There is an official scent for autumn and despite what your local coffee shop tells you, it is not pumpkin spice. I'll tell you what is: the earthy, damply peaty scent of fallen leaves, mixed with pine. You'll find it in the woods as leaves crunch underfoot, and as you drive through the Adirondacks on a sunny day with the windows open. I'm a big fan of road trips of all kinds — cross-country, local, short, exceedingly long — and they are one of my favorite ways to explore and see new places. I recently crafted a loop through the Adirondack Hub, and it was a day full of delightful natural beauty, fun, food, and yes, the magical scent of fall.

Breakfast of champion road trippers

I started in Schroon Lake at Pitkin's Restaurant on Main Street. Pitkin's has been in business since 1907, and the menu and walls of the restaurant are decorated with vintage black and white photos of the restaurant and downtown Schroon Lake. It's a sunny, friendly spot to fuel up before hitting the road.

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After breakfast, stroll the shops of Main Street, where you'll find freshly baked bread, unique gifts, apparel, and souvenirs.

Over the hills and far away

My next stop was Minerva, and there are a few ways to get there, including via Interstate 87 and Route 9, but I chose Route 24, which some locals call "the back way" and which I cannot say enough good things about. Route 24 in the fall is stunningly scenic and truly delightful, winding through quiet, fragrant woods. The road has many curves and gentle rises; at each curve I thought, "this is the prettiest spot!" only to be met with another, even prettier view of fall foliage around the next bend. As it was a reasonably warm day, I rolled down the windows and enjoyed the cool breeze and scent of the woods all around.

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Minerva is a small but pretty town noted for its history — the American painter Winslow Homer vacationed here; it's also the birthplace of free-born former slave Solomon Northrup — and is full of classic Adirondack hospitality. I stopped in at Betty's Funny Farm, which features a sweet, antique-filled bed and breakfast, farmyard, and a charming shop. Betty herself is welcoming, cheerful, and full of infectious energy. She loves to make people feel at home, whether it is introducing her animals, including Dominic the donkey, doling out jam and jelly, or chatting about the wonderful handcrafted items she sells in her shop.

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Betty's specialty is her homemade jams and jellies, in flavors ranging from classic blueberry to sour cherry. She sells to local shops and restaurants, but always has a good supply on hand. She learned by watching her aunt make jam when she was young and when she talks about it, her eyes light up. Giving is in her heart, as she notes, "I love to give hospitality. That's what life is all about."

Betty guided me up the road to Maple Knoll Farm, a maple sugar operation run by her son-in-law. Inside the handsome sugar shack, sample bottles full of syrup gleamed in the windows alongside rows of bottled syrup and Betty's maple jelly. She also helps make maple cream, one of the best things you could ever eat in your lifetime. Trust me.

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After leaving Betty's, I stopped at the Minerva Town Beach to take in the view of bright foliage reflected on Minerva Lake. It's a pretty place for a picnic or letting the kids burn off some energy on the playground. It's also a popular spot in summer, with swimming, tennis, and camping.

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After all the fun at Betty's Funny Farm — she truly is funny and fun to spend time with — I eagerly set off on Route 28N, bound for the town of Newcomb and the Adirondack Interpretive Center. Formerly run by the state of New York, the AIC is now operated by the State University of New York's College of Environmental Science and Forestry. The main building features exhibits on the natural and cultural history of the Adirondacks, and staff naturalists are keen to share their knowledge with visitors. For many, the highlight of the AIC is the trail system and I was quick to set out on foot to explore the 236-acre property and its 3.6 miles of interpretive trails on the shore of Rich and Belden lakes. The woods here are a rich mixture, brimming with birch, cedar, maples, and spruce. The Rich Lake Trail, which leads to the Peninsula Trail, features a wooden boardwalk over a cedar swamp along the lakeshore.

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The trails here are wide, even, and easy to walk. Although the longest measures just over one mile in a loop, the trails are so full of life of all shapes and sizes you'll enjoy lingering and taking your time. There is a magnificently huge glacial erratic on the Rich Lake Trail that's covered in moss, ferns, and a small tree growing on the top. The rock was left in this spot about 13,000 years ago, when it was deposited by a moving glacier. Several types of mosses grow here in the cool, damp shade, as well as brightly colored fungi on tree trunks.

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From the AIC, it's time to return to Schroon Lake, but there is one more delight on the way. Leaving the AIC, turn left and travel just over 6 miles on Route 28 to the left-hand turn onto Blue Ridge Road. After about 16.2 miles on Blue Ridge, crossing a number of streams, the Boreas River, and passing scenic ponds, start looking for a pull-off on the right. This is the parking and viewing area for Blue Ridge Falls, a lively series of falls on the waterway known simply as The Branch. The view is postcard-perfect and a lovely way to finish up your road trip.

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For a quiet, vibrantly-hued Adirondack adventure, enjoy a road trip through the Adirondack Hub, where there are charming inns and bed and breakfasts, restaurants, and colorful events. I hope to see you on the road.

 

Hiking a new trail in the Adirondacks is a special thing, and I’ve been lucky enough to do two recently: Wolf Pond and Boreas Ponds. Just to be clear, I’m not talking about trails that are new to me, I’m talking about two brand new trails, freshly cut and barely trodden upon. The trails for Boreas and Wolf both begin along Blue Ridge Road, a twisty corridor off Exit 29 on I-87 that traces the southern boundary of the High Peaks as it connects the highway to the town of Newcomb. Along the way there are stunning views of mountains and more than half a dozen trailheads. This region, the Adirondack Hub, is seriously up-and-coming — it’s the southern access to the High Peaks and there are million-dollar views that are just now open to the public — and my advice is to begin exploring it ASAP.

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And beginning to explore the Adirondack Hub is exactly what I've done! I did the hike to Boreas Ponds earlier this summer and I was awed by its splendor. A wall of High Peaks stretches just beyond the pond’s northern shore, almost as if they are rising from the water’s surface. Wolf Pond has a similar view, although its waters feel more secluded, more tucked into the wilderness around it.  

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Onward to Wolf Pond!

The trail to Wolf Pond starts on Blue Ridge Road, about 10 miles from Route I-87 and about 14 miles from Newcomb. My dog, Belle, and I started early and took our time. Depending on who you ask, it’s a 2.3 or 2.5 mile walk to the pond (the DEC says 2.3, but several comments in the lean-to journal say it's 2.5 based on GPS readings). Either way, the trail is pretty easy except for a couple of short, moderately steep pitches. If you’re used to hiking the mountains around here you’ll barely even notice the inclines, but those used to flatter terrain might want to give themselves a little extra time to conquer the brief uphills.

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Leaving the large parking lot, Belle and I crossed Wolf Pond Brook on a new wooden bridge and ventured forth, into the woods. The path follows the brook for a little while, then swings away from it to avoid the wide swath of marshy terrain that comprises the western edge of the stream. The trail skirts this wet section all the way to Wolf Pond, and it makes for some interesting forests where the ground is soft and mossy with little understory save for ferns and mushrooms. It feels lush and quiet, and the brightly colored fall leaves really pop against the deep green moss.

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Our walk to Wolf Pond can pretty much be summed up in two words: pleasant and peaceful. The walk is easy, and the sections that go over hills are brief and never too demanding. There are a couple of stream crossings made easier by bridges, and there’s a nice stretch with a couple bands of lichen-covered ledges. 

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A floating bog and mountains reflected on the water's surface

Everything changes as Wolf Pond comes into view. There’s a brand new lean-to set back from the shore that’s a fine place to hang out — check out the journal there for some interesting light reading — but my favorite place is the floating bog. Belle and I discovered it as we followed the trail along the shore, which leads to a makeshift log bridge. We crossed it to get a better view of the pond.

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The surrounding vegetation consists of cool plants like cotton grass and pitcher plants. Cotton grass looks like a tuft of cotton resting high atop a skinny stalk while pitcher plants grow in dense clusters along the ground. Pitcher plants are carnivorous, meaning they slowly digest the insects that are lured into their deep pitchers. They are normally green, but this time of year they’re dark red, making them impossible to miss. Plus, they look like they belong on a different planet, so there's that.

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Belle and I heard an osprey call along the way. Soon we were at the outlet of Deer Pond, where a bunch of boulders protrude from the water’s surface. I took off my boots and crossed Deer Pond Brook, then hopped from rock to rock until we were relaxing on a sunny boulder with a few of the High Peaks lined up before us. Skylight, Marcy, and Haystack are front and center from the southern shore, and they are a great accompaniment to the dragonflies, lily pads, and multi-hued leaves floating by on Wolf Pond.

[img:wolf-pond25.jpg]The Adirondack Hub is the perfect basecamp for any hiking, fishing, or snowmobiling adventure. Start planning your trip to the Adirondacks today!

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This week in ADK news:

A stop at the donut shop

Hot Sara fall vacation

Taste the craft (beer)

Five Placid fall hikes

Hike to Wolf Pond

Take to the open road

Family-friendly fall fun

Submitted by guest blogger Susan Repko

When the leaves start turning around Schroon Lake, the common refrain on Main Street is, “this is the best time of the year.” Summer is full of wonderful activities here, but fall is a quiet and gentle season. The crowds have left and the Adirondack chairs on the beach are empty. There’s a whiff of wood smoke in the air and colored leaves sprinkle the sidewalk. Lucky people return in the fall to witness the mountains showing off their colors. The leaves start previewing the foliage season in September, but then burst with color during the first two weeks of October. 

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For me, this season conjures up memories of being in a station wagon with my seven siblings. My parents would drive around the area for us to “see the leaves.” We would "ooh" and "ahh" at each turn in the road. I particularly remember walking into Crane Pond with my grandfather, a proud Adirondack guide, where the tall trees were resplendent with yellow leaves. It felt like being in nature’s chapel. The scenic vistas haven’t changed over time but wait for us to discover them again. There are many ways to enjoy this annual explosion of color.

Walk around town

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I have a yearly ritual when the leaves peak. Around 8 a.m., I grab a cup of coffee at 9 Mile Coffee and walk to the town park. I love to hear the leaves swish with every step. Settling on a bench overlooking the lake, I watch the fog lift from the water and mountains. Although I’m surrounded by crisp air, I stay comfortable wearing my fleece and holding the warm cup between my hands. The mist moves upward, slowly revealing colors of red, orange, and yellow mingled among the green pines. The sky shows its best blue this time of the year. On a sunny and calm morning, all is reflected on the water and the effect is magnified. It’s quite a performance.  

Drive around the area      

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When the leaves peak, my husband and I take our annual pilgrimage through the countryside to see nature’s splendor. With a full picnic basket in the trunk and our dalmatian curled up in the back seat, we drive north on Route 9 and follow the leaves. There’s no destination, just a peaceful journey. Although we drive down the same roads all year, this trip is more of an adventure. Each turn in the road may expose a panorama of mountains in color or a maple standing alone in a field, showing off its reds.  

We take the Northway to Exit 29 and turn left onto Blue Ridge Road. Palmer Pond is located on the left and we like to take pictures of the reflection of the trees on the water. Last year my camera captured a loon swimming into the field of vision with the stunning foliage in the background. That shot is hanging over my fireplace.

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We drive two miles further down the winding road with colors blurring to Blue Ridge Falls. When we step out of the car, everything stops. It’s nature-quiet with the sound of splashing water and chattering birds. You can smell the fresh mountain air. Although the waterfall is visible from the road, we like to walk down the trail from the parking area to the river. It’s an iconic Adirondack scene with water cascading over rocks and autumn foliage. 

A short distance down the road we take a right at the sign for Elk Lake Lodge. We drive down a several-mile long road under a canopy of trees in color. From the parking lot we walk up to the lodge and stand at the water’s edge. This is one of the most breathtaking views of the Adirondack High Peaks. Although it’s a privately-owned forest preserve, visitors may enter the property to see the lake. It’s also an authentic Adirondack place to stay and experience nature at its best.  

Walking through the woods

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A wonderful way to experience fall in the Adirondacks is to follow a trail in the woods. I love seeing the dappled light on the forest floor and painted leaves peeking around white birch trees. I enjoy meandering down an easy trail with my dalmatian and a few friends. 

There are many places to hike in the Schroon Lake area, but one of my favorites is on Scaroon Manor, a state campground that’s located five miles south of the village. Camping is closed at this time of the year, but you can enjoy the trail during every season. Starting at the parking lot you follow the path along the lake that opens to some of the finest views around. You can look for animal tracks on a long natural beach and read illustrated posters about the famous resort that was once located there. The trail takes about 40 minutes and circles back to the parking lot.

You are invited to see Schroon Lake’s natural beauty and experience its quintessential fall season. While you're here, enjoy our local restaurants and be sure to check out our seasonal special events!

 

This week in ADK news:

Biking Fish Creek and Rollins Pond

Riding Norman Ridge

A historic hike

Night at the (handle) bars

Biking power couple

The amazing apple

Flavors of fall

 

Fall is in the air, and in the kitchen. This time of year the Adirondacks is ablaze with fiery colors and warm kitchens. Schroon Lake, with its shimmering blue lake located right off Main Street, is perfect for leaf peeping and eating fall treats. Check out these not-to-miss fall delights around town.

Pumpkin Spice Latte at 9 Mile Coffee

Sure, every cafe has some sort of riff on pumpkin spice. But this pumpkin spice is made onsite, along with the cafe's selection of baked goods. Pair a pumpkin spice latte with a pumpkin muffin and now all you need is a jack o’lantern to round it all out. 9 Mile Coffee has moved right across the street to its sleek new location that has been completely renovated. 

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Artisanal bread at North Woods Bread Co.

This might be the perfect combination: a bakery with fresh coffee and baked goods inside a unique Adirondack furniture and gift shop. Stop by North Woods Bread Co. for the fresh bread but stay for the gifts. Pine Cone Mercantile is magnificently curated with Adirondack crafts and high quality furnishings. The cafe is stocked daily with freshly baked artisanal bread that you can smell throughout the store. Options have included rosemary/lemon pain de campagne and German peasant boules. So, pick up a warm loaf, butter it up, and head toward the lake which is just across the street.

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Wood fired pizza at Sticks & Stones Bistro and Bar

Sticks & Stones stays open all four seasons. The interior has a cozy lodge feeling with its handcrafted wooden bar and tables, a canoe hanging from the ceiling, and a wood fired oven right behind the bar. With a full bar and menu, this place gives a warm feeling during those crisp fall days. The menu always includes a special pizza of the day, while offering classics like margherita.

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A fall stout at Paradox Brewery

This gold standard brewery is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Paradox will soon be relocating into their new and bigger location offering stellar views of the High Peaks. For now, you can still find them at their location on Route 9. They will be releasing a fall stout, and have a rotating series, called “off trail,” that changes monthly. Sit back with a cold one paired with a hot IPA pretzel for the perfect fall treat.

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Sugar donuts and apple cider at the Adirondack General Store

Tucked into the hamlet of Adirondack is this timeless general store with a cafe, full service restaurant, and market filled with treasures, fishing tackle, and cool Adirondack ephemera. Pick up a donut and some apple cider at the cafe and enjoy them at the store’s outdoor picnic area with tables bathed in sunlight, right along a gentle stream. It’s the perfect location to enjoy a treat on a chilly fall day.

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Ready to eat? Work up an appetite by hiking in the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness, or visit Circle B Ranch for a guided horseback ride to enjoy the fall foliage. Schroon Lake is a great fall destination so book your place to stay today!

 

 

 

Most Adirondack challenges involve doing one activity, usually hiking, over and over. If you happen to like the activity, trying to earn the corresponding patch really becomes a checklist of cool places to visit, and the bragging rights aren't bad either.

Now, forget what you know about those other challenges, because the Experience Newcomb Patches are different! The four patches range in difficulty from casual to extreme, with each requiring different activities to complete. Sure, there's hiking (this is the Adirondacks, after all), but there is also paddling, biking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. Our suggestion: start at the easy end of the challenge and work your way through them for the best results.

Check out the official Experience Newcomb Patches guide and registration form for more info. Happy exploring!

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Challenger

The Challenger Patch is friendly to people of all abilities, and it offers some interesting ways to see the Adirondacks. The completion of one activity is all that’s required to earn the patch.

Choose from these adventures

1. An overnight camping trip at the AED campsite in the 19,600 acre Essex Chain Lakes Complex, a region with more than a dozen lakes and ponds. 
2. Take a horse-drawn wagon ride to Great Camp Santanoni, with access to the beautiful Newcomb Lake. This service is provided by Newcomb Farm, and qualified persons with disabilities can ride for free. Call (518) 480-1743 for more info.
3. Take a drive into the former site of the mining town Adirondac and visit the MacIntyre Blast Furnace at Upper Works, then picnic at the Town Beach on Lake Harris.

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Explorer

Pursuing the Explorer Patch is a great introduction to the Adirondacks. To earn the patch, explorers must complete six of thirteen activities. Options range from the easy, 1-mile hike to Woodruff Pond to more serious endeavors like the 4.5-mile round-trip hike, snowshoe, or ski to the summit of Goodnow Mountain. There are also some paddles thrown in, so if you haven’t spent time on the water in the Adirondacks, rent a canoe or kayak and get out there! 

All of the locations listed are well worth the trip. To ease into it, start with some of the first options and work toward the Goodnow hike.

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Choose from these adventures

1. A half-mile walk to Woodruff Pond, located behind Newcomb Central School.
2. A 1-mile walk to Santanoni Farm.
3. A 0.8-mile hike to the Octopus Tree (you’ll know it when you see it) on Goodnow Mountain.
4. Complete the Adirondack Interpretive Center’s Sucker Brook Trail, about a 1 mile round trip. Be sure to check out the AIC’s museum and programs while you’re there!
5. Walk to Lake Henderson, which is only a quarter-mile round trip.
6. Walk through the now-defunct village of Adirondac, and check out the iconic blast furnace there.
7. Complete the 3-mile round trip Campsite Trail.
8. Do the 2.5 mile hike to the Blue Ledges on the Hudson.
9. Walk the Essex Chain Road north to the Hudson River.
10. Paddle to Campsite Bridge from the Route 28N bridge.
11. Paddle to Ann’s Island from the Route 28N bridge.
12. Hike the Upper Works River Trail.
13. Hike, snowshoe, or ski to the top of Goodnow Mountain, where there’s a gorgeous view from the fire tower. This is 4.5 miles round trip.

Intermediate

Completing one biking, one paddling, and two hiking activities are what it takes to earn the Intermediate Patch! 

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Choose from these adventures

1. Hike, snowshoe, or ski to two of the three fire towers: Goodnow Mountain, Mount Adams, and Vanderwhacker Mountain.
2. Hike, bike, snowshoe, or ski to Great Camp Santanoni and Newcomb Lake.
3. Paddle from Rich Lake to the Route 28N bridge. This 5-mile route features one portage and three rapids.
4. Being in the Deer Pond parking area and paddling through Seventh Lake in the Essex Chain Lakes Complex.
5. Paddle Lake Henderson and enjoy views of Indian Pass!
6. Paddle Fishing Brook from Rich Lake to Stone Bridge
7. Bike, ski, or snowshoe to Cedar River from the Deer Pond parking area.
8. Complete the 14-mile round-trip hike, snowshoe, or ski to Moose Pond.

Extreme

Unless you are an experienced biker, hiker, and paddler, it is best to earn the Explorer and Intermediate patches before attempting the Extreme Patch. To go extreme, all three of the following activities must be completed, and you only have a day to do each!

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Complete the following adventures

1. Hike, snowshoe, or ski all three fire towers in one day: Goodnow Mountain, Mount Adams, and Vanderwhacker Mountain.
2. Bike the entire 20-mile road system in the Essex Chain Lakes Complex in one day.
3. Paddle the perimeter of Deer Pond, and paddle across First through Seventh lakes and Grassy Pond, all in one day.

Use the Newcomb Patches as your introduction to the Adirondack Hub, then start planning your own paddling, biking, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing adventure! 

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This week in ADK news:

Stargazer's Guide to Tupper Lake

Paddle the Saranac River

Lake Placid Brunch

Hamilton County Fall Events Lineup

Lean-to Life

Eight Things you Need to Know about the Malone Golf Club

Leaf Peeping on Two Wheels

A summer morning

It was a warm, drippy, and muggy morning when I stepped onto the Roosevelt Truck Trail off Route 28N the other week. The trail – actually a grassy two-track — is a relatively easy hike for birders in search of boreal species, which is precisely why I was there. The rolling trail (reached 1.6 miles from the Boreas River Bridge and 3.7 miles south of the junction of 28N and Blue Ridge Road) initially rose through a mixed forest and I started my day’s list with Magnolia Warblers which seemed to be the most vocal of the warblers I found on the late summer day. I would soon add the likes of Nashville, Black-throated Blue, Black-throated Green, Black-and-white, Canada, and Northern Parula, along with quite a few others. 

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Such a list is no surprise, as the truck trail is excellent for a wide variety of warblers, and it has even hosted Cape May Warblers during the summer, suggesting that they nest there. But it is perhaps more famous as a place to find boreal birds, and I have found species like Canada Jay and Boreal Chickadee there in the past. During this hike – which lasted a few hours – I didn’t note either of those species, but I kept encountering Black-backed Woodpeckers throughout my time; the coniferous woods are excellent for them.

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Plenty of birds

The first Black-backed I saw was in a stand of dead trees (they love them!), and the surrounding woods and brushy understory were full of chattering Black-capped Chickadees, Golden-crowned Kinglets, White-throated Sparrows, Least Flycatchers, and a collection of warblers – such mixed-species flocks are a highlight of any trip during the second half of summer. The flock also held a few Hermit and Swainson’s Thrushes, the songs and calls of which are some of my favorites, leading me along the trail all morning.

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Above the trees, I was also led along my route by the flight calls of Purple Finches and Red Crossbills; the truck trail is a good place to look for crossbills when our cone crop is growing, as it has been this summer. Now and then I’d stop to "spish" or give a Barred Owl call in order to spark the surrounding woods to life – soliciting the scolding calls of Red-eyed and Blue-headed Vireos or receiving the ire of Red-breasted Nuthatches and Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers. It is a common technique I use, particularly during the latter half of summer as nesting finishes and song dies down.

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But while the drop-off of song does make some species more difficult to find, I enjoy the challenge of pursuing them and the surprise of finding them when they aren’t as obvious as they were earlier in the summer. And late summer is also an excellent time of year to add some botanizing to my hikes, and so as the day began to hush I started to check out the wildflowers sprouting up in the grassy places along the route.

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Botanizing and lunch!

As a result, my plant list was soon expanding with new names like New York aster, flat-topped aster, pearly everlasting, closed gentian, Canada goldenrod, and lance-leaved goldenrod. And so I continued botanizing and birding for a couple miles, and explored the small backcountry campsites part way along the trail before deciding it was time to turn around. Of course, I continued to explore on my way back to the car, spooking a Ruffed Grouse from the side of the trail not long after I turned, and bringing my final tally to five species of woodpeckers and between ten and fifteen Swainson’s Thrushes – the trail seemed to be full of them!

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I had snacked and drank water while I hiked, but I was ready for something more substantial (I’m always hungry early for lunch on days I get out early) when I returned to the car. But buoyed by another snack, I elected to push lunch off a bit and head up the road to Newcomb. After a brief stop at the Adirondack Interpretive Center – complete with a similar mix of bird species and excellent looks at both Black-and-white and Chestnut-sided Warblers – I headed to Rich Lake Beach where I sat on a rock in the shade and enjoyed a satisfying lunch and the peace that comes after an early departure in search of birds.

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I felt as though I could have stayed there the rest of the day – and the water beckoned me to jump in. But I knew I had other things to do, and so I somewhat reluctantly left to head toward home, planning in my mind that I would be back soon.

Late summer and early fall bring with them fabulous birding, botanizing, and outdoor opportunities. Plan your trip today by checking out our dining and lodging pages. And if you are looking for a place to pitch your tent, visit our camping page while you’re at it.

 

 

 

Birding and setting up camp

Any chance to spend time in Vanderwhacker Mountain Wild Forest is an opportunity to be grasped, so I was glad when work took me that direction a few weeks ago. I had started my day by birding along the route from home toward my planned camp along Moose Pond Club Road, the road which leads to the trailhead for Vanderwhacker Mountain itself. The birding continued as I explored the road and set up my tent as the afternoon and evening coolness seemed to fuel the birds to chatter.

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There were Black-throated Blue, Black-throated Green, Yellow-rumped, Nashville, and Black-and-white Warblers, the complex trills of Winter Wrens, both Blue-headed and Red-eyed Vireos, and lots of Swainson’s Thrushes – one of my favorite songs to hear in the evening. After pitching my tent, the birds lured me for a walk along the road and my list soon included Red Crossbills which buzzed and called overhead. Red Crossbill numbers have grown in the Adirondacks this summer with our current cone crop, and I’ve been coming across them regularly since June.

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The night in camp

I returned to camp to battle a growing contingent of mosquitoes while I made my dinner, but despite the bugs, the natural ambience and birds made a camp meal of boxed macaroni and cheese and canned green beans taste like fine dining; there are few more peaceful things than enjoying a meal in the woods.

I headed off to investigate around Cheney Pond for the evening – my camp was centrally located for places to explore – and I returned to camp after darkness had fallen, listening for a Barred or Northern Saw-whet Owl. I’ve heard both species while camping in that vicinity in the past.

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I didn’t hear either on this occasion, but as I was leaning against my car and listening to the darkness, I noticed a northern dusky salamander crawling across my campsite. I scooped it up and took it down by the nearby stream rather than have it risk a long overland journey or possibly hide beneath one of my car tires. I then decided to retire to my tent, where as I usually do, I looked over maps and plans for the next day. I was soon falling asleep on my maps and notes, and I finally decided to turn off my light.

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A new morning

Daybreak came early and I woke to the songs and calls of the surrounding cool, foggy forest, forcing my sleepy eyelids open to look around at the gray world. I was tired and it was rather chilly outside of my sleeping bag, but I love that time of day. And so I pushed myself reluctantly to my knees to get my bearings as the world awoke to Purple Finches, Black-capped Chickadees, and both Hermit and Swainson’s Thrushes, and then I slowly clambered from the tent.

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I organized my gear for the day before starting on breakfast, the cold milk in my cereal bowl further chilling my cold hands in the morning air. But I found a Black-backed Woodpecker as I did – no good bird comes without a little sacrifice! – and the cool air kept the mosquitoes at bay so I was appreciative of it. I’ll always take cold hands over incessant buzzing and itching!

My camp chores and breakfast finished, I headed down the road; I would return to take down my tent later. My first stop was the trail into Hewitt Eddy, accessed along Route 28N near the junction with Moose Pond Club Road – so it was a convenient place to begin. The trail winds along the Boreas River, cutting through a combination of mixed forest habitats – some with a boreal nature – and the birds I found reflected that fact with Blue-headed Vireos, Red-eyed Vireos, Dark-eyed Juncos, Winter Wrens, Swainson’s and Hermit Thrushes, and a list of warblers which included Blackburnian, Northern Parula, Black-throated Blue, and Magnolia. I also found yet another pair of Red Crossbills which zipped above calling throughout my hike so it was difficult to know for certain how many crossbills there actually were.

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The trail is not long or difficult, but it is currently overgrown, so anyone going should be prepared for tangles of vegetation crossing the trail, and I pushed my way through the dew-drenched leaves, soaking myself with chilly water in the process. But the route not only offers birds but also the peaceful babble of the Boreas River, before it leads to Hewitt Eddy itself where I’ve found beavers in the past.

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I eventually retraced my steps and drove back to camp, but before I continued down the road for another adventure, I enjoyed a peaceful time sitting and reflecting in camp and taking in the wilderness-like seclusion it offered. That is one of the things I love the most about camping anywhere, but in the remote places in the Adirondacks in particular. I have no television, no cell phone reception, and no computer to occupy my time and energy. Even though I’m often camping to help facilitate my early morning work schedule, the simplicity camping offers is restful and therapeutic. And so I took in the setting for a while, before turning my attention to cleaning up the campsite, collecting bits of trash which others before me had left behind. It is always a good goal to leave a campsite cleaner than you found it.

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My tidying and reflection complete, I loaded up and headed down the road.

Late summer and fall offer amazing Adirondack camping and adventure opportunities! Don’t miss out! And if camping isn’t your thing, then check out our lodging and dining pages to learn how you can enjoy an Adirondack getaway!

 

One of Newcomb’s most celebrated events is approaching. Teddy Roosevelt Weekend is a time for family fun in the historic and beautiful Newcomb, a southern Adirondack town nestled among mountains and lakes. The weekend offers a step back in time to appreciate the 26th president’s journey from Newcomb to the White House, where he succeeded William McKinley after his assassination. Roosevelt is especially important to the Adirondacks not just because he vacationed here, but because he is perhaps one of the most influential environmentalists in American history. He is credited with establishing the country's national parks system, especially in the West with support from fellow environmentalist, writer, and Sierra Club founder John Muir.

Because of Roosevelt’s love of the outdoors and his connection to Newcomb, Teddy Roosevelt Weekend is filled with fun events, historical recreations featuring Teddy Roosevelt and John Muir, a craft fair, an ice cream social, and fireworks. If you want to meet the 26th president — bespectacled, knicker clad, and bellowing with laughter — spend some time in Newcomb Sept. 6 - 8.

Here are six highlights to look for:

1) Free wagon ride and Santanoni tour

Make your reservations for a trip, via wagon, to Great Camp Santanoni. This historic landmark was one of the premier resorts for the wealthiest travelers during the Gilded Age. Camp Santanoni is more than just a historic site with classic Adirondack architecture. Its grounds include some of the original buildings, including a log boathouse and stone artist’s studio as well as hiking trails, all right on the shores of Newcomb Lake.

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2) A fishing derby at Winslow Pond

Participate in the competition or just people watch; either way this is a fun event to experience Newcomb’s unique flair and a regional pastime.

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3) Float plane rides at Town Beach

A float plane ride is the coolest way to see all the Adirondack beauty. A float plane will take you soaring above the trees to provide a bird’s eye perspective, and it’s all from an intimate plane that takes off and lands on the water.

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4) Goodnow Mountain history hike

This hike is just under two miles with a restored fire tower at the mountain’s summit, along with stunning views of the High Peaks. Goodnow was named after Sylvester Goodnow, who homesteaded at the mountain’s base in the 1820s. Take this easy going hike with guide Mike Gooden to learn more about the mountain’s history.

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5) Teddy Roosevelt speaks on family at the Newcomb Historical Museum

Meet Teddy Roosevelt in person at the Newcomb Historical Museum. He won’t actually be there, of course. But, famed Teddy impersonator Joe Wiegand will be in full costume ready to answer your questions.

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6) Fireworks at Newcomb Overlook

Watch fireworks light up the night sky from a scenic overlook. Newcomb Overlook offers one of the most beautiful views in the Adirondacks.

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Other events include log rolling, a handmade quilt demonstration, and the annual Running of the Colors — a playful race where you get doused in color — to name a few. This full list of events will help you prepare your visit.

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Start planning your trip to the Adirondack Hub today! Find your perfect lodging so you can spend your days exploring the outdoors — just like Teddy Roosevelt.

I finally made it. After years spent drooling over photos and gazing longingly at maps, I was standing on the shore of Boreas Ponds, staring across its remote waters at the mountains of the Great Range. The sun was warm and it encouraged me to swim while the gentle breeze kept all but the most persistent deer flies at bay. If there is such a thing as heaven on earth, I have a feeling it feels a lot like this.

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A work in progress

Boreas Ponds won’t remain remote for long. New York state purchased the former Finch, Pruyn Paper Company land from the Nature Conservancy in 2014, and there are big plans for this place. The day we ventured to Boreas there was evidence of that — piles of crushed stone, pickup trucks, and a skid steer were all there to work toward improving the road and parking areas. When it’s finished, visitors will have several small parking lots to choose from, with one just off of Blue Ridge Road (and 6.7 miles from the pond) and the last one being a mere tenth of a mile from the pond, making this little slice of paradise accessible to those in wheelchairs.

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Don’t let the road work keep you from visiting Boreas Ponds, though! It’s pretty low key, and the destination is well worth the walk in. The day we went, we were the only ones on the trail except for the workers. We drove the long, winding road in to the fourth parking area, which put us about 3.5 miles from the pond. The road kept going, but it’s unfinished and closed to vehicles. That’s OK, because it’s a pretty walk through a relatively young forest, and since it’s a road the going is easy. There aren’t any rocky climbs or precarious stream crossings to negotiate, just a wide, smooth path that gently rises and falls through the woods.

The hike in

We made good time and got to the LaBier Flow in less than an hour. You’ll know the area when you see it — a dam separates the flow from the Boreas River, creating a gorgeous plain of open water that’s studded with water lilies. We lingered here for awhile, watching butterflies flit amongst the wildflowers as dragonflies and damselflies zipped past our heads. Clouds slowly moved across the water’s surface, disappearing behind the mountain that was reflected there too. 

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Reluctantly, we moved on, now only a mile or so from our destination. We soon came to a four-way intersection and turned right to head to Boreas Ponds. We knew we went the right way because, as indicated on the map, there’s a cabin in a field just after the turn. Shortly after the cabin there was a path that angled down, toward Le Claire Flow — this would be an outstanding place for a paddle.

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A large clearing for the final parking area meant we were close, and then we saw it. As I walked onto the bridge that crosses the pond’s outlet I was greeted by the dramatic slides on Gothics’ east face. A dozen more steps and a few of my favorite places came into view: Marcy, Haystack, Basin, Saddleback. 

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It was interesting, seeing those mountains from this angle. How big they look! Normally I’d be admiring them while surrounded by other High Peaks; this was very different. The range rises above the water like an inviting, if not imposing, wall. Ridge lines rise to rocky summits and sharply descend away from them, staggeringly large cliffs interrupt the dark evergreen forests, and slides tell the story of an ever-changing landscape. Meanwhile the cool, clear pond beckoned me to see this scene from a different vantage point, one that’s eye-level with the water. So I changed into my swim trunks, took a deep breath, and plunged on in. The mountains were indifferent to my backstroking joy, but that’s OK — we were lucky enough to have this place to ourselves, and that’s all I needed.

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The future of Boreas

Visitors shouldn’t hesitate to see Boreas Ponds for themselves! The pond is a worthy destination, but as work continues more opportunities will open up. There are at least a half-dozen new hiking trails coming, some of them leading up mountains, some leading to other ponds, and some connecting to existing trails in the High Peaks Wilderness. Biking is and will be allowed up to the last parking area on Gulf Brook Road, and there is a proposal to create some single track in the area too. Fifteen campsites are in the works, paddling is allowed, and a snowmobile route will pass through the tract, connecting North Hudson to Newcomb and Minerva.

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Visiting Boreas Ponds

Distance: It's 6.7 miles along Gulf Brook Road to the pond, and about 3.5 miles from the fourth parking area.

Parking: Gulf Brook Road is the main route to Boreas Ponds. It's located on Blue Ridge Road, about 16.5 miles east of Newcomb and about 7 miles west of Exit 29 on I-87. Visitors are permitted to drive on Gulf Brook Road as far as the fourth parking area, after which it's an easy 3.5 mile walk or bike ride to the pond.

It’s easy to find something to do in the Adirondacks, especially if you like being outside, but it can be hard figuring out where to begin. If you’re traveling with the family, that can be even more difficult as differing ideas converge on what makes a fun day a fun day. Yes, it’s beautiful here — the question is, what is the best way to experience it and make a range of ages happy? Keep reading to find out!

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Hit the beach

A large sandy beach on the edge of a glistening Adirondack lake that’s ringed by mountains. Need we say more? Pull up a blanket and enjoy the sun, go swimming (there are lifeguards on duty), lounge or dive off of the floating dock, go fishing off the nearby docks, and then head out for ice cream when it’s all over. The Schroon Lake Town Beach is located right downtown, so it’s super accessible and if you forget something — or if a certain somebody starts to get cranky — there are options for fixing the situation close by. There are also beaches in Minerva, North Hudson, and Newcomb, all perfectly family-friendly and sure-fire summer hits.

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It's time to camp!

If the kid in your family loves setting up tents in the living room, why not start a summer tradition of camping in the Adirondack Hub? At all our campsites, all the rooms are rated five-million star. Camping doesn't have to all be hiking miles into the woods to remote campsites. There are RV parks and maintained DEC campgrounds to cater to different preferences. There is even glamping! Your options are virtually limitless. Let the Common Loons and owls sing you to sleep after an evening by the campfire. (Don't forget to pack the s'more ingredients!)

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Take an easy hike

Going hiking in the Adirondacks is like eating Buffalo wings in Buffalo or a Philly cheesesteak in Philadelphia — it’s just what you do. That said, hiking isn’t the easiest activity, so the best way to get the little ones into it is to take them up a mountain they can easily conquer. There’s no guarantee they’ll be hooked, but giving them a taste of success is a great way to hedge your bets. 

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The Schroon Lake region is the southern access to the High Peaks, but if you’re traveling with kids it’s probably best to steer clear of the bigger mountains until their legs — and tolerance for walking great distances — are ready. You’re in luck! There are a lot of shorter trails to get you on the trail.

Mount Severance is the first hike for a lot of people, and with good reason. It’s short, it never gets steep, and the view is phenomenal. If that trek goes well, consider Goodnow Mountain. It’s longer and taller than Severance, but it’s still on the easy side as far as mountains go, and the 360-degree view from the summit fire tower is magnificent. 

For mellow trails that wind through the woods, try the Adirondack Interpretive Center at Newcomb on for size. Lovely paths can lead to great discovery here! It's a wonderful natural history playground.

Your canoe or kayak awaits

There are a lot of paddling options in the region, but quite a few of them require a short portage to reach. If you’re really adventurous and you have the right gear, the nearby Essex Chain Lakes Complex is well worth your time. Its 19,600 acres and numerous lakes and ponds make it a paddler’s (and camper’s and hiker’s) paradise. Just be sure to consult a map and don’t be afraid to hire a guide or ask for advice before setting out.

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If you’re with family, you might want something a little closer to town. Schroon Lake, anyone? We’ve already mentioned how big and beautiful this lake is, but what we haven’t gotten into is how perfect it is for paddling. Launch right from town and paddle the shoreline for mountain views and a chance to see all kinds of wildlife, like ducks, bald eagles, and loons. For an extended adventure, keep paddling south to explore the Schroon River. If you need gear, you can rent it in town, too, making it even easier to try paddling, even if it wasn’t part of the original vacation plan!

There is even family-friendly smaller ponds in the area. Courtney Pond sits right by the road and it's small size makes it less wavy - perfect for young ones who might just be getting used to being in a boat!

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Of course, the best thing about all of these options is they are close to town, which means food and a place to stay are never far!