> new style snowshoes are easier to use
> very inexpensive
> provide access to anywhere in the back country
> you decide your level of exertion
> less dependent on snow conditions
New Trail Map Available click here
2009 New Snowshoe trail descriptions click here
Snowshoeing is the fastest growing winter activity. The reasons why are many:
> new style snowshoes are easier to use
> very inexpensive
> provide access to anywhere in the back country
> you decide your level of exertion
> less dependent on snow conditions
If all you remember about snowshoeing is trudging on old wood style snowshoes with 20 pounds of snow lifting with each step, then you need to give the new snowshoes a try. New snowshoes are made of lightweight aluminum and plastic and minimize the amount of snow that falls on top of them. They also usually include 'crampons' which are metal teeth that give you exceptional traction.
Various snowshoe clinics and demonstrations occur in the area this winter. If you don't own a pair check one of these out. You can also contact us to reserve a pair of snowshoes at one of our guided treks this winter.
General Information
You may snowshoe on any of the 5 miles of groomed ski trail at Libby Hill. If skiers of present, be sure to move to the side of the trail to allow them room to 'skate' through. If traditional tracks are laid down on the ski trails, please don't tread on them; stay on the skate sections only. There are also 14 miles of snowmobile trails in the Libby Hill area. You may snowshoe these as well but be sure to step off the trail when snowmobiles approach. The Harold Libbey and Outback trails provide the best snowshoe experience on the hill. These trails are built for hiking and snowshoeing and give you access to a wide variety of ecosystems and terrain.
You can also 'bushwhack' and explore the woods anywhere you wish to explore in winter. However, remember to that going off trail requires that you have a compass, map and be familiar with winter hiking. Should you become disorientated on a hike, remember, heading east will always eventually get you to a road or the school. Also be cautious of wet areas/thin ice areas on the lowlands around Thayer brook. Be sure you carry water, matches, compass, layers of clothing, map, and a cell phone if you head off trail.
If you just got snowshoes or want to get the 'hang' of using snowshoes. Try these trails:
Turkey Trot Trail- cut
across soccer field and try climbing the sliding hill to test your skills
Moose Odyssey Trail -
make a loop back on one of the connectors or Deer Run or keep going if you feel
good
Intermediate
Harold Libbey Trail
- do the complete trail or use the connector to make a shorter or longer
loop. This trail has the most wildlife near Thayer brook. Be cautious
crossing any open water or ice though.
Moose Odyssey/Holquist Hollow - This 3.5 mile loop will give you lots of terrain to check out. You can also try a little bushwhacking between these trail.
Deer Run/Moose Odyssey - Deer Run bisects the top of Libby Hill. It is very open terrain here and great for snowshoe exploring. You can also use the SA 5 (snowmobile Trail) to loop back or go toward Dry Mills.
Outback Trail - the major challenge here is crossing Thayer Brook. Three stones get you across the brook which at time can nearly cover these rocks. You may want to remove your snowshoes if you don't have crampons. Off trail options include following Thayer brook north to the large beaver dams and assorted water falls. You can also follow Thayer brook south from Porcupine rock. After 1/2 mile you will come to SA3 (snowmobile trail) which allows you to loop back to the middle school. Notice the old stonework dam at the intersection of SA3 and Thayer brook.
Harold Libbey Trail - going off the main trail gives you many options. Check out the sharp descent off the horseback down to Thayer brook. Porcupines inhabit the small stone caves there. You can also continue on the horseback and bushwhack to the Old Libby Hill Road in about 3/4 of a mile. Finally, you can bushwhack the ridges to the east of the trail that are a shortcut back to the Middle School. You can also bushwhack the many dips and rises between the to loops of the trail, including 'Daniel Libby's Throne'.
Old Libby Hill Road - you can follow the SA trail that is the Old Libby Hill Road all the way to to Little Sebago or make a loop using SA12 to Ramsdell Road - then SA4 to return back to the Middle School. Once you discover this area you will see many options for exploring the back woods area of Libby Hill Trails.
SA Combinations - The snowmobile/Atv trails provide an almost infinite possibility for making trekking loops. Be sure you have a compass and map. These trails are not well marked and it is easy to become lost.
Don't let another winter pass you by without checking out snowshoeing at Libby Hill! We have several events this winter, come and see us!