The 46 High Peaks are awe-inspiring, alluring, and mysterious. The deep valleys between the mountains are wet and mossy green, and boulders punctuate the open forests there, creating an impressive preview of the towering cliffs, rocky summits, and landslide scars found up high. Striking and spectacular, these peaks beckon hikers looking for a challenge — and make no mistake, climbing any one of them is indeed a challenge. 

While the bulk of hikers head to the popular trailheads found in the northern section of the High Peaks region, those aren’t the only places from which to access these mountains. Dozens of peaks can be summited from the two major access points that are off of Route 28, between Newcomb and Schroon Lake. The trails are just as scenic as the northern routes, but they’re often less crowded.

Always be prepared when hiking, even if it’s a short trail. Bring plenty of water and food, keep some extra layers in your pack, and follow Leave No Trace principles. And above anything else, always be prepared to turn around if darkness descends or the weather starts to turn. The mountains will be there, so be safe!

Upper Works

Before we get to the spectacular selection of trails that are available from the Upper Works parking area, we have to talk about the drive in. The road snakes along the Hudson River before entering the site of Tahawus, an old mining town. Only echoes of the town remain, like the enormous blast furnace that greets visitors as they enter this once-vibrant place. Now, old stone chimneys stand in stark contrast to the nearby trees, and most of the buildings have been replaced by informational plaques that give a feel for what this town was like in its heyday. To get a real sense of place, take the little trail up the hill that’s across the street from the blast furnace to get a peek at the nearby mountains.

Don’t get too distracted by the history of Tahawus, though — the Upper Works trailhead is just ahead, and from it there are dozens of miles of trails to explore. The most popular path heads straight to the Flowed Lands, a stunning area with great views of Mount Colden and Avalanche Mountain. Set up your basecamp here, but be sure to bring a bear canister — the area’s popularity with people has also made it popular with black bears. 

Other options include a less-traveled way into Indian Pass, where a 1,000 foot cliff awaits, or a long, tranquil hike to the remote Duck Hole and Preston Ponds.

From the Flowed Lands, a number of hikes are available. Colden is an obvious option — it's the one with all the slides that's front and center when you arrive at the water's edge — and many other High Peaks are nearby, including Marcy, Cliff, Redfield, and Skylight. Keep in mind that “nearby” is relative, though. None of the hikes in this area are easy, and all of them require some serious elevation gain over rough, mountainous terrain. If you’re looking for quick day hikes, there are better places to explore.

Elk Lake 

Elk Lake is on private property, so don’t plan on making that part of your adventure, but there are two trailheads here that get you into some of the most rugged, beautiful scenery in the High Peaks.

The Panther Gorge trail begins across the road from the parking area. From there, hikers can opt for the trail up two High Peaks, Blake and Colvin, or they can continue to the remote Panther Gorge. There are a couple of camping areas in the gorge, and that's good because you’ll need to rest after making the 700-foot elevation gain and descent to get there. Panther Gorge is beautiful, but the real attraction is the trio of peaks. Marcy towers above the head of the gorge, flanked by Haystack on one side and Skylight on the other, making an extremely difficult and rewarding loop possible. In fact, the elevation gain up Haystack from Panther Gorge makes it the steepest trail in the Adirondacks.

The Dix Range trail begins at the parking area, and it’s a beauty. A winding trail leads to an old carriage road that runs along the base of the range, and there are several places to camp along the way. A well-trodden herd path ascends McComb via a rubbly slide from which Elk Lake can be seen far below. From McComb, the path continues, linking South Dix, Grace Peak (formerly East Dix), and Hough in one beautiful traverse. Hearty hikers can continue past Hough and on to Dix to complete the range, but it’s quite a haul. 

Boreas Ponds

OK, so this trail doesn’t quite take you into the High Peaks, but it does end with one of the best views of the Great Range from the shore of the 320-acre Boreas Ponds. This brand new route follows Gulf Brook Road for 6.7 miles to the shore of of the pond. About half of the route will be accessible by motor vehicle, with four small parking areas to choose from. The rest of the way can only be traversed by foot, horse, or bike.

Getting there

All of the above parking areas are located off of Route 28 as it travels between Exit 29 on I-87 and the town of Newcomb.

• Elk Lake: From Exit 29, take Route 28 west for about 7 miles and turn right on Elk Lake Road. Follow that to the parking area, on the right.
• Boreas Ponds: From Exit 29, take Route 28 west for about 7.5 miles and look for the large brown Gulf Brook Road sign on the right.
• Upper Works: From Exit 29, take Route 28 west for about 17.5 miles and turn right on Tahawus Road. Bear left on Upper Works Road after about 6.5 miles and follow that to the end.

After hitting the High Peaks, head into Newcomb, Minerva, North Hudson, or Schroon Lake for food and drinks to help you refuel after a great day of hiking!

 

"We're here to do things the way they’re supposed to be done.”

David Hughes and I had been talking for a while about his new business, ADK Purveyors. He was giving me the history of how he ended up with a subscription box service that specializes in bringing the best quality Adirondack products directly into your home when he laid that simple, yet powerful, statement on me. 

In the summer of 2018 David subscribed to an organic food box but was disappointed. "My box showed up at my door in an insulated box with a gel pack every two weeks. I loved the concept. The only negatives were, one, I wasn’t able to choose what produce went into my box. Two, this produce is coming from California and/or Mexico and three, the food started to go bad in a few days because of the lengthy two week trip across the country by freight train."

David knew he could do better; he had already made a career of fostering good relationships with local producers, first as a manager of a third generation butcher shop, then sourcing products for farm stores, and most recently, bringing local ingredients into his local school district as the manager of its school lunch program (the students call him "Chef Dave"). He knew he could help folks across the Adirondacks access high quality fresh products that were actually produced in the Adirondacks, with the option to choose what you get, and without the long drive to the grocery store.

Two years later, ADK Purveyors can deliver a growing range of great Adirondack products directly to your door, not only locally (which is still at the core of their mission), but anywhere in the lower 48 states. 

How does it work?

ADK Purveyors have gone out of their way to make it simple. You can have a box headed to you in less than 10 minutes with a quick trip to their website (David has even been so kind to extended to our readers a special limited time offer; when you sign up for a subscription and use the code ADKFOOD at checkout, get 50% off your first box!). Their most popular is the Harvest Box, which allows you to pick any five items from their inventory. You can have just one box shipped, or set up a weekly or monthly delivery. There's no minimum number of shipments and you can cancel at any time. They'll even send you a reminder before each order so you can check your box and make any changes you would like for your next delivery. 

What do you get?

Just like any subscription service, you get to pick! And they have been able to put together a great selection from the following producers:

• Nettle Meadow Farm - dairy

• North Country Creamery - artisanal cheeses and yogurt

• Juniper Hill Farm - NOFA-NY certified organic produce

• Sunset Farm - grass-fed beef

• Toad Hill Maple - pure Adirondack maple products

• Reber Rock Farm - pasture raised and organically fed poultry

• Blackberry Hill Farm - heritage bred pork (coming soon!)

They’re always looking for new producers and artisans to partner with, so check back for updated offerings!

But is it really fresh?

The short answer: yes.

If there’s one thing David values above all else, it’s the quality and freshness of the products he’s offering. Each week's orders are processed on Friday, when David contacts the producers to let them know what was sold that week. The orders are collected directly from the farmers and producers by Wednesday, when the boxes are shipped, generally arriving at the customers' doorstep by Friday. So by the time the box gets to your door, the artisanal meats, cheeses, produce, and Maple products inside have only been away from their Adirondack home for several days at most. 

If you’re fortunate enough to live in the southeastern Adirondacks you can even save on the shipping and pick your box up directly from their processing center in Newcomb, NY. 

Sign me up!

Given the interesting times we're living in, you can bet ADK Purveyors is going to be on my radar. Not only to get some of the products I already know and love more easily to my door, but to some family and friends as well! There are oh so many holidays and birthdays just around the corner...

Go take a look at ADK Purveyors; they're "doing things they way they should be done."

And don't forget! If you're signing up for a subscription, use that 50% off code at checkout, 'ADKFOOD.'

 

The Newcomb-Minerva-North Hudson region offers fantastic boreal birding in the Adirondacks. This area has numerous hiking trails through boreal forest, wetlands, and marshes. Easy, roadside birding is also exciting since the main roads traverse boreal wilderness areas.

Some of the Region’s Bird Species

The sought-after boreal “trinity” species - Black-backed Woodpecker, Gray Jay, and Boreal Chickadee, attract birders to the Adirondacks year-round. The Newcomb-Minerva-North Hudson region is one of the best areas to find these species. It is also one of my favorite areas for bird guiding. On a recent tour with a couple who wanted to see a Black-backed Woodpecker, we found 6 during the morning in Newcomb and Minerva! During an early July tour with a group of women who wanted to see a Boreal Chickadee, we found fledglings just out of the nest along the northern end of the Roosevelt Truck Trail in Minerva! Like most fledglings, they lacked tails and had wavy bills. Not only did we have nice views of the Boreal Chickadees, but we were able to spend a long time watching a stationary fledgling on a branch intermittently being fed.

Each year, I find Black-backed Woodpecker nest sites in this area and last year, many of my clients were thrilled to see a young male being fed at the nest hole by the adult male and female. Once again this year, I found a nest site right along the road, so we’ll be able to observe the young woodpeckers as they grow up.

Other year-round species such as Red and White-winged Crossbills and Evening Grosbeaks can be found, with these species a bit easier to see during winter when the crossbills typically nest and grosbeaks are reliably visiting feeders. This past winter, a couple hundred Evening Grosbeaks could be found in the Newcomb area and Red Crossbills nested throughout this region.

This area also hosts 20 breeding warbler species! Cape May Warblers breed along the southern end of the Roosevelt Truck Trail in mature spruce-fir forest with little understory. It is one of only a few known locations to find this species in the Adirondacks.

With a mix of habitats, including wetlands, in the Newcomb-Minerva-North Hudson region, insect-eating flycatcher species are also abundant. Some of the flycatcher species found include: Olive-sided Flycatcher, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, Alder Flycatcher, Least Flycatcher, Eastern Phoebe, and Eastern Kingbird.

Forest dwelling raptor species such as Broad-winged Hawk, Sharp-shinned Hawk, and Northern Goshawk, can also be found. Many rivers (including the Hudson and Boreas Rivers) and lakes are home to Bald Eagles, Common Loons, and waterfowl such as Common and Hooded Mergansers.

The beautiful voices of thrushes can also be heard. Hermit, Swainson’s, and Bicknell’s Thrushes can be found at appropriate elevations.

Some of the Region’s Trails

Roosevelt Truck Trail in Minerva: This 2.5 mile long road-sized trail has fantastic, mature boreal forest. Black-backed Woodpeckers, Gray Jays, and Boreal Chickadees can be found while hiking the trail. Raptors include Barred Owl, Broad-winged Hawk, Sharp-shinned Hawk, and Northern Goshawk. Once again, a Sharp-shinned Hawk has taken up residence along the northern end of the trail. Many warbler species can be found including the rare Cape May Warbler. Yellow-bellied Flycatchers can be heard from the mossy-ground boreal forest. The long, loud song of the tiny Winter Wren is a dominant voice heard while hiking. The lovely, flute-like songs of Hermit and Swainson’s Thrushes can also be heard.

Railroad Bed South on Route 28N in Minerva: Just a short walk south on the Minerva railroad bed leads to huge wetlands including beaver marshes and ponds on both sides of the tracks. Black-backed Woodpeckers and Boreal Chickadees can be found in the boreal forest surrounding the wetlands. Flycatcher species abound in this location including the sought after Olive-sided Flycatcher. Warblers fill the trees. In the marsh, Common Yellowthroats, Song, Swamp, and White-throated Sparrows, and many flycatcher species are active.

Hewitt Eddy Trail in Minerva: This foot-path leads through boreal forest and links to the scenic Boreas River Trail for a possible loop hike. Black-backed Woodpeckers and Boreal Chickadees can be found, along with many other woodpecker and warbler species.

Vanderwhacker Mountain Trail in Minerva: The first mile of the trail (on relatively level terrain) is wonderful for birding with mixed forest and wetland habitats. Many warbler species can be found including Canada Warblers. After the first half-mile, two large marshes dominate the next half-mile. Olive-sided Flycatchers can be found in these beaver-created wetlands.

Cheney Pond-Lester Flow Trail in Minerva: This is a popular cross-country ski trail in winter, but it can also be hiked in spring, summer, and fall. There are Common Loons on Cheney Pond and Boreal Chickadees along the trail to Lester Flow.

Adirondack Interpretive Center (AIC) Trails in Newcomb: There is a network of scenic trails at the Newcomb AIC. The trails wind through mixed forest habitat with White Cedars and along lakes. Common Loons and many warbler and sparrow species can be found. Make sure you check the AIC bird feeders too!

These are just a few of the many hiking trails in this region, but you may find a favorite road-side birding location too. (I’ve found many!)

New York State recently purchased the 20,758 acre Boreas Ponds Tract in North Hudson, so stay tuned for lots more birding opportunities in this beautiful region!

If you visit this boreal wilderness, there are many wonderful lodging and restaurant options nearby!

Hiking the Pigeon Lake Wilderness

Moxham Mountain is a fairly new trail to Essex County and is located in the Town of Minerva in the Vanderwhacker Mountain Wild Forest. The trail was built by the Student Conservation Association (CSA) in July of 2012 to give access to the public to a true Adirondack gem. This trail is a well laid out scenic route of 2.7 miles, on a moderate approach to a partially bald summit.

Moxham you might be thinking would be a very long drive from Schroon Lake, but with its trailhead accessible location it’s a rather short drive, using county roads. Just locate Hoffman Road (CR 24) in the Village of Schroon Lake and follow it all the way to Irishtown, which is a very small hamlet of Essex County. In Irishtown take a right near a graveyard and then a left at the T-intersection onto CR 24A. This will quickly bring you to Route 28N in Minerva. Cross directly over Route 28N onto 14th Road and continue 2.1 miles to the trailhead on the left. In the spring, as it was for me, the final 0.2 miles to the trail was closed due to wet conditions, if this is the case there is a small area to park at the top of the hill.

I had seen this mountain many times from Route 28 as I traveled south toward North Hudson, but never really placed the name with the face, so to speak, but once I summited I soon realized where I was standing. Finally the feel of spring was here and I was looking forward to hiking in warm weather and less layers. The week before I was in Old Forge on a hike, and to my surprise the snow was still very deep, especially on the northern aspect of the mountains, so we didn’t want to take any chances.

What gear to bring???

We decided it would be wise to bring our snowshoes and Microspikes along just in case, if nothing else we could leave them in the car, and we would be traveling up the north side of the mountain ridge. As we arrived at 14th Road and started our drive down, my eyes wandered over at the northern slopes of the mountains in the area and it was quite apparent there was still plenty of snow lingering around. Even with the hard winter snowpack from heavy use, we felt there was a good chance that the snow would be rotten and not support us at all without the use of snowshoes. As much as we didn’t want to bring them, we strapped them onto our packs; if nothing else we could use the added weight for an additional dose of exercise.

We parked at the top of the hill and started the descent along the dirt road for all of 0.2 miles to the new state trailhead on the left. There would be ample parking here, if it were not under water. We started up the trail that still had a bit of ice on it, but no real snow to speak of. We now realized we would be taking our snowshoes for a tour on our backs. We did however decide to slip on the Microspikes, as traction was not at all good. The ice parted in areas where massive amounts of rushing water crossed the trail. It truly wasn’t long before the Microspikes were not really necessary. The trail became clear of snow and ice as we started to crest the first small bump along the ridge and the southern slopes mountain collected more warmth from the sun. We now were giving the tour to a set of Microspikes - if we hadn’t brought them though we would have needed them - it's Mother Nature’s cruel joke.

The views from Moxham

We came to our first view and it was quite amazing. Through the leafless trees we could see the High Peaks around Upper Works, but it was still too obstructed by the forest for any decent photographic opportunities. A long descent brought us to a lower elevation, and a bit of snow started to appear again. As we approached the valley we noticed that we were coming to a small hidden pond that would be on our left, we investigated a bit only to find it was a beaver pond that had all but dried up to a stream running through it. The stream however, maybe small in the summer’s heat was now raging with snowmelt. The trail crossed at a spot not good for the future of our dry boots so we moved slightly upstream and over a downed tree that allowed us to rock-hop a couple well-positioned steps.

Back in the snow we were, as we ascended through a shallow valley. Though the snow was very rotten and water raced beneath it, we opted not to reapply our traction for the short distance it would be needed to gain the ridge again. As we battled a short pitch of slightly steeper terrain and old waterfall ice, we realized we would be once again on a trail of reddened pine needles. The views soon became more and more frequent and my camera would spend more time out of the case than in. The pillow-like clouds above us formed interesting shapes and added to the depth of the views out toward Gore, Blue, and in the distance, Crane Mountain. The unique shape of Snowy Mountain and Indian Lake’s Little High Peaks were even further in the distance, expanding this view for many miles.

We would soon be close to the summit and the nearly sheer cliffs of Moxham would be in sight capturing our imagination and awe. I had hoped that the trail would follow the tops of the cliffs, but even though it didn't, the line accessed them in several locations for additional views, slightly different from the last. We stood atop the summit of Moxham, gazing at the array of different views of the mountainous landscape and the frozen wetlands below. My camera was smoking from the constant shuttering of pictures, as a cool - not all that gentle - breeze pushed through our hair. It was so pleasant to be able to sit on a summit and enjoy its beauty for longer than 5-minutes. The winter had been long and even the most attractive summits of the cold season pushed us off the summits faster than we had preferred. It was nice to not have to wear snowshoes - even though we carried them. Our only regret was not bringing real food for lunch and having to settle for granola and a Clif Bar.

Our descent was fast and agile. With every step we gained three atop the slippery snow. We stepped and glided as much as we could, when we could, and what was to our slight disadvantage on the way up was our life flight on the way out. Soaked from the knees down from running water and wet snow, we wasted no time in changing into dry footwear for the ride home. Now off to Stewarts for a couple dogs and cone.

Just a hop, skip and a jump from New York City is a State Park larger than Yellowstone, Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Glacier and the Great Smokies National Parks combined, called the Adirondack Park (the Adirondacks or ADKs). The word Adirondack was a name given by the Mohawk tribe meaning “barkeaters.” The Adirondacks is the largest National Historic Landmark and covers over 6 million acres. The Park is always open, and there's no admission fee.

For generations the Adirondacks has been a source of inspiration. A playground for the adventurous, a source for wellness and healing, a stadium for world competition, a battleground, a canvas to painters, photographers, visitors and artists alike; and to the ever many, a muse. From Albert Einstein, to the Rockefellers and Vanderbilts, to Presidents’ Roosevelt and Coolidge, historically there has been a tradition of inspired minds choosing to spend their time in the mountains and waters of upstate New York. The fresh air, mountains, and miles of trails, water, and winding roads beckon you to experience what the Park means to you.

Into the Woods

One of the longest-standing of these sources of inspiration and tradition comes in the form of song from Seagle Festival. Conveniently located in the South-East side of the Park in the town of Schroon Lake, Seagle has been drawing in talented up-and-coming singers summer after summer. This season the Seagle Festival is celebrating 100 years as the oldest summer vocal training program in the United States, and as a premier opera and musical theatre producing organization.

For a town of less than 2,000 residents it’s unique to say that every summer opera singers from across the country and around the globe contend for a spot among the elite thirty-two who are selected to train, practice, learn, and perform at this prestigious music school. The Colony was founded by Oscar Seagle, a world-renowned baritone. Quickly nicknamed “Olowan,” an Indian name for “Hill of Song,” Mr. Seagle’s reputation made the Colony a magnet for aspiring singers.

For the 2015, Centennial Season

The Seagle Music Colony offers an impressive performance schedule for visitors to enjoy this “Hill of Song” in action all summer long. For the 2015 Centennial Season the audience has the chance to enjoy the timeless classics: Falstaff by Verdi on stage July 1-5, and The Barber of Seville by Rossini from July 15-18, both performed in Italian with projected subtitles in English; Into the Woods[/i] by Sondheim, the fairy-tale classic which hit the big screens in 2014, comes into the mountains from July 29 - August 1; and the season is rounded out from August 12-16 with the highly anticipated and unforgettable, Les Misérables[/i] by Schönberg & Boublil.

Children have the opportunity to laugh, as well as learn, as the Colony presents the children’s opera The Ugly Duckling. This delightful adaption of Hans Christian Anderson’s classic fairy-tale explores and teaches young viewers the important life lesson and message of acceptance. (Sung in English with relatable characters).

Find your muse and indulge in what inspires you!

Considered the gateway to the Adirondacks, Schroon Lake makes a great basecamp to experience and explore all the Park has to offer. Plan a trip to Schroon Lake this summer and see what all the fuss is about. Let the Schroon Lake website help you find what you are looking for.

• Find lodging
• Hire a guide
• Reserve tickets to a show at the Seagle Music Colony
• Check out a class of your own at the VIC Center on the Events page
• Explore what to do

Feeling inspired?

Learn about Teddy Roosevelt’s ride in Spencer's Blog, learn more about the Seagle Music Colony in Sue’s blog, and read about the painter Winslow Homer.

I WAS BITTEN BY THE CAMPING BUG

So, I’m admittedly crazy about car camping. My husband and I camp regularly. We have a 3-tiered shelf of camping supplies organized in our garage. There's something for every situation. The planning and packing is every bit as good as the experience once on site. I guess it's the anticipation of another wonderful experience in the Adirondack Park that makes the planning every bit as fun as the adventure! There's one particular car camping expedition that I start anticipating in late winter (and I know most of my friends who participate do the same).

Each year in June several of us get together for almost a week of camping. We start planning in March, just about the time winter is making us long for our annual gathering. This year will mark the 16th edition of an amazing girlfriend bonding week we’ve dubbed “Tramps at Camp.” We have three rules: no men, no pets, no kids. We’ve bent all of them a tiny little bit over the years, but for the most part those are the hard and fast rules. We’ve left all our husbands, boyfriends, pets, kids, and the things we consider responsibilities, behind, and we have pure, unadulterated fun with no cares in the world! Or so we thought at one time or another!

Camping comes with its challenges - even car camping. We’ve had to adapt to bad weather, extreme heat, bugs, wet wood, wet tents, wind and a host of other inconvenient issues. And we’ve learned a thing or two about innovating and rigging things.

LEARNING THE HARD WAY IN THE EARLY DAYS

During our first years of this crazy little expedition we were pretty green when it came to how to ‘survive in the wilderness.’ Our very first outing was in 2000 when several of us decided to spend one night at Polliwog Pond. Polliwog is a pond on Floodwood Road near Upper Saranac Lake. Our plan was to paddle to one of the outlying campsites for the night. We all arrived and took a look at everything we brought and were unanimous in our conclusion. “No WAY are we transporting all this to that campsite in our kayaks!” So, we ended up on one of the first-come-first-served campsites on the shore of Polliwog. Luckily, there was an empty site, this isn’t always the case with first-come sites. It was a primitive site with a nice sandy beach and perfect for what we were looking for. Our supplies on that inaugural outing included coolers full of food and drink, tents, kayaks, lawn chairs and more. We seriously laugh every time we remember the lofty idea that we could transport all of our supplies in our recreational kayaks!

CREATURE COMFORTS MAKE FOR HAPPY LADIES

Fast forward to 2015. We’ve extended our little overnighter to nearly a week now and we travel with a LOT of stuff. A few years ago one of the rangers checking us out at the campground asked if we were sure we had all our stuff. He remarked, “I’ve worked here for 15 years and I’ve never seen a group with so much STUFF!”

As the years have gone by we’ve accumulated a lot of things to make camping almost downright luxurious - glamping, really. Of course, we also bring lots of accoutrements as well. We have a theme every year, so that requires more stuff. And, of course, women need their creature comforts. We’ve also graduated from those primitive, first-come sites to reserving sites (usually 5 or 6 together) at one of several NYS campgrounds within an hour to hour-and-a-half of home, which is Lake Placid for most of us. There’s an awesome site on Harris Lake in Newcomb, with most sites right on the water we’d like to try next year (see below for more Schroon Lake Region camping options). Minimum requisites these days include hot showers and flush toilets. And most of us have also graduated from tents to hard shell campers, vans or trailers.

There are still a couple of hold-outs with tents. I salute them, but I love my little teardrop-style pod camper (below). It keeps me off the cold or wet ground, secures my stuff from wind and rain, and it’s cozy, dry and comfortable with a real queen size bed, DC or AC power, lights, roof vent with fan, and lots of storage space.

HACKING IT UP

Which brings me to my first car camping “hack.” Teardrop campers are great, but they allow little privacy for changing clothes, etc. I solved the problem by erecting our 10’ x 10’ EZ Up tent directly over the camper, extended up to its highest setting which just clears the roof of the trailer and allows us to open the roof vent. The EZ Up tents come with nylon side panels that zip on. One panel has a zipper in the middle which is perfect to put on the hitch side of the trailer, zipped up far enough to allow the hitch to extend outside so you can get the edge of the tent close to the front of the trailer. Then we put the two sides on and leave the back of the tent open. Most campsites are wooded at the back so you'd have built in privacy on that side anyway. The open side allows me to open the galley hatch fully as well, but I can put on the rain panel if the weather is really inclement. The tent sides extend about 2 1/2 feet beyond either side of the trailer so the trailer doors open fully and we have space to move about. This arrangement not only protects from the weather, but gives very good privacy as well. The tent also allows us to use the top of the camper for storage of miscellaneous ‘stuff’ without worrying about the weather (there we go again with the ‘stuff'). The tent prevents condensation on all that ‘stuff’ at night, as well as protection from rain, which is a definite bummer when getting in and out of a teardrop during a torrential downpour.

 

THE ALL-IMPORTANT CAMPFIRE

This isn't so much of a 'hack' as an instructional. Fire starting while camping is one of the most important things you can master. And don’t think you only need a little newspaper and some kindling. When it’s all very dry it works. Most times the ground is damp and so is the wood. Make sure you really know how to lay a fire and you’ll never have a problem.

1. Put a fire starter on the bottom of the fireplace. If the fireplace doesn’t have any kind of grate on the bottom, use a couple of small logs to help elevate the kindling you’re going to place on top.

2. Above your fire starter, form a small teepee with some kindling. Leave an opening in your teepee on the side the wind is blowing against. This will ensure that your fire gets the air it needs and will blow the flames onto the kindling.

3. Continue adding kindling to the teepee, working your way up to pencil-sized twigs.

4. Create a larger teepee structure around your kindling teepee with some small pieces of wood. The key to getting a fire to burn is to make sure there is good air circulation around all the wood. Then add your fuel wood at the top.

5. Place a match under your tinder. Because this technique directs the flame up, the flame should rise to the kindling, and then on to the fuel wood.

6. The teepee structure will eventually fall, and at this point you can simply add some more fuel logs to the fire. Just remember, air flow is key!

Don’t use an unspilt log to start a fire. It doesn’t work very well. Bring a plastic tarp to cover your dry (dry is the key) firewood to KEEP it dry after you pile it up next to the fireplace. Make some fire starters to take with you - easy peasy. Go to your local lumberyard and ask them for a box (bring the box with you) of sawdust. They’re happy to get rid of it. Get some paper egg cartons. A good source is a local breakfast place that serves lots of eggs. Commercially packed eggs come in flats of 2 1/2 dozen in a nice big square crate. They will also be glad to get rid of them.

Get some paraffin wax, melt it, fill the crates with sawdust and pour on the melted wax, let harden and then you can break or cut off chunks to use in the bottom of the fire for starters. Paraffin burns hot and long. Be careful when melting the wax while making them. It’s highly flammable, so don’t let it get too hot, as it will ignite. This is a good project to do outdoors for safety, using a camp stove. Using a double boiler is even safer as the pot with the parafin isn't in direct contact with the flame.

Keep your kindling and fire starting supplies at your campsite in a plastic bucket with a cover. I keep work gloves, butane lighter, matches, kindling and newspaper in my bucket. And don't forget a hatchet to split the smaller stuff if needed. I also use birch bark for fire starting. It burns very hot and long. There is often birch on dead and downed trees in the woods, so look around for it. If you have any split birch firewood at home, peel off a bunch of bark. NEVER take it from a live tree.

OUT-BUG THE BUGS

When it comes to bugs, smoke is one of the best insect repellents. Lately I’ve been seeing posts on Pinterest telling people to put bunches of sage in a campfire to keep bugs away. I always laugh when I see this. Any kind of smoke keeps bugs at bay. Sage doesn’t do anything more than the smoke from the campfire would do, and it’s expensive, so save your money and don’t bother with the sage. Your local dollar store sells “bug coils” which are excellent to move around with you. I use them all the time in the summer. Dollar stores also sometimes sell a pottery container with a perforated lid you can burn them in.

They come as a package with the coils as well as a little metal stand on which to center the coil. And honestly, if you can’t find the coils with this burner, just use an old plate or flower pot saucer. They work just as well. Get several and put them all around the campsite. You can move them around depending on the direction of the breeze. Put them under your lawn chair or on or under the picnic table. Putting them on the ground keeps the smoke at leg level as well. They’re cheap and they’re effective and they burn for a long time. But remember, the best bug repellent for your campsite is also a smoky fire.

THRIFTY PURCHASES AND AN OLD BELT

Some of the best camping hack ‘stuff’ I’ve gotten is from the local dollar store and thrift shops. Utensils for cooking, dish washing supplies and wire hooks for hanging things, as well as paper products and storage containers. One of my favorite cooking area tricks is to take an old leather belt and fasten it around a tree. Use several large s-type hooks found at the dollar store and hang them around the belt on the tree to use for hanging things like pots, pans, utensils, and some of that Dollar Store stuff. A bungee cord around the tree also works, but it tends to stretch if you hang too much on it. A leather belt works best, and you can find lots of them at thrift shops.

SHOE ORGANIZERS - BUT NOT FOR YOUR SHOES!

Another trick is to buy a couple of shoe organizers with hooks to hang from a belt attached the same way to a tree. You can store all kinds of things in the pockets - soap, utensils, salt & pepper, bug spray or anything you can fit in them. Many are made of see-through plastic so you can readily find what’s what in the pockets. The shoe bag is also useful for toiletries and more of that “stuff” in the camper or tent. You can even roll it up and take it to the shower with you. I hang one on the outside of my teardrop just outside my door to keep all those little things handy and visible, like flashlights, bug spray, candles, batteries, etc.

ON THE WATER

One of our Tramp camping musts, wherever we camp, is that our sites must have water access. We all love to paddle and most all of us have kayaks. We do a fair amount of touring around and exploring, but we also love to just sit in our kayaks and have cocktails and sun ourselves on the water.

It’s easy to tie off to the shore, but sometimes we like to be farther out in the water, so we decided a couple of us should have anchors. An easy-to-make anchor consists of a small coffee can, a large eye bolt, and a small bag of Quikcrete concrete mix. Mix up enough concrete to fill the coffee can and insert the bolt in it just up to the end of the grooves on the screw end. Let it harden, attach a long rope and there you have it! An anchor for your kayak! Easy peasy. Tie all the kayaks together and you have a stationary raft of fast friends floating. :)

FOOD STORAGE HACK

When it comes to food we could probably feed an entire village with what ends up in everyone’s coolers and storage bins! Yes, we tend to overdo it but, heck, we LOVE to eat! Food storage can make or break your experience when it comes to camping. One of the most important things is proper cooler packing and maintenance of below 40 degree temps in the cooler. One of my favorite ‘hacks’ for cooler packing is ice. I make my own ice packs with either 1/2 gallon or gallon plastic milk jugs. Wash them well, fill ‘em up with water and freeze. Do this several days in advance as it takes them a bit of time to freeze. Use these in addition to commercial freezer packs in your coolers. As they melt they provide great fresh drinking water.

Another good thing to use is one or two of those metal shelves you can buy at Walmart that fit in the bottom of the cooler.

They will keep your food off the bottom and out of any melting ice water that inevitably ends up there. Put your ice packs and bagged ice under the shelves and the food on top. Take food out of their original containers and store in Zip Loc bags and plastic storage containers to further keep them fresh and dry. Zip Locs are my favorite. I use them for everything. You can never have enough extras either, so bring boxes of quart and gallon sizes for leftovers, etc.

The most important thing about food when camping is to make SURE you have put everything away at night or when leaving your site, out of reach of those hungry visitors - like the very clever raccoons and bears. If it’s left out it will attract them to your campsite. Shut them inside your cars!

Dry foods are best transported in big plastic bins with lids that can also be closed up and kept dry if it rains. Also make sure these are in your cars when leaving or going to bed. And speaking of bins, they’re great for everything from clothing to cooking supplies as well.

SO YOU'RE PROBABLY ENTICED ENOUGH TO MAKE A RESERVATON

Now that I've filled you in on some of our great camping "hacks" and tips, you're ready for your own adventure. The Schroon Lake area has some awesome options for car camping. Be sure to look at the selections on our camping pages, many of which are family-friendly, and some of which even having swimming pools if they aren't on the water. Be sure to look at our events schedule as well, for some options to get out of the campground and join in some fun local happenings.

Add some of your own "hacks" for camping below. Would love to see some more creative ideas, especially for families. See you at the campfire!

 

The snow is melting, the trees are beginning to bud — it’s time to celebrate with a hike! But wait a minute — the DEC asks hikers to stay below 3,000 feet in the spring until trails dry out, so hiking is off limits this time of year, right? Wrong.

Sure, the agency’s request is valid because it helps preserve trail quality, but it’s admittedly a downer for people seeking big Adirondack views. Here’s the good news: Staying below 3,000 feet elevation doesn’t mean there aren’t a lot of trails to choose from. Here are four of our favorite spring hikes in the Schroon Lake region that’ll keep you under the 3,000-foot mark while still delivering good views. For more, check out our hiking page.

Bass Lake and Moose Mountain Pond

Two ponds for the price of one! This is a pleasant hike that’s long enough to make a nice outing without taking up the entire day. From the trailhead be sure to bear right, as left goes to Hammond Pond, another worthy destination that’s only 0.8 mile from the parking area.

Berrymill Brook is a constant companion for the first portion of this hike, so take your time to enjoy its pretty, rocky banks and numerous little waterfalls. Things stay pretty easy as the path gently ascends the valley between Berrymill Hill and an unnamed hill.

At 1.4 miles there’s a fork — right goes to Bass Lake and left goes to Moose Mountain Pond. If you’re pressed for time, head for the scenic ledges of Bass Lake, about a mile from the junction. Moose Mountain Pond is less than 2 miles from the split. Continue around the shore to get to the lean-to.

Stats

Elevation gain: 320 feet

Round trip distance: 7 miles

Getting there

Take Exit 28 off of Interstate 87 and follow Route 9 south toward Schroon Lake. Continue for 0.6 mile and turn onto Alder Meadow Road, follow that to East Shore Road and continue for 2.75 miles to the trailhead on the left.

Spectacle Pond

Spectacle Pond lives up to its name in every way. It’s a large, beautiful waterbody that boasts an outstanding view of Pharaoh Mountain from its southern shore.

The trail climbs slightly from the trailhead, passes Beaver Brook, then descends to Shanty Brook.
There’s another gentle uphill as the path approaches the pond, reaching it at 1.3 miles. Continue along the south shore for another half mile to take in all of the scenery.

Stats

Elevation gain: 300 feet

Round trip distance: 3.4 miles

Getting there

Take Exit 28 off of Interstate 87 and follow Route 9 south toward Schroon Lake. Continue for 0.6 mile and turn onto Alder Meadow Road, follow that to East Shore Road and continue for 2.75 miles to the trailhead on the left.

Mount Severance

Ponds and lakes offer up nice scenery, but if you’re into mountains there’s no better way to get a killer view than by gaining elevation. Luckily, mountains like Mount Severance sit below the 3,000-foot mark, meaning they're fair game for providing a stunning vista this time of year.

The trail leaves the parking area by way of two metal tunnels, which go underneath I-87. 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. Explore the top to discover all of its secrets — there’s a stunning view of Schroon Lake in one direction and another that encompasses the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness Area.

Stats

Elevation: 1,693 feet

Ascent: 700 feet

Round trip distance: 2.4 miles

Getting there

From Interstate 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.

Newcomb VIC

VIC stands for visitor interpretation center, and that’s exactly what this place sets out to accomplish. The 236-acre property’s 3.6 miles of interpretive trails branch off from the Adirondack Interpretive Center. Be sure to visit this building before heading out — it contains a little nature museum that’s full of stuff you might see along the trails. And speaking of trails, they’re all really easy so seeing the entire VIC in a day isn’t a problem for most hikers.

If you are pressed for time, don’t miss the Rich Lake and Peninsula trails. A lovely bridge gets visitors out onto the large peninsula, where there are great views of Rich Lake and Goodnow Mountain. Side note: Goodnow has a restored fire tower on its summit and is a great hike after the trails dry out.

Getting there:

Take Exit 29 off of Interstate 87 and turn left on Blue Ridge Road to head toward Newcomb, then turn right on Route 28N. The VIC is on the right, about 25 miles from the highway.

Head into Schroon Lake for some shopping and food after your spring hike!

This week in ADK news:

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To dine for

Gorge-ous destinations

40 years of Pendragon

Angling for trout

Bring the boat!

Wild about paddling

 

I don’t mean to be blunt, but travel can be hard. It can be stressful and overwhelming. How are you supposed to figure out what to do, when to do it, and how to get from Point A to Point B? And then how are you supposed to find time to relax? If you’re anything like me, you find planning a trip exciting but also mentally exhausting as you weigh all the options. What kind of lodging is available? Are there good birding locations near my hotel? Where will my husband find good chicken wings? 

There are a lot of questions, but, thankfully, Newcomb, NY has all the answers.

Located in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains, Newcomb is the perfect place to be close to nature during the day and is a comfortable place to rest your head in the evening. Let’s face it: life is busy, and a 48-hour getaway to the Adirondacks might be just what you need! So, why don’t you drop everything right now and start planning your next weekend getaway in Newcomb! Don’t worry, you can leave the stressful Googling to me. I’m here to help you narrow down your choices and help create a getaway you’ll want to recreate again and again.

What to do

The opportunities for outdoor exploration are virtually limitless. Depending on the season, you can cycle, cross-country ski, canoe, snowshoe or hike, go boating, snowmobile, fish (ice or not), or even take a horse drawn sleigh ride once the snow falls.

But maybe you’re new to the Adirondacks and don’t know where to start. That’s totally alright. A visit to Cloud Splitter Outfitters can help get you on the right path. This little outdoor mini-mart has it all: camping, paddling, hiking, fishing, and winter gear, plus more knowledge about the woods and waters in Newcomb than anyone. Even if you’re unsure what activity you want to do, I suggest stopping in to see what everything is all about. Let Cloud Splitter Outfitters be your guide to any season in Newcomb!

For winter, if you’re looking for a little more unstructured adventure, there are trails upon trails upon trails to choose from. The mellowest of the bunch are probably at the Adirondack Interpretive Center. The Goodnow Mountain fire tower is just a little farther down the road. Both these places are great for hiking and snowshoeing. Once the snow hits, the best places to cross-country ski are Great Camp Santanoni and around the Essex Chain. If you’re prepared for a rugged adventure, the Southern Access to the High Peaks Wilderness is also in Newcomb.

For snowmobilers, it doesn't get better than Newcomb! You can ride right to one of the area's lodging properties AND cruise down peaceful trails through the woods.

Driving through Newcomb it might not look like there’s a lot to do, but, trust me, there is an outdoor adventure, big or small, around every corner. (Hey, there’s even an ice rink for skating!)

Where to stay

Winter adventure is tiring! And at the end of the day, you probably just want to crawl into a bed in a charming, rustic lodge that truly embodies the Adirondacks. That’s what you’ll find here in Newcomb. Don’t worry about getting lost in a maze of hotel hallways; each lodging property is cozy and relaxing.

For a more intimate setting with some rustic, Adirondack flair, definitely consider the glamping tent at Lake Harris Lodge. Don’t worry about being cold; this tent is heated! Whether it’s part of a romantic weekend or even a solo getaway, this is a great choice, surrounded by glamping comforts but still close to nature.

The Inn at Santanoni is Adirondack charm at its finest! The accessible property is comfortable and relaxing, and close to all the outdoor action!

Where to eat

If you’re staying at the Lake Harris Lodge’s glamping site, you don’t have to travel far to dinner, because the Lake Harris Lodge also serves food! Their delicious menu covers all the bases: yes, chicken wings for my husband and eggplant parmesan for me!

For good ol’ down home comfort food, cruise on over to the Newcomb Cafe and Campground. Serving breakfast and lunch, this is the place to fuel up before a day outdoors.

How will you spend your 48 hours in Newcomb?

I’m not saying you have to spend 48 full hours exploring the great outdoors here, but I definitely recommend spending as much time as possible outside! But if you need a break, maybe a little retail therapy, check out Pine Haven Cottage for fun gifts and Adirondack souvenirs! Top any getaway off with a stop at the Newcomb Overlook Park to see one of the best views of the High Peaks before you head out of town.

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However you choose to spend your time in Newcomb, you will surely enjoy every minute of the adventure.

Frogs and birds

“I like mink frogs,” I thought to myself as Wren, my dog, and I pushed off onto the waters of Cheney Pond the other day, listening to their characteristic knocking calls from the cool shallows. They were adding a new voice to the morning which had started with a walk along the rough and rocky road that leads to the pond from Blue Ridge Road. That walk had already given us a list of birds, including Nashville, Yellow-rumped, Magnolia, and Black-throated Blue Warblers, Northern Parula, Winter Wren, Blue-headed and Red-eyed Vireos, and Swainson’s Thrush.

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The mink frogs were soon joined by green frogs as we paddled along the shoreline. We continued to find more and more birds from the mixed forests which surround the pond. Wren – fresh from a morning swim — lay in the sun dozing and watching the world pass by. But each time I nosed our bow into the edges and marshy margins of the pond, she lifted her head, sometimes sitting up for a better view.

An American bittern

As we were prodding one of these nooks along the lake, an American Bittern flew in, landing in the vegetation near us while a Red-winged Blackbird voiced its complaint and dived at the bittern from above. The blackbird eventually gave up on its efforts and we were left watching the bittern which in turn was watching us as we sat nearby on the water. I quickly took out my camera and snapped some shots trying to take advantage of the bittern landing so close to us. Not surprisingly it did not stay long. It soon lifted off the water and flew to a neighboring marshy patch along the lake.

We continued on, crossing the pond to another patch of marsh out of which a Great Blue Heron lifted to fly farther into the wetland. I was about to turn and paddle on, but the impressive display of dragonflies hunting low over the vegetation caught my eye and I paused to watch them. We – and by this, I mean mostly Wren – had been dealing with a growing contingent of deer flies, horse flies, and ankle biters surrounding our canoe. I found, however, that there were fewer of these insects pestering us near the dragonfly army. A few of the dragonflies landed on the gunwale of the boat, and I wanted to take them with us for protection during the rest of our time on the water.

Checking out the Boreas River

But we eventually moved on, this time to nose our way through the channel which connects Cheney to the Boreas River – an excellent extension to the route if time allows. The boggy and brushy vegetation along the channel held Alder and Yellow-bellied Flycatchers, a flyover American Bittern (perhaps the same bird we saw earlier), Common Yellowthroats, Swamp and Song Sparrows, and Chestnut-sided Warblers, and we snaked back to the large beaver dam which creates a large disparity in the water level between the pond and the river.

I took a break from paddling so Wren could exercise a bit. We walked the short overgrown, muddy, and rutted (so watch your step if you go!) path to the river where I threw a few sticks for Wren as she enjoyed some freedom from the confines of the canoe. The water felt amazing on what was becoming a warm (and soon to be hot!) day. I wanted to carry the boat down to the embankment and paddle the Boreas, but with the heat growing and the bugs increasingly hounding us (sorry, that had to be said), I decided that would have to wait for another trip.

After another swim for Wren we walked back to the boat, and began to paddle back along the shoreline toward the put-in. A lone Common Loon swam toward us and I stopped to allow it to approach as far as it wanted. It dived up and down and I thought how nice it must be to swim all day on a hot day. The loon eventually moved farther away, so I worked our way back to the take-out, continuing to listen to the chorus of birds along the shoreline as we went. Once back on land, I loaded the boat while Wren topped off her trip with another swim. There’s no better activity on a warm, sunny day for a labrador retriever (or a person), after all.

Summer is just beginning and there are loads of great places to paddle in the region. So plan your outdoor recreation trip today by checking out our lodging and dining pages!

Submitted by guest blogger Susan Repko

Schroon Lake is a classic Adirondack small town where family memories are made. Perhaps you’ve jumped off a dock into our pristine lake or relaxed in an Adirondack chair with warm beach sand under your feet. If you’ve enjoyed summertime in Schroon Lake, plan to visit us in the winter months. We’re still here!  

The 34th annual Olde Tyme Christmas is a local tradition that will be held this December. The bulk of the celebration will be on Saturday, December 14, but there are events from December 10 - 15. It’s a rich holiday experience that reflects Adirondack culture and small-town life. This gathering adds sparkle to the town and helps us ignore the winter gray that slowly sets in. Visiting Schroon Lake village at this time of the year may evoke thoughts of the movie, It’s a Wonderful Life. It’s like stepping back in time.

Free activities are offered all day and take place in venues along Main Street and at the Town Hall, a block away. There’s a mix of shopping, raffles, music, and even a polar plunge off the town dock. Last year they had to break the ice for over 30 people to jump into the lake!

Yes, it will probably be cold, but we invite you to bundle-up in layers, wear boots, and join in the fun. There’s no need to hibernate. To survive winter in the North County, you need to ignore the cold and mingle with friends and neighbors. You will probably bump into someone you know in town and enjoy a conversation. If we’re lucky, it will snow, and the flakes will fall softly on our hats and jackets. You will hear bells jingle as the horse-drawn wagon rambles down the street, full of people sitting on hay bales and having a delightful time.  

The lighting of the Christmas tree begins the evening festivities. Everyone joins in for caroling and then walking up to Our Lady of Lourdes Church. There we stand quietly and listen to a reading from the Gospel and see a living nativity scene. 

Of course, Santa Claus lives nearby. He rides a fire truck during the parade and arrives at the Strand Theater where children line up to greet him. They receive treats and books from the Friends of the Schroon Lake Library. 

Although the Community Church was lost in a devastating fire this year, the hand bells were saved and restored. We were all pleased to hear that their bell choir will perform again, this time at the Catholic church. This will be a very special, moving concert. Sit in a pew and listen to the ringing of the familiar music and let your mind wander to childhood memories of Christmastime. Afterward, hold your child’s hand and walk to the Senior Center where hot chocolate is on the stove and Christmas cookies are out to grab. It’s a chance to catch up with friends and neighbors while the little ones enjoy coloring. 

The annual holiday craft festival will be held at the Town Hall. Bring your children upstairs to the library for craft making and hear Mrs. Claus read children’s books. At the Chamber of Commerce, peruse the silent auction of locally made items and the festival of trees that are beautifully decorated. Raffle tickets are available for purchase with the proceeds going to local charities. Sticks & Stones, a popular restaurant, will offer a free activity on the following morning - make old-fashioned gingerbread cabins and decorate them. 

Writing this blog reminds me of a family story that took place at the same time of year in 1935. My mother was about twelve years old and she thought that my grandfather, an Adirondack guide, had cut down a sad-looking tree for Christmas. Mom decided to find a better looking one and trekked up Cedar Hill on snowshoes. She left after school and the snow was very deep. She had planned to follow the tracks home, but they vanished when the wind came up. Poor Mom got lost in the dark and was quite afraid. You can imagine how thrilled she was when she saw flashlights flickering in the woods and then my grandfather with a search party. 

Schroon Lake is waiting for you all year. Return for ice skating in our new pavilion with a spectacular view of the lake or try ice fishing, snowshoeing, or skiing. More activities and music are being planned for Olde Tyme Christmas. Start planning your vacation or mini break today!