Nearly 40 turn out for Shawano Pathways winter moonlight hike

Nearly 40 outdoor enthusiasts turned out for the first Shawano Pathways winter hike of 2026 at Kroenke Lake State Natural Area on Jan. 3, walking through snow-covered trails under the night sky. Organized as a moonlight hike on the Wolf Moon, the event attracted a cross section of abilities with participants choosing from several route lengths, and it provided a low-cost way for residents to get outside during the cold season.

Cloud cover obscured the moon for much of the evening, but hikers still reported enjoying the quiet, snowy landscape and the social aspects of the outing. A warm fire pit and hot refreshments offered a gathering point before and after the trek, reducing some of the logistical barriers that can keep families and older residents from participating in winter outdoor activities. The free event drew community members who otherwise might not use area trails during winter, reinforcing local interest in year-round outdoor access.

Shawano Pathways has four more winter hikes scheduled as part of the 2026 series. On Jan. 24 the group will meet at Cotter Creek Trails, W9050 Broadway Road in Shawano, at 1:30 p.m. On Jan. 31 there will be another moonlight hike at Maple Hills Recreation Area, N4270 State Highway 22 in Shawano, beginning at 6 p.m. A daytime hike at Maple Hills Recreation Area is planned for Feb. 22 at 1:30 p.m., and a maple sugar hike on March 7 at 9:30 a.m. will take place at Sugar Shack Trails, N7061 Ash Road in Shawano. The events are free and donations are appreciated; organizers encourage anyone with questions to text Matty Mathison at 715-304-9796 or email 28degreesandsnowing@gmail.com.

For Menominee County residents the series offers nearby options for safe, guided outdoor activity that can boost winter tourism and small-scale spending at local businesses that supply gear and refreshments. Even modest turnout numbers like nearly 40 participants create repeatable demand for trail maintenance, parking, and volunteer coordination, which can influence local planning priorities for recreation funding. Community-led events that keep trails active in winter also reduce seasonal lulls in outdoor usage, supporting long-term stewardship and making it easier to justify investments in signage, snow clearing on access roads, and liability coverage.

As the series continues, the practical takeaway for readers is simple: these hikes provide affordable ways to stay active, connect with neighbors, and signal to local officials that winter recreation matters. If turnout remains steady, organizers and local policymakers may find stronger case studies to support modest investments that make winter trail access safer and more attractive for Menominee County residents.