Snow Moon Guided Snowshoe Hike

Got your snowshoes ready? February’s full Snow Moon reaches its peak on Wednesday, February 16. We thought this would be a great opportunity to host a guided snowshoe hike at Mendon Ponds Park.

Why is it called the full Snow Moon?

The explanation behind February’s full Moon name is a fairly straightforward one: it’s known as the Snow Moon due to the typically heavy snowfall that occurs in February. On average, February is the United States’ snowiest month, according to data from the National Weather Service. In the 1760s, Captain Jonathan Carver, who had visited with the Naudowessie (Dakota), wrote that the name used for this period was the Snow Moon, “because more snow commonly falls during this month than any other in the winter.” 

About the Event:

The hike will begin at 6:30 pm at Mendon Ponds Park and will last roughly an hour to 90 minutes. We will hike in the area of the East Esker (green) trail. This is a fun, but challenging and hilly area of the park. After the hike we will enjoy hot cocoa back at the lodge.

What do I need?

• Warm clothing. It is February. Please dress accordingly.
• A headlamp or flashlight is required.
• Snowshoes, if there is enough snow. We will have rentals available for $10.00. If there is not enough snow for snowshoes we strongly recommend traction devices such as Microspikes, Exospikes, or Yaktrax.
• An awesome attitude!

How do I reserve snowshoes?

• If you have your own snowshoes and do not need rentals, please register for the Snow Moon Snowshoe Hike option.
• If you need to rent snowshoes, please register for the Snow Moon Snowshoe Hike + Snowshoe Option. You will not be charged for snowshoes through RunSignUp. On the evening of the event you will pay the $10.00 rental fee at the lodge. You can pay with cash, check, credit card, or Venmo. If there is not enough snow for snowshoes you will not be charged.

What happens if there is no snow?

• We'll go for a hike!

Members of The Medved Endurance Project receive $5.00 off on their registration.