with an
Forget hibernating indoors this winter.
action-packed itinerary focused on New
York’s Oswego County. Over 2,500 square
kilometres, including two cities, 22 towns and
10 villages, make this snow-capped region that
snuggles just north of Syracuse a hot spot for
exhilarating outdoor pursuits.
Trails and Tales
Ask locals what to do in the winter and
snowmobiling is often the quick reply. The
county boasts ample groomed trails, especially
in the Tug Hill Plateau region. It’s known for its
stunning landscapes, from dense forest to
wide-open fields—perfect backdrops for your
ride. The area caters to snowmobile enthu-
siasts, so you’ll find inviting cabins for
overnight stays and plenty of restaurants to
cosy up over home-cooked meals.
The Winona Forest, also part of the Tug Hill
Plateau, is a prime location for snowshoeing
with over 80 kilometres of marked trails that
wind through the woods. The tall trees offer
shelter from the wind and keep temperatures
comfortable as you swoosh through pristine
natural beauty. Expect near-perfect conditions,
thanks to the five to almost eight metres of
annual lake-effect snow that transform the area
into a shimmering winter wonderland.
A Sense of Adventure
For competitive types, plan your visit to the
Winona Forest during SnoFatShu, a race
38
DREAMSCAPES WINTER 2024/2025
combining fat biking and snowshoeing held
annually in February. Participants hit the
trails in a test of endurance to complete a
five-kilometre trail on snowshoes and almost
18 kilometres on a fat bike before aiming for
the finish line.
If you’re looking for an elevated adventure,
Salmon River Falls is popular among exper-
ienced ice climbers because of its dramatic
views and granite cliffs. Grab your gear and
follow the gorge trail to a designated climbing
area. Watch for wildlife, like white-tailed deer
and bald eagles.
Closer to Nature
Sometimes, just immersing yourself in nature
is the best way to recharge. For those who want
to try ice fishing, follow the locals to a favourite
spot, like the very popular Oneida Lake, Three
Mile Bay and Sandy Pond, where you can hook
pike, walleye or largemouth bass.
When you want to take a break, warm up
with peppermint white chocolate tea from the
Oswego Tea Company and nibble on sponge
candy from Man in the Moon Candies.
While you won’t be able to try every winter
activity offered in Oswego County, it’s fun
trying and there will be plenty of reasons to
come back.
DS
TRAVEL PLANNER:
For more travel information about Oswego
County, New York, see visitoswegocounty.com
PHOTOS: JIM LAWYER | OSWEGO COUNTY