It seems to me that this winter has already been a whole lot snowier, a lot earlier, than the last few years. Which means it’s the perfect time to get out and do some hiking on our Webster trails, ’cause as pretty as they are in the spring and fall, they’re exceptionally beautiful in the snow.
The Friends of Webster Trails has some great thoughts about doing just that. For starters, they’ve introduced their first-ever First Day Hike at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 1 at Whiting Rd. Nature Preserve (403 Whiting Rd.). The family-friendly guided hike will be about an hour over easy or moderate terrain. Dress in layers and have traction devices for your feet if necessary. Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome.
Please register online for this event so they have an idea of how many to expect.
The Friends’ “Loop of the Month” for January is the Hojack Trail. For winter hiking, a flat trail is a good choice, and the newly refinished Hojack Trail is an excellent option. You can create a walk of up to five miles by including the Michael A. Johnson Trail and the John Ungar Trail. And remember—if you get tired, you can always turn around when you reach your limit.
For you really dedicated hikers, how about signing up for the WNY Winter Hiking Challenge? This year’s challenge runs through March 20 and features 32 trails. Hikers need to earn 50 points to receive a cool finisher patch, a sticker and bragging rights. Many of the featured trails are in the Rochester area, and Four Mile Creek Preserve in Webster is among them. Click here to check out their website and register.
If you’re doing a lot of hiking this winter, consider picking up a Wegmans Passport to start logging your hikes and discovering new places to hike. Passports are available at Webster Wegmans stores and through Webster Parks and Recreation. Or you can download one here.
And, the Friends remind us, don’t forget to bundle up! Winter hiking can be more challenging, so a little extra preparation goes a long way. Be sure you’re familiar with the trail, check the forecast before heading out, and allow extra time, as hikes often take longer than they do in warmer weather. Dress in layers and wear sturdy footwear with good traction.
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(posted 12/29/2025)
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