Guest birder, Miok Salz, will start the morning by helping you identify which species of our abundant winter finches are visiting the AIC feeders. This will be followed by and easy snowshoe on the trails to look for more birds. Snowshoes provided. Preregistration required. Register by emailing shample@esf.edu or use the link for easier registration: https://forms.gle/x9uhTFcTD4Q5RaCp8
Saturday, May 10th – Walk – 8:30am, Building - 11am, Film - 1pm
Join us at the Adirondack Interpretive Center for a fun and immersive day celebrating our avian neighbors! Start with a guided bird walk to observe local species in their natural habitat, then get hands-on building your own birdhouse to support backyard wildlife. Cap off the experience with a screening of “Birds” from the BBC’s Life series. Perfect for nature lovers of all ages, this program blends exploration, creativity, and education into one unforgettable event! Come for one activity or stay for them all!
8:30am – Spring Bird Walk
11am – Bird House Building Workshop
1pm – BBC’s Life miniseries episode on Birds
All materials and tools for bench building will be provided.
Bird houses: $20
To register email shample@esf.edu you use the link for easier registration: https://forms.gle/x9uhTFcTD4Q5RaCp8
Not every fishing trip starts off with a 2-hour drive. But when the weather calls for blue bird skies and 20-degree weather, you make the drive to a lake you have never fished before.
It’s always intimidating fishing on a lake you don’t know because, well, you don’t know it. We had done some research on Schroon Lake and we knew where we wanted to ice fish on the lake and we also knew that it was going to be deeper than most lakes we were used to.
After setting up base camp we started drilling holes and setting up the tip-ups. After the first hole we realized that our tip-ups were not set up to fish in water that was 150 feet deep.
So we found some spots closer to shore where it was shallower and set up in water where we knew we had a better chance to catch fish. Once we were all set up, we sat back and enjoyed the view and waited for a flag. The view was absolutely breathtaking.
Lunch time on the ice is an experience in its own. For us, we usually bring dehydrated camping meals because they’re easy to cook and filling. We also enjoy bringing out stews and soups and lots of coffee. A compact camping stove is our go-to for boiling water and warming up our meals. It’s always so nice eating a hot meal on a cold day on the lake. On windy days we will eat in the shanty for a break from the wind but if it’s a day like today we’re outside almost the whole time.
If you don't pack your own lunch, check out all of the delicious dining options in the area - depending where you set up, you can walk to many of them!
“FLAG UP” and we both took off running.
There is no way to explain this feeling and it never gets old. The first move is to check the line to make sure that it is moving, then it’s go time. You start by feeding the line to the fish through your hands. The trick is to be very careful so the fish isn’t spooked. You then set the hook and start pulling the line in. Most of the time, you have to try to tire the fish out which ends up feeling like a game of tug of war. Then you pull the fish up through the hole.
We didn’t have as many flags as we would have liked, but that’s how it always goes. We couldn’t call it a bust with the weather and the view we were offered. The Schroon Lake community was beyond friendly and the people that we had spoken to at the boat launch gave us some helpful “first timers” advise before we went out.
Overall it was a great day fishing and we will definitely be returning with the hopes of catching a lake trout through the ice. You should book a room plan your own ice fishing getaway and see if you can too!
If you're up for a challenge, there's still time register for the upcoming 26th annual Schroon Lake Ice Fishing Derby!
This week in related ADK news:
Snowboarding: best kind of board mtg
Tucked away in the back corner of the Pine Cone Mercantile on Schroon Lake’s Main Street is one of the best hidden gems in the region. If you love baked goods, run — don’t walk — to the North Woods Bread Company!
Sporting one of the freshest, cleanest-looking signage walls I’ve seen in a long time, NWBC is a powerhouse with a tiny footprint. Owner and baker, Edward Marks, has provided a much-needed addition to the retail scene in Schroon Lake. On the day I visited, Edward and his wife Lisa were hard at work labeling, selling, and going about the day-to-day business in their respective retail spaces. Lisa operates the Mercantile, and Edward the Bread Company. More on the Mercantile later.
Edward, donning one of those long, ankle-length white aprons I love, came out to chat with me about his breads, their story, and his business philosophy. In 2014, Edward, a former antiques dealer in New York City, along with wife Lisa, a former fashion designer, made the decision to move full time to their summer retreat in Schroon Lake and chuck their respective careers in the Big Apple. The Mercantile and the bakery opened to their first customers in late summer of 2015. So far, they're very happy with what they’ve accomplished since then. The bakery has become a mainstay in the community in the 14 months or so it’s been open. Edward’s one big philosophy is keeping everything he sells affordable so that everyone in the community can benefit. The prices are definitely affordable.
I left the shop with an array of items to take home. Truth is, most of them didn’t make it home with us. For a little less than $10.00, I left with a muffin, a scone, two mini-boules and a 1 pound bag of homemade granola. The pumpkin muffin was the first to go and was absolutely scrumptious! It had just the right amount of sweetness, not to overpower the flavors of both the pumpkin and the subtle spices. And it was dense and rich. The streusel topping was like nothing I’ve had before. You’ll have to pick one up next time they offer them as it’s impossible to describe! Just know it was amazing. Same goes for the cranberry/orange scone (another one of the items that didn’t make it more than 10 miles up the road). The subtleness of the flavors and the perfect amount of sweetening and light drizzle of orange icing made for one of the best scones I’ve ever eaten.
In the bread department, the offerings of the day included Black Pepper and Fig Boules, Caraway Rye Rustic Loaves, Multi-grain Seed Boules, White and Whole Wheat Sandwich Loaves and Minis/Half Loaves, as well as a couple of day old loaves at half price. I brought home one each of Black Pepper & Fig, and a multi-grain mini boule. They were equally as amazing as the muffin and scone.
Edward also makes his own granola. This is the deal of the century. For just $4.95 you get a pound of really wonderful homemade granola!
The North Woods Bread Co. is open Wednesday through Sunday form 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. I would highly recommend you arrive early in the day for the best selections. As previously mentioned the prices are very, very reasonable. Each day Edward posts the list of what’s in the bread cases for the day on the North Woods Bread Co. Facebook page. He rotates the variety very nicely throughout the week. Sweet treats are generally available only on weekends, and are mostly made by Lisa, who also assists Edward when needed. It pays to have each other close by for help when needed!
In addition to baked goods, coffee is also available, as is a selection of locally produced cheeses from both North Country Creamery in Keeseville and Sugar House Creamery in Jay. I’ve sampled cheese from both these producers in the past and can attest they are some of the best available anywhere.
As a side note, make sure you take some time to browse the Pine Cone Mercantile since you have to pass through it on your way to the Bread Company (smart design there!). Edward’s wife Lisa is the proprietress. She’s created an impressive display of furniture, home decorating accents, and gifts in a warm and inviting atmosphere. It’s so cozy I just wanted to sit down for a while and read a book on one of the very comfortable couches! There is something in just about every price range from gifts to furniture. One of the pieces is a dining room table made from reclaimed barn wood, made by Storied Boards in Lake George.
If you are planning a visit and expect to spend a night or two, make sure you check out the lodging options. Maybe I’ll run into you in the bakery. I know I’ll be making a lot more visits to this wonderful place!
Put these places on your ADK must-visit list!
Winter shouldn’t be a reason to not bring your four-legged buddy hiking with you, so why not bring them up with you next time you visit the Schroon Lake Region? There are tons of trails that are perfect for both of you, the only problem is choosing which one. Here are 5 short-and-sweet destinations that would make a good start.
This hike can be found at the end of Crane Pond Road just north of the Hamlet of Schroon Lake. Located in the vast Pharaoh Mountain Wilderness you will have ample opportunities to venture down side trails to other beautiful locations such as Pharaoh Mountain and Goose Pond. From the trailhead you will need to snowshoe or ski the remaining portion of the road to its end at Crane Pond Road. This final portion of the road is closed to vehicular traffic. As for your pooch, this road hike is perfect. The footing is typically very solid which will help keep your dog’s paws on top of the majority of the snow.
This short 2.5 mile roundtrip hike off Route 9 will bring you and your hiking partner a bit higher. Located just north of Schroon Lake it’s easy to access and fun to hike. Positioned on the east side of the Hoffman Notch Wilderness you can check out the landscape from a different point of view. This snowshoe will bring you under the Northway through a large hiker culvert to access the wilderness. On the other side you and your pet can enjoy a gentle to moderate hike up one of the more popular peaks in the area. With outstanding views you won’t want to turn around, but there’s so much more to see.
Lost Pond is located in the Pharaoh Mountain Wilderness and you will be starting just east of the Putnam Pond State Campground off Putts Pond Road. This road can be found off Route 74 between Schroon Lake and Ticonderoga. This trail gets a decent amount of winter activity making the trail nice and solid for all users. Cross-country skiers use this trail quite often to access Lost Pond, but very few users actually go around the pond in winter. Whether the loop around Lost Pond is broken out or not, it is a very enjoyable trail to follow.
Spectacle Pond is located on the western edge of the immense Pharaoh Mountain Wilderness and will give you a unique look at this side of the recreational area. This 3.5 mile round trip excursion brings you along a very mild trail and a sweet babbling brook, whose water runs clean and crisp. A typical hard-packed trail made popular in winter by cross-country skiers will bring you back to a hidden pond where brisk breezes and sparkling snow will make you feel relaxed and happy to be there.
Big Pond is just that, a big pond. Located at just over 1.5 miles from Hoffman Road you will have a short enjoyable ski or snowshoe through the Hoffman Notch Wilderness. Your dog will love this trail, at least mine did. With a flat course through the forest your dog can do the usual routine of run out and run back as much as they would like. Outstanding views await you and your pet from Big Pond as well as from Lower Big Pond on the way in.
Like the ideas of these five destinations? Check out what other snowshoe outings there are in the area. Then, once you’ve worked up an appetite be sure to stop by one of the local shops for a nice bite to eat. Staying in the area for a few days, see what Schroon Lake has to offer for lodging that’s pet friendly.
Once upon a time, the Adirondacks were alive with the sound of neighing, galloping hooves, and perhaps, just maybe, the occasional “giddyup!” Amid the rugged greenery of forested mountainsides and winding river valleys, an array of dude ranches, overnight horseback riding camps, and Western-themed attractions called this part of the Adirondacks home. You could lock your dad in the stocks at Frontier Town before a stagecoach thundered past pulled by horses, sleep under the stars and ride every day, or meet a real, honest-to-goodness cowboy or cowgirl.
I am not the best rider, but I do fancy myself a bit of a cowgirl and I’m kind of sad that there aren’t as many ranches around as there used to be. Let’s be honest: eating beans off of a tin plate sounds quaint, but is that really the life you want every day when you’re on vacation? Wouldn’t you like to pair your barbeque with a cool, crisp craft beer? I thought so. Fortunately, the Adirondack Hub still has plenty of equestrian atmosphere, along with an array of cowgirl-worthy restaurants designed to make your boots dance with joy. So let’s say goodbye to the chuck wagon, and say hello to decadent flavor!
Forget diamonds, coffee is a cowgirl's best friend. Whether it's a perk up before an early trail ride or an icy treat after visiting the herd at the Adirondack Buffalo Company, the goods at 9 Mile Coffee in Schroon Lake are there for you. There's a latte to love here (I can't take credit for that line, sorry), including a food menu that's a big step up from standard fare. Think: nutella croissants, lavish breakfast sandwiches, and bagels slathered in maple cream. Cinnamon rolls are synonymous with ranch house food, and the cinnamon rolls at 9 Mile are a testament to that frosted, sweet goodness.
From brewing for friends and family to a popular 25,000 square foot brewery, Paradox Brewery has always been about crisp, distinctive flavor. Founder Paul Mrocka and his team focus on exceptional ingredients, careful craftsmanship, and pure goodness. The Paradox Pilsner is a refreshing pour, while lovers of maltyness need to try the Get Off My Lawn (bonus points for a great name!). Pair your cool ones with elevated pub-style food. We're partial to the bratwurst on a German bun with a side of sauerkraut, along with the decadent charcuterie board. With such dreamy food and drink, you'll find it hard to tear yourself away and get back in the saddle!
If you visited the Adirondacks in 1950s and 1960s in the summer, you might have spotted a lot of kids wearing cowboy hats, silver sheriff's badges, or neckerchiefs. Chances are, they'd been to Frontier Town, a popular Wild West theme park in North Hudson. Every day was full of stagecoach robberies, shootouts, and horseback riding shows. Ads for Frontier Town, which closed many years ago, claimed it offered "The Best of the West in the East," but now a new owner has rejuvenated part of the original park property and, with diverse food options and the Adirondacks' most popular Indian and Pakistani food, the Frontier Town Gateway offers what we would say is the best of the east in the west. Hot, fresh food is available every day at the 1895 Grill, while Saturdays are extra flavorful with the Taste of Lahore nights. Frontier Town Gateway celebrates the equestrian-themed past of the area with decor, souvenirs, and memorabilia. Lasso up a rodeo burger or our favorite samosas and enjoy!
Okay, with a name like that, how could we not love this restaurant? More than just the name, however, Trail Break is an excellent spot to sit back, rest your booted feet, and savor the rustic, wood-paneled atmosphere over a great meal. Pay homage to the reason we're cowgirls in the first place and tuck into the NY strip steak, or fancify your plate with the roast duck. After all, you're on vacation so you might as well treat yourself! Trail Break also carries a lengthy menu of craft beer and cider, so you can have fun selecting just the right stout, IPA, or ale to accompany your meal.
Just like any roundup, there are a few dogies that escaped our eagle eye! Learn more about all of the Adirondack Hub's dining options, from pizza to poutine! While you're here, find a great lodge to soak your feet and hang your hat!
Nestled away amongst the towns of Newcomb, Minerva, North Hudson, and Schroon Lake, the Adirondack Hub is the ideal winter getaway you should take this season, and here's why!
The Adirondack Hub is an outdoor lover's paradise, offering a range of wintery activities perfect for all adventurers. Whether you're an avid cross-country skier seeking the thrill of gliding through wilderness areas or a nature enthusiast looking to snowshoe your way around the lakeside, this region has you covered. Both the Hoffman Notch Wilderness and Pharoh Lake Wilderness offer a wide variety of winter activities sure to fill your time! With beautiful landscapes and abundant snowfall, the Adirondack Hub serves as the perfect base camp for all your winter adventures. It's a place where the possibilities are as vast as the wilderness itself, and where the call of the great outdoors is answered with open arms, ensuring that every winter outing is a memorable one.
Dining in the Adirondack Hub is sure to satisfy any craving! After a day of winter adventures, the Paradox Brewery in North Hudson is the ideal stop, where you can indulge in crafted brews and wood-fired pizzas that just hit the spot. Schroon Lake boasts a variety of restaurants to choose from, each offering its unique charm. Sticks and Stones delivers a quintessential Adirondack dining experience, while Pitkins on Main Street is your go-to spot for a mouthwatering breakfast. For a special treat, the Lodge at Schroon Lake welcomes the public to its Brown Swan restaurant, conveniently located on the property. Whether you're looking for a post-adventure refuel or a romantic dinner with a view, the Adirondack Hub has you covered!
Beginning your day at the Lodge at Schroon Lake is the perfect way to embark on a wintery adventure. This recently rehabbed gem in the Schroon Lake area provides everything you need for an unforgettable experience. Nestled amid the snowy landscape of the lake, the Lodge offers a cozy space that's perfect for creating cherished memories. And for all our downhill skiers and snowboarders, the Lodge at Schroon Lake is a convenient distance from Gore Mountain and will even be offering a shuttle for guests! Whether you're seeking relaxation by a crackling fireplace, breathtaking views of the wintry wonderland, or easy access to outdoor activities, this lodge has it all.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Adirondack Hub is the opportunity it provides for solitude amidst its vast wilderness. With its extensive network of trails that wind their way over thousands of miles, you'll find yourself in the position of having the unspoiled beauty of nature all to yourself. Who could complain? Whether you're traversing a snow-covered path on a winter morning or exploring the rugged terrain during the quieter seasons, the Adirondack Hub offers a unique chance to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and immerse yourself in a world where it's just you and nature.
Nestled directly off the Adirondack Northway, the Hub is a remarkably convenient destination for those in search of the ultimate winter adventure. Its prime location makes it the perfect starting point or stopping place for your outdoor escapades. Just looking for a day trip to get away? No problem! Whether you're a seasoned explorer looking to hit the trails or a winter enthusiast seeking new adventures the Hub ensures you're never far from your next great adventure.
So, make the Adirondack Hub your next stop this winter! We promise you won't regret it!
Stop me if I’ve already told you this story:
When I was in elementary school growing up here in the Adirondacks, my art teacher shared with our class the fact that she disliked telephone poles. Not that I knew anyone who necessarily loved them, but until she mentioned it, I hadn’t really noticed the fact that those miles of tall, uniform-looking posts connected by wavy lines of wire really mucked up the gorgeous landscape.
About a kazillion years later, I’m STILL annoyed almost every day by how those utility poles ruin some of the potentially award-winning photographs I could have taken with my smartphone on the commute to work.
Similar to the day that I was made aware of the utility poles, it took just one day to entirely change the way I experience hiking, or even walking in the woods, too.
Shortly after waking up one recent morning, I looked outside at a large pine tree near our house. It had a strange abnormality - a scar, if you will, and I thought to myself, “What caused that scar? A fungus, maybe?”
This is a departure from my typical method of operation in the morning. Not long ago, I’d look out that window merely to determine how late I’d slept via the amount of and height of the sun - and neglect to see any of the trees for the forest.
This remarkable change occurred because of a one day hike in the Pharaoh Lake wilderness.
It wasn’t any old hike - it was the first time that I had hiked along with a licensed Adirondack Guide, and one that is a naturalist, at that.
I’ve done a bunch of hiking in the Adirondacks and beyond - we live in our very own paradise, and getting out onto the trails provides an opportunity for total immersion in our beautiful landscape. Typically, however, it seems that the goal of the hiking I’ve done has really been to climb just as fast as possible to get to the top and “bag a peak,” stopping infrequently to drink water or catch my breath.
I was thrilled one early spring to have the opportunity to join a guided hike led by N.Y.S. Licensed Adirondack Guide and naturalist Elizabeth Lee. It was to be a full-day’s adventure with four other women on a trail I’d wanted to explore for years.
And it was about to change the way I experienced hiking forever.
The Pharaoh Lake Wilderness Area in the Schroon Lake region contains 39 bodies of water covering 1,100 acres, 62.8 miles of foot trails, and 14 lean-tos.
On this particular day, we set out from the trailhead on Route 74 to hike the Long Swing Trail to Oxshoe Pond, an out-and-back hike of about 9-10 miles total with an elevation gain of less than 500 feet. I knew we were in for a nice, rolling hike.
We hadn’t gone more than 100 feet when we stopped. A naturalist, Elizabeth pointed out the first of many details that we might (would) have otherwise missed. Now, I thought I had a good understanding of the food chain and ecosystem, but seeing the forest through Lee’s eyes provided me with a whole new perspective.
She pointed out the difference between the seeds in what turns out to be a wide variety of cones from the equally varied trees, and explained just who had been eating them. The faint scrape on a tree was actually where a deer had rubbed its antlers, likely a couple of years before. The fur that was all that was left of a snowshoe rabbit (apparently numerous in this region). It was likely taken by a coyote, who are equally numerous, based on the number of tracks we could see in a variety of locations throughout the day.
We stopped at one point and all walked off trail to see a strange formation on a tree. Nature’s art, Elizabeth called it. And it is...a large hole formed by a fungus, surrounded by small fungi of another sort.
We analyzed and debated about the type of trees that could have shed certain fallen leaves (an ash leaf warranted the longest debate), solved mysteries about animal and bird scat (droppings), sighted old and current beaver lodges, discussed fungi and both their negative effects and complimentary contributions to trees. And a few times, we stopped just to listen to the sound of the forest.
The Pharaoh Lake Wilderness is a lake- and pond-riddled forest. We passed Blue Hill, Pyramid Lake, Alder Pond, Glidden Marsh, Crane Pond, through a forest with primarily a high canopy and little underbrush. After about three and a half hours, we reached the lean-to at Oxshoe Pond for a lunch break where we refueled on a combination of healthy food and chocolate.
On the way back, I found myself looking at the minute details - I recognized small seeds from yellow birch trees on the trail, the scattered pattern of cone debris that indicated squirrel, as opposed to bird, activity, and yes; scat from a variety of small animals. In fact, I correctly identified weasel scat on the trail just a mile before we arrived back at the trailhead.
This was a beautiful walk in the woods with a variety of water, swamps and small hills that - in contrast to the fairly flat terrain - looked bigger. I have returned to explore numerous trails within the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness, which offers easier rolling terrain such as that Oxshoe Pond hike, and more challenging hikes such as the trail up Pharaoh Mountain itself.
I took with me from this one introductory experience a newfound appreciation for the small details and nuances of the flora and fauna in our Adirondack woods, and that perspective inspires me every day as I explore my own backyard.
As a bonus, that appreciation even extends to those landscape-disrupting telephone poles. Now, I merely think of them as perch locations for a variety of raptors and songbirds.
From wildflower hikes, to fishing, to rock climbing and wildlife tracking I’ve now enjoyed a number of New York State licensed guide-led experiences at all different times of the year, and I’m an outspoken advocate for taking advantage of their expertise.
After all, Adirondack Guides have been helping us non-woodsmen to explore the Adirondack wilderness since the early 1800s. Early trappers, hunters and writers used local guides and their guideboats to navigate this landscape. Today, they are licensed by the State of New York after a rigorous and difficult training period, which also includes current certification in First Aid, CPR, and Water Safety.
Take my advice: Hire a licensed guide for your next Adirondack adventure. It changes your perspective for the better!
—Kim Rielly is the director of communications for the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism, and didn’t exactly pursue a career in art.
“One therapy for cabin fever may be as simple as getting out and interacting with nature. Research has demonstrated that even brief interactions with nature can promote improved cognitive functioning and overall well-being.” - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
I was searching for remedies to cabin fever and the common results from my online searches were: change your environment, get outdoors, and connect with nature. Okay, living in the Adirondacks I can do that! I wanted something a bit different and in a location that was easy to get to.
Ready to find my cure I decided to check out what the southern Adirondacks had to offer. I called the Schroon Lake Chamber of Commerce and spoke to Tammy. She was a wealth of knowledge, and I was excited about her suggestion for a local stay package that Witherbee’s Carriage House was offering.
Witherbee’s Carriage House Restaurant and Adirondack Lakes Cabins have put together packages for lodging, dining, and a day of maple sugaring. I called Witherbee’s Carriage House to learn more.
I found out that maple season has arrived in the Adirondacks, and while the sugar’s flowing during March & April the opportunity is here to indulge in a stay, dine & maple package that could cure those winter blues. This sounds like a sweet package - plan a trip to make your own maple sugar the traditional way on a working 1890s Maple Sugar Bush.
Your hosts Bill and Patty Christian have their own maple sugar bush where they make maple sugar on site - the same way it was done back in the 1890s. Be their guest and spend the day learning and taking part in the whole maple syrup process. Collect the sap in buckets, then transfer it to the collection tank that’s hauled on a wooden skid to the sugar house. In the sugar house see how they use the traditional wood stove to boil the sap all day and turn it into syrup. While the sap is boiling hang out by the wood stove and play cards, enjoy an egg hardboiled in sap (it's tradition), and go snowshoeing to their camp in the woods.
After a day of maple sugaring bring the product of your labor back with you for dinner. Witherbee’s Carriage House loves showing off their culinary skills for their guests and features special meals with syrup as the star. Enjoy their Maple-Dijon Glazed Salmon or Oscar's Pork Chop along with a variety of signature maple deserts.
Follow your day of maple sugaring, and your maple-themed dining experience featuring your own homemade maple syrup, with a cozy night stay at the Adirondack Lake Cabins. Newly built, these cabins are conveniently located behind Witherbee’s Carriage House with a great view of the lake. The cabins feature traditional Adirondack rustic charm with modern comfort, built from trees harvested directly from the property and milled at the local mill. Great for couples, friends, and family, each cabin sleeps up to six.
Think fresh Adirondack air, rustic charm with modern comfort, historic tradition, with a bit of sweetness rolled in. Make a weekend of it, the Schroon Lake Region offers many ways to get outside and connect with nature. From ice fishing, snowmobiling, and sledding to hiking, skiing and more, come see all the great things to do and see why this easy to get to Adirondack community will keep you coming back for more.
Schroon Lake is a lot of things. On the surface, it’s a water-studded region that’s ringed by mountains and blanketed in forest. Last week, my wife Anna and I looked a little deeper and discovered it’s also the kind of place that attracts interesting people. By visiting four different places, we heard four different stories from people who love this region.
A trip to Schroon Lake would not have been complete without a hike, so we decided to do that before heading into town. It seems every Adirondack town has a version of Mount Severance — a short, easy hike to a stellar view.
This hike begins with something a little different; a series of two metal tunnels start at the large parking area and go underneath I-87 to the trailhead. The path is well-marked and well-maintained as it winds to the base of the mountain, crosses a wooden bridge, then climbs moderately to the summit at the 1.2 mile mark.
Surprisingly, we had the stunning view of Schroon Lake all to ourselves. To the left and set back from the strikingly blue lake is Pharaoh Lake Wilderness Area, an incredible place we spent the night in earlier this summer.
Our solitude on this popular peak was not to last. A young couple, Jon and Heather, appeared from the forest with their dog and I struck up a conversation with them.
This was a special day for them — almost four years ago, Jon proposed to Heather on this mountain and they were visiting from their home in Ohio to celebrate the anniversary. The rest of their story sounded like so many others I’ve heard. People come to the Adirondacks to vacation and fall in love, sometimes with each other but always with the landscape, then they feel compelled to either move here or visit regularly. Anna and I moved here; Jon and Heather visit as often as possible.
From I-87, take Exit 28, head toward Schroon Lake and make a quick right to go south on Route 9. The parking area is in about a half mile on the right.
The hike, although short, made us hungry for lunch, so we cruised through downtown Schroon Lake and settled on Sticks & Stones Bistro & Bar. We never get tired of sunshine, so we sat at a table on one of the two outdoor seating areas. Anna ordered a Fig and Goat Cheese Salad and I got a Pretzel Burger with Swiss cheese, and we shared both.
The food was delicious and perfectly prepared, making this an easy spot to recommend. The nice thing about the menu is its attention to eating preferences — if you’re vegetarian or vegan you won’t have a problem making a choice, as dish is labeled appropriately. The atmosphere is cool, too. It’s done in a warm Adirondack flair, an effect that’s amplified by the four-foot high, hand-carved, wooden black bears at each booth and the wood-fired pizza oven that’s behind the bar.
As we left, we ran into a group of people on their way in. We got talking to them and learned they’re part of a Long Island based group that brings kids from that area to the Adirondacks every year to paddle and enjoy nature. Some of them were back for their second or third time, but many were first-time visitors. All agreed that the visit was awesome.
Our next stop was Paradox Brewery. Since this was our first time there, Anna and I struck up a conversation with co-owner Joan Mrocka to learn a bit about the place. Not surprisingly, she continued the day’s narrative: A former visitor to the region, she moved here from New York City and started the brewery in 2013 with her husband, Paul.
But enough talk, let’s get to the beer. We ordered a tasting of the six beers on tap, each of which she described in detail. There was the highly drinkable Paradox Pilsner, the smooth and fruity Saison and Citrus Saison, and then the more bitter Rye Pale Ale, Beaver Bite IPA, and Beaver Overbite.
Joan explained Beaver Bite is the brewery’s top seller, so if hoppy is your thing you should try it. I don’t mind IPAs, but they aren’t my favorite. The three IPAs all had a nice bite and a robust hoppiness. The pilsner was good and quite easy to throw back, but the two saisons won the day for me, especially the Citrus Saison, which had a full, fruity flavor that was neither bitter nor too sweet. That’s a dangerous combination for me, especially on a hot day.
As a beer lover, I can say all of the beers were good, even the ones that weren’t my favorite!
Our last Schroon Lake stop was the North Woods Bread Co., located at the back of the Pine Cone Mercantile downtown. Since it was late afternoon, there were only three half loaves of bread left. We chose two of those: the dried onion and the multi-grain with cherries and pecan. The owner, Edward Marks, bagged up the loaves and explained that he bakes for the day to minimize leftovers, so it’s best to get there early.
Edward’s story is interesting. About 12 years ago his wife, Lisa, had to keep a yeast culture alive as part of a culinary program she was in. Mark was intrigued, and even though he was an admittedly bad cook he decided to try his hand at baking. Something clicked, and eventually the couple moved from Manhattan to Schroon Lake, where Lisa wife opened Pine Cone Mercantile and Edward opened the bakery.
The yeast is still there, too, and it ends up in most breads he makes. Mark told us to hold on, then emerged from the kitchen with a four-quart container of it cradled in his arms.The living organism has to be fed daily or it starts to die. Since it isn’t always easy to get someone to properly care for a yeast blob, Edward has brought it on vacation twice.
That conjured up hilarious images of a couple sitting on a beach with a bucket of yeast on a blanket between them. Edward assured me that’s not quite how it goes down — only part of me believes that.
Bread in hand, Anna and I were headed to our last destination, the Schroon Lake public beach, but the downpour that started while we were talking to Edward nixed that idea. Instead, we passed by it on our way out of town and agreed that it was a great reason to visit Schroon Lake again.
Visit Schroon Lake, and bring a friend! There's plenty of hiking, dining, and shopping in the region.
Get the third night of celebrating mom for FREE!