Winter Trails

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Winter Trail Etiquette

CPF’s winter trails are multi-use trails enjoyed by cross-country skiers, snowshoers, dogwalkers, fat tire bikers, and in the case of the South Trail, snowmobilers. By following these few rules of winter trail etiquette, we can improve the experience for everyone.

1) When walking on snowy trails, please use snowshoes unless snow conditions are very firm. This prevents “post-holing”—when your legs sink deep into the snow with each step.

2) On trails where tracks have been set for cross-country skiing by grooming machines or where skiers have established well-travelled tracks, please be sure to walk/snowshoe in the flat packed area and not in the ski tracks.

3) Try your best to keep your dogs out of the ski tracks. As in the case in all seasons, we ask that you leash your dog when using CPF trails and please clean up after your pets. Please remove all used waste bags from the trail and parking area. CPF properties are carry-in, carry-out.

Safe Winter Recreation Guidelines

• Dress for the weather—wear layers and avoid cotton.

• Tell someone where you are going.

• Choose trails appropriate for your abilities.

Trail Use Disclaimer

By using CPF’s public access trails, you agree to the following liability release and waiver.

I am aware that cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and walking on winter trails is potentially dangerous. I will hike, ski and snowshoe sensibly and I assume all risks associated with the activity including but not limited to injuries caused by slips, contact with other participants, equipment malfunction, getting lost, effects of weather and/or condition of trail, hypothermia, all such risks being known and appreciated, even welcomed, by me. Having read this waiver and knowing these facts, I, for myself and my minor dependents and anyone entitled to act on my behalf, waive and release the Cazenovia Preservation Foundation and FROSTY, or successors from all claims or liabilities arising from my participation in these activities.

Winter Trail Conditions

Below, we’ll repost the Friends of Stoney Pond (FROSTY) trail reports here throughout the season:

Thursday, December 11, 2025

Hello there, friends of winter cheer—
A chilly December is finally here!
Winter is swooshing in, hip-hip-hooray,
And Santa’s not far with his bright jingly sleigh.

There are gifts of skis, snowshoes, poles, mittens too—
All ready and waiting for outdoor fun for you!
Caz is bustling with holiday delight:
Polar Express at Meier’s Creek, oh what a sight!
Christmas at Lorenzo, festive and grand,
Lunch at Johnny Appleseed Shoppes—so much planned!

Snow has been rolled both in Caz and afar,
Stoney Pond trails groomed smooth as a star.
Nordic Pulse has the scoop, all tidy and neat,
For snowy adventures on boot-strapped feet.

Volunteers are ready for flakes from the skies—
Waiting to groom when the next snowflake flies.
So bundle up now, step into the shine,
And enjoy every glittering snow crystal time!

Stay warm, stay merry, as Team FROSTY hopes to see you on the trails!

Sunday, November 23, 2025

Winter is on the way—oh yes, it’s nearly here!
Just in time for holidays and heaps of frosty cheer.

There’s no time for volunteers to sit or take a break,
No resting on the benches—there are snowy trails to make!

Our Gator’s out there grooming, doing everything it can,
Buzzing, smoothing, brushing—oh it’s quite a busy plan!

We’re prepping all the pathways for a white and fluffy spread,
A cozy winter blanket soon will sparkle overhead.

So grab your skis and snowshoes—get them ready, get them quick!
For trails from Stoney Pond to Meier’s Creek will soon be snowy-slick.

Through every twist and turn between, our crews have made it grand,
You’ll find groomed paths and snowy tracks stretched neatly through the land.

With Caz Winterfest approaching and Snowshoe Sundays more,
There’s sliding, gliding, marching fun—events galore in store!

So bundle up and join us as the winter world draws near,
Adventure waits on every trail—this is our favorite time of year

Details and real-time updates at Nordic Pulse.

 Area venues host a variety of events year-round––check often for updates:

CPF Trails
Lorenzo State Historic Site
Meier's Creek on Facebook
Nelson Swamp Trail
Madison County Distillery
Stoney Pond State Forest
Shoppes at Johnny Appleseed on Facebook
Swiss Mountain Farms

Cazenovia calendar:  Caz Life
Hamilton happenings:  This is Hamilton
Madison County Tourism:  Calendar of Events

Links:
Google Maps Trail Locations
Caz Area Detailed Trail Maps
Printable Trail Maps
Weatherlink Stoney Pond State Forest
Wunderground Stoney Pond State Forest

About FROSTY:  Friends of Stoney Pond exists to foster year-round outdoor recreation through its efforts in trail development and maintenance, snow grooming, snowshoe rentals, and advocacy of human-powered trails-based activities.  Equipment and volunteers are made available to local organizations––to assist in the expansion and usability of trail networks on public and private lands.  FROSTY participates in the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Volunteer Stewardship program, which enhances use of NYS public lands.  As a registered 501(c)(3) 100% funded by donors, donations are invested in tools, equipment and supplies utilized exclusively on local trail networks.