Discover Winter Adventure in Oswego County

Oswego County offers fun every season and winter is no exception! Welcome to the snowbelt, where there are hundreds of miles of trails to explore while you go snowshoeing, cross-country skiing or snowmobiling. No matter what your interests are, outdoor enthusiasts are sure to love the beauty of Oswego County’s pristine forests, rolling terrain and gorgeous snowfalls. 

Renowned as a winter wonderland, Oswego County is the perfect destination for snowmobiling. Thanks to lake effect snow coming off Lake Ontario, the area sees high snowfall ideal for outdoor recreation. All that snow offers plenty of coverage for Oswego County’s extensive trail network, which includes about 400 miles of official snowmobile trails. Of these, 245 are designated as Class A Corridor Trails - major travel routes connecting to over 10,000 miles of trails across the state. 

Snowmobile trails within the county are maintained by the Oswego County Snowmobile Association, which is comprised of volunteers and supporters from 10 clubs. The snowmobile season typically starts in early December after the close of big game hunting season and continues through March. 

The county also features multiple non-motorized use trails for snowshoers and cross-country skiers to enjoy. Head out to Fallbrook Recreation Center, Great Bear Springs Recreation Area or Oswego County Nature Park at Camp Zerbe to explore marked trails. Amboy 4-H Environmental Center is another great place to get outdoors and participate in events like guided hikes and educational programming. 

Outdoor enthusiasts will also want to check out Winona Forest Recreation Association! In addition to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, people can go fat bike riding or snowmobiling. Winona also hosts a variety of events and races throughout the winter, including the Stone Wall Classic snowshoe race, the Winona Forest Tourathon skiing race, the SnoFatShu Winter Duathlon and IditaFAT for fat bike racing, and more. 

During the winter, Oswego County Tourism provides weekly Winter Trails Reports compiled from area snowmobile clubs and outdoor recreation areas to keep riders, snowshoers and cross-country skiers informed on trail conditions. Reports are available on https://visitoswegocounty.com/ or by calling 1-800-248-4FUN (4386). 

One of Oswego County’s biggest draws is fishing, which continues even during the winter. Anglers can venture to multiple popular ice fishing spots to reel in a variety of species, including panfish, Northern pike, walleye, and trout. Some spots the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation recommends to ice fish on are Kasoag Lake, North and South Sandy Ponds, and Oneida Lake. 

Those looking for an adrenaline rush can head to Salmon River Falls this winter for exhilarating ice climbing. While ice climbing is prohibited on the falls and restricted use area, it is allowed on the gorge cliff face down river of the falls restricted area. Each climber must register daily by putting their completed registration form into the kiosk box onsite before entering the gorge. 

Another unique winter activity in Oswego County is dog sledding! Dependable snowfall and a well-developed trail system make the area the perfect spot for sled dog rides, training and competition. Adirondack Kennel in Boylston, N.Y. offers individual rides and some group presentations, and Winona Forest Recreation Association hosts dog sled races each year. 

There are also plenty of indoor activities for those who prefer to stay sheltered from the cold! Book a cozy lodge or cabin from one of the many accommodation options in Oswego County and take in the sparkling scenery of a winter wonderland. Enjoy small business shopping at a wide variety of charming stores throughout the county or experience a delicious meal at one of our many superb restaurants. Spend a day traveling back through time at one of our fascinating museums and be inspired by the stories of Oswego County residents who paved a path forward and changed history. Unwind with a variety of unique spa services at the Aqua Spa Float Center and Wellness Boutique, such as float therapy, salt therapy, cryotherapy, infrared sauna, massage therapy, cryotherapy, and more. 

Those traveling with kids also have plenty of indoor options to keep them entertained. Head to the Children’s Museum of Oswego for fun and educational exhibits or check out Splash Indoor Water Park and enjoy water slides, splash pads, a hot tub, an arcade, dining options, and more. The water park is conveniently attached to the Clarion Hotel and offers great “Stay and Play” package deals. For more winter fun, take the kids to one of several skating rinks located in the county. Many offer public skating during certain days and times, including the Anthony J. Crisafulli Skating Rink, SUNY Oswego’s Marana Campus Center Ice Arena, the Fulton Community Center Ice Rink, and others. 

For more information on Oswego County attractions, events, lodging, and more, go to the Oswego County Tourism website at https://visitoswegocounty.com/.