Our Favorite Places to Cross-Country Ski

Minnewaska State Park,
Ulster County, NY

Mohonk Preserve offers miles of trails for winter outdoor enthusiasts, including groomed cross-country ski paths and scenic snowshoe routes. One highlight is the Undercliff/Overcliff Carriage Roads Loop, which travels along spectacular Shawangunk cliffs and offers expansive views of the surrounding countryside.

Equipment rentals are not available on-site, so visitors should bring their own gear. A park admission fee is required, and the park is open year-round. Be sure to check trail conditions and seasonal hours before visiting.

Rockland Lake State Park,
Rockland County, NY

Offers ungroomed trails suitable for cross-country skiing. Equipment rentals are not available on-site, so visitors should bring their own gear. A vehicle use fee of $10 per vehicle is charged during peak seasons. The park is open year-round from daylight to dusk.

Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, Westchester County, NY

Westchester County’s largest park, featuring over 35 miles of trails open for cross-country skiing. Trails are ungroomed, and no equipment rentals are available on-site. Parking fees are $5 with a Park Pass and $10 without. The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to dusk, year-round. 

Fahnestock Winter Park,
Putnam County, NY

Offers ungroomed trails suitable for cross-country skiing. Equipment rentals are not available on-site, so visitors should bring their gear. A vehicle use fee of $10 per vehicle is charged during peak seasons. The park is open year-round from daylight to dusk.

Mohonk Preserve,
Ulster County, NY

Features groomed trails for cross-country skiing. Equipment rentals are not available on-site; visitors should bring their own gear. A day-use fee is charged for trail access. The preserve is open year-round; check for seasonal hours and trail conditions before visiting. 

Palisades Interstate Park
Bergen County, NJ

This park offers over 30 miles of trails along the Hudson River, suitable for cross-country skiing when snow conditions permit. Trails are ungroomed, and there are no on-site equipment rentals, so visitors should bring their own gear. The park is open daily from dawn to dusk, and there are no entrance fees.

Wawayanda State Park
Passaic County, NJ

With over 60 miles of trails, Wawayanda State Park provides ample opportunities for cross-country skiing. The trails are ungroomed, and no equipment rentals are available on-site, so visitors need to bring their own gear. The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and there is a $5 per vehicle entrance fee for New Jersey residents ($10 for non-residents) during the peak season; fees are typically not charged during the off-season.

South Mountain Reservation
Essex County, NJ

This 2,110-acre park features a variety of trails that can be used for cross-country skiing when snow conditions are suitable. The trails are ungroomed, and there are no equipment rentals available on-site, so visitors should bring their own gear. The park is open daily from dawn to dusk, and there are no entrance fees.

Lewis Morris County Park,
Morris County, NJ

Lewis Morris County Park offers trails that can be used for cross-country skiing. The trails are ungroomed, and there are no equipment rentals available on-site, so visitors need to bring their own gear. The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset, and there are no entrance fees.

High Point Cross Country Ski Center, Sussex County, NJ

High Point offers 15 kilometers of groomed trails for cross-country skiing. Equipment rentals are available on-site, with rental fees starting at $25 for adults on weekends and $23 for children and seniors; weekday rates are slightly lower. Trail passes are required, with fees starting at $22 for adults on weekdays and $25 on weekends; children’s and seniors’ rates are slightly discounted. Group and private lessons are offered on weekends and holidays. The center is open during the winter season; it’s advisable to check current conditions and hours before visiting.