Wapsi River Environmental Education Center

Wapsi River Environmental Education Center Experiences

Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing in the Quad Cities
visitquadcities (Visit Quad Cities )
ou see a fresh expanse of newly fallen snow. What do you want to do? Make footprints across it, write your name, make a snow angel, build a snowman, etc. Did snowshoeing come to mind? Or maybe going for a hike? If not, maybe it should! Kelly Daugherty is an avid outdoors person, even in the winter. “It definitely helps eliminate some of those winter blues,” Kelly says. “It's a mental benefit for everyone, even the dog! My big dog, a Great Pyrenees named Adekes, LOVES snow. He would stay out there for hours if we would let him.” Winter hiking or snowshoeing offers a whole new view of the woods. You can see through the woods to what may be on the other side of that tree or what may be around the corner. A lot of times in the summer months when everything is all green and lush, you miss seeing things like animal tracks or the way the ice forms on certain objects. A snow-filled scene is like no other—the way it settles on the trees is always different and always beautiful. If you’re ready to go snowshoeing, any kind of snow will work…but a brand-new snowfall is the best. There’s nothing better than a fresh snowfall when it has gotten just cold enough to form a nice, crunchy layer on the top. Watch out for icy areas or icy weather conditions because you’ll be too busy watching your step to enjoy nature’s beauty.