LUZERNE COUNTY, Pa. — After a snowfall, the scene at Lake Francis in Nescopeck State Park becomes serene and can only be explored by making a little noise—crunching along the trails of the park in Luzerne County in snowshoes.
"I don't have any trail-grooming equipment here at the park, so if you want to get out into some of the areas of the park during that time of the year, the best way is on snowshoes when there's a lot of snow on the ground," said Diane Madl, environmental education specialist at the state park.
The science behind snowshoeing is based on an animal that bears its name and could be found in the park.
"A snowshoe hare, he's got naturally long feet in order to stay on top of the snow so he can reach up to those branches that he's trying to eat."
Imitating the physics behind the hare's feet goes back centuries but now has more of a modern look.
"(Snowshoes are) mostly made of aluminum. They've got the crampons on the bottom. They've got a decking, and they've got the bindings that will attach right to your to your boot."
Nescopeck State Park is dusting off its collection of snowshoes for people to use for free as they explore the park in the snow.
"I've wanted to do snowshoeing, to try it out for the last couple of years, but there hasn't been enough snow," said Jennifer Poncavage.
It takes about six inches of snow on the ground for the sport. Poles are optional and used for extra balance.