This is a guide to the free cross-country equipment rentals and miles of trails to explore at the Nicandri Nature Center in Massena, New York.
Wanting to try cross-country skiing for years, I finally got my chance on this beautiful, clear sky morning!
Table of Contents
I Write with the Older Hiker in Mind
I tailor my hiking reviews to over 50 hikers. This is not to say the hike will be easy or short, older hikers are very capable, I’ve seen 70 year old hikers that can out hike most people. But what I am putting out there is special considerations for our older bodies.
You might notice I have a trail difficulty rating number listed below, please see my Hiker Resource Page to see how I come to this rating.
Basic Trail Information for Upper and Lower Loops
- Trail Names: Lower and Upper Loops in Robert Moses State Park aka Blue, Green and Purple see map here
- Location: Massena, New York
- Length: combined 2.7 miles
- Difficulty: easy
- Duration: 1-2 hours (depending on how much you stop to look at nature)
- Elevation Gain: 65
- Type of Trail: loops
- Who I Recommend this to: anyone who enjoys the outdoors
- What season did I go: winter
- Gear Recommendations: warm clothes you can move in, skis and boots provided at center
- Special Requirements: parking, entrance and rentals are all free
- Must see feature: St. Lawrence River
Location of Nicandri Nature Center
My Experience Cross Country Skiing at the Nicandri Nature Center
The sun decided to finally peep out from the clouds after days of falling snow in North Country New York. That was the moment to head out for some FREE cross country skiing.
The Nicandri Nature Center is located in Massena New York, way up north, just shy of the Canadian border. I’ve never been this far north in my life AND I’ve never gone cross country skiing, so to say I was excited about this whole trip is an understatement.
What’s so amazing about NIcandri is that your ski rentals are free – all you need to do is donate your first born and a pint of blood. I’m just kidding, simply register with the desk to get your free rentals.
The woman beyond the desk (I wish I caught her name) was so helpful in helping us find boots and skis. She also offered to give us a little training but we passed. (Later I wished I didn’t.)
All geared up with my beanie, mittens, heavy down coat, special boots and skis, I was ready to attempt my first time cross country skiing!
To be honest, I assumed it would be easy, I mean, how difficult is it to stay upright on flat ground? Apparently somewhat difficult. Luckily there are ski tracks to help keep the skis underneath my body otherwise I almost did the splits a few times. (I’ve never been able to do the splits and I don’t want my first time to be at 54 years old.) I did get the hang of the movements after about a half a mile in at that time I can enjoy the beautiful winter scene.
I’ll be honest, this was fun! And so beautiful! Be sure to watch the whole trip of my first time cross country skiing at Nicandri Nature Center on my YouTube Channel.
Helpful Takeaways
Suggested gear and information for this hike that I found very helpful and made the hike a much more pleasant experience.
- Take your time. If you’re new to cross country skiing this will take a bit to get used to.
- Bring all your warm winter gear – goose down coat, mittens, beanie
- Take some free lessons. Just ask and the friendly team there will help you out.
Online Resources for this Trail
- Please Leave No Trace when enjoying the outdoors
- Click for more info about the Nicandri Nature Center
- The Nicandri Nature Center is located in Robert Moses State Park, click for more info
What To Do In the Area Before or After Your Hike
- Have breakfast in the town of Massena at Via Main (featured in my video here)
- Bring lunch. There are chairs just inside with a great view to hang out and have a snack. Or picnic tables outside if you want to brave the cold.
- Tour the amazing Nature Center to find out about the local flora and fauna.
- Chat with a member of their friendly team. I did and she was full of great info!
- If you’re heading that way, grab a warm beverage and a great meal at Maxfield’s in Potsdam, NY.
Watch My Cross Country Adventure on YouTube
FAQs About Cross Country Skiing at Nicandri Center for Older Hikers
Free! What an amazing gift to the community. Come on by in the winter for some free snow shoeing or cross country skiing!
For sure! It’s is highly accessible at the NIcandri Center, easy to learn, and is a great, low-impact full-body workout.
No. But there are water fountains and clean restrooms in the center. There is also free tea and cocoa and seating along the huge window to enjoy nature when it’s too cold outside.
Thank You for Stopping By!
Hi, I’m Allie, obsessed hiker, explorer of our world and reinventor of my life in my 50s.
Let’s wander, grow, and figure it out together.
- Subscribe to get new articles in your inbox AND discounts on my outdoor merch.
- Be sure to check out my hiking posts that get you outside
- Read more of my Most Popular Posts
Find this post helpful? Please share with your friends and on social media. THX!
