Winter Hiking & Snowshoeing QC

Winter Hiking & Snowshoeing in the Quad Cities

You see a fresh expanse of newly fallen snow. What do you want to do? Make footprints across it, write your name, make a snow angel, build a snowman, etc. Did snowshoeing come to mind? Or maybe going for a hike?

If not, maybe it should! Kelly Daugherty is an avid outdoors person, even in the winter. “It definitely helps eliminate some of those winter blues,” Kelly says. “It's a mental benefit for everyone, even the dog! My big dog, a Great Pyrenees named Adekes, LOVES snow. He would stay out there for hours if we would let him.”

Winter hiking or snowshoeing offers a whole new view of the woods. You can see through the woods to what may be on the other side of that tree or what may be around the corner. A lot of times in the summer months when everything is all green and lush, you miss seeing things like animal tracks or the way the ice forms on certain objects. A snow-filled scene is like no other—the way it settles on the trees is always different and always beautiful.

If you’re ready to go snowshoeing, any kind of snow will work…but a brand-new snowfall is the best. There’s nothing better than a fresh snowfall when it has gotten just cold enough to form a nice, crunchy layer on the top. Watch out for icy areas or icy weather conditions because you’ll be too busy watching your step to enjoy nature’s beauty. Get more info on QC trails here.

Where to Snowshoe

Black Hawk State Historic Site – Rock Island
Sunderbruch Park – Davenport
West Lake Park – Davenport
Credit Island Park – Davenport
Scott County Park – Long Grove
Loud Thunder Forest Preserve – Illinois City (They have an amazing prairie trail perfect for snowshoeing.)

Where to Rent Snowshoes

You can rent snowshoes during the week from the Wapsi River Education Center from 8:30 am – 4:00 pm. There’s no fee and there are plenty of places to snowshoe there. They have a mix of sizes – mainly middle to large sizes but have some for little feet. Cross country skiis are available as well. Equipment only available to rent with 4+ inch snow base. Contact 563-328-3286.

The Wapsi River Environmental Education Center is located along the Wapsipinicon River and consists of 225 acres of upland and bottomland forests, grasslands, and wetlands. The Wapsi Center, along with Sherman Park across the river, provide a 432-acre complex offering a wide variety of uses.

group of people outdoors in winter ready to go snowshoeing

What to Wear and Bring

Kelly has some tips on what to wear when you’re outside this winter for these active adventures.

Always dress in layers (You don’t want material that is going to make you sweat once you get out there and moving.)
Plenty of water in an insulated container and some snacks
Nice, sturdy backpack (A backpack with waist and chest clips to better distribute the weight is preferable)
Walking poles (if you would like added stability)
Toilet paper/Kleenex
Baby wipes
Garbage bags to pick up litter (When we hike we try to do our part and pick it up.)

woman bundled up walking on winter snow-covered path with walking poles

Where to Hike in the Winter

Loud Thunder – Illinois City
Wildcat Den State Park – Muscatine
Sylvan Island – Moline
Black Hawk State Historic Site – Rock Island

Kelly says, “There is nothing more invigorating than getting out there in the cold and hiking. It warms your soul. This is definitely an activity that can be enjoyed by everyone in the family. What better way to wear the kids out? Let them romp around in the snow for a couple of hours while you are also enjoying it.”

Looking for other hiking enthusiasts or hikes to go on? The Black Hawk Hiking Club has been around for over 100 years. Hikes are scheduled weekly or bi-weekly around the QC from November to June.

mom and son bundled up winter walking by water in tall grass

Enjoy the outdoors this winter! #QCoutdoors

Kelly Daugherty lives in Davenport with her husband, Sean, and pooch, Adekes. Kelly and Sean are both avid recreational cyclists. Kelly is the event ride coordinator of River Benders Cycling Group, and also sits on the Board of Tour de Brew, a charitable bike ride benefiting local cancer organizations, and on the Committee of the Quad Cities Tweed Ride. Kelly is the former events coordinator of the Quad Cities Women's Outdoor Club, and still an active member. When not on her bike, you can often find her leading group exercise for friends in an outdoor circuit setting, hiking, kayaking, or walking the hills of the beautiful Village or East Davenport.