LARCH HILLS NORDIC SOCIETY

Snowshoeing

Explore winter at Larch Hills

Discover forest trails and winter scenery on snowshoes.

Snowshoe Etiquette

Help everyone enjoy a safe and positive experience on our trails.

Follow yellow markers

Stay on marked snowshoe trails. Follow yellow signs and yellow crossed snowshoe markers. White signs mark ski trails.

Respect ski trails

Avoid groomed ski trails except when crossing or in emergencies. Snowshoe tracks are hazardous for skiers going downhill.

Dogs welcome

Keep dogs leashed when crossing ski trails.

Take care at crossings

Watch for fast-moving skiers, especially on hills.

Be prepared before you head out

Trails are not patrolled. Much of the network is wilderness. If you cannot return to the Chalet on your own, you may be stranded for a lengthy time.

Carry water, food and extra warm clothing, especially on less-used remote trails such as Mom’s Loop and Coffey’s Climb.

Be prepared to detour around fallen trees and find your way after fresh snowfall, when trail signs may be covered.

Access and Trail Descriptions

Three entrances connect the Chalet area to the snowshoe trails. Consult the map before setting out.

Trail Access & Starting Points

There are three entrances to the snowshoe trails from the Chalet area.

  • Across the road from the Chalet, on the left side of the start area, Bilbo’s Bog Trail climbs to Bilbo’s Bog Loop Trail.
  • The newest entrance is via the Canine Trail access from the Parking Lot. A small donation box and sign-in sheets are located there.
  • This section of Lucy crosses the ski track. Turn left to join Stumpy or right to join Bilbo’s Bog Trail.

  • Accessed via Bilbo’s Bog Trail.
  • Beautiful in winter.
  • Not usable in summer.

  • Linked trails forming a short, easy loop.
  • Close to the Chalet.

  • Begins at the Dog entrance.
  • Travels southeast onto private land.
  • Forms a long loop, returning to the starting point.
  • Winter use only.

  • Links Mom’s Trail and the Interpretive Trail to Moose.
  • A challenging loop of approximately 5 km, starting at the Chalet.
  • Allow 2–3 hours.
  • Long climbs in both directions.
  • Great views when the clouds and fog clear.
  • The easiest climb is clockwise via the Interpretive Trail.
  • The route is still being refined.

  • Starts at the north/right end of the start area.
  • Winds towards the South Hub.
  • Splits into Moose or Lost in the Woods for the second half.

  • Starts on the right, 25 metres after you begin climbing Bilbo’s Bog Trail.
  • Connects to several trails west of the Main Road.

  • Accessible from Bail Out or Bilbo’s Bog Trail.
  • Ends at the South Hub.
  • Watch for possible shallow water, especially early in the season.

  • Our most challenging snowshoe trail.
  • Starts at the South Hub.
  • Approximately 5 km long.
  • Allow 2–3 hours from the Chalet to Cec’s Cabin, depending on snow conditions and fitness.
  • Plan on a full day.
  • This is backcountry snowshoeing.

Help Keep Our Trails Open

Our trails pass through bogs, maturing forests and new plantations. Users and volunteers keep them open by packing fresh snow and clearing small fallen trees and branches covering signs.

A small folding pruning saw or hand pruner can be useful—and makes a good Christmas gift. Please report larger problems you cannot deal with.

Or email us at trailreport@skilarchhills.ca

The private landowner approved Lucy Gone Wild. The source page describes approximately 18 km of snowshoe trails that can be linked into loops of various lengths.
Bridge decking was renewed on South Interpretive Trail, and bridges on Lucy and Stumpy were widened. Another alternative climb was added near the west end of South Interpretive Trail.

Developed in 2005, our snowshoe trails have seen increasing use. Users and volunteers build and maintain the network, map trails with GPS, remove large obstacles and improve the surface for low-snow conditions. Signs and trail markers remain an ongoing project. Please let us know where improvements are needed.

Join the LHNS Club!

(Purchase a Season’s Pass)