The Marsh Brook Ski and Snowshoe Loop is a great place for easy touring over gentle terrain. The three mile route is predominantly through a series of farm fields with just a quarter mile of that distance being wooded, so it offers many beautiful long-range views in all directions and some plentiful sunshine at times. Plowed parking is available at 1555 Marsh Brook Rd, Rochester, and the loop can be traveled in either direction. Look for stakes crossing open areas and flagging on trees along field edges. The highest ground is on the Hubbard Farm in the northeastern section of the loop, with the lowest area being the Marsh Brook bridge crossing; the loop briefly merges with the Smead Farm bike trail on the southernmost tip of the loop. As you move up through woods on the west side of the brook, be watching for a sharp right turn into the fields toward the prominent old barn. It’s easy to miss that turn and continue on toward the Ravine Ridge bike trail (which is good skiing too but not part of the loop). Dogs are welcome, just be aware that several landowners have dogs as well. Marsh Brook Ski and Snowshoe Loop depends on cooperation with ten landowners so, as always, please be courteous!
