Snowshoeing is one of the fastest growing winter sports in the nation. It requires little more than the exertion of walking, yet provides you with easy access into the snow blanketed trails of the Catskill Forest Preserve. The sport also offers the option of low cost rental equipment or affordable prices for the purchase of that equipment.

The first thing you must realize is that modern aluminum frame snowshoes have little resemblance to the old snowshoes of yesteryear that looked liked oversized wooden tennis rackets. Today’s shoes are not webbed but rather shaped like bear paws or tear drops. They easily strap onto any pair of waterproof hiking boots and have crampons to grip the terrain and hinges for easy maneuvering.

Lesson number one is that you must never bridge your snowshoes over a dip in the trail. Instead step over it or move sideways if necessary. To move uphill, waddle in a 45 degree herringbone position with your feet. When going downhill, lean back into the shoes. Poles provide for extra balance and a little more of an aerobic work out.

Clothing should be layered and you should also bring along water and a map. Also remember duct tape for emergency repairs on the trail.

There are many places to go snowshoeing, with two locations in the region providing total dedication to the sport. The first is the base of Belleayre Mountain in Highmount. This location has a wide network of easy trails and access to a nearby ski shop and the ski lodges atop the mountain. Then there is Mountain Trails off Route 23A in Tannersville, which affords the largest network of trails in the region if not the state. They also provide equipment rentals and a small protective lodge. The trails pass through a broad conifer forest, over bridges and along ponds, and are patrolled by nordic style safety teams.

You can also choose to head out into the forest preserve lands of the Catskill Region for a more authentic wilderness experience. In the eastern Catskill Region there is Onteoro Lake just off Route 28 a few miles west of the Kingston traffic circle. This level trail begins at lakeside and passes through a peaceful hemlock forest that is accented by distinct glacial kettles. Also in the east is the more difficult climb of Overlook Mountain off Meads Mountain Road outside of Woodstock. This wide wood road climbs to the ruins of an old resort and a fire tower that offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the Hudson River Valley.

In the southern Catskill Region one finds the easy Kanape Brook trail. This trail is just of Route 28A on County Road 42. The trail begins at a rustic bridge and moves along and above a babbling stream. For a real workout one can continue further on this trail up the difficult steep incline to the summit of Ashokan High Point.

In the central Catskill Region there is the road network at the Kenneth Wilson State Campground in Tremper. This trail moves through dense forests, open meadows and by a picturesque lake with a backdrop of gentle mountains. In this area is the moderate Mink Hollow trail off Route 212 on Mink Hollow Road out of Lake Hill. This trail climbs to a lean-to which makes for a great resting point. Also in the area is the Rochester Hollow trail on Matyas Road off Route 28 in Big Indian. This easy trail moves along a stream, past boggy ponds and through a mixed hardwood and conifer forest. Also in the northern reaches of the central region is the easy Diamond Notch Falls trail. This trail runs along the Westkill and leads to a pretty waterfall that is fed by a rocky chute of water. Trailhead is at the end of Spruceton Road off Route 42 between Lexington and Shandaken.

In the western Catskill Region one finds the easy Alder Lake trail loop that begins at the ruins of the old Cuykendall and runs around a scenic lake passing through deep woodlands and open meadows. To reach this trail take the Reservoir Road out of Margaretville Barkaboom Road where you turn left and go to the ending road junction where you turn left again and proceed to Alder Lake Road where you turn left a final time. Also in the west is the moderate Kelly Hollow trail which is off Millbrook Road near Margaretville. There are some steady climbs on this trail that leads up to a lean-to and back down to Millbrook Road just past the trailhead.

There are two great trails in the Northern High Peaks region of the Catskill Mountains. The first is the North Lake State Campground trail just off Route 23A in Haines Falls. This trail runs through the wooded camping areas, along North Lake and up into the site of the former Catskill Mountain House on the escarpment with its awe inspiring views of the pastoral Hudson River Valley. The second northern trail is Colgate Lake which begins at the lake and runs through a wide open meadow where there is a breathtaking view of the distant Blackhead Mountain Range. To reach this trail take Route 23A to Tannersville and turn on to Route 23C proceeding on to Route 78 by the post office where you turn right.

Remember to always travel in a group for safety’s sake and to avoid unnecessary risks on the snow covered trail. Always leave word where you are going and when you expect to return. And finally, do not think of snowshoeing as an endeavor in physical fitness but rather as a journey into the solitude of the winter forest where you can find ample opportunities to pause and reflect on the nature that surrounds you.

• The Americorps Outdoor Education Center (part of SUNY Delhi; hours: Monday–Friday 8:00 am–4:00 pm) runs classes (weekends and some weekdays) which provide equipment throughout the winter for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, that run on beginner to intermediate trails on the college campus and golf course. Trails are maintained but not groomed. They also run classes on winter camping, and organize full moon nighttime winter hikes. This is a great program run by knowledgeable volunteers and students. 607 746 4051

• Belleayre Mountain has snowshoe rental and trails on site. 1 800 942 6904, www.belleayre.com

• Frost Valley YMCA has snowshoe rental and trails on site. 845 985 2291, www.frostvalley.org

• Mountain Trails Cross Country Ski Center, located in Tannersville, has 35 kilometers of trails for beginners, intermediate and advanced levels. All trails are groomed, track-set, marked and patrolled. Most trails offer a beautiful wooded setting. Stop in at the snack bar and warm yourself at the woodstove. Lessons available as are rentals for adults and children. 518 589 5361, www.mtntrails.com. Route 23A Tannersville, NY

• Plattekill Mountain has snowshoe rental and trails on site. 1 800 NEED2SKI, www.plattekill.com.