The depths of winter create special opportunities to enjoy nature at its tranquil best. But even with the disappearance of summer crowds, some trails remain popular year-round. Here's a selection of lesser-traveled routes where you can break trail in peace and quiet as you tromp through forest or climb toward a mountaintop vista.

Bradbury Mountain State Park
Pownal, Maine

One of Maine's original five state parks—it was acquired in 1939—Bradbury Mountain features 800 acres covered with trails. Many of the trails are lightly traveled in winter, particularly those around the mountain's base. From the parking area on Route 9, follow the South Ridge Trail (0.5 mile) to the Boundary Trail and go left. This 1.5-mile loop of the perimeter will eventually give way to the Northern Loop Trail, and return to the parking area. There is a small day-use fee; snowshoe rentals are available.

Distance: 3 miles
Info: Discover Maine (AMC Books); Bradbury Mountain State Park

South Moat Mountain
Conway, N.H.

The southern end of the 9.2-mile Moat Mountain Trail begins on Passaconaway Road, off the Kancamagus Highway. The trail starts as a logging road then narrows at about 0.9 mile as a steeper climb begins. A view toward Mount Chocorua is located at 1.7 miles. Several more views highlight the final 0.6-mile hike through red and scrub pines. After taking in the 360-degree view, you can return the way you came, or continue along the trail toward North Moat Mountain.

Distance: 4.6 miles round-trip
Info: White Mountain Guide, 28th ed. (AMC Books); White Mountain Guide Online

Tippling Rock
Sudbury, Mass.

The Bay Circuit Trail (BCT) forms a 200-mile arc through suburban Boston. Some of the best views on the route are in Sudbury and Framingham. Begin at the Tippling Rock parking area (on Route 20) and follow the Salamander Trail to the white-blazed BCT. The trail winds to the top of 426-foot Tippling Rock (0.8 mile), with views of the Boston skyline to the east and Wachusett Mountain to the west. For a longer hike, continue along the BCT through the Boy Scout reservation to Nobscot Hill (1.9 miles).

Distance: 1.6 to 3.8 miles, round-trip
Info: Bay Circuit Trail and Greenway

Metacomet-Monadnock Trail
Westfield, Mass.

The M-M Trail, part of the New England National Scenic Trail, bisects Massachusetts. To hike Section 3 of the M-M Trail, park at the shopping center on Route 20 and walk down Old Westfield Road and Sykes Avenue following the white blazes. Strap on your snowshoes at the Pioneer Valley Sportsman's Club and begin the climb into a hemlock grove. To the west is the former site of East Mountain, now an active quarry. The undulating route climbs ridges and descends through ravines before emerging at the Massachusetts Turnpike.

Distance: 4.9 miles one-way
Info: Massachusetts Trail Guide, 9th ed. (AMC Books); New England National Scenic Trail

Lost Lake
Guilford, Conn.

Railroad and highway construction cut Lost Lake off from the ocean years ago, leaving behind a brackish pond amid the 1,200-acre Westwoods Reserve. From the parking lot on Sam Hill Road, follow the White Circle Trail to the White Square Trail, which leads to Lost Lake (0.5 mile). Enjoy views over the water before continuing north and rejoining the White Circle Trail. Take the Orange Crossover Trail (0.7 mile) then go right on the Orange Circle Trail to loop back to the White Circle Trail and return to the parking lot. The trail network here is complex, so pay close attention to the blazes.

Distance: 1.5 miles
Info: AMC's Best Day Hikes in Connecticut (AMC Books); The Guilford Land Conservation Trust

North Point
Haines Falls, N.Y.

This long hike in the Catskills provides immediate rewards, with some of the best views in the region. From the North-South Lake parking area, follow the Escarpment Trail north. You'll quickly reach some of the stunning vistas of the Hudson Valley that punctuate this diverse forest. North Point is located up a steep climb beyond the Mary's Glen Trail junction (this trail will be your route back to the parking area). If you'd like a shorter hike, turn off before reaching North Point, on the Rock Shelter Trail, and connect to Mary's Glen. This eliminates the northern third of the hike.

Distance: 7 miles
Info: AMC's Best Day Hikes in the Catskills and Hudson Valley, 2nd ed. (AMC Books)

Muckshaw Ponds Preserve
Andover, N.J.

Dolomite ridges and sinkhole ponds characterize this 530-acre preserve. From the Whittingham Wildlife Management Area lot, follow the Sinkhole Pond Trail (red), bearing left at the fork. Go right on the Upper Woodlands Trail (yellow) to reach the other branch of the Sinkhole Pond Trail. Big Muckshaw Pond offers one of the best views on the property. The limestone wetlands can flood in warmer months, but should be passable in winter. The trail returns to the fork; bear left to return to the parking lot. Hunting is permitted from October through January.

Distance: 3 miles
Info: Nature Conservancy (search "Muckshaw")

Contributors: Alan French, Peter Kick, Sue Rose, Dave Sauriol, Bryan Wentzell, Ty Wivell, Mark Zakutansky