If no snow we still go! Yawgoog Pond to CT/RI border on white to yellow to Blue blazed Narragansett Trail.  Out and back.  Moderately strenuous, you should have a fair degree of physical conditioning before signing up for this event. Optional gathering for beverage/bite to eat at The Wood River Inn afterward. http://thewoodriverinn.com/
MICROSPIKES STRONGLY RECOMMENDED
DETAILED TRAIL MAP WILL BE ADDED.

"Driving Directions to Yawgoog Scout ReservationFrom Interstate 95 in Rhode Island: Take Exit 3B and travel west on Route 138. After about 0.6 mile (1 kilometer), veer left where Routes 138 and 3 merge (Main Street). Proceed southwest 0.9 mile (1.4 kilometers) until Route 138 turns right, leaving Route 3 at a fire station. Travel northwest on Route 138 (Spring Street) 3.1 miles (5 kilometers) until the Yawgoog Scout Reservation sign is seen on the left at Camp Yawgoog Road. The T. Dawson Brown Gateway will be reached after travelling 0.6 mile (1 kilometer) southwest on Camp Yawgoog Road.

From Routes 49, 138 and 165 in Connecticut: From Voluntown center, proceed east on the merged Routes 138 and 165 (Beach Pond Road) until they diverge. Bear right on Route 138 (Rockville Road) and proceed southeast for 2.9 miles (4.7 kilometers) to the state border. Continue on Route 138 (Spring Street in Rhode Island) for another 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) until the Yawgoog Scout Reservation sign is seen on the right at Camp Yawgoog Road. The T. Dawson Brown Gateway will be reached after travelling 0.6 mile (1 kilometer) southwest on Camp Yawgoog Road"

== Legal Statement === 

By clicking on "Count Me In" or "Yes" for this event you agree, warrant, and covenant as follows: In consideration for accepting this entry, I, the registrant, intending to be legally bound, hereby, for myself, my heirs, my executors and administrators, do waive and release any and all rights for damages I may have against any parties or persons connected with the South Eastern CT Adventures Meetup group for and related to the above listed event. I attest and verify that I am physically fit to participate in any portion of this above listed event. I grant South Eastern CT Adventures permission to use any photographs, film or videotapes of this event for any purpose

HERE IS SOME GREAT INFO ON CHOOSING.  I PURCHASED MINE THROUGH AMAZON, BUT THEY CAN BE FOUND AT ANY OF THE MAJOR SPORTING GOODS RETAILERS.  CERTAIN REI  STORES RENT, BUT CHECK AHEAD.

"Snowshoes: How to Choose

If you've never experienced the beauty or serenity of hiking in fresh-fallen snow, you're in for an adventurous treat. Snowshoeing is easy to do and fairly inexpensive. With a little knowledge, buying the right snowshoes is a walk in the park.

Know Your Terrain

REI categorizes snowshoes as follows:

Flat Terrain

Designed for easy walking on flat to rolling terrain; ideal for families.

Includes entry-level models that offer good value.

Easy-to-adjust bindings and less aggressive traction systems.

Rolling Terrain

Designed for hiking on rolling to steep terrain; suitable for all but very steep or icy conditions.

A step up from entry level, good for hiking off the beaten track.

Designed with more aggressive crampons and beefier bindings.

Mountain Terrain

Designed for icy, steep terrain.

Aimed at snowshoers who want to blaze their own trails for day hiking, winter summiting, backpacking or backcountry snowboarding.

Made with climbing-style crampons and rugged bindings that can withstand harsh conditions and terrain.

While most snowshoes fall into these 3 categories, a few models are designed specifically for trail-running, fitness or climbing.

Shop REI's selection of men's snowshoes and women's snowshoes. You can narrow your selection by using the left-hand navigation column.

Here's another option: Many REI stores offer snowshoes for rent. Take a pair out for a test walk. (Please call first for availability.)

Find the Right Snowshoe Size

Aluminum-frame snowshoes come in multiple sizes, usually 8" x 25", 9" x 30" and 10" x 36" or something similar.Composite snowshoes come in one size (typically 8" x 22") and offer the option of adding tails (up to 6") to help you stay afloat on soft snow.

Why does size matter? It's a key factor in getting the right amount of flotation.

Step 1: Narrow by Gender (or Age)

Snowshoe sizes and shapes vary as follows:

Men's snowshoes are designed to accommodate larger boots and heavier loads.

Women's snowshoes tend to feature narrower, more contoured frame designs and sizes down to 8" x 21". Their bindings are sized to fit women's footwear.

Kids' snowshoes vary by intended age. Smaller sizes are intended for casual snow play, while larger models offer the same technical features found on adult snowshoes.

Step 2: Consider Snow Conditions

Recommended loads are based on light, dry snow conditions. But consider that on powder snow you need bigger snowshoes to stay afloat than you would on compact, wet snow. In other words, a powder-happy Utah snowshoer may want a larger size than a same-sized snowshoer in wet Pacific Northwest snow.

Packed trails, brush and forest call for more compact shoes, which are easier to maneuver in tight spaces. Steep or icy terrain is also best explored with smaller snowshoes. Open areas with deep drifts require larger snowshoes.

Tip: Get the smallest size that will support your weight based on snow conditions and terrain. As long as you have adequate flotation, smaller snowshoes will be much easier to handle.

Step 3: Determine Your Weight with Gear

Your weight, including equipment, is referred to as the recommended load orcarrying capacity on snowshoe specs. This is a major factor in determining the right size. In most circumstances, a heavier person or one with a heavily loaded pack will require larger snowshoes than a smaller person or one carrying gear just for the day.

Parts of a Snowshoe

Snowshoes allow you to travel across snow-covered ground without sinking or struggling. This is much easier than walking with regular snow boots. To do so, snowshoes provide "flotation" by spreading your weight evenly over a large, flat surface area. This flotation allows you to hike, climb or even run. Generally, the heavier the person or the lighter and drier the snow, more surface area of a snowshoe is required.

Frames and Decking

Historians trace the origin of snowshoes to Asia sometime between 4,000 and 6,000 B.C. As recently as the 1950s, snowshoes were still constructed from wood and rawhide.

Today, most snowshoes have aluminum frames and synthetic decking. These decks usually feature nylon or Hypalon rubber so they can be light and responsive.

Another style of snowshoe, popularized by MSR, features a composite frame with an integrated hard decking material. You can attach an up to 6" tail to these for extra flotation in deep powder. 

Bindings

Snowshoes secure to your boots with bindings, which usually consist of a platform and nylon straps that go over the foot and around the heel. Two types are common:

Rotating (or floating) bindings pivot at the point where they attach to the decking—under the balls of your feet. This movement allows you to walk naturally and to climb hills. The amount that bindings pivot varies among models. Some bindings are attached with metal rods and pivot 90° or more. This causes the ends of the snowshoes, called tails, to fall away as you step, shedding snow and reducing leg fatigue. Rotation also allows "tracking" or steering in deep snow and positions your boots for kicking steps into steep slopes. The downside? Rotating bindings can be awkward when you need to climb over logs or back up.

Fixed bindings are connected with heavy-duty rubber or neoprene bands and don't pivot as much. This type of binding brings the snowshoe tails up with each step, allowing a comfortable stride. This also makes stepping over obstacles and backing up easier. The downside of fixed bindings is that they tend to kick up snow on the backs of your legs.

You don't need special footwear to go snowshoeing. Most snowshoe bindings are built to accept a variety of footwear styles, from hiking boots to snowboard boots. A few are made specifically for running shoes, while others are made for plastic mountaineering boots.

Traction Devices

Although your weight provides some traction by pushing snowshoes into the snow, snowshoes feature tooth-like crampons or cleats for greater grip. Snowshoes for flat terrain offer moderate amounts of traction, while models made for mountainous terrain have more aggressive crampons for steep, icy conditions.

Toe or instep crampons are located on the undersides of the bindings, so they pivot with your feet and dig in as you climb. This is the primary source of traction for any snowshoe.

Heel crampons are placed on the decking undersides of many snowshoes. They are frequently in a V formation, which fills with snow and slows you down as you descend.

Side rails (also called traction bars) on the decking undersides provide lateral stability and reduce side-slipping as you cross slopes.

Braking bars are integrated into the undersides of plastic-decking snowshoes to provide forward traction and prevent backsliding.

Heel Lifts

Also known as climbing bars or, on MSR models,Televators, these wire bails can be flipped up under your heels to relieve calf strain on steep uphill sections and save energy on long ascents. This feature gives the feeling of walking up steps and prevents exaggerated calf and Achilles strain.Health Benefits of Snowshoeing
"Over the last few years, there has been tremendous growth in snowshoeing. This growth reflects a shift toward affordable, healthy recreational activity.

Did You Know…

46% of snowshoers are women
12% of snowshoers are children aged 7-17
55% of snowshoers are under the age of 45
1.4 million people identify themselves as snowshoers, a 60% increase in the last decade
Snowshoes have been in use for 6000 years and were one of the earliest forms of transportation. Anyone can snowshoe—It is as simple as walking. Snowshoes are easy to put on and take off, just like putting on another pair of shoes. Snowshoeing requires modest physical effort with no fancy techniques or theories to learn. A beginner’s learning curve is immediate.

Snowshoes are highly maneuverable so, outdoor enthusiasts can go where cross country skiers and snowmobiles cannot. Snowshoeing offers participants the peaceful, quiet serenity of a snow-covered landscape –a great activity for the body and soul.

The benefits of snowshoeing include exercise, fitness and social/adventure aspects.

Exercise
Want to know how many calories are burned when walking and hiking? Let’s just say that both are fantastic ways to spend an hour or more of your time. You can enjoy the fresh air, nature, beautiful vistas, and burn more calories than in most other activities!

Assuming 1 hour of activity, and a person that weighs 150 pounds, there are a lot of calories to be burned with some of our favorite outdoor activities.

Backpacking: 476 calories burned per hour!
Hiking: 408 calories burned per hour!
Walking: 170 calories burned walking on a flat surface at 2 miles per hour (a pretty slow pace!)
Snowshoeing: You burn 500+ calories during 60 minutes of snowshoeing!
When you snowshoe, you can burn up to 45% more calories than walking or running at the same speed. Several factors contribute to this increase. First, exercising in cold weather increases your metabolic rate. Second, you are walking with added weight on your feet- providing the same effect as wearing ankle weights. And there is the added resistance of moving through snow.

The number of calories you burn snowshoeing will depend upon four factors: the terrain, the condition of the snow (packed or powder), your pace (and whether or not you use poles) and your body size. For example, if you are small, say 120 pounds, and you walk on packed snow and flat terrain for an hour you will burn about 360 calories. That’s quite a few, for just an hour of walking.

At the other end of the spectrum, if you are 180 pounds, and run on snowshoes on packed, flat snow for an hour you can burn over 1000 calories!

Fitness Benefits
Snowshoeing is a cross-training conditioning sport, offering a low-impact, safe form of exercise. It is ideal for anyone interested in an aerobic workout combined with strength training and muscle endurance.
Snowshoeing is a great aerobic exercise that will improve or maintain cardiovascular fitness as well as burn calories.
Snowshoeing uses every major muscle group at relatively high intensity for extended periods of time, thus requiring high caloric expenditure.
Research has shown that individuals who substitute snowshoeing for running during the winter actually improve their running fitness over those who chose to run as their primary source of winter training.
The physical demands of snowshoeing can build up endurance levels and strengthen quadriceps for runners.
Muscles used are similar to those used in walking and hiking hilly terrain. Hip flexors may receive more of a workout and quads may get more exercise than usual in walking due to the lifting motion of each step.
Climbing in snowshoes works the hip flexors and extensors, crucial muscles for cyclists.
The use of poles while snowshoeing gets the upper body moving and helps condition arms, shoulders and back muscles.
Social/Adventure Benefits
Snowshoeing can accommodate a variety of activities—a casual hike in the woods, an overnight backpacking trip or an alpine climb.
Snowshoeing is a very inexpensive way to spend time with the entire family.
With a nearly immediate learning curve, snowshoeing provides hours of fun for adults and children of all ages.
Simplicity is perhaps one of the biggest draws to this sport. Snowshoes can be used in various types of snow conditions so, no matter what the weather, everyone can enjoy the great outdoors."