Wild Walk: Winter Hiking & Safety

The Winter Hiking & Safety Wild Walk takes place February 1, 2026 from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM at the Cumming Nature Center, offering a guided ninety-minute session focused on cold-weather trail readiness. The workshop covers layering strategies, traction device selection, hypothermia prevention, and navigation in snowy conditions, all demonstrated on the preserve’s woodland trails. Pricing varies depending on membership status, with discounts for Cumming Nature Center members. This session suits beginners who want confidence on winter trails, outdoor enthusiasts preparing for longer expeditions, and anyone curious about year-round hiking in the Finger Lakes.

The workshop moves between indoor instruction and outdoor practice, so you’ll need winter boots, warm layers, and gloves even for this relatively short outing. Rangers demonstrate proper use of microspikes and snowshoes, explain how to read changing weather conditions, and share tips for staying safe when daylight hours are short. February in the Bristol Hills brings variable conditions with temperatures ranging from the teens to the mid-30s, and recent snowfall often leaves trails packed but slippery. The preserve maintains groomed cross-country ski trails and designated snowshoe paths, giving you options to practice new skills in controlled conditions.

Registration is required and spots fill quickly for winter programming, so book through the Cumming Nature Center website at least a week in advance. If the workshop sells out, the center offers similar programming throughout the winter season, including snowshoe hikes and winter ecology walks. Free parking is available in the main lot, with accessible parking near the visitor center entrance. For those traveling from Rochester or points north, the drive takes about 45 minutes via Routes 21 and 245, with scenic views of frozen Honeoye Lake along the way.

Pair this workshop with lunch or dinner at Roots Café in Naples, known for farm-to-table cooking and seasonal menus featuring local ingredients. For a historic dining experience, visit the Naples Hotel dining room, operating since 1895 with a menu highlighting Finger Lakes wines and regional specialties. Make a weekend of your visit by booking a lakeside rental through Lake.com, where properties near Canandaigua Lake and Honeoye Lake offer quiet winter retreats with cross-country ski access, ice fishing spots, and wood-burning fireplaces for warming up after outdoor activities.