Every autumn season I try to visit the charming mix of trees at the Adirondack Interpretive Center in Newcomb. This educational nature complex has everything for an immersive fall foliage experience, from groomed trails for hiking to knowledgeable guidance from staff in the natural history museum.

Know some trees

A certain kind of foliage is unique to certain regions of North America, which supports the largest variety of deciduous trees whose leaves change color as winter approaches.

Environmentally speaking, the Adirondacks is very much like New England. Only the giant glacier dug lake, Lake Champlain, got in the way when state boundaries were being drawn. Still, anyone who is a fan of "New England foliage" needs to consider that this area not only contains all the trees most needed for a spectacular foliage display, there are six million acres of them.

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Perhaps no other tree is so prized for its leaves as the lovely sugar maple, which is also the state tree of New York. The leaves move through several shades of green during the growing season, then are among the first leaves to turn, moving from yellow, to orange, and then blazing red into the fall. Sugar maples are known for their picky preferences, too, needing a highly specialized climate of freezing nights with mild days.

Other species are important in the best foliage mix, such as the birches and beeches who contribute shades of yellow and rusty reds through the fall. Exercise those tree spotting skills by knowing that birch trees have double-toothed leaves, with small teeth bordering the larger teeth. Beeches are single-toothed, with all teeth the same size. Easy!

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The AIC system of trails features a lot of shoreline views, for twice the color possibilities.

Know some science

Thanks to the information and classes offered by the Aidrondack Interpretive Center, I know that much of the best fall color comes from a forest known as "northern hardwoods type," which their trails provide in abundance.

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For an excellent "warm-up," the AIC recommends the 0.6-mile Rich Lake Trail. This trail has views of Rich Lake and Goodnow Mountain for a preview of what other trails are doing at any point during the fall. This is an easy access trail for all age and skill groups, with outlook platforms and benches to get full enjoyment out of the hike.

Tree leaves have different kinds of pigments which combine at different strengths at different times of year. During the growing season of spring and summer, the green pigments (chlorophyll) are so abundant they mask all the other colors. Early in spring the yellow pigments (carotenoids) have a strong green-gold presence until the green gets up to full speed. Then, in fall, the green fades and lets other colors dominate, such as the orange which brightens as the yellows are joined by the red and purple (anthocyanins) pigments. These are especially strong in maples and oaks.

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Goodnow Mountain itself is a six mile round trip with great views, especially since there's a restored fire tower on the summit.

Know some options

AIC has staff and interns devoted to learning, and teaching, about the natural world. The most intensive such program is their annual Philosophers' Camp, modeled after an Adirondack tradition.

In early October for the past four years, the AIC recreates the original Philosophers’ Camp enjoyed by Ralph Waldo Emerson and a band of intellectual adventurers in 1858. They camped in the Adirondacks with guides, calling themselves "freemen of the forest" as they declared nature would let them lose the restrictions of civilization, with the goal of breaking down societal and professional boundaries for the easy exchange of ideas. Though the Civil War disrupted everyone's plans to regroup, the trip became famous when Emerson composed "The Adirondacs," which was about the special power of the Adirondack wilderness:

Nature spoke
To each apart, lifting her lovely shows
To spiritual lessons pointed home.

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There are lots of presentations, school groups, and guided outings held at the AIC. As seen below, AIC intern Andrew and Wildlife Conservation Society intern Alex teamed up for a program on beavers for the Newcomb Youth Program.

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Passing on the joy of the natural world is the mission of the Adirondack Interpretive Center, which is reflected in their name. Whether I want to "read the subtitles" to have the science of the Adirondacks interpreted for me, or just go it alone in the poetic nature that is so easy to enjoy here, I find the AIC to be one of my favorite places.

Especially in the fall.

Settle into a great place to stay. Explore more hiking. Keep up with our Foliage Report.

This week in ADK news:

A little night life

Tee up with some color

Culture, cheese, and coffee

Oktoberfest for everyone

Four ways to foliage

Hiking rules!

Take it easy in Long Lake

 

What makes an Adirondack town perfect? Well, sure the mountains and waterways are exceptional. But, to make a town perfect you need all that and a local craft brewery. And not just any craft brewery, but one that has a beer garden, a selection of original and rotating beers, games to play while you sip brews with friends, nice bar tenders, and a dog friendly environment. Paradox Brewery has fulfilled this list and more. They are also veteran owned and operated.

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My ROOST co-workers and I spent an afternoon hanging out and sipping beers there after we rode horses at Circle B Ranch. Unarguably, this is an ideal way to enjoy fall weather. First, you do some great leaf peeping perched on a horse, and then you sit back, play some corn hole, and try the different unique and classic beers at Paradox.

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You can currently find Paradox on Route 9 in Schroon Lake. But, because of its success, Paradox will be relocating their production and tasting room to a 25,000 square foot space that overlooks the High Peaks, just 12 miles from its current location. In its current space, Paradox has a fantastic outdoor beer garden set under a tent that’s perfect for summer and fall weather.

During our hangout, we met Paradox bar tenders, Veronica and Andre; one of the owners, Joan; and the head brewer, Devon. Of course, every good brewery has resident dogs so we also hung out with Olive and Sammy.

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Andre, one of the bar tenders, spent summers at a camp in nearby Newcomb and decided he loved the region so much that he had to live there full time. He knows the area well and learned about Paradox through friends. The rest is history, of course. Not only is he a great and helpful bar tender, but he is an expert in all the fun things to do in the area. Pick his brain about the best places to hike in the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness.

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Devon, head brewer, said the best part of working at Paradox is that he gets to brew a lot of different beers. Paradox always has two monthly rotating series, the Off Trail and Weather. Off Trail goes into kegs and Weather goes into cans. This month the Off Trail is a Dunkelweizen, a malted wheat beer with a smooth finish. Overall, the selection of beers on tap definitely reflects the best of both tradition and originality in craft beer brewing. Brooke, ROOST’s Content Manager, enjoyed the Big Fruity Gose, a sour beer with a pleasantly tart, salty and fruity combination. Sarah, ROOST’s Director of Sales, enjoyed the Hefeweizen, a traditional German wheat beer. I enjoyed the  BeaverBite IPA. Like all good IPAs this one had a bold finish with a hoppy bite to it.

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After five years in operation, Paradox has a strong following and is a welcomed outpost to travelers in the Adirondacks. According to the brewers at Paradox, the pure Adirondack water makes their beer so standout. Adirondack water, after all, needs no filtering because it is that pure.

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My co-workers and I can't complain because we spent the afternoon playing checkers, enjoying the weather, and drinking good beer. Paradox also serves pretzels if you need a bite to accompany your beer. Really, this place is for beer aficionados and nondrinkers alike. The atmosphere is relaxed, and when Paradox moves to its new location there will be even more opportunities for great views of the High Peaks. So sit back, relax, and drink good beer.

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Start planning your trip to the Adirondacks today. We have great food, great beers, and great adventures.

This week in ADK news:

Roadside attractions

Film Placid

Fall bucket list

Mazes, harvests, and history

All roads lead to beer

Hot tips on fall foliage

This way to fun

 

I have a favorite road in the Schroon Lake Region, Blue Ridge Road. It has scenic delights and fun attractions. This is especially true in the autumn. It runs between North Hudson and Newcomb through dense forest and across bridges, with frequent places to pull off and enjoy abundant photographic opportunities. Unless a car is passing, it is so quiet you can hear the birdsong. Here's how to make the most of those 17 miles.

Wonderful water

Almost the moment you make the turn onto Blue Ridge Road, there's Palmer Pond. Look for the little spot to park and enjoy the small pond, which brings the distant trees close enough to catch with a photo.

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Just a few more minutes down the road, there's a combination of instant gratification and scenic beauty. Blue Ridge Falls is hard to beat for ease. It has roadside parking, well-marked trails, and the roar of a long set of falls.

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The rapids tumble over a river stretch full of rocks, with a mountain in the background. The trail by the river requires some care, as it is rocky and narrow, but the forest paths are broad and easy. These shaded trails are often where the first leaves change.

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It is always a great idea to seek out water if I want to view the trees changing because I get twice the leaves that way. The beautiful reflections can also put a different spin on your view, with even brighter colors, since the water slows down the light more than the air does.

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Just a few more miles of scenic drive takes you to the Adirondack Interpretive Center at Newcomb. They have beautifully groomed hiking trails with lots of water features, outlook platforms, and benches to sit upon. There's also a small natural history museum, and nature displays in their Great Room.

Treasures and buffalo

The Blue Ridge Road leads you to the only buffalo in the Adirondacks! And yes, real buffalo. They like it here.

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The Adirondack Buffalo Company includes a farm, gift shop, and scenic viewing deck with a telescope. Pick up fine buffalo products, Indigenous people's crafts, homemade baked goods, custom souvenirs, and all kinds of treats and gourmet food items. Their Sunshine Marmalade is a favorite at my house. Gokey's Outlet Stores are right at the beginning of the Blue Ridge Road, and their many buildings offer incredible treasure hunts. That is a good enough reason to take a little time in North Hudson, but there's plenty of fine scenery there.

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As you admire the scenery be on the lookout at the edges of rivers and ponds where the fall wildflowers are most abundant.

Ghost town drive

Near the Newcomb end of the Blue Ridge Road, you might feel the need for more scenery. So look for the turn north that leads to Old Route 25. If you reach the T intersection with Route 28N, where the big hanging Tahawus sign appears in a triangle of land, you have gone too far. Backtrack until just before the road takes a curve to the south.

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This is the Tahawus Mines Road, 19.6 miles (there and back) of forest, meadows, and lakes. While this paved road is narrow and has no shoulders, it is paved all the way through, and low traffic. It ends near where the Hudson River flows into Henderson Lake.

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This is what remains of what was once the largest titanium mine in the world. Rock hounds will love picking through the edges of the tailing piles. Look for lingering signs of the ghost town of Adirondac, which was mostly moved to Newcomb when the mine failed. Bring a picnic and explore. Blue Ridge Road is also the anchor for the Grand Loop, which takes you past such attractions as Natural Stone Bridge & Caves and Paradox Brewery.

Choose a charming place to stay. Feed that appetite with our dining. Explore more scenic drives.

 

Love nature? Love fall? Love marathons? Well then grab your running shoes and start preparing for the Adirondack Marathon Distance Festival, happening Sept. 22-23. This is a weekend of fun and running, or walking, in the beautiful Adirondacks during one of the most spectacular times of the year to be here. The leaves will be turning and the days are pleasantly cool, promising perfect weather for a run or walk outdoors.

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This festival, which features a marathon, a half marathon, a relay race, and kids races, has been a mainstay in Schroon Lake for 22 years. All levels of experience are welcome at this festival, and you can even form a relay team with friends to share the task of running a complete marathon. Past runners have raved about the race’s beautiful Adirondack scenery, gentle rolling hills, and the location’s laid back appeal. After the race you can jump into the lake to cool off at the picturesque Schroon Public Beach.

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Coming to town for the marathon? Start planning your trip today. Check out our other attractions while you're here.

 

Every season in the mountains holds its own distinct beauty, but perhaps the most dramatic and photo worthy of them all is fall. Different shades appear as the season progresses, with the peak offering a show-stopping display of reds, yellows, oranges, and deep greens. Combine all that with the warm days and crisp evenings — campfires are highly recommended — and you have the perfect conditions for outdoor exploration. To get started, take a look at four of our favorite fall haunts, listed below in order from easiest to most difficult, then get out there and enjoy the beauty of autumn in the Adirondacks!

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1. Adirondac, a ghost town

This is more of a site to explore than a hike, but there’s no better way to experience fall than by being in a real Adirondack ghost town. Visitors can drive right into the shuttered old mining town and explore the abandoned community of Adirondac at their leisure. It’s an amazing place where trees emerge from the buildings’ rooftops and moss and peeling paint converge to form a haunting backdrop to the reds and oranges of the seasonal foliage. No great tragedy happened here — the inhabitants were simply relocated in 1964 when National Lead, the company that owned the village and the nearby mines, decided it was time to get out of the landlord business — but the place still conjures images of its former inhabitants. It’s hard not to imagine miners and their families walking down the straight, narrow dirt road before retiring for the evening within the confines of one of these now-decrepit homes. Do resist the urge to follow those spirits inside, though. Many of the houses aren’t safe to enter, so peering through the windows is your best bet. And be sure to check out the enormous blast furnace; it’s on the right as you enter the town.

Fun fact: The buildings of another nearby mining village, Tahawus, were literally picked up and moved into Newcomb in 1963 after iron ore and titanium were discovered beneath it.

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Getting there

From I-87, take Exit 29 and turn west on Boreas Road. After about 18 miles, make a right onto County Road 25, which is also called Tahawus Rd. Follow that for about 6 miles and turn left onto County Road 25A, also known as Upper Works Road. After about 2 miles, the ghost town of Adirondac will appear. Park anywhere along the road to explore the remnants of the town, or proceed to the Upper Works parking area and backtrack on foot.

2. Newcomb AIC

If you want a little nature education to accompany the sound of crisp autumn leaves crunching beneath your hiking boots, this is the place for you. AIC stands for Adirondack Interpretive Center, and that’s exactly what this place sets out to accomplish. There’s a lot of cool stuff to learn inside the AIC's main building, but don’t linger too long. From there you can embark on a network of 3.6 miles of trail that wind through 236 acres of woods and waterways. They’re all really easy so seeing the entire AIC in a day isn’t a problem for most hikers.

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

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Getting there

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

3. Mount Severence

There’s no better way to see fall colors than by gaining elevation. Luckily, some mountains are easier to climb than others, so killer vistas are still attainable even if vertigo-inducing scrambles aren’t your thing. At a paltry 1,693 feet in elevation, a trip up Mount Severence shouldn’t take the entire day, but it might if you can’t pull yourself away from the blanket of oranges and reds you’ll see from the summit.

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.

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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.

4. Goodnow Mountain

Goodnow is a little longer and a little more difficult than Mount Severence, but the view from its 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 step as it climbs toward the summit. 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 keep your boots dry and using them also keeps the surrounding trail from eroding, so be sure to take advantage of the trail crew’s hard work!

Depending on when you go, you could see a progression of fall colors as you ascend. Leaves on the lower portion of the mountain might be green while those higher up are brightly colored, a testament to the colder conditions found in high elevations. That’s cool to see and it’s also good advice, straight from the forest! Bring a couple of warm layers, like a windbreaker, hat, and light sweater, for the summit, which is bound to be chillier than the valley below.

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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.

Taking advantage of an opportunity

Wren, my dog, and I had some work to do near Blue Ridge Road recently and we took advantage of it to check out part of the Boreas Ponds Tract – a nearly 21,000 acre parcel which the state purchased in 2016. It has only recently been open

Gulf Brook Road, the main access to the Boreas Ponds Tract, is closed during the week beginning Wednesday, Sept. 12, while DEC completes ditching and repair work on the portion of the road between the Fly Pond Gate and the Four Corners. Due to the operation of heavy equipment at the work site and the frequent trips by dump trucks hauling in road material, the road will be closed for public safety reasons. The road will be open to public motor vehicle access each weekend from 5 p.m. Friday through sundown on Sunday.

DEC will be closing Gulf Brook Road often during the week in the next couple of months as it completes road work, constructs parking lots, and undertakes other access projects identified in the Vanderwhacker Mountain Wild Forest Unit Management Plan. Current status of the Gulf Brook Road will be posted on the DEC's Backcountry Information for the High Peaks Region.

for many forms of recreation – such as hiking and birding.

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While there are a few ways to enter the tract, the easiest is along Gulf Brook Road, a gravel route that winds through deciduous and mixed forests and past a few parking areas before ending at the final parking lot 3.2 miles in. And so we took this access, first signing in as we entered the area. Not far along, I had to slip off the road into one of the handy parking places so a couple large DEC trucks could get past us on the narrow road. They were evidently working on the road farther ahead, perhaps part of the plan to allow increased recreation access to the tract. After all, the management of the entire area is currently being debated

.

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Birding along the route

However that gets worked out, the tract will offer excellent birding, and I quickly began to find birds as we drove and made stops along the road – starting with an Eastern Phoebe near the sign-in booth. Soon I had added Red-eyed Vireos, Blue-headed Vireos, Blackburnian Warblers, Black-throated Green Warblers, Black-throated Blue Warblers, American Redstarts, Northern Parulas, Chestnut-sided Warblers, Cedar Waxwings, Hermit Thrushes, Winter Wrens, and my first Magnolia Warbler and Nashville Warbler - both of which sang from the patches of conifers along the way. I also found two small groups of Wild Turkeys – hens with their growing chicks – and a short distance farther along the road, a Broad-winged Hawk hunting from a low perch.

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We eventually reached the last parking area and I readied my pack for a hike. We didn’t have time to hike the 3.5 (7 miles round-trip) miles to the dam – an excellent trip for anyone who has the chance – but we did have time to poke around and explore a bit further.

Hiking a few miles

And so we set off on foot along the road, happy for the shade on what was a rapidly warming day. Wren nosed her way along the path and I listened to the birds, even as I heard the constant drone of deer flies which harassed us for our entire hike – at least we weren’t lonely! Despite this distraction, I found more of the same species we had noticed along the drive in, and I also quickly added Purple Finches, a few Scarlet Tanagers, a Brown Creeper, Great Crested Flycatcher, and a Rose-breasted Grosbeak, among others.

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I also noted patches on the road where the DEC crew had done some work, and a short distance farther I found a divot in the road which had filled to form the chosen puddle of a green frog, and the tiny pool was quickly losing water in the heat. With the puddle drying up and the chance that those big trucks would soon be heavily bouncing down the road, I scooped the frog up out of the warm water and carried it down the hill hoping we’d find a stream at the bottom of it which could provide the frog with a safer and more permanent water source. My hope was soon realized, and Wren and I scrambled down the rocks along the stream where I released the frog and Wren took a long drink.

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A bit further along the road I also found a small garter snake and I took a few photos before it slithered across our path. I also tried to take photos of the many white admiral butterflies which led us along our hike, although getting them to sit still enough for me proved to be a challenge.

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While the hike was great, we eventually needed to turn around for lunch and to get out of the heat. The view of the High Peaks from the dam at the Boreas Ponds themselves is fantastic, but it would have to wait for a return trip. A calling flyover Common Loon reminded me that I’d also like to carry a lightweight canoe in to paddle the waterways sometime too. And so we hiked back out – adding a Northern Flicker and a Pileated Woodpecker to give us five woodpecker species on our hike. We stopped again at our frog stream so Wren could take another long drink. We wound back along Gulf Brook Road and headed for home, eating lunch as we went.

Summer and early fall offer excellent birding and hiking in the Adirondacks. Now is a great time to plan your trip — visit our lodging and dining pages to help you do so.  

Looking for summer relaxation? Consider an Adirondack lake beach, for a delightful blend of the familiar and the exotic.

The familiar is the expanse of sand and sun, and the availability of picnic treats from beachside vendors. What might be different is the super-slow lap of the waves, and the fringe of forest at the far edge of the water.

Whether we are new to Adirondack summer traditions or seeking to explore our usual places, the charming Minerva Town Beach has everything we need for a fun family outing.

The beach

Of course, people have been swimming in our lakes for many centuries. The Adirondack natural sand beaches are great for sunning and sandcastle action.

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There's the lovely lake, but also some easy hiking trails, two playgrounds, a tennis and a basketball court, and even horseshoes. The lake does not allow motorized boats, so it's a fine paddling spot, with a boat launch and rentals.

Explore the three small islands in the lake.

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According to the Adirondack History Center:

In 1931 and 1932, the town built a dam across Jones Brook creating an artificial lake, a beach and a playground. The beach is named for Francis Donnelly who first became Town Supervisor in 1934. He was part of a large Irish clan arriving in Minerva in the mid-19th century. Donnelly served as Supervisor until his death in 1980, a total of 46 years.

Fun fact: Mr. Donnelly holds the world record for the nation's longest serving town or county official.

The eats

Summer is the best season for picnics, of course, and Minerva Town Beach has a lot of picnic tables with a gorgeous lake view. Choose from beachside or along the shore in the wooded areas on either side.

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The beach snack shack is The Stand at Minerva Lake. Eat indoors or out, with classic Adirondack ice cream stand fare. They offer bacon cheeseburgers and fries and frozen treats, but also specials like shrimp tacos, beer-battered fish and chips, and a grilled chicken Caesar wrap.

And worms. But those are for fishing.

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Forget anything? Mammy & Pop's General Store is right in town and has you covered along with all kinds of summer needs like beach toys and sunscreen. They also have a deli, so you can pick up that picnic lunch.

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See all the shopping choices in the area.

The ambiance

This is one sweet little gem of a beach. It is set away from the town, on its own road. So the only sounds are children playing, happy birds, and the wind in the trees.

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It's not just a beach, though. It is a delightful recreation complex, with lots of room for hiking, paddling, and scenic picture taking.

Go further and camp there too. Choose from 56 lovely tent sites, with public bathroom access and hot showers. Each site has their own fire pit and picnic table, and are separated from the beach area by the basketball and tennis courts. A row of trees screens them from the road and parking area.

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Minerva is nestled among some of the loveliest nature areas in all the Adirondacks. The south is bordered by the Indian River and Boreas River which flow into the Hudson. The northwest is dominated by the Vanderwhacker Mountain Wild Forest and the wonderfully imposing bulk of the mountain itself. The beach itself is on the shores of Minerva Lake, which was formed by damming Jones Brook for the lumber trade, in the early 1930s.

 This place has a little bit of magic.

Find that special lodging. Indulge in our dining. Find a fun summer event.

 

 

Eric Bright is a Schroon Lake-based luthier with an eye for detail and a set of snorkeling gear. The wood he uses comes from the muck on the bottom of the lake; his guitars produce a timeless sound that's as soft as the ripples on the water's surface. It all takes attention, dedication, and time. Lots and lots of time.

Eric's story begins 150 years ago, when logging was big business in the Adirondacks. As timber companies competed for the forest, lakes and rivers became congested superhighways for their cargo. Massive tree trunks, stripped of their branches and foliage, were floated downriver to the mills in Glens Falls, where they were processed. Each log had several log marks pound into its end to identify the company it belonged to.

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The first log drive to happen in the Adirondacks was on the Schroon River in the early 1800s. They became more commonplace as time went on, and thanks to grainy black-and-white photographs, we can take a glimpse into that chaotic scene — thousands of logs jostling for space, haphazardly arranged like wooden toothpicks scattered across the water’s surface. Most logs made the long journey to the mill, but some became submerged, sinking to the bottom of the lake where they found a new home in the soft sediment there.

Now it’s 2018, and a lot has changed. The northern end of Schroon Lake has been developed into a thriving little community filled with shops and restaurants. There’s an expansive, sandy beach that’s packed with sun-loving people all summer long, and the water is blue and shimmering. Gone are the days of logging camps and log jams, but deep below the lake’s surface the remnants of a bygone era remain — until Eric finds them.

The walls of Eric’s showroom, BassRock Guitars, are lined with about 10 guitars at any given time. Ask him and he’ll tell you their names — there’s Gloria, Rose, and Lila Grace. Each is as beautiful as its neighbor, all are carefully designed and handcrafted by Eric, in his workshop across the lake. Before they get there, though, the wood used to make them has to be pulled from the depths of Schroon Lake.

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Going deep

The logs Eric uses are called sinkers, and he generally pulls them from water that’s about 10 feet deep. Once he’s found one that’s the right size, just over 13 feet and at least 14 inches in diameter, he holds his breath and dives to it with a heavy rope. Working quickly, he works his arms into the sediment and loops the rope around the trunk. That creates a cloud of debris, so if he goes up for air before the rope is in place he has to wait for the cloud to settle before heading back down.

Once the rope is secure, Eric returns to the boat and, with the help of his daughter, pulls the line taut. Then they wait.

“There’s a lot of suction down there, so Kate drives the boat until the rope is taut and we wait a few minutes," Eric said. "When the butt end of that log pops up, we tow it back to shore."

The waterlogged logs are left to air dry, then Eric’s friend cuts them down to size. Sometimes the wood is maple, other times it’s red spruce, a species that was made the gold standard for guitars by Martin Guitars.

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Eric says the variety is good because hardwoods like maple make the best guitar bodies, and softwoods like spruce make the best guitar faces. The different types of wood add to the aesthetics of the finished instrument, but the hardwood-softwood combo gives the guitar its voice.

“A good guitar is a machine; there are lows, mids, and highs,” Eric said. "The sides and back have to be a hardwood because there's 180 pounds of pressure on the bridge, but the top is the most important part of the sound."

Eric taps around the softwood face of a guitar and listens for the clear notes it emits. To hear him describe it, a guitar is like a living thing. Each individual instrument has its own nuanced tones, which eventually adapt to its owner’s playing style. The vibration of the strings interacts with the grain of the wood, and the instrument evolves and grows as it’s strummed.

“Some people say if you play a certain style the guitar will learn to resonate that way," Eric said. "It sounds a little extreme but it makes a little sense, too. You are teaching the guitar how you play." 

A workshop with a view

[img:bright1.jpg]It’s a short walk to the shore of Schroon Lake from the BassRock Guitars showroom. From the long wooden dock it’s a 5-minute trip by motorboat to Eric’s workshop, a roomy basement space overlooking the water that’s packed full of tools and wood. There are forms for guitar faces and bodies, labeled stacks of wood, and collections of wood burls. The burls are natural, knobby formations that grow on trees. Often used to make tables and bowls, Eric likes how their irregular features add a distinct touch to his guitars. He often uses them for the bridge, the part of the guitar that holds the strings to the face. [img:bright3.jpg]

He looks for irregular grain patterns, too, and sees them as an opportunity to give the instrument it’s own personality. Sometimes he fills small holes with pieces of burl, other times he brings in mother of pearl. It all depends how the wood speaks to him.

"A new guitar, you might have grain from the spruce going in one direction and grain from the hex bracing going the other way, so they could be fighting each other," Eric said. "But what happens over time, as the guitar opens up, is all of the grain learns to resonate together. After awhile it resonates as one piece of wood."

 

If you hit the town after a day of hiking or paddling in the Schroon Lake Region, you might see Eric playing with his band, The Log Jammers. To see his guitars, make an appointment with BassRock Guitars.

Newcomb, NY is a haven for hikers, with nearby trails leading to the eastern High Peaks, Mount Goodnow, and into Great Camp Santanoni. It also is home to Lake Harris and the Hudson River for boating, camping, or just relaxing. 

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And now Newcomb residents Kelly and Tony Audino are looking to feed hungry visitors and offer beds with lake views. I met up with Kelly earlier this week and got a glimpse of the future Lake Harris House Lodge and adjoining glamping sites.

The couple moved to Newcomb from the Albany area to open the Hoot Owl Lodge, fulfilling their dream of moving to the Adirondacks. Kelly said there isn’t a place in Newcomb for dinner, so she decided to rectify that. Hence, their latest project, the Lake Harris House Lodge.

Situated along Route 28, the road that cuts right through the town, stands the shell of the soon-to-be Lake Harris House Lodge. The restaurant is slated to open late October 2018. Kelly gave me a tour of the enormous space that will include three fireplaces, leather couches and chairs, cathedral ceilings, a capacious bar area, screened-in outdoor seating overlooking the lake, and 90 or so tables. The plan is to become a year-round destination for hikers and visitors in summer and fall, and skiers and snowmobilers in the winter. While still heavily under construction, it was easy to envision the warm, traditional Adirondack-style lodge to come. 

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We then walked down the the edge of the property adjacent to Lake Harris to tour the first of four glamping sites. Glamping is luxury or glamorous camping — a mix of hotel room amenities in an outdoor setting. The completed tent is outfitted with a queen bed, a dresser, and seating area. There is also a porch with more seating that faces the lake. There’s a ceiling fan, electric outlets, and canvas windows to enjoy Adirondack breezes. 

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Guests will be able to order room service from the lodge and enjoy dining in their personal elevated and waterproof “tent.” Of note is Kelly’s attention to detail; each bed has 1,000-count sheets and fluffy down duvets. 

Outside, Tony will be building docks where glampers can tie up their canoes and kayaks, or use just for sitting and enjoying the view. Each site will have its own bathroom facilities. 

Kelly says she envisions the sites as romantic getaways, and they even plan on installing a wood stove to test out winter glamping. 

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I’ll keep you posted with more photos when the doors open! Once you've booked your stay, check out our unique dining options and other attractions.

 

 

Frogs and birds

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

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

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An American bittern

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

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

Checking out the Boreas River

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

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

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

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