Winter in the mountains is spectacular. Evergreens cradle white tufts of snow while lakes, ponds, and waterfalls freeze over, creating crystalline ice sculptures that are tucked among the boulders and trees. Snowshoeing is a fabulous way to see the beauty up close, and we’ve picked four of our favorite trails to get you started. Before heading out, be sure you have plenty of extra layers, food and water, and get an early start — evening comes early in the mountains!

1. Newcomb AIC

[img:newcomb-vic-4.jpg]

Wide, easy trails and scenic overlooks are what snowshoeing at the Newcomb AIC is all about. AIC stands for Adirondack Interpretive Center, and that’s exactly what this place sets out to accomplish. Strap into some snowshoes and prepare to embark on a network of 3.6 miles of trail that wind through 236 acres of woods and waterways. The trails are open daily from dawn to dusk, even when the main building is not. The trails are all really mellow so seeing the entire AIC in a day isn’t a problem for most hikers. For current hours of operation and up-to-date info, please visit the AIC's website.

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 if you’re looking for a bigger challenge. See the description below!

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 AIC is on the right, about 25 miles from the interstate.

2. Mount Severance

[img:severance.jpg]

Gaining elevation is the best way to see the beauty of winter’s snowy grip on the mountains. Luckily, some peaks are easier to climb than others, so killer vistas are still attainable even if vertigo-inducing scrambles aren’t your thing. At a manageable 1,693 feet in elevation, a trip up Mount Severance shouldn’t take the entire day, but do take your time ascending — snow and ice are fine if you have snowshoes and microspikes, but it’s still a good idea to walk slowly.

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

• Distance: 1.2 miles to the summit
• Elevation: 1,693 feet
• Elevation gain: 700 feet

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.

3. Goodnow Mountain

[img:913.jpg]

Goodnow is a little longer and a little more difficult than Mount Severance, so definitely wear snowshoes and bring microspikes for this one. The view from Goodnow’s restored summit fire tower is simply stunning: a series of High Peaks rise to the north while rolling mountains, twisting rivers, and expansive lakes stretch toward the horizon in every other direction.

The trail starts at a mellow grade and never gets too steep as it climbs. A lot of trail work has been done to maintain this popular route; you’ll see the result of that in the many wooden bridges, boardwalks, and stairs along the way. Those features will help you cross icy sections, so be sure to take advantage of the trail crew’s hard work!

Even though this is a pretty easy trail as far as mountains go, be sure to bring a couple of extra layers, especially for the summit, which is always chillier than the valley below. An insulated bottle filled with a hot drink or soup is also a great thing to bring! Unsure about conditions? Take a look at SUNY ESF's webcam on the fire tower to see real-time updates.

Stats

• Distance: 1.9 miles to the summit
• Elevation: 2,690 feet
• Elevation gain: 1,040 feet

Getting there

Take exit 29 from Interstate 87 and head west on Blue Ridge Road, toward Newcomb. After about 18.5 miles, turn right on Route 28N and follow that for about 9 miles as it goes through Newcomb. The large parking area is on the left, about 1.5 miles after the Adirondack Interpretive Center.

4. Pharaoh Lake Wilderness Area

[img:rs58862-044a0486lpr.jpg]You could spend a week exploring the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness Area and still not see it all.

The 46,283-acre region is chock full of trails, lakes, mountains, and wildlife all accessed from 11 parking areas. That’s great for people who like to explore, but it can make it difficult for first-time visitors to decide where to go. So here's a handful of options accessible from the Crane Pond Road trailhead.

Crane Pond

This is a relatively easy 1.7-mile hike to a lovely pond, and there’s plenty to see along the way. The first part of the path is actually a dirt road, so it’s wide and gently graded, making it perfect for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The views of the ravine and waterfalls on Alder Creek make this an especially scenic route. The first 1.2 miles rise about 160 feet. Shortly after that, the trail levels off and skirts Alder Pond. Take a right at the three-way intersection and Crane Pond will appear in a few minutes.

Pharaoh Mountain

At 2,556 feet in elevation, Pharaoh Mountain is certainly not the biggest or the hardest hike in the Adirondacks, but the view from its mostly open summit is phenomenal. Like any destination in this area, there are several directions this peak can be approached from. From Crane Pond, it’s an ascent of 1,405 feet over 2.6 miles. 

Pharaoh Lake

About 3 miles past Crane Pond is Pharaoh Lake, a large, scenic waterbody that has a truly remote feel. If you’re not up for the ups and downs, bypass the Pharaoh Mountain trail and continue past a couple of nice ponds to get to the lakeshore. More intrepid snowshoers can make a loop by going over the mountain. Either way, this is a long hike through the woods, so leave early and bring plenty of food, water, and extra layers!

Getting there

Follow Route 9 north from downtown Schroon Lake and turn right on Alder Meadow Road. After about 2 miles continue straight onto Crane Pond Road and follow that for 1.4 miles to the end.

---

Start planning your snowshoe adventure today. Pick a cozy lodging in the Adirondack Hub and make a weekend of it!

This jammy, flavorful blog was originally written in 2018 and updated in spring 2024.

The wooden floorboards creek softly under your feet and the mellifluous sounds of 1920’s swing and jazz greet you as you enter. The smell of baked goods wafts from somewhere deep within the room. As you look around you see what seems like a life’s work on display. Hand crafted rustic furniture, hand painted paddles, vintage board games stacked carefully under a side table. Inviting couches surrounding a barn wood table beckon. Another coffee table displays vintage buffalo plaid thermoses, coffee cups you’d find at camp, and plaid table settings. Towards the back of the space several locals chat with the baker over a morning coffee. Making themselves comfortable on tastefully upholstered couches. It feels like coming home. 

Which is exactly what owners Lisa and Edward Marks want you to feel as you enter their little slice of Schroon Lake. “We’ve actually had people walk in and think they’ve made a mistake at first and walked into someone’s house,” says Lisa.

Transplants from New York City, Lisa and Edward Marks relocated to their seasonal home in Schroon lake in 2014 with thoughts of retirement, but after a year of ‘relaxing’ they decided maybe the slow life wasn’t for them just yet. An interior designer and baker by trade, Lisa and Edward wanted a new outlet for their skills and interests that would also support their newly adopted Adirondack community. Having worked primarily under the guidance of someone else's vision in their first careers, they were excited at the opportunity to make something that was their own. 

And so, in 2015, they opened the doors of the Pine Cone Mercantile in downtown Schroon Lake. Four years later, not only do they still run it as a two person operation open six days a week in the summer and five in the winter, they’ve also added the ‘North Woods Bread Company’ which can be found tucked in the back of the store in front of a beautiful subway tile wall, and most recently ‘Pine Cone Provisions,’ half farm stand, half artesan food display, which fills a newly renovated space adjacent to the main store. 

[img:summer-shopping-schroon-lake.jpg]

The Mercantile

To call it a 'gift shop' would be disingenuous. The 'store' which fills the bulk of the Marks' space feels more like a carefully curated collection of keepsakes that Lisa wants to share with you. You won't find a whole lot of mass produced chachkies and knick-knacks here. Lisa prides herself on seeking out products you aren't likely to find in many other places. Decorative paddles she gets from a woman in Montreal, hand built furniture she buys a piece at a time, antiques she collects while on vacation, and hand painted balsam pillows made by a local artist make up an oh-so-tiny portion of her collection. The Mercantile is truly a space to be experienced. 

[img:pine-cone-mercantile-shopping.jpg]

Pine Cone Provisions

Lisa told me, “We knew all these producers personally, and we wanted to bring their products to the rest of the community on a year round basis.” 

Pine Cone Provisions opened Summer 2018 with a similar mission to the Mercantile. To bring local produce and cheese as well as artisan foods to the store.

You’ll find vegetables, meats, and cheeses primarily from Juniper Hill, Asgaard Farm, North Country Creamery, and Sugar House Creamery, all regional North Country farms. The summer understandably saw a boon of fresh produce, but they also plan on keeping their shelves stocked with local produce into the winter, as long as the farms have it available.

[img:p1160352-1-copy.jpg] [img:p1160359-1.jpg]

Beyond the meats, dairy, and produce, the shelves sport a large variety of artisanal goodies. Fleur De Sel chocolate from Saratoga? Check. Maple Syrup from down the street? Check (“It’s really nice to know the people who are tapping your syrup,” says Lisa). Hand crafted cocktail mixers from Lake Placid? Check. Banana Jam from Brooklyn? Check. Pancake mix ground from New York flour in the Catskills? Check. A small selection of carefully selected cookbooks? Check. The list goes on. Pinecone Provisions has one of the most well curated collections of on-of-a-kind foodstuffs I've found in the North Country and is a must-stop for anyone in town or passing through on the Northway. 

[img:img-0400.jpg]If you can get out of Pine Cone Provisions empty handed, you’re a stronger person than me. I came home with a cast iron cookbook and this marvelous banana jam. Seriously folks, Brooklyn be jammin with Brin's Banana Jam. It's like someone took all the best parts of banana bread and concentrated it into one tiny jar. A little goes a long way, and I'll be back for more. 

North Woods Bread Co.

[img:north-woods-bread-co.jpg]

You can get the low down on the North Woods Bread Co. in this story here. Suffice to say, the fresh baked deliciousness flows out of the kitchen five days a week. This means breads courtesy of Edward and other sweet baked goods courtesy of Lisa. The choices are ever changing so stop early and stop often! Also, if you plan on being in town for any of the major holidays (plus Super Bowl Sunday) be sure to check in ahead of time for their special order ahead holiday menus!

Don't miss the chance to lose yourself at the Pine Cone Mercantile

The next time you're visiting or passing through, don't miss the chance to lose yourself in this one-of-a-kind store. Right on Main Street in Downtown Schroon Lake and just a five minute drive from the I-87 Northway, It's a stop you won't want to miss. Take a stroll down to the Gazebo overlooking Schroon Lake and then pop across the street for a coffee at 9 Mile or next door to Flanagans for a beer and some good food and make a day of it!

One of the challenges of the gift-giving season is how everyone on the gift list deserves something special. Yet, finding that something special can be a tough task in a world full of stuff that is all alike. The many artists of the Schroon Lake Region are up to that challenge. Here are five fine shops with unique ideas.

Stocking stuffers

One good rule is to buy a gift that isn't that expensive, but would be something the person would never get themselves. Stirring Creations has handmade candles, lip balms, and craft soaps in interesting combinations and heady scents.

[img:stirringcreations-2490.jpg]

They also make soap, cell phone, and business card holders of polished local stone. For really gorgeous artisan indulgence, there are stone sinks and tabletops available.

Handmade holidays

Crafters who visit Aunt Polly's Material Girls will find a treasure cave of materials for their own crafting. If time is short, there are also crafts made by others, from coasters and purses all the way up to exquisite quilts.

[img:quiltshop.jpg]

Aunt Polly herself will be glad to help pick out the perfect gift.

Whole rooms

Pine Cone Mercantile has a beautifully decorated store, with sample rooms to make browsing a delight. See items "in their natural habitat" to make the right choice.

[img:pineconemerc-0286.jpg]

But wait! There is more. North Woods Bread Co. is in the back room, with coffee and baked goodies. It's a real Adirondack experience.

Different tastes

The many rooms of The Towne Store offer a broad range. From small Adirondack souvenirs to artisan furniture, there's plenty to explore.

[img:artintheattictownestore.jpg]

There's more than thirty artists contributing to the Artisan Attic showroom alone. This is the place to go for those tough-to-gift people.

Find the form

Animal lovers will enjoy a gift from Sculptures by Frank. From knickknack size to life-sized, get an Adirondack bear that doesn't need feeding.

[img:frankbears.jpg]

From eagles and frogs, pumpkins to benches, these beautiful chainsaw sculptures will give all year.

Don't settle for the same old mass-produced gift! Go for something special to make that person feel special.

Find a cute place to stay. Feast with our dining. Explore all our shopping.
 

Tucked away on the edge of Main Street in downtown Schroon Lake, things are brewing at 9 Mile Coffee. The hum of the La Marzocco espresso machine and whir of the grinder greeted me as I walked into the small but cozy coffee shop just five minutes from the Adirondack Northway (I-87). Two customers tucked into a comfortable looking booth seemingly at work and another gentleman sat in front of the window enjoying his morning cup ‘o joe. I instantly felt at home surrounded by the oh so familiar sounds of a real coffee shop, just like the one I frequent back home.

[img:9mile-web-photos5.jpg]

This was a place I could find myself spending some time with friends, or working. But we all know what the real question is, how's the coffee? The menu, handwritten on a chalk board above the counter, features most of the coffee shop staples you’d expect, including several pour over options, cappucino, latte, cortado, nitro brew, fresh chai, and more. A small sandwich menu also caught my eye, but I've got only one thing on my mind. I order my golden standard for coffee shops, a Latte. I’m generally a coffee with cream and sugar kinda guy, no Carmel-Moccha-Frappa-whatever here. But when there’s a proper latte to be had, so simple yet so perfect, I can't resist. Served in a convenient to-go cup with their attractive logo on the sleeve, the latte was smooth and strong. A nice well rounded flavor with little need for improvement (I did add just a touch of sugar). Don’t worry 9 Mile, you’ll see me again!

[img:p1160395.jpg]

A local dream

9 Mile Coffee Company is the collective work of four young locals who share a vision of creating a place where people and good coffee meet in their hometown. Why ‘9 Mile’? It refers to the length of the town's namesake Schroon Lake which is a half a block away from their front door. They're not only passionate about their coffee, they're also passionate about their hometown and excited to be able to bring their own flair to Schroon Lake's Main Street. To that end they're also feverishly at work on a new location across the street from where they opened this past summer, which will be completely renovated in the coming months. 

“We hope the pleasant surprise is that you can walk into your small town coffee shop and feel like you're in a big city coffee shop, both in the quality of the drinks and the atmosphere.” says owner Brian Hosan.

[img:9mile-web-photos21.jpg]

The interior is cozy and friendly. But don't get too attached, there's a brand new shop coming summer 2019!

Small town shop, small farm beans

9 Mile isn’t just bringing a fresh new coffee shop to downtown Schroon Lake, they're also bringing locally roasted beans. All the coffee at 9 Mile comes from Kru Coffee Roasters based out of Saratoga Springs. Kru sources all of their beans from farmers around the world who produce the best product and are socially responsible toward their workers. All of their coffee is Fair Trade, Direct Trade, or Rainforest Alliance Certified. 9 Mile also carries several single origin (one region) and ‘micro lot’ (one farm) beans from Kru, so you can know exactly when and where your cup comes from. A fact that the team at 9 Mile is proud to share. 

[img:9mile-web-photos2.jpg]

A brewing evolution

9 Mile Coffee is the latest exciting addition to the Schroon Lake scene. It's bringing high end artisanal coffee to their little slice of the southern Adirondacks. There's already a loyal local following developing, so don't miss the train! The next time you're in the Schroon Lake Region, or even driving by on I-87, give it a try! I'm excited to see what the future holds for this little coffee shop in the mountains. 

Interested in seeing what the hype is all about? Start planning your trip to Schroon Lake today!

Once again, Gore Mountain has been working hard on major improvements for the new season. Improvements include increased and nature-friendly snowmaking capacity, a two-story expansion of the lodge, and trail improvements, along with the return of favorite events.

Last year brought a complete renovation of the original 1967 gondola unloading station. The new Straight Brook Lodge has a warming room, restrooms, and vending machines for a quick snack at the tables and benches. There is a bigger gear shop, children’s Mountain Adventure space, and a new "family restroom" for parents with young children.

The results of the big glade cleanup means all 28 glades are ready for freestylers, including "The Trench," the newest glade addition and the second with all-natural features.

Corduroy mornings

Celebrate the most terrain in New York state with Gore's expanded trails, which now cover 42 miles and 439 acres. That means more grooming, so two new machines joined the grooming fleet. Say goodbye to that unfavorable hump at the bottom of Cloud/Ruby Run. Now the entry into the Saddle is smoother and faster.

Gore kicks off the event season with Nordic Fest and Learn to Cross-Country Ski Day on December 8, 2018. The next day will kick off Season Passholder Appreciation Week. Then, on the Dec. 15, it's the Gore Mountain Snowshoe Race.

[img:bluebirdslopegore.jpg]

Up the children's skills with Gore's special Christmas Holiday Camp and MLK Weekend Holiday Camp, designed for children aged 4-12 years. This program includes the child's lift ticket, lunch, and supervision each day. There are classes for skiing and snowboarding, or choose personalized instruction.

For midweek savings, it's the return of Why Not Wednesdays. Get savings on lift tickets by presenting a ticket seller with any unopened Coca-Cola product, which includes Dasani water, Minute Maid, Nestea, Barq's, or Canada Dry.

January 20, 2018, brings fireworks and a torchlight parade with the Torchlight Parade & Fireworks Spectacular.

[img:fireworksgore.jpg]

Find out more with the Event Calendar.

Cozy atmosphere

There are four new renovated and expanded onsite lodges. Get tickets and lockers at the Base Lodge, which also have four different dining options. Northwoods Lodge is the center for rentals and children's programs. The mid-mountain Saddle Lodge has the choice between full-service and food court style dining. Straight Brook Lodge at Gore's summit is a brand-new place to warm up with lovely views and new snacks.

[img:saddlelodgerevamp.jpg]

There will be two-level additions to double the size of the Tannery Pub & Restaurant, with a complete renovation and expanded kitchen. The lower level addition will be headquarters for the popular Season-Long Mountain Adventure programs for kids.

Nature, first

Sometimes, Gore can show their eco-friendliness with smaller things, like the composting toilets in the lodge at the summit, or the new ChargePoint stations for electric cars. Other times, it's about the big things, like building the largest dedicated ski resort solar array in the US. Either way, Gore is committed to renewable energy and environmental sustainability.

Gore has won the esteemed Golden Eagle Award for Overall Environmental Excellence, the industry’s most prestigious honor for recognizing resort environmental programs. They have chosen equipment to create high-efficiency snowmaking, searched out locally produced foods for their kitchens, and made trail modifications with the goal of conserving energy. The recent redevelopment of the historic North Creek Ski Bowl has revamped the trails with earthen freestyle features and other environmentally-friendly approaches.

[img:liftsatsunset.jpg]

Of course, all great winter recreation is about the snow. Gore's Sunlight Into Snow program conserves natural resources and ensures guest satisfaction with a major overhaul to the snowmaking system with the latest technologies, focusing on key trails and the ability to respond to real-time weather changes.

As always, Gore Mountain's greatest commitment is to serving up a good time, on or off the slopes.

Book at a charming B&B or inn in Schroon Lake and experience their hometown dining. Explore the Events Calendar.

 

 

[img:halloween-blog-slr.jpg]

I know what you’re thinking. Sasquatch is just a mythical being along the likes of unicorns and fairies. What you can't deny is that as winter creeps in and days become darker, there is a bit of extra mystery that lingers in the woods. Most Sasquatch sightings happen in the late summer and early fall, making it the perfect time to plan a trip to look for the world's greatest mystery.

Whether you’re a Squatcher — a group of people banded together by the belief in and fascination of all things ‘Squatch — or not, I’m here to prepare you for the adventure of a lifetime.

It was only a few weeks ago when I was out for a hike in the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness with a friend. As the sun went away and my headlamp came out, the end of my hike became increasingly, well, hairy. First it was the sounds of knocking on wood. Then came the un-human like screams. Finally, a large shadow seemed to follow as we made our way off the trail and quickly into the car. While I can't say for sure that it was Sasquatch him/herself, next time I visit the area, I will be ready!

Know where to go

While most Sasquatch sightings in New York have been in Whitehall, recent happenings hint that the group may have relocated to The Pharaoh Lake Wilderness. While it is important to listen to other reports on sitings, the ‘Squatch family will probably be in a secluded wooded area. It is also important to look for signs of other animal life. After all, the big guy's gotta eat.

When you get there it is important to familiarize yourself with the area and common noises. Is that screeching sound just an owl in a nearby tree or something more? As you begin to recognize animal sounds, footprints, etc. you will be able to differentiate the normal from the mysterious.

Know what to look for

Now that you’re all set up, the next step to finding Bigfoot is knowing what he/she looks like. People may try and claim you saw a bear, maybe a moose even, but this guide will ensure you are not mistaken. The following ‘facts’ come from bigfootfinder.com.

• Average Height: 6 feet, 6 inches – 10 feet tall

• Average Weight: 400 – 1,000 pounds

• Footprint: 12 – 22 inches long, 5 – 11 inches wide at the ball, 2 – 8 inches wide at the heel

• Hands: 6 – 8.5 inches across the palm. Stubby fingers.

• Hair: Dark brown/reddish

• Skin: black, brown, tan

• Eyes: Brown/red

• Odor: Not good

Know what to bring

Anytime you head into Adirondack wilderness areas, preparedness is extremely important. While there are a few extra gadgets and gizmos to bring along, the following list is similar to that of a camping trip. This time of year weather can be unpredictable, so a lot of layers and extra food and water are always good to bring. Be sure to have the following:

• Camouflage for hiding

• Camping gear

• Bait (Deer urine and meat to lure Sasquatch to you)

• Knife (for self defense only)

• First aid kit

• Water / food

• Notepad to document what you see / hear

• Night vision goggles

• Gifts for Sasquatch, after all you are inviting yourself into their home

Leave no trace

As mentioned, finding Sasquatch can also be called a super awesome Adirondack camping trip, so make sure you pack out what you pack in. It is also important to bring a bear canister, as you don't want any unwanted guests entering your lean-to or tent. If your search is successful, we recommend viewing from a distance, especially if you come across a brood of ‘Squatches.

Happy hunting footer nation!

Disclaimer: This guide does not guarantee a sighting. The region of Schroon Lake is not responsible for serious injury or death in the event that you do find a Sasquatch.

 

When most people think of mining towns, they might not think of the Adirondacks.

Yet, this form of settlement shaped many towns here. One of them still lies deep within one of the most remote areas of these mountains, and it has a mining history that stretches further than all the others.

Early development

The original mining town was built as part of the first wave of European settlements. Archibald McIntyre and David Henderson were guided to the site by a member of the Abenaki tribe, Lewis Elijah Benedict. The ore deposits were so impressive the two men created the Adirondack Iron and Steel Company.

The difficulty of reaching the site makes the majesty of the enormous blast furnaces they managed to construct even more impressive. Known as the Upper Works, the almost 60-foot-tall furnace was powered by a diversion of the Hudson River, which tumbles southward from the nearby High Peaks, a rugged group of mountains that tower over 4,000 feet in elevation. The iron was of such high quality it sold for twice the usual price.

[img:stackatthenewfurnaceca1900.jpg]

The incentive of the high quality iron carried them through some daunting challenges, such as the difficulty of getting supplies in, and product out, on the crude roads built out to the site. Besides the logistical difficulties, there was a continuing struggle with the ore having some mysterious element which was difficult to manage with the technology of the period.

The young mining company recruited workers and built a village with help from the McIntyre Bank, the first bank in the Adirondacks. Even the village was named McIntyre, but it was later re-named Adirondac. Archibald McIntyre, as a prominent politician as well as an entrepreneur, also gave his (misspelled) name to the MacIntyre Range, which includes the mountains Iroquois, Boundary, Marshall, Wright, and Algonquin, the latter of which is the second highest peak in the state.

[img:hendersonmonument.jpg]

David Henderson gave his name to Lake Henderson, and then, sadly, to Calamity Pond. An accidental discharge from his pistol led to his death there in 1845.

Henderson's energy, leadership, and technical expertise had been vital to the operation. The Sackett’s Harbor and Saratoga Railroad Company were going to build their railway to Adirondac, but the geographic obstacles were too great. By 1856, the mining operation and its supporting village were abandoned.

Sportsman's paradise

As the forest slowly reclaimed the 10,000 acres of the Tahawus Tract, it became popular for use by private hunting and fishing clubs. In 1876, the Preston Ponds Club leased the land from the Adirondack Iron Works Company and renamed themselves the Tahawus Club. This gave the village its third name, Tahawus. Tahawus, which means cloud-splitter, was also the original name of Mount Marcy, the highest mountain in the Adirondacks.

[img:sketchlakehenderson.jpg]

Then-Vice President Theodore Roosevelt was visiting the Tahawus Club in 1901, pausing on his way to Buffalo, when he received a message that President William McKinley was expected to recover from a recent assassination attempt. Roosevelt was hiking Mount Marcy when he got the news that the president's health had taken a turn for the worse. Thus began Roosevelt's famous Midnight Ride to the Presidency. During his hurried trip to Buffalo, Roosevelt learned McKinley had died from his injuries, making him the new president. Every fall, Roosevelt's historic visit is the focus of the town of Newcomb's Teddy Roosevelt Weekend.

[img:sketchlakehendersonwinter.jpg]

Rebirth of the mine

It turned out, the titanium dioxide that was one of the reasons for the first mine's closure led to the rebirth of Tahawus in 1941. In the decades since the mine was abandoned, titanium became recognized as a metallurgic "wonder metal." It could be mixed with other elements to produce strong, lightweight, corrosion-resistant alloys which transformed the fields of aerospace and military technology, industrial and automotive processes, medical and dental instruments, and the sports and computer industries.

The wartime demand for titanium led to the federal government completing the railroad line into the mine site to secure a domestic supply. National Lead Industries successfully extracted 40 million tons of titanium by the time the mine closed again in 1989.

[img:large-pile-of-new-tailings-from-the-worlds-largest-titanium-ilmenite-mine-owned-by-nl-industries-at.jpg]

The Tahawus mine would become the largest titanium mine in the world. Tawahus the town was to remain inhabited until 1962, when the employees and many of the buildings were relocated to the nearby town of Newcomb.

The Newcomb Historical Museum recently completed an exhibit about the mining town's history.

[img:newcombhist-0737.jpg]

Now, the old mining town is a popular hiking destination within a managed forest. The McIntyre Blast Furnace had its site cleared and its furnace stack stabilized and cleaned by the Open Space Institute, which purchased the area in August 2003 and manages it with a Department of Environmental Conservation partnership. County Route 25, Tahawus Road, brings drivers northward to Henderson Lake, and connects with State Route 28N to the south. It makes a beautiful scenic drive.

Adirondack history is not confined to just the Adirondacks. It is surprising how often it has influenced the history of New York, and the whole nation, as the largest publicly protected area in the contiguous United States. But unlike many such places, the towns that sprang up in the beginning are still places for people to live and work. The Adirondacks continue to offer lessons in how to conserve natural beauty, and help it work in partnership with human civilization.

Find a charming place to stay. Enjoy local dining. Visit local museums for more fascinating glimpses into the Adirondacks.

Header photo by AH7 [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], from Wikimedia Commons

Finding a place to sleep

It was already dark when I pulled into our campsite with my dog, Wren, ready to pitch up our tent and prepare for a night in the cooling, early fall woods. For some people, the camping season ends with the end of summer, but I love fall camping, and soon had the tent set up and had started the task of fixing dinner.

[img:hobblebush-changing.jpg]

Relaxing in camp

Well, fixing dinner is a bit of a stretch. I had cheated and stopped for a sandwich (I’d call it a hoagie, but you can call it a sub if you want). Either way, it was tasty and I prepared Wren’s dinner which included a share of the sandwich as well. She gratefully accepted the donation of turkey.

Our bellies full, I cleaned up and readied for bed. We had already taken the requisite evening swim before we had found our campsite. I camp quite a bit, but I’m not one for sitting up late by the campfire, even though I enjoy that sort of thing when it happens. My early schedule dictates that I get to bed, but I tend to lie in the tent jotting field notes from the day and looking over my maps for the next day’s adventures.

[img:northern-sawwhet-owl-3.jpg]

That night was no different, and I struggled to keep my eyelids open as I planned our course for the next day. Despite my fatigue, my ears seemed to be alert for the nocturnal movements of wildlife and here and there I heard the scamper of mice – in search of food.

I also heard sounds from above as migrant birds – including a couple Veeries and a Swainson’s Thrush -chipped and pipped at times overhead. Then just as my head drooped again and I was going to give up and go to sleep, I heard the squeal of a Northern Saw-whet Owl off in the woods. With that I turned off my light and went to sleep.

Starting the Day with a Pair of Hikes

The following morning dawned gray and damp as the cool air condensed the mist on everything around us. I groggily stuck my head out of the tent and looked around at the growing light on the world. Wren wanted to get out of the tent so she could explore the night’s happenings with her nose.

[img:wren-camp-moose-pond-club-road.jpg]

Once up, I packed up my sleeping bag and other items in the tent, leaving the tent standing in the hope that it would dry a little while we ate breakfast and went for a hike. While we were eating I once again had my ears tuned in to see what I could hear from the surrounding forest, and I began the day with the likes of Hairy Woodpecker, Black-backed Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Purple Finches, Golden-crowned Kinglets, and both Red and White-breasted Nuthatches.

[img:blackbacked-woodpecker-spring-pond-bog-cropped.jpg]

Our breakfast completed, we took a hike along the road which leads to the trailhead for Vanderwhacker Mountain, an excellent hike – topped off by a fire tower — for anyone in the mood. We also poked around some of the coniferous and boreal habitat along the railroad bed which bisects the road – a good area to look for species like Boreal Chickadee, although we didn't find one there on that day.

[img:ruffed-grouse.jpg]

We eventually made our way back to camp and I finished packing the still-damp tent while Wren continued exploring with her nose. Our packing complete, we loaded up and headed down the road to the Roosevelt Truck Trail for our second hike of the day. The trail is easy and relatively flat, a wide grassy path (a bit overgrown at times at this point in the year, but easy to traverse) that was marked by lots of late summer and early fall wildflowers. And so while I kept my eyes and ears open for birds as I always do, I spent far more time botanizing than I did birding.

[img:wren-roosevelt-truck-trail.jpg]

As a result, while the hike featured a second Black-backed Woodpecker and a few Ruffed Grouse, our route along it was strung together by a list of wildflowers more than anything else. It began with a gradual rise before dropping into what is largely a coniferous forest, gently rising and falling now and then, and I found myself stooped or kneeling in the soft ground or moss as I keyed out wildflowers and enjoyed the blooms of species like closed gentian, pearly everlasting, rough-stemmed goldenrod, Canada goldenrod, blue-stemmed goldenrod, late goldenrod, lance-leaved goldenrod (are you sensing a trend?), and New York aster.

[img:new-york-aster-roosevelt-truck-trail.jpg]

We eventually wound our way along the easy path to a few campsites which mark the middle of the trail and I paused to have a snack while Wren nosed her way around the sites. The campsites allow folks to take a relatively easy backpacking trip, and we used it as our place to turn around and follow the trail back out toward the trailhead. On our way we chatted with a couple of birders from outside the area about both birds and botany, and they later texted me to tell me that they found both a Black-backed Woodpecker as well as a few Boreal Chickadees – a bird I missed on our hike, but one which is regularly found there.

[img:wren-campsite-roosevelt-truck-trail.jpg]

I continued botanizing my way back to the trailhead, timing it well for a picnic lunch at the car before we headed down the road for more adventures.

Fall is a great time of year for hiking, camping, and other outdoor adventures. Visit our lodging and dining pages to help you plan your trip.

 

 

All of the best places in the Adirondacks have a unique story. Each town has something special to offer, whether it’s a downtown coffee shop or proximity to the 46 High Peaks. Circle B Ranch, one of these unique Adirondack places, has been around since the 1800s, as a farm in its first iteration. Since then, the land has never been developed, aside from additions made by the ranch, and it is surrounded by over 3,000 acres of wilderness. Today you can go on a horseback ride, sleigh ride, hayride, and even take lessons there!

[img:circle-b-1.jpg]

Greg Boggia is the ranch’s current owner. His father purchased the farm in 1960 to save it from permanent closure. As a child, Greg’s family used to vacation in Loon Lake from New York City every summer, and the farm was where they rode horses. He remembers riding horses there as early as 2 years old.

[img:circle-b-2.jpg]

Greg’s father was second generation —with parents from Italy — and he made his way to Lake Placid in 1915 because his father (Greg’s grandfather) worked as a chef at the famed Stevens Club. His wife, Greg’s grandmother, worked as a chamber maid. It’s not hard to believe that immigrants from Italy would be inspired and made to feel at home in a mountain town not too different in landscape from Piedmont, which is at the foothills of the Alps in Italy.

[img:horse-ride.jpg]

Greg, though, grew up in New York City until he was about 9 years old, when his father bought the farm. At the time it consisted of a barn and stable. Young Greg changed the name of the stable by simply turning the “R” of Circle R into a “B” for Boggia by painting over the letter.

Soon Greg and his brother would learn all about horses by simply taking care of the necessary tasks in the stable. They knew almost nothing about this, but they learned by doing and watching. As adults, they would come to co-own and operate not just a stable, but a ranch that provides English-style lessons, horseback riding, sleigh rides, hayrides, and an indoor arena for riding. Circle B also sells horses and provides horse training. Today, the love and care that the ranch’s staff members extend to the horses and other animals at the ranch are unmistakable. Each staff member, including Greg, speaks fondly of the different horses, knowing their nuances, their pet peeves, and other quirks.

[img:circle-6.jpg]

In 1987, Greg’s father passed away and left the business to his sons. The stable was then run as a dude ranch until the late '90s. In 2016, Greg officially bought the ranch from his brother. From the very beginning the ranch has been a family endeavor. Greg has watched it grow into a multiple-operation ranch with an elegant indoor arena fit for all four seasons.

Circle B now boards ten horses and continuously make new progress as a business. The Boggias recently acquired the neighboring 500 acres, and are building a new trail system that spans 750 acres. This trail extension will also include a bridge enabling riders to reach higher terrain for even more stellar views of the surrounding 3,000-acre park.

[img:circle-14.jpg]

Greg is proud, as he should be, of his mom-and-pop operation that has turned into one of the most popular ranches in the region. He sees tourists coming from both north and south. There is a reason for Circle B’s popularity, of course: One of Greg’s philosophies is to customize the experience for each new group that visits the ranch. Circle B will often host small groups for up to three hours at a time. This means that there are plenty of opportunities for stopping on a ride to catch the views. He also said this creates more intimacy between riders and their guides. The guides can tailor the ride for each group.

[img:circle-8.jpg]

Circle B’s year-round status also accommodates a unique experience that each season brings with it, and fall is their busiest time of year because the views are stunning and the foliage is bursting with color. One of the driving forces behind staying open for all four seasons, according to Greg, is to fulfill Circle B’s commitment to sustainable tourism in the region. Greg has lived at the ranch for most of life and has raised his kids there. He views Schroon Lake as budding with opportunity for tourists and locals alike. His ranch hasn’t just benefited the Schroon Lake Region, though. His horses have been rented for such high profile events as the ADK Challenge, hosted by Governor Cuomo’s office. The ranch also serves the community by hosting Girl Scout camps and a women’s equestrian club from Union College to name just a couple regular groups that visit.

[img:circle-9.jpg]

I always appreciate a good story when I am visiting a new place, and it’s often the story that inspires me to return. In this case, Greg’s family ties to a ranch that almost saw its demise in the early '60s inspires me to think of all the places that have been on the brink of loss. Fortunately, we don’t have to imagine what would have happened to the land at Circle B because it has been preserved and the ranch is thriving.

[img:horses.jpg]During my visit to Circle B, my ROOST co-workers and I went for a horseback ride through the trails. Sharon and Malcolm guided us. Sharon has been riding since she was 3 years old and Malcolm estimates that he’s been riding for about 30 years. Like all the guides at Circle B, they are experienced, caring, and committed to the horses. They are also passionate and talented riders to say the least. Most of them participate in competitions and have lifelong careers working with horses in different capacities. [img:circle-7.jpg]

Sharon and Malcolm prepared us well for the ride ahead, making sure we were fit comfortably on our respective horse. All of us, except Sarah, were novices. Before we headed out we learned basic signals for directing our horse. The horses are well trained for this kind of ride and even start to show their personality the longer you spend on the trails with them.

[img:guides-taught.jpg] [img:circle-11.jpg]

Below shows you some of the fun we had riding horses at Circle B Ranch!

[img:circle-12.jpg]

Getting there

Whether you're coming from north or south, you will hop on I-87 and then NY-8. Circle B is located at 771 Potter Brook Road in Chestertown, about a 15 minute drive from downtown Schroon Lake and a two minute drive from Friends Lake. 

Equestrian camping

Don't miss the other opportunities for horseback riding in the area. The Schroon Lake Region is also home to Frontier Town Campground, Equestrian and Day Use Area, which offers thirty-three equestrian campsites and miles of trails to explore. Check our horseback riding page for more details.

Start planning your trip today. There's plenty to see and do in Schroon Lake! Why not start by picking a place to camp?
 

A Muddy Put-in

After toting my canoe down the Sucker Brook Trail at the Adirondack Interpretive Center (AIC) in Newcomb, a mucky put-in wasn’t going to stop me and Wren, my dog, from getting on the water. And Wren was more than happy to slog through the mud, seemingly taking half of Sucker Brook into the boat with her, adding to the mess by lying down in the muck she transported.

We set off on the water and began to wind our way along Sucker Brook, and I soon realized we would need to vacate the boat to get beyond a shallow set of riffles blocking our way to Rich Lake. That did give me a chance to let Wren out on a gravel bar where she could rinse off and where I could clean some of the muck out of the boat before it became worse and got all over my gear – although much of it would have to wait until we finished our paddle. Wren was happy for the chance to wade in the water and I walked the boat through the shallow stretch so we could resume our paddle, negotiating our way around the rocks on Sucker Brook, and managing to briefly get lodged on one that lay hidden just below the dark surface of the water.

[img:wren-newcomb-aic-sucker-brook.jpg]

Exploring Rich Lake

We began to paddle the perimeter of Rich Lake and I made a point to search for the canoe launch along the Rich Lake Trail to see if it was less muddy than the launch we had used. It looked much drier than the launch along the Sucker Brook Trail, so I made a plan to take-out there once we were finished.

My errand complete, we settled into our usual paddling routine – Wren watching the scenery or dozing, sometimes with her head on the yoke, and me on the lookout for birds on the early fall afternoon. I soon had a list of species that included Hairy Woodpecker, Great Blue Heron, Northern Flicker, Common Raven, Eastern Phoebe, and Red-eyed Vireo. Here and there small groups of Black-capped Chickadees called from the trees along the shoreline, and a Belted Kingfisher chattered as it flew from perch to perch. I also heard my first Common Loon of the trip – tallying three loons by the end of our paddle.

[img:belted-kingfisher-larry.jpg]

A short distance further along, I heard the distinctive hoots of a Great Horned Owl – a female to be precise – coming from the north side of the lake. I eased the canoe toward the shoreline and listened to the muffled hoots disturb the late afternoon air for a few minutes before I moved on.

The Beginnings of fall

I could still hear an occasional hoot on the breeze as I left the shoreline, but for the most part the trip was quiet – the mark of the onset of fall and late in the day at that. And so we began to explore the nooks along the peninsula which occupies the center of the lake, noting the trees which were beginning to change from summer green to the golds, reds, and oranges of autumn. Initially these changes are subtle, but the landscape will soon explode with vibrant colors as fall cold fronts usher in the transformation. And the shadows of afternoon which soon became the shadows of evening showed off the soft changing colors as we went.

[img:wren-newcomb-aic-rich-lake.jpg]

We continued our loop of Rich Lake, listening to the calls of Common Loons and eventually passing along the beach – a great place to swim for anyone in the area. As we did so, Wren immediately sat up and sniffed the air excitedly as if her love of beaches had somehow set off an alarm in her head. She looked expectantly as the shore, leaning out of the boat toward the beach as if doing so would somehow transport her to play in the sand rather than to remain in the confines of the canoe.

But we did not stop at the beach – but began to loop back to the take-out — I didn’t want to be caught on the water in the dark. As we looped back, we again passed the hooting Great Horned Owl and this time I could hear both the male and female owls dueting – announcing that this patch of forest was their territory. Once again I paused to listen as they punctuated the quiet air with their hoots.

[img:great-horned-owl-larry.jpg]

As planned, I returned to the take-out along the Rich Lake Trail and I was happy that it was not nearly as mucky as where we had put-in. I unloaded my gear and tramped back to the car, returning for the boat which I first rinsed out before toting it up the trail. Anyone launching a boat from the AIC will need to be aware that any put-in requires a carry – so it might be helpful to bring along a lightweight boat or a muscular friend.

The hard work of the carry over, I lashed the boat back onto the car and we set off in search of a place to camp for the night.

Fall offers great opportunities for paddling and outdoor exploration. Plan your trip today and check out our lodging and dining pages to learn more.