Anywhere you go in the Adirondacks during summer is going to be great. Lakes, mountains, fields, and streams – it’s all great. But why settle for great when you could have spectacular? Schroon Lake is a small, unassuming mountain town located between Lake George and Lake Placid that provides the perfect summertime oasis. Schroon Lake’s options for water recreation are as rewarding as they are relaxing. Cruise on a motorboat, ride the tide of the wind in a sailboat, or paddle your own way on a kayak, canoe, or stand up paddleboard. I recently enjoyed my first Schroon Lake experience – so much so that I didn’t want to leave!

Beating the summer heat can be tough in the Adirondacks. With so few hot months, air conditioning isn’t always guaranteed. Instead of fighting the heat, I decided to embrace it and soak in the sun from the deck of a 20-foot pontoon boat. Schroon Lake Marina, located at the northern end of the lake, is a great resource for boat rentals. Their staff is very helpful and they guided me to a vessel that would suit my needs perfectly. Their flexible rental system allowed me to choose from several trip options, and due to my fair skin, I decided two hours on a boat was just long enough to relax and explore the lake without also toasting to a crisp.

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After a thorough tutorial on how to use all of the boat’s gadgets (and drive it in general), my co-captain and I were off! Never having visited Schroon Lake before, we weren’t entirely sure what to expect. We maneuvered our way out of the channel with ease, turned a corner, and were stunned by the beautiful, expansive lake before us.

Immediately off to our left was a stretch of picturesque sandbars – the kind of thing I would normally expect to see on the Gulf of Mexico. The shallow waters were almost completely clear, perfect for the paddleboarders just learning to stand. We pointed the boat south down the lake and our curiosity and desire to explore kicked into high gear. With a small island in our sights, we pushed the boat into high speed.

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All of my previous experience with boats had involved me propelling myself forward by using paddles. Getting behind the wheel of a motorboat for the first time was a lot of fun. While paddling holds a special place in my heart, getting to enjoy the sun and the lake with minimal physical effort was exactly what I was hoping for on a very hot day. The pontoon boat ended up being the perfect choice, too. It was so comfortable we kept referring to it as “our giant couch,” and it provided the perfect floating deck from which to enjoy a swim.

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For a first-time captain, Schroon Lake was very easy to navigate. We explored bays, circled islands, and entertained ourselves with some excellent sight-seeing. In addition to the stunning mountain views, the elaborate lakeside camps, houses, and resorts lining the shores made for their own game of “I Spy.” I kept trying to decide on a favorite, but I eventually came to the conclusion that I would gladly take any one of them if it meant having access to Schroon Lake every day!

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Not wanting to miss a thing, we went all the way to the southern end of the lake before parking the boat, cutting the motor, and jumping in for a swim. When it comes to clarity and temperature, no two Adirondack lakes are the same. Schroon Lake immediately landed itself at the top of my list of favorites. Clear, clean, and comfortably warm, the water was the perfect contrast to the hot air. After a couple fantastic belly flops off the boat (diving has never been my strong suit), we turned the boat on, the music up, and started cruising back to the marina.

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Two hours on the lake went by in a flash, but it was long enough to induce that lazy summer day calm and give me a bit of a sun-kissed glow. We docked our boat back at the Schroon Lake Marina and headed into town to check out some of the things we had seen from the lake.

Downtown Schroon Lake was bustling with summer tourists and activity. We made our way to the Schroon Lake Town Beach, located minutes from the main street, and headed out onto the sand. I never thought northern lakes could have such pristine sand beaches! We had seen dozens from the boat, and had been enticed by the looks of them. Feeling the sand beneath my bare feet, meandering around the brightly colored sun umbrellas, and listening to the joyful squeals of children as they splashed in the water transported me to an entirely different place. If you had told me I had been picked up and dropped off in Florida, I would have believed you.

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Right behind the beach, though, was an emerald green grassy hill, where families gathered around picnic baskets and children played on swings and slides. Everywhere we looked, it was like witnessing the perfect summer day.

After a while, sun-kissed and happy, we hit the road, knowing full well we would be back before long. We had discovered so much, we didn’t have time to experience it all in one day! Sticks & Stones Bistro and Bar is on my must-do list for next time, along with a trip to explore the nearby Natural Stone Bridge & Caves in Pottersville. I may even take advantage of some of the excellent Schroon Lake camping options so I have more than one day to experience and discover more of the Schroon Lake Region.

 

 

 

What does the Seagle Music Colony have planned for their upcoming season? A delightful mix of old favorites and rare classics.

Oscar Seagle, world-renowned baritone, established this prestigious school for vocalists in 1915. It is still the oldest summer singer training program in the country. Their performance schedule is a tuneful part of a Schroon Lake summer.

The favorites

The musical "Mame" has been a Broadway classic since 1966. The close of the 2018 mainstage season will be the first time Seagle Music Colony performs this popular musical. It follows the adventures of the madcap Auntie Mame and her orphaned nephew amidst the Great Depression.

As seen above, Seagle keeps the costumes and stagecraft authentic to the time period of the work they are performing. This period piece will be sure to feature the luxurious style of its flamboyant lead character, Auntie Mame, and her joyful approach to life.

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The production will be performed August 15, 16, and 18 at 8 p.m., and August 17 at 2 p.m. The Colony describes the show as a "surefire favorite for young and old."

Every year there is a free Boathouse production for children, and this year it is the children’s opera, "Billy Goats Gruff." The opera—about the drawbacks of bullying—can be enjoyed by any age. It transforms the traditional fairy tale with the music of Mozart, Donizetti, and Rossini. This makes for a wonderful introduction to classical music in a simple and funny package. 

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Look for the opera July 14 at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. at the Boathouse Theater, on the shores of Schroon Lake.

The historic

American history has been a rich source of artistic inspiration. "The Great Gatsby" is a celebrated novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald set during the wild culture of the Prohibition era. It has been adapted for opera by John Harbison.

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The opera had its premiere at the Metropolitan Opera in 1999, making it a contemporary take for the approaching new century. Performing "The Great Gatsby" will be part of the Seagle Music Colony tradition of cultivating new operas, which gives their young artists a chance to sing the work of living composers.

The opera will be sung in English with projected English supertitles. Don't miss the pre-show lecture one hour prior to curtain. Performances are August 1, 2, 4 at 8 p.m., and August 3 at 2 p.m.

Another fine tradition of the Colony is the galas that serve as important fundraisers, which offer an elegant, cultured evening. On July 14 at 6 p.m. there will be the annual fundraising event with dinner, drinks, dessert, and dancing featuring entertainment by the Seagle Music Colony Emerging Artists.

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Every year the Colony also puts on a Vespers Concert that will be on August 12 and 19 at 5 p.m. These concerts of sacred choral music and vocal solos have been a Schroon Lake tradition for most of their century-long history. All Vespers concerts are open to the public and seating is first-come, first-serve, so arrive early.

In the fall, there will be a revue of the works of American composer, songwriter, and jazz pianist Cy Coleman. If you don't know the name, you will know the songs, like "Hey, Look Me Over," "Big Spender,” and “Come Follow the Band.” The show is called "Hey Big Spender" and will be performed on September 8 at 7:30 p.m.

The extraordinary

Celebrate Leonard Bernstein's 100th birthday with a performance of "Candide." The inspiration to adapt this classic work into a musical was proposed by the writer and lyricist Lillian Hellman. Many other lyricists would also contribute to Hellman's libretto, while Bernstein composed the music. The earliest performances of the musical had a troubled stage production that closed it early, but it turned into a triumph when the original cast album sold well, which resurrected the musical. Bernstein's score was the source of the appeal.

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Seagle Music Colony will pay tribute to Bernstein with this romp through different time periods and cultures that is based on the satirical novel by Voltaire. Look for it on July 5, 6, 7 at 8 p.m., July 6 at 2 p.m.

When most people think of George Frideric Handel, they most likely think "Water Music" or of his English chorale works like "Messiah." But, he also composed, in Italian, "Julius Caesar in Egypt," a popular Baroque opera. There's plenty of villainous action and the extravagant musical expression Handel is known for.

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The opera was so popular that Handel printed pocket-sized versions of the score for his fans to purchase. Modern fans can enjoy this work on July 18, 19, 21 at 8 p.m., and July 20 at 2 p.m. It will be sung in Italian with projected English supertitles, and there will be a pre-show lecture one hour prior to curtain.

From the charming to the sublime, Seagle Music Colony is bringing plenty of incredible vocal talent to light up the summer nights.

End a wonderful evening with the right lodging. Start the evening with some great dining. Check the events calendar for more events.

All photos courtesy of Seagle Music Colony. Main photo from "My Fair Lady" by James Carnahan.

If you frequently follow our Schroon Lake region blogs, you may have read my Schroon Lake Summer Bucket List, where I confessed having never been to Schroon Lake. Last week I was lucky enough to spend an afternoon in the wonderfully quaint town of Schroon, and I challenge you to do the same!

Shopping

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A friend told me I had to visit Pine Cone Mercantile, so it was my first stop when I got to town. The store was wonderfully and sophisticatedly decorated with an Adirondack flare, modern and chic home furnishings, and handcrafted goods. It was easy to lose track of time as I shopped. The store is run by Lisa Marks, who greets her customers with arms wide open and makes it feel like you're entering her living room rather than her store. In the back of the shop, Lisa’s husband is hard at work running North Woods Bread Co. Fresh breads are baked daily, and a selection of delectable baked goods (gluten free options too!) sits on the counter. The shop also has a new addition where they sell local farm fresh vegetables, meats, and cheeses.

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Lunch

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Next I stopped at Pitkins for lunch. The bustling diner-like atmosphere gave off a perfect small town feel. I ordered an egg salad sandwich with a side of homemade coleslaw and enjoyed an afternoon lunch to myself, something I seldom do. I left pleasantly full, and recommend you to stop in too!

Lake time

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Before heading home, I stopped by the Schroon Lake Marina to rent a kayak and spend some time on the lake. The sky was overcast and winds made for a challenging paddle and a rocky boat. It was so fun to spend some time on the water and see a wilder version of Schroon Lake. After some time, the sun came out and the lake seemed to both settle and come alive. Turtles were sunbathing on rocks and beautifully colored birds were flying all around. I took some time to just float and enjoy the sun.

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My takeaway? Time spent in Schroon Lake is a must if you are planning a trip to the Adirondacks. Time didn't allow me to fully complete my bucket list, so I'll be back. The small town feel coupled with chic shops and stunning views is the perfect basecamp for your next Adirondack getaway. The summer season is starting to pick up in the Adirondacks, and now is the perfect time to book your Schroon Lake stay.

The Pharaoh Lake Wilderness Area is a gorgeous, 46,283-acre region that’s chock full of trails, lakes, mountains, and wildlife. It can be accessed from 11 parking areas, so there are lots of options available. That’s great for people who like to explore, but it can make it difficult for first-time visitors to decide where to go. Read on for three of our favorite Pharaoh Lake adventures!

Out and back: Crane Pond trail

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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, and while some people try to drive it, this is not recommended because the road is not maintained. That’s OK, though, because the views of the ravine and waterfalls on Alder Creek are worth walking for. 

The first 1.2 miles rises about 160 feet. Shortly after that it levels off and skirts Alder Pond. Take a right at the three-way intersection and Crane Pond will appear in a few minutes. If you’re the camping type, explore the shore to find several designated campsites. 

Getting there

Crane Pond parking area: 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.

Peak bagger: Pharaoh Mountain

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There are two pharaohs in this wilderness area — Pharaoh Lake and Pharaoh Mountain. We’ll get to the lake in a minute, but first let’s talk about the mountain. At 2,556 feet in elevation, Pharaoh 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. A favorite is to set up camp at Crane Pond, then ascend 1,405 feet over 2.6 miles from there. Alternately, the mountain can be approached from the south via the Pharaoh Lake trail. It’s more than 4 miles to the Pharaoh Mountain trail, and from there it’s a 1,355 foot elevation gain in 1.2 miles to the top, but there are lots of campsites around the lake to choose from so you don't have to worry about rushing back to beat the setting sun.

Getting there

Crane Pond parking area: See directions above.

Pharaoh Lake Road parking area: From downtown Schroon Lake, follow Route 9 north, turn right on Alder Meadow Road, then take another right on Adirondack Road. Follow that for about 8.5 miles and turn left on Johnson Road, which is also County Route 15. Follow that for a little over 2 miles, then take a slight left on Beaver Pond Road and follow that for about 3 miles to Pharaoh Road. Turn left and follow that for about a half mile to the parking area.

Speaking of Pharaoh Lake

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Not only is this 441-acre waterbody an excellent place to camp, it’s also the centerpiece of a fantastic 6-mile loop. Follow the Pharaoh Lake trail for 3.3 miles to the outlet for the lake, then pick a direction and have fun exploring the shore. There are 14 designated campsites, some of which are on little peninsulas, that make great waypoints for the journey. Go on a clear night — there’s nothing like seeing the Milky Way over the water.

Getting there

Pharaoh Lake Road parking area: See directions above.

 

Hike, paddle, and fish in the Schroon Lake region!

Finding time during a busy time of year

I have a confession to make. As much as what I do revolves around birds, I often don’t have time – particularly during this season of the year when their numbers and diversity in the Adirondacks are at their zenith – to simply go birding. The reason is that I’m often so busy teaching, guiding, or conducting research on birds that I can’t fit it in. That’s how it goes when things are busy I suppose, but it is also a shame since there are so many great places to simply explore in the region. And now is an amazing time of year to investigate them.

 

Cheney Pond

Take for instance some of the birding sites which line Blue Mountain Road north of the Hoffman Notch Wilderness Area. Each of them could take much or all of the day (or multiple days) if you wanted to spend that long, and all of them are worth the time. My favorite site might be Cheney Pond, where a short, perhaps half-mile road leads from Blue Mountain Road to the pond itself. The road is easy to walk – and can be tricky to drive if you don’t have clearance or aren’t careful! – and you can bird your way to the water with a variety of warblers and other songbirds to lead the way.

 

The best way to cover the pond is to bring your boat and paddle, and a loop on the small waterbody should yield water-loving species like Great Blue Heron, Wood Duck, and Common and Hooded Merganser as well as lots of songbirds from the surrounding forests and edge and alder habitats – including warblers like Common Yellowthroat, Black-throated Green, American Redstart, and Chestnut-sided.

 

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Once on the far side of the pond, you can negotiate the channels which lead to a beaver dam which in turn necessitates a carry to reach a flatwater portion of the Boreas River, which you can paddle for about two miles until it reaches the remains of Lester Dam. The route offers a long list of warblers, vireos, tanagers, grosbeaks, waxwings, sparrows, and everything else in between. This includes northern finches which can often be found in coniferous habitats along the route, as well as a series of locations along the Rt. 28N corridor heading south towards Minerva. The excellent cone crop on our conifers has attracted good numbers of both Red and White-winged Crossbills to the region since last summer, and our forests have also been loaded with Pine Siskins as well.

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If you come without a boat but still want to search for such species, you can hike the trail to Lester Dam which heads off from the road to Cheney Pond a short distance before the road reaches the water. The trail not only offers finches, but also other boreal species like Gray Jay, Black-backed Woodpecker, and Boreal Chickadee, and an assortment of warblers like Nashville, Magnolia, Yellow-rumped, and Canada. And if for some reason you don’t find such birds there, you can also check out the Roosevelt Truck Trail which runs between Blue Ridge Road and Rt. 28N (the easier side of the trail to access).

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The Boreas Ponds Tract

Even with this, some birders (including this birder!) will be interested in the seclusion offered by the recently acquired (2016) Boreas Ponds Tract, reached a short distance east along Blue Ridge Road from Cheney Pond. Three access points take you into the enormous area, the best of which is Gulf Brook Road, located 6.3 miles east of Cheney Pond. The dirt road winds through deciduous and mixed forests for 3.2 miles, meaning you can find a long list of birds from the car if you are not inclined to walk. In doing so you can find the likes of Broad-winged Hawk, Blue-headed Vireo, Scarlet Tanager, Winter Wren, Hermit Thrush, Swainson’s Thrush, and Golden-crowned Kinglet, and an entire suite of warblers including Magnolia, Northern Parula, Black-throated Blue, Ovenbird, Canada, and Mourning.

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Once at the last parking area, you can continue into the area on foot, reaching the dam and the Boreas Ponds themselves after a 3.5 mile hike. But the walk is easy and the birding great, making it worth the effort. You can also bike the road or you can even lug a lightweight canoe along with you so you can paddle the Boreas Ponds, or LaBier Flow, the latter reached 2.5 miles from the final parking area on Gulf Brook Road.

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Whatever method to access the area you choose, you will be richly rewarded. Even if you see no birds, the views of the High Peaks from the Boreas Ponds are stunning, and the huge tract offers days of exploration. But the birds are equally impressive, and you will likely return with a long list. This not only includes the birds mentioned above, but also species like Olive-sided and Yellow-bellied Flycatchers, both of which can be found in boreal and coniferous pockets along the route as well as near the wetlands which dot the area.

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These same wetlands and ponds harbor the likes of Common Loon, Great Blue Heron, Alder Flycatcher, Hooded Merganser, Bald Eagle, and Northern Waterthrush, and the coniferous forests once again offer both Red and White-winged Crossbills. It all means that a trip into the Boreas Ponds Tract is one which requires time to fully explore the area. And it is a good reminder to me that even with my hectic summer schedule, I need to get out and start adventuring and enjoying such locations. After all the summer is short, and there is no time to waste.

Plan your summer outdoor recreation and birding adventure today! And check out our lodhttps://www.adirondackhub.com/lodgingging and dining pages to learn more.

 

Locals call it mud season, I call it lovely. There’s nothing quite like spring in the Adirondacks. Everything is changing — wildflowers start appearing along trails, birds return from their southern sojourn, and the melting snowpack sends water pouring into streams, making them more dramatic to see. And of course, everything is wet, wet, wet. It is mud season, after all.

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Hiking this time of year requires a bit of special consideration, but the pros outweigh the cons if you can get it down. Popular trails are less crowded, there’s always a cool breeze, and the leafless, budding hardwoods make for over-the-shoulder teaser views while ascending steep slopes. I wanted to put some spring hiking considerations to the test on Goodnow Mountain, and in the process I made a handy guide for anyone interested in visiting the Adirondacks before summer kicks off.

1. Pick a trail that stays under 3,000 feet in elevation

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This guideline was my inspiration for hiking Goodnow Mountain. Well, that plus the fact that I’d never been there, and I’m always up for a new peak. Following the 3,000-foot rule gives trails on higher mountains a chance to dry out and harden so they can better withstand hikers’ footsteps. I get it — I love the High Peaks too — but protecting our forests is more important to me than nabbing a summit. Goodnow is 2,690 feet in elevation, so that checked out. And guess what? Since there’s a fire tower at the top I knew there’d be a great view, and what a view it is! More than 20 High Peaks can be counted from the tower, and smaller mountains and lakes were spread in every direction. It’s not bad being under 3,000 feet!

2. Stay on the trail, walk through the mud

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If you’re an avid hiker, you know nature is full of surprises. One thing that shouldn’t surprise the spring hiker is mud. Lots of it. So make sure you wear a good, sturdy pair of hiking boots, because part of hiking during mud season is getting those boots dirty. Speaking of dirt, always stay on the trail to avoid widening it, which can increase erosion and damage the forest. Even if the terrain ahead looks more like a swamp than a path, do the right thing and push through it. Your boots can handle it!

3.Don’t pick the pretty flowers

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As I hiked up Goodnow, I was happy to see a bunch of spring ephemerals — wildflowers that appear right after the snow melts and before leaves appear on trees — along the trail. There were trout lilies, spring beauties, red trillium, and violets. It might be tempting to make a spring bouquet, but resist the urge. The best way to take flowers home is to take pictures of them.

4.Don’t carve your name into trees, lean-tos, or anything else

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The 2-mile path up Goodnow is about as gentle as a trail up a mountain can be. There are a few bridges and catwalks for getting over wet areas and streams; it was shortly after one of those that I discovered a large yellow birch bearing a number of deep, human-inflicted scars on its trunk. I don’t know who Martin is, but I’d like to have a word with him. This type of forest graffiti is unsightly to say the least, but it also compromises the tree’s armor, making it more susceptible to diseases and parasites. No one wants to see your initials while they’re hiking, so please resist the temptation to carve.

5. Carry it in, carry it out

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One thing that struck me when I started hiking in the Adirondacks some 20 years ago was how clean the trails here are. It’s a simple concept — if you bring it into the woods, take it back out with you. Most hikers I’ve met are conscientious of this, so it’s safe to assume two things. One, the occasional water bottle found along the trail was accidentally dropped from a pack, and two, it’s good to grab those lost items as you pass them. I picked up an empty plastic bottle and a granola bar wrapper on my Goodnow Mountain hike.

6. Only build a fire in designated

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Goodnow’s summit is an awesome place. Besides the view I described earlier, there’s plenty of open rock to relax on. Unfortunately, the first thing I noticed as I stepped out onto the rock, besides the impressive fire tower, was the remains of a campfire. With no fire ring to contain the fire, and no source of water to pull from to make sure it’s out, it’s ironic, for sure, that a fire hazard was located at the base of a fire tower, a structure originally built to survey the landscape for forest fires.

If you want to check out the night sky from a mountaintop, I suggest picking a mountain with a designated campsite near the top, or hiking the peak in the late afternoon and returning via headlamp. An open, windy area is no place for a fire!

Goodnow Mountain stats

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

For many people, it's not summer until Memorial Day Weekend. Nowhere is this more true than in the Schroon Lake Region.
When spring starts to happen, it happens fast, as everyone gets ready for the boating, fishing, paddling, hiking, and events that make Schroon Lake such a magnet in the summer.

The water

Many activities center around Schroon Lake's namesake lake, which has plenty of room for everyone. It's a busy time at the Schroon Marina, where boats are unwrapped and readied for a full season of fun.

No watercraft? No problem! The marina rents all kinds, from fast for waterskiing, to slow for those Stand Up Paddleboard fans. Multi-day rentals with all the fixings can make those boating dreams come true for a real, old-fashioned, "vacation on the lake."

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For smaller watercraft, there's a lovely bunch of ponds and smaller lakes, too. For a totally tranquil experience, choose one of our water bodies in an area designated "no motors" and experience having much of nature to yourselves.

One such choice is Balfour Lake, a long narrow lake with plenty of pretty shoreline and shelter from wind conditions.

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Paddling enthusiasts, and their doggies, are already out on the water. Our canoe and kayak page should give you plenty of ideas.

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This is also when our attractions, like Natural Stone Bridge and Caves, open for the season. If you love your water lively along rocks or carving underground caves, this is a must-see. Enjoy the scenery, explore their on-site hiking paths, and bring home a souvenir from their extraordinary rock shop.

The beach

The shore of lovely Schroon Lake offers a marvelous swimming beach.

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The Schroon Lake beach and boat culture dates back to the turn of the last century. The setting is nestled in the mountains with a lake big enough to match the abundant outdoors, with plenty of room for the ones who want a lot of liveliness, and also the ones who just want to sink into the peace and quiet.

The beach is part of a shoreline park for fishing, picnics, ice cream, or a full pub lunch, all just steps away from the quaint downtown.

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The waterfront park is also the site of music, art and craft shows, and performances by Seagle Music Colony. Seen above, the Boathouse Theater, the white building on the shore.

The Strand Theatre opens up Memorial Day Weekend to offer a rare experience, that of enjoying a century-old Art Deco movie palace of yesteryear. Look for feature films, musical concerts and a summer Shakespeare series.

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Plan a performance outing with our arts and theater offerings.

The nature

Shhhhh. This is a wonderful time of year to go hiking. Get a jump on the season, have the woods to yourself, and enjoy this green-gold time of year when the tiny buds let lots of sunlight fall in the forest, waking up those spring wildflowers.

It is a time of surprising vistas, as the branches are not blocked by leaves or snow. You really get the feel of the mountains, even in the woods.

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The charming Boreas River Trail is a four-season hike, being flat and with lovely scenery, but in spring the river is lively with snowmelt and really shows off.

Since the spring weather is just right to keep us cool even if we are working up an appetite, consider a full day exploring the 15 miles of trails in the Hoffman Notch Wilderness area. Hoffman Notch Trail is a north/south run of 7.4 miles from end to end.

Big Pond Trail extends 5.7 miles from the trailhead to the Hoffman Notch Trail approximately 1.2 miles north of the Hoffman Notch Trailhead South. There is no bridge over East Branch Trout Brook, and there will be unbridged stream crossings throughout.

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Mount Severance has wonderful views for not much of a climb. Kids (and adults) will love the tunnels that allow you to cross beneath the Northway!

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The trees are budding out, the sun is gaining strength, and the lakes and rivers are calming down into that sweet summer blue.
Come on in. It's always fine!

Start with a lovely place to stay. Indulge in our dining. Check out all of our fun happenings on the events calendar.

You don’t have to own a Hobie Cat sailboat to participate in the third annual Schroon Lake Hobie Cat Regatta.

The regatta happens every Father's Day weekend — this year it’s June 15-17. Event organizer Glen Repko said about thirty Hobie Cats will take to the water. That’s thirty brightly colored sails, all traversing Schroon Lake at twenty-five knots to the delight of spectators and sailors alike. The best part is, anyone who wants to know what being on a Hobie Cat is like can hitch a ride on one during the regatta.

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“People can just show up, and when the boats come in they can go for a ride,” Glen said. “It’s a safe sport. You can get out on the water, you can go fast on the water, and just enjoy the fresh air and the wind.”

The idea for the event came to Glen when some of his friends, who are part of Fleet 204, a Hobie Cat race organization based in central New York, mentioned they were looking for a new venue. He knew just the place.

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“Schroon Lake has good north and south winds quite a bit of the time, and there’s an open area between the town beach and Word of Life Island, where we can set up a buoy system and run the race effectively,” Glen said. “People can sit on the banks of the lake and watch the racers as they go by. We also have long sandy beaches, so the boats can be beached easily. It makes for a nice venue.”

The cool thing about the regatta is it gets entrants from well beyond the Adirondacks. This year a team from Puerto Rico will compete, and there are always people who travel from around the U.S. Many of the competitors are racing for points, which can increase their ratings as they go from one regatta to the next. Two of this year’s entrants are national champions.

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Schroon Lake Hobie Cat Regatta details

The races begin at the town beach boathouse.

Friday: Boats go in the water at the boathouse from 5-7:30 p.m.

Saturday: Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and races begin around 11 a.m.

Sunday: Registration begins at 9 a.m. and races begin around 10:30 a.m. The awards ceremony starts around 2:30 p.m.

With all of the lodging, dining, and activities around Schroon Lake, the Hobie Cat Regatta makes a great centerpiece to a weekend getaway in the Adirondacks!

Warmer days are finally here and nothing compares to an Adirondack summer. Longer days mean longer adventures, and there is a never-ending list of outdoor activities to tackle. Before every new season I like to make a few goals, a bucket list of sorts.

This summer I’ll be racing in the Black Fly Challenge, want to learn to fly fish, and have a big question mark next to the Adirondack Canoe Classic-90 miler, but more important than any race, I want to experience new regions in the Adirondacks. I currently live in Lake Placid, which means my backyard extends for 6 million acres. It might take me a lifetime to explore, so I better get started.

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First up on my haven't-visited-yet Adirondack towns is Schroon Lake. Read on the see my Schroon Lake summer bucket list!

Boating on Schroon Lake

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There is no shortage of boating options in the Schroon Lake Region, so I hear, making it number one on my list. Schroon Lake is 9 miles in length and has 23.7 miles of shoreline, so there’s plenty to cover by boat. There’s also a beach on the lake, perfect for summer lounging.

The Schroon Lake Marina has a great rental fleet of pontoons, row boats, motor boats, deck boats, canoes, kayaks, stand up paddle boards and more! If fishing is your boating motive, there are 24 fish species and 52 trout-stocked bodies of water in the Schroon Lake Region.

Camping and Hiking

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More than any other season, summers are meant to be spent outside. I would happily leave my bed behind in the summer, trading it for my hammock, tent, and sleeping bag. Falling asleep to nature's sounds, waking up to the warmth of the sun, and being fully immersed in the outdoors is what dreams are made of (and why I chose to move to the Adirondacks!).

Top on my Schroon Lake Region camping and hiking list is the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness. The 46,283-acre Pharaoh Lake Wilderness offers 70 miles of hiking foot trails and an abundance of lakes and ponds. Pharaoh Mountain stands as the wilderness’ highest point at 2,551 feet. There are also plenty of camping options with 38 designated tent sites and 14 lean-tos. It seems to be the perfect hiking choice whether I'm out for a day hike or a multi-night camping trip!

Dining

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I strongly believe dining out is a must when experiencing a new place. Beer is also high on my list and Paradox Brewery is just the place to go. I already know their beer is delicious, I just need to experience it at the brewery. Paradox opened in 2013 and has been taking off since, featuring a variety of beer styles for every craft beer connoisseur.

North Woods Bread Co. is another place I’m excited to visit. They serve rustic breads, local cheeses, and other handmade goods, all of my favorite things! No matter your dining style, there seems to be a long list of options!

Shopping

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At this point you might take me for an outdoor, tent-sleeping bum, but I’m a Long Islander at heart and I'm always ready to shop!

Schroon Lake is home to a quaint downtown area with unique shopping options. I’m dying to check out Pine Cone Mercantile — a home goods store taking a modern spin on rustic interiors. There is also Gokey’s Trading Post, Adirondack Buffalo Company, and more!

I’ve never been one to plan and I probably won’t start now. There’s no saying when my Schroon Lake Bucket List will be complete, you’ll just have to keep checking back in. I’ll follow up eventually and let you know how it goes!

 

I should also note, if you’ve made it this far, you’re probably also intrigued by Schroon Lake and just about ready to plan your adventure. Don’t put too much thought into it, just book your stay now!

Clearing the dust

Given a forecast of sunny skies and mid-50 degree temperatures, we decided to take an afternoon off last week and revisit what we recalled as being a super paddling adventure.

I looked back at my photo library, and realized that we had not paddled the Schroon River since 2010. Then I looked at my kayak, hanging in its storage rack on the side of a building, and realized that I hadn’t really paddled much last year at all, either, as was indicated by the amount of dust and pollen that had settled on the up-facing side of it.

My husband Kevin and I have matching 13-foot Necky Manitou kayaks for casual lake and river outings in the Adirondacks. They track well, and are great to take out on bigger lakes, but are maneuverable enough to navigate around rocks etc. on easy to moderate river runs.

I’m guessing that we prioritized alternate sports last year, as I only remember going paddling once or twice, and using our smaller whitewater boat for those outings. Hence the layer of dust stuck to the side of the boat.

I figured I’d let nature clean the boat as we paddled, and we prepped for departure.

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Gear up, Put in

We loaded the boats on top of Kevin’s van, and donned our spring paddling attire.

Even if the sun makes the air feel warm, the water is still quite chilly in April, so insulating gear is a necessity, even if you plan to stay dry. For me, that consists of thermal underwear under a wetsuit (including neoprene gloves and booties), with layers of fleece jackets on top. This attractive ensemble is topped off with a personal flotation device (PFD), and of course, sunscreen (SPF). We also packed a water bottle and snacks for a planned break.

This is a two-car situation. The put-in for this adventure is located where the Blue Ridge Road crosses the Schroon River in North Hudson off exit 29 on Interstate 87. Access is via the former Frontier Town parking lot. We met there, and dropped the boats under the bridge, drove to the Schroon Lake beach/boat launch area and left the van with its kayak-carrying roof rack there, and headed back toward the put-in location with my car.

We stopped on the way at what I clearly remember being the crux of the paddle when we did this in 2010; the Schroon Falls at the Route 9N bridge crossing. That time, we paddled through this whitewater - a technical little drop off that would have filled my boat with water had we not used our spray skirts. This year, we decided to carry our boats at that point, as the water is a little bit higher, the air cooler, and we wanted to remain as dry as possible. Given this, we stopped to evaluate the best place to land our boats for the carry, in advance, from a land perspective.

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We decided that the best plan was to paddle quickly to the right under the bridge, avoiding the falls, and carry the boats to reenter the calmer water just below them.

And, since in our memories the rest of the paddle was fairly easy, we left our spray skirts in the van.

 

To Schroon Falls

I parked my car and we put on our PFDs, grabbed our paddles, food and water and launched our boats at about 1:30 p.m.

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The first section of this paddle, from exit 29 to Schroon Falls is about 4.75 miles on the water. This time of year, the current is fairly swift, and we paddled at a leisurely pace, enjoying the gorgeous tree-lined waterway’s scenery.

The water was so CLEAR. A couple of times, we could see schools of huge fish. At first we thought they were trout, but concluded that they might be carp.

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Not long after we left, though, we could hear the distinct sound of rushing water ahead. We were about to learn a lesson in planning and depending entirely on 6-year-old impressions.

According to a map I consulted AFTER we got home, what we heard was Linsey Falls.

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Class II

Class II.- Moderate. Medium-quick water; rapids with regular waves; clear and open passages between rocks and ledges. Maneuvering required. Best handled by intermediates who can maneuver canoes and read water.

Though the sound was at first a bit daunting, Kevin paddled ahead and I followed the line he chose. There were certainly some quick moves required to avoid rocks and to steer straight, and there was definitely one dip that dumped a few gallons of river into my boat.

So much for staying dry. (But we were wearing the wetsuits, so I remained comfortable on this bluebird sky day.)

I wasn’t able to both frantically paddle AND take pictures while in the Falls themselves, so we decided to paddle backwards toward that section and I took a picture of Kevin “eddying out” behind a rock.

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Dam, Kevin

We had a bit of a break from pay-careful-attention whitewater for a short bit, then heard the sound of rushing water again. This time, it was a dam that we remembered we could fairly easily paddle over. It is comprised of wood, and includes a sort of water-covered ramp down to the next level. I followed Kevin’s line again, near the center of the dam, and easily slid down to the water below.

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By now I was comfortable with the faster sections, and we navigated a few more of them before arriving at the Schroon Falls, where we planned to take-out and carry. And eat a snack.

I watched as Kevin headed way over to the right, and paddled fast to enter between some boulders to land on the rocks where he could pull his boat out. I copied everything he had just done, but he stepped into the water up to his knees in order to help steady my boat while I got out of it. His report: the water. is. definitely. cold.

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Running Schroon Falls way back in 2010

We then shuttled our boats past the falls to the area we’d put back in, and stopped for snacks.

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Schroon Falls to the Lake

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That first section took us about 1.5 hours. After a very short break, and after Kevin sponged all of the excess water out of our boats, we got back into the boats for what turned out to be about 9 miles of twisting, serpentine water. There were sections with camps right on the edge of the water, and we passed the Medcalf Acres Riverfront campground, which is not yet open. The current was still substantial, though slowing as we progressed toward the outflow into Schroon Lake.

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There were fallen trees all along the river, and at one point we feared we would have to carry around, but found a kayak’s-width section to squeeze through.

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As we got closer to the lake, the landscape became far more remote-feeling; wild. All along the river we encountered a variety of wildlife. Wood, mallard, and common merganser ducks, fish, kingfishers, a small weasel-like animal that dove before we could identify it, and a deer.

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May the Wind be with you

The winding river was very serpentine - in fact that 9 miles was only half that by car. Every now and then, there would be a substantial headwind, and though I didn’t consult the compass on my phone I was sure that it was a north wind, and that once we arrived at wide open Schroon Lake, we’d have to paddle against it.

When we finally arrived at the mouth of the river and onto the open lake itself, we were in for a surprise. We were treated to a miracle tailwind, which is a good thing, given my out-of-paddling-shape arms. We paddled the last bit around the first peninsula on the right to land on Schroon Lake Town Beach near the boat launch.

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Getting out of the boats, we realized that our feet, though covered in neoprene, were very cold from getting wet and sitting on the bottom of our boats - essentially “on” the cold water. It’s important to prepare for these conditions, and a wet or drysuit is definitely recommended.

This is a terrific spring paddle, and though I imagine the upper section likely gets very “bony” later in the warm season, I bet the Schroon Falls to the boat launch section is popular during summer and fall, too. We arrived at the van at around 6 p.m. - for a total of 4.5 hours of paddling.

Happy to arrive at the van and change a few layers, we put the boats up on the roof rack. And after all that, they were still dusty.

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-Kim Rielly is the director of communications for the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism.

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