Did you know there was an entire Adirondack village that was up and moved about 12 miles down the road in 1963?

The village of Tahawus (pronounced tuh-HAWS, not tah-HA-wuss!) was built in the early 1940s around a mining operation. It was the middle of World War II, and the titanium there was very valuable. MacIntyre Development built housing for 180 families and 160 single men, plus other accommodations like a school, fire department, and a YMCA with a bowling alley, movie theater, barber shop, coffee shop and other features.

A whole generation of children was raised at Tahawus, but in 1963, the company discovered that the village sat on another site rich in iron ore and titanium. So in order to mine that site, the company had to pick up the village and move it to the tiny logging town of Newcomb.

The big move

A large area of former Finch, Pruyn land in Newcomb was cleared in 1962, and utilities were installed to connect the houses to. In 1963, MacIntyre Development started moving buildings. They would jack them up, back the flatbeds of large trucks underneath, then drive them right on down the road to Newcomb. Most of the buildings were so wide that roads had to be closed in order to make room for them.

[img:img-2642.jpg]
By the end of 1963, 87 houses, two churches, one store and five apartment buildings had been moved to what was first called “The Development,” but became known as Winebrook Hills. The company had owned the homes before, but when they were moved, residents were allowed to buy their houses.

The move basically doubled the size of Newcomb. A town that once had one store now had two; where once there was one church, now there were three. Lana Fennessy, who helps run the Newcomb Historical Society, was 7 years old when the move happened, and she said it didn’t affect life in Newcomb much for her, except that all her friends that used to be farther away now lived closer.

The YMCA was almost the only thing not mining related that didn’t move - it was a large, concrete structure, so it couldn’t be lifted up and transported like the smaller houses and churches. The loss of the YMCA had a big impact on the feel of the community, because it had been such a gathering place.

The mining operation

MacIntyre Development had drawn in a number of workers from Canada and outside of the area, but there were plenty of people from around Newcomb who worked there as well. Long Laker Jim McIntyre worked at Tahawus for 37 and a half years, from 18 to 55, and he left in 1988, the year before the operation shut down.

[img:img-2652.jpg]
Jim lived in a bunkhouse at Tahawus one year, but the rest of the time, he commuted from Long Lake. He said the village there had a strong community feel - all the parents would take care of one another kids. It was like one big family.

He worked in the mill where titanium was separated from the ore, crushed and dried. The work was hard, and it wasn’t always fun. He and his colleagues were covered in iron ore soot all day, and when they came home, they might as well have worked in a coal mine, because they were covered in black from head to toe.
But it was a good place to work. The pay and benefits were good, there was plenty of work when the company was doing well, and there were doctors and nurses there when workers were ill or hurt.

“People made a living,” Jim said.

At one time, there were around 500 people working with him, but in the ’70s, the company went the way of many others of the time and automated much of their operation. Where at one time there used to be 15 people working one shift, there were three people on a shift toward the end.

He told me it’s hard to describe how big the plant was at Tahawus, especially now that there is so little there. No one who didn’t see it would ever understand the scale of it. He has been there since, and he can’t believe there are now trees and other wildlife where there was once a huge mining operation.

“It’s so hard to believe that - like where all the trees are coming up - the plant was there,” Jim said. “There’s just a lot of history there.”

Hey, look over there!

But whatever you do, do not try to go there yourself to check it out without permission. It’s dangerous! For the last two years, Paul Mitchell’s logging company from Tupper Lake has been running a separate stone crushing operation at Tahawus, and there are large trucks and machines all over the place. A worker I spoke with there told me that every time someone writes about the fact that there was a village there, they have to shoo people away for days afterward, but I know none of you will do that, right?

[img:img-2667.jpg]
There’s nothing there to see, anyway! Just a few buildings and a huge pile of stone.

[img:img-2669.jpg]

Luckily, there are some other very cool things nearby! On the road down to Tahawus (a turn off the Blue Ridge Road right before you get to the intersection with 28N in Newcomb), about a half-mile to a mile before you get to the end of the road, there’s a turn-off to the left - take it! There are a whole slew of trailheads there open for all kinds of wilderness recreation, but that’s not all.

[img:img-2690.jpg]

There’s also a super super cool old blast furnace, also used in mining iron ore. It was one of the previous iron ore mining operations before companies knew that the titanium in iron ore could be more useful than the iron itself. It was only used for three years - 1854-1857 - but much of it is still well preserved, and the Open Space Institute has installed signs all around the site to teach visitors about the furnace and how it was used.

[img:t-blog-schroon.jpg]

A little on down the road, there is also another mining town called Adirondac. Rather than being moved, this one was abandoned, and the few houses there were left to ruin. One of the buildings, though, the MacNaughton Cottage, is in the process of being preserved. It’s boarded up but recently painted, and there is an Open Space Institute sign nearby telling visitors about it and the town.

The MacNaughton Cottage isn’t just any cottage - it’s where Theodore Roosevelt was vacationing in 1901 when he found out that President William McKinley was shot, and it was from there that he began his trip to North Creek and then Buffalo to take over as president of the U.S.

[img:img-2744.jpg]

Learning more!

If you want to learn more about Tahawus and see some real artifacts from the old village, stop by the Newcomb Historical Society building next to the town hall. They have some really cool stuff there, like a set of lockers that are still covered in iron and titanium dust, bowling pins and trophies from the bowling alley at the YMCA, and a T-shirt from the YMCA.

[img:img-2775.jpg] [img:img-2801.jpg]

[img:img-2781.jpg]
They also have a display of photos depicting houses being moved from Tahawus to Winebrook, and a video recording of two different news segments on Tahawus (with a bit on Adirondac, too).

[img:tawhawus-houses.jpg]

You can also just take a drive down through Winebrook! Many of the buildings are still there, and only a handful have been built in between the ones that were moved there. You know those two churches that are one of the first things you see when you come into Newcomb? Those are the ones that were moved there, along with the store in between them, once called the Winebrook Market (now it’s W.D.’s Country Store).

[img:img-2865.jpg]
The houses as you drive down the road on Marcy Lane, Henderson Lane and Sanford Lane and throughout that neighborhood were mostly moved from Tahawus. Many still have the rough-cut wood siding that makes them identifiable as Tahawus houses, though some have updated their siding.

[img:img-2832.jpg]
Lana told me that Winebrook Circle used to be referred to by locals as “Snob Circle,” because all the bigwigs lived there and had nicer houses than the rest.

If you’re interested in learning more about what it was like to live at Tahawus, Leonard Gereau recently released a great book about it called “Tahawus Memories 1941-1963: The story of a unique Adirondack hometown.” The book is for sale at many sites around Long Lake and Newcomb.

North Hudson has a lovely bunch of pond hikes, and a particular set of three worth investigating. They are all close together and good for any skill level. They also let hikers choose how long they want to hike, and how much water they will find at the end. All three are located on Ensign Pond Road, along a 2.5 mile stretch. There's parking at the trailheads.

Short and sweet

The Gero Pond Trail is 0.3 mile from where Caza Turn Road connects with Ensign Pond Road. Look to the right to find the historic cemetery, and find the parking area a little further down the road. Walk back to the fence, and pass the cemetery on your right. The trail is through the trees just beyond the cemetery.

[img:geropond-1733.jpg]

It is a short and easy hike until the very end, when the terrain drops sharply at about 3 feet. This is where a trekking pole or walking stick really helps. If all else fails, sitting down and sliding on the fallen leaves will work. There's a quarried stone dam here, turning Black Brook into Gero Pond.

[img:geropond-1691.jpg]

There's a waterfall effect over the dam that makes some peaceful zen water sounds. I would stay off the dam itself with its slippery rocks, but the nearby shore has a few openings for different vantage points.

Peering downstream will offer views of Black Brook, and looking upstream gives some lovely views of the pond.

[img:geropond-1706.jpg]

Gero Pond runs alongside Ensign Pond Road for almost its entire length, but this hiking path is the only way to actually see the pond, as the shoreline is heavily wooded.

Easy gem

The hike to Challis Pond is 2.3 miles from the Caza Turn intersection. It was named after an early settler named Timothy Challis, but the trail sign reads "Chalis Pond." But, you know how difficult it is to use auto-correct on those wooden signs.

This trail is a great example of why I like late fall and early spring hiking. With so many trees still leafless at this time of year, we get the lovely "cathedral of trees" effect at various points throughout the trail.

[img:chalispond-1799.jpg]

Usually, this much sunlight seen in the above and blow pictures means the light is glimpsing through the trees, from meadows surrounding the trail. On the Challis Pond trail, there are many sections where leafless trees let in shafts of light, highlighting the late season golds and other shades of yellow.

 

The trail starts climbing early on, for an overall elevation gain of 227 feet by the time you have reached the pond, but it's all gradual and not demanding. The trail twists through many interesting boulder formations and variations in forest density.

[img:chalispond-1796.jpg]

Another feature of the late fall hike is the magic carpet of fallen leaves. This is where the color goes. The trail starts to flatten out, and then Challis Pond appears in a dramatic reveal.

[img:chalispond-1788.jpg]

This is a beautifully rounded pond that will make you wish you brought an inflatable or ultra-light kayak to allow for further exploration. Maybe next time.

Even without that extra thrill, there are some wonderful shoreline views from the trail's end. If you're comfortable following a faint trail, there is one circling the shoreline. Unlike going off trail in a forest, which should not be attempted without bushwhacking experience, the pond provides a clear marker that will bring you back to the beginning.

Part of a network

The Hammond Pond trailhead is 2.9 miles from from the Caza Turn intersection. This has a large parking lot since it is also the trailhead to a whole network of water destinations. Hammond Pond, Berrymill Flow, Bass Lake, and Moose Mountain Pond are all accessible from here.

This is a scenic trail for its entire distance. Early on you will cross a bridge over Black Brook, which chuckles along over many large rocks.

[img:hammondpond-1806.jpg]

Soon the trail starts to follow a ridge along the brook, with many more scenic opportunities behind it, like scenes of meadows and distant mountains.

This contrast between the deep forest on one side, and the downslope brook and meadows on the other, makes for a lot of variety.

[img:hammondpond-1846.jpg]

The trail follows the brook all the way to the dam that created Hammond Pond. And what a glorious sight it is. You can climb onto a bunch of giant rocks and see much of the shoreline from this vantage point.

[img:hammondpond-1866.jpg]

Off to the right is another bunch of giant rocks covered in interesting mosses. You can walk out onto the wooden platform over the dam for even more vantage points.

This is a great place to sit down and just let it all soak in.

[img:hammondpond-1867.jpg]
Read the blog post, Spotting Wildlife: Moose Mt. Pond for more about this amazing trail network. As a bonus, Challis and Hammond ponds are also trout ponds (no bait fish allowed) and popular for their mountain biking trails.

Find the right lodging. Enjoy more dining. Find similar hikes with the blog post, Kid Hikes Near Water.

If you love scenic biking loops through cute little towns, past mighty rivers, and into deep forest, Teddy's Trail is an 80 mile bike loop you must try.
Fall's crisp temperatures and colorful foliage add enjoyment to this loop.

[img:schbiking.jpg]
This is a fine ride in any biking season. It offers low traffic, wide shoulders, plenty of places to take a break, roadside amenities, and stunning nature scenes with plenty of water.
The name commemorates the September, 1901 journey taken by Vice President Theodore Roosevelt. He was hiking on Mount Marcy when he was notified that the health of President McKinley, who had been shot two weeks earlier but was expected to survive, had suddenly taken a turn for the worse. Roosevelt made his way back in the middle of the night and used horse transportation to catch the train at North Creek, where he learned that McKinley had died.

[img:ttlwildasters.jpg]
Be on the lookout for wild asters this time of year. These were shot in Newcomb; the Hudson River can be seen beyond it.

Get the spirit

Just like Teddy Roosevelt, you should start in Newcomb. At the time of the worldshaking news, Roosevelt was visiting friends there. This president was well-known for his love of the great outdoors, and he would go on to establish the National Forest Service in 1905. He is considered an important Founding Father of the conservation and environmental movement.
In an amazing coincidence, I stopped by the lovely Hoot Owl Lodge and chatted with two ladies on a family getaway. They were happy to share what a wonderful time they were having at this B&B (seen below in the kitchen.) They are the great-great grandchildren of a man Teddy Roosevelt was visiting with at the time of his famous ride.

[img:ttlsistersgetaway.jpg]
These ladies love Newcomb!
Another great reason to start in Newcomb is the road heading south. It gives you a fairly flat start that climbs as it nears Minerva, then drops in a steep downhill section through the Vanderwhacker Mountain Wild Forest. Almost 19 miles later you arrive at Mammy & Pop's General Store, which has a deli for sandwiches or hot food, treats, and cold beverages for a picnic down the road.

[img:ttlboreasriverview.jpg]
You will cross the Boreas River. This stretch has some wonderful, short hikes just off the road, as well as roadside scenery. Another 8 miles brings us to the town of North Creek.

Mighty Hudson River

The bridge over the Hudson River as we enter North Creek offers some spectacular views and photographic opportunities.

[img:tllmightyhudsonncreek.jpg]
Reaching this section gives you a gradual climb of 504 feet. North Creek has a walkable downtown full of interesting shops and dining spots, making it a great place to explore and have lunch.
If it is a fall weekend, Gore Mountain Ski Resort will be running their scenic gondola ride. This is only a 3.1 mile side trip past some towering granite cliffs.

[img:ttlgoresidetrip.jpg]
It makes for a lovely change of pace. There's dining at the different resort venues, too.

Upon leaving the area, you will be heading north, toward Indian Lake.

Moose country

Indian Lake is the home of a wonderful fall event, The Great Adirondack Moose Festival. Yes, it includes a moose calling contest. They might even answer!
This 17.4 mile North Creek to Indian Lake segment starts out flat, but soon becomes a steep climb of 1,253 feet.

[img:ttlhudsonriverside.jpg]
This part of the route runs along the Hudson River, with constantly changing views of the mountains, boulders, and forest. These are the same views which enchanted painters and philosophers, who flocked here in the early years of Adirondack development.

[img:ttlredrafthudson.jpg]

Hudson River rafting is a three-season activity. Here, we see some rafters enjoying lots of turning fall foliage.

The 21.8 miles between Indian Lake and Long Lake Is the longest stretch between towns, with the most variation in terrain. You will gain 1,060 feet and lose 951 feet, but it is a series of climbs, a steep drop, a long flat stretch, and then another set of climbs and drops. The last 3 miles is mostly flat, following the shoreline of Long Lake.
Long Lake has services roadside, too, with dining and shopping right around the three-way stop. The Long Lake to Newcomb section has a series of climbs and dips, with an elevation of 489 feet, but the last section is a long and delightful coast into town.

[img:ttlbigbrook.jpg]
On the way back to Newcomb you will cross Big Brook, which has wonderful wetlands and shorelines for photography.
It makes for a long and lovely day, or a leisurely tour with more stops. The speed doesn't matter when you ride this wonderful loop. It's gorgeous at any speed.

Wherever you may roam, you need a place to stay. Explore more of the dining. Remember, all of our bike routes make wonderful scenic drives, too.

Exploring a New Place

I’ve wanted to hike into the recently acquired Boreas Ponds Tract since the state bought it over a year ago, and the other day my friend and I were able to explore the area for the first time. We first checked out the access points off Ragged Mountain and Sand Pond Roads, but our plan all along was to walk in along Gulf Brook Road, which allows the easiest entry into the site. Be aware that if you go, parking along Gulf Brook Rd. to Boreas Ponds is allowed in designated parking spots at parking areas only. Parking along the roadway is prohibited. If the Four Corners Parking Area is full, users must back track to the next available parking area.

[img:blackandwhite-warbler.jpg]

We drove better than 3 miles along the dirt road, spotting a few Wild Turkeys and stopping for a couple of mixed flocks of birds, which included species like Least Flycatcher, Red-eyed Vireo, Blue-headed Vireo, and Yellow-rumped and Black-and-white warblers. But the day was windy and cool after a fall cold front had pushed through the region, and many of the birds seemed to stay hunkered down as a result – or else they had raced south on strong north winds.

A Nice Hike

The weather made for a comfortable hiking day, and we reached the farthest parking area along the road, loaded up, and began the 3.5 mile hike into the Boreas Ponds themselves, marked by a dam. Wren led the way with her nose on the ground, and we chatted as we listened for birds in the windy forest. More interesting than the birds was a set of moose tracks that followed the road for probably close to a mile – many animals use roads as an easy route through the forest. After all, the road made for easy walking for us, too, and we made quick time of our efforts.

[img:moose-tracksround-pond-rd.jpg]

Amazing Views

As a result, we soon arrived at the bridge at about 2.5 miles into the hike. It offers canoe access to LaBier Flow and it's the first place paddlers can put-in in the complex. We paused and sat on the rocks, taking in the views of Wolf Pond Mountain and Boreas Mountain. Wren took a dip in the water and chewed a few sticks.

[img:labier-flow-overlook.jpg]

From LaBier Flow, the habitat became more coniferous and boreal in nature, meaning that earlier in the summer the air would have been filled with the songs of species like Magnolia and Nashville Warblers, among many others. We contented ourselves with a few Red-breasted Nuthatches and White-throated Sparrows, spying an adult Bald Eagle soaring in the sunlight in the distance.

The junction just past the flow allows hikers to go a few different directions in the complex, but we kept heading toward the dam to see the Boreas Ponds themselves. That mile went quickly, and we were soon in awe of the view of the High Peaks to the north. By this point we were quite hungry and we took lunch on the rocks overlooking the water, admiring the view while a stiff breeze zipped across the water to our faces. Adding a touch of ambience, a Belted Kingfisher perched along the side of the pond, and a Common Loon fished in the dark, wavy waters. Not one to be dissuaded by rolling water, Wren did her characteristic swim, exploration, and stick chewing before getting a few snacks from our lunch and suddenly just curling up to sleep on the rocks. From where I was sitting, her position looked uncomfortable, but the rocks were warm in the sun and she had been active during the previous days – clearly she was tired.

[img:boreas-pondshigh-peaks.jpg]

While we were eating, we met a few folks looking over the site as they considered management questions for the enormous tract. We chatted with them, gaining a better understanding of the area and how the land might be managed going forward. Our scenic – and educational – lunch over, we continued further along the road beyond the dam, perhaps exploring another mile before we decided to turn around.

The hike out was much like the way in – with stops at the overlooks of the Boreas Ponds and LaBier Flow, where we spotted two Hooded Mergansers and watched them fish and poke their way along the edge of the water in search of food. A third merganser flew overhead as we stood there, and we saw two Red Crossbills as well – I was hoping we’d find some during our hike. Another Belted Kingfisher chattered as it flew along the edge of the water.

[img:labier-flow-overlook2.jpg]

As nice as the hike was, we were happy to finish the walk and to get back to the car, where we snacked as we drove the dirt road back out to Blue Ridge Road. We would look for a place to stop for dinner on the way home.

Fall is a great time in the Adirondacks for birding, hiking, and outdoor adventure. Don’t miss your chance to explore the region, and check out our lodging and dining pages to learn more!

North Hudson is the smallest of the four villages that comprise the Schroon Lake area of the Adirondacks. They have wonderful hiking paths, including a town system that is a wonderful forest exploration.

While it has traditionally been a quiet village, the cycle is turning. They are currently poised for renewal.

Out of the past

Once upon a time, there was Frontier Town. Before Disneyworld, before Disneyland, children from all over New York and New England would dream of visiting Frontier Town. For almost four decades, North Hudsonites would meet their future mates while working there, playing the gunslingers, saloon denizens, villains, stagecoach drivers, and other legendary wild west characters. They built the stagecoaches, made the costumes, churned the butter, cared for the many horses, and engraved children's names on sheriff's badges.

[img:dnhfrontiertownsign.jpg]
Frontier Town today. (photo courtesy adirondacknorthway.com)

Frontier Town was destroyed by cheaper mass transportation, which let larger attractions and distant continents become available as vacation destinations, and it closed in 1998. Now, it will be the site of a revived "Gateway to the Adirondacks." Redevelopment plans are in progress to create a visitor center, an event center, and interactive exhibits.

There will be a new DEC campground and day use area along the Schroon River, including an equestrian camping and trail riding area. There will be visitor accommodations and facilities for hosting shows and festivals. The exhibit space will be about the past, present, and future of the area, from its pioneer logging and mining industry to its present leadership in the conservation and renewal ethos of the Adirondacks.

[img:dnhfieldredtree.jpg]
Taken from the roadside during early fall in North Hudson.

One thing has never changed. North Hudson is a gorgeous place. It combines beauty with many easy trails to please all ages and skill levels.

Scenic hiking

Some of my favorite hiking places are in North Hudson. The Sharp Bridge NYS Campground is the site of many hiking trails, including a real gem, the East Mill Flow and related trails.

This easy path is mostly elevated above Schroon Brook, but there are sections where it descends to the shore and you can step down to water level and get a different perspective.

[img:dnheastmillflowtrail.jpg]
This is a fun trail that is not at all challenging. It's a photography favorite, too. There's lots of tumbled boulders, silvery gray piles of blown down trees, and many beautiful wildflowers.

[img:dnheastmillflow-redflower.jpg]
Another fine hike with water features is Blue Ridge Falls, with easy paths and spectacular views. Just further down Blue Ridge Road is the Cheney Pond trail, which is the remains of an old access road and another fine hike to water. Enjoy three ponds in a row with Courtney Pond, Shingletree Pond, and Holiday Pond.

North Hudson hiking trails tend to be short, flat, and scenic, compared to the much more demanding wilderness treks that get all the attention. This area has more gentle terrain, with lots of water in streams and ponds.

Personally, I love semi-level forest trails with lots of interesting shoreline, which explains my fondness for North Hudson trails. This ease of use is a prominent feature of the town of North Hudson's multiple use trail system for hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.

[img:dnhtowntrailwide.jpg]
Whatever your hiking choices, North Hudson is a place that encourages us to take our time. Stroll along and absorb the peace of the forest. See and hear the slow approach of a pond through the trees.

The buffalo herd

Fall is a fine time to visit the Adirondack Buffalo Company. Their location in North Hudson is along the very scenic Blue Ridge Road, and their viewing platform is a spectacular place to see the colorful mountains and the pastures of the buffalo. Yes, they are real buffalo.

But then, anytime is a fine time for me to come here. They have a big shop, too, full of crafts and goodies.

[img:dnhbuffalogroup.jpg]
The buffalo are not wild, but they fit in fine with the terrain and essentially take care of themselves.

The shop has a lot of Adirondack crafts, and also many with Native American themes. I have two of their nature-themed throw pillows, and must control myself from picking up a new one each time I visit. There's a good selection of children's and adult's layering items, from woven tunics to Adriondack Buffalo Company sweatshirts, T-shirts, and hoodies.

Yes, I have a sweatshirt. I confess I am a fan. There's a whole food section full of their own condiments, salsa, pickles, and baked goods. There are also snacks, beverages, candy...so many fine road cravings can be fulfilled here.

[img:dnhadkbuffalopie.jpg]

Their pie is a must. You'll thank me later.

Learn more about the Adirondack Buffalo Company with the blog, Where the buffalo roam.
North Hudson is a wonderful day trip that is mere minutes from the lodging and dining in the area. Yet, it can seem like a whole little world of its own.

Choose your place to stay. Pick a dining spot. We have lots of hiking.

---

This week in related ADK news:

Tires on the trail

Something corny

Feeling lucky?

In search of color

From leaves to Halloween

Summer is still happening, and so are events at the Boathouse Theatre.

This delightful venue is right on the shores of Schroon Lake. It was once the actual boathouse for Bogle's Hotel, built in 1874. Stub Bogle (I was unable to discover if this was a given name or a nickname, and if so — why?) also operated a business which repaired and rented boats. The boathouse served hotel patrons and the passengers from the New York City steamboats, who were arriving in Schroon Lake.

Today, the building — beautifully maintained indoors and out, is used by the Schroon Lake Arts Council for plays, concerts, and workshops. It's part of a lovely downtown recreational area, which includes the bandstand, town beach, and much-photographed gazebo.

No one could ask for a lovelier spot than this lively stretch of lakefront.

[img:btstbeachsummer.jpg]

Monday night acoustic jams

Every Monday evening, all through October, come for the acoustic jams from 7 to 10 p.m. Musicians are welcome to bring their unamplified acoustic instrument. Join the local amateur musicians — everyone takes turns playing their favorite tunes.

[img:btstboathouseext.jpg]

Audience members are welcome to attend with free admission and enjoy a delightful jam that's never the same twice. Stewart's, a local favorite source of coffee and ice cream, is just up the block, easy walking distance.

So pick up some treats and enjoy the music.

[img:btstopenmike.jpg]

America's hometown sound

On August 22, 2017, at 7:30 p.m., the Boathouse will welcome Runaway Home. This Panoramic-Americana band hails from Nashville, TN. They describe their sound as hailing from diverse musical backgrounds: "whiskey-smooth and harmonically strong, with a plaintive and rootsy edge."

This is a band that loves traveling, with their name celebrating the open spaces just outside the windshield. They seek out small venues and welcoming communities.
With guitar, mandolin, and fiddle, they combine soaring harmonies with the help of Mark Elliott's voice, who trained as an opera singer. Gary Culley is equally known for his fine guitar playing and original songwriting.

[img:btstrunawayhomeconcert.jpg]

Since 2011 the band's goal has been to create music to make people smile, with self-declared sincerity, and "a sort of child-like glee." The core duo has recruited many different fellow musicians to explore possibilities and then blend them together.

Together they have crafted a unique sound which won them the coveted Kerrville New Folk Award, among others.

[img:btstrunawayhomeposter2017.jpg]

Marcia Campbell of Nashville’s WSM Radio: “Runaway Home delivers a gem with their timeless collection of music that takes you to another place. Great songs, strong vocals, and sweet harmonies!”

Well-traveled folk singer

Dan Berggren calls himself a "tradition-based songsmith" who calls the Adirondacks his birthplace and home. But he has carried his sounds all over the world, a sentiment which is reflected in his latest CD, "This Planet We Call Home."

He will be presenting this release at a special show on Tuesday, August 29, 2017, at 7:30 p.m.

[img:btstdanberggrencdcover.jpg]

Dan Berggren was raised in the Adirondacks, growing up on the land farmed by his mother's family for generations. He worked in the woods with forest ranger and survey crews. Now an award-winning musician and educator, he has taken the stories and songs he heard from local friends and neighbors and used them to cross many borders.
His style captures that spirit of the Adirondack Mountains.

[img:btstdanberggrencdinside.jpg]

Through the years, Dan has ranged far from New York state with his music; his tunes have taken him from Vermont to Kentucky to Texas, and also the British Isles, Eastern Europe and Central Africa. He has performed with orchestras in Fredonia, Ithaca, and Syracuse in New York, and in West Virginia and Indiana, performing his songs with symphonic arrangements.

[img:btstdanb.jpg]

Dan's original music has been featured nationally on public radio and television, earning praise from near and far. Bill McKibben, American environmentalist, author, and journalist, says: "Dan is a throwback to the old role of the folk singer...he's articulating things that need to be said right now."

Set the music free

Folk lovers can also enjoy an Adirondack Folk Music Festival on a Sunday afternoon each August. Free open attendance in the town park — bring your chairs and enjoy.

[img:btstoutdoorconcert.jpg]
Every year there's usually a free children's show, too.
This Boathouse Theater is kid friendly, non-smoking, and all access.

[img:btstkidsshows.jpg]

Buy 2017 show tickets online — advance tickets may be purchased up to 7 a.m. on the day of the show, with tickets available at the door starting at 7 p.m.

Have fun this summer! The Schroon Lake Arts Council wants to be a part of that goal. Their mission is to cultivate, promote, foster, sponsor, and develop the understanding, taste, and love of the musical and visual arts in their community. They declare: "We are constantly striving to meet this goal and we welcome your participation and your ideas."

The Schroon Lake area has a wonderful romantic history. Fall is a glorious time for a couple's getaway, with beautiful scenery, delightful places for cozy dinners, and lots of fireplaces to hold hands by.

[img:flsdancescaroonmanor.jpg]
The famous Scaroon Manor Resort saw lots and lots of summer romances, many of which became all-year-round romances.

A couple's getaway in the Schroon Lake region offers a wonderful world for two, whether it's a quiet hike in glorious nature or a bounteous harvest festival.
Fall in love, or fall further in love. Make some heartwarming memories, or even some wonderful decisions.

Lovely lodging

Bed and breakfasts have a well deserved romantic reputation. We have many lovely bed and breakfasts, which can offer a charming room, a hearty breakfast, and just enough spoiling from your hosts.
If you like the ambiance of an old world home and decorations with a homey touch, there are many fine choices.

[img:flsslbbporch.jpg]
Schroon Lake Bed & Breakfast has a porch that matches the rest of this lovely old home.
Many of the area's B&Bs have on-premises gardens, a choice of fireplaces, a big porch, and a Great Room, all for relaxing romantic solitude.

[img:flssilverspruceroom.jpg]
This magical room is at the Silver Spruce Inn B&B.
Modern amenities and old-fashioned warmth are the magic combination offered by these wonderful old homes. Many of them have an interesting backstory or historic influence.
Your hosts are also knowledgeable about where to go and what to do, so you can have a wonderful time. After all, they live here and have a wonderful time here.
Find out more about our special B&Bs with start the day right.

Awesome activities

Bring that harvest-time appetite to some of our wonderful dining spots. From downhome diners with homecooked specialties to gourmet pubs, all the way to fine dining. We have a table for two that will make for a memorable evening waiting for you.

[img:flssticksstonesdrink.jpg]
A welcoming place, a tasty meal, and an enjoyable beverage adds up to favorite delights of cooler weather.
The great thing about a couple's weekend is that no one has to do all that much unless the mood strikes otherwise. This is about spending time together without the stress or pressure of having any particular goal. This is a place with no errands, no chores, no have-tos. Along with the glory of fall foliage, there is the glory of suspending your tasks.
Explore the towns hand in hand. Schroon Lake has a lovely lakefront park and beach as part of their downtown complex of restaurants and shops.

[img:flsgazebofalltree.jpg]
It is not known how many couples have kissed in the gazebo overlooking the lake, but there are many.
The seclusion, cuteness, and slow pace of fall makes for a great couple's getaway. You can shrink the world as small as you want, and then expand it again. Find out more about romance in Schroon Lake with the blog, The night we met in Schroon.

Passion for places

Choose what suits your style. There is easy and extensive hiking at the Adirondack Interpretive Center at Newcomb. Bridges, water views, and scenic outposts add interest and opportunity to quiet strolls in the woods.
There's also a lovely natural history museum, a Great Room to view the birds from, and interesting displays. Periodic classes are held there that can be a fun thing to do together, from nature walks to craft projects.

[img:flsnatbridgecaves.jpg]
The Natural Stone Bridge & Caves complex also has gorgeous hiking trails, giving glorious views of the caves and the nearby cliffs and forest. Walk on a multi-colored carpet and enjoy the roaring of the river, which has shaped this unusual piece of nature. This goes along with the amazing caves themselves, and a spectacular geological rock and crystal shop. Buy your sweetie a rock! That's so romantic.

[img:flsgoreharvest.jpg]
The Harvestfest at Gore Mountain spans the weekend of October 7 and 8 in 2017.
It is a glorious time of year for scenic gondola rides, live music, vendor tents with food and crafts, and adventure activities. This is what the Harvestfest offers, along with the glorious mountains and unique ways of enjoying the foliage. The ski lifts are slowed down and repurposed for a slow trip with incredible views.

[img:flsbrighthudson.jpg]
Come enjoy our forest, mountains, rivers, and brooks. You can also enjoy our lodging, which is the best combination of historic charm and modern amenities. Shop and dine with simplicity or luxury. It's all your choice.
The glorious season of fall is waiting for you! Explore all the lodging. Dream about our dining. And you can decide to have your wedding here!

Setting up Camp

My friend and I were doing some exploring east of Long Lake, having made quick stops in places like the canoe access for Fishing Brook (between Long Lake and Newcomb), and finding Red Crossbills along the way – our first of several for the trip. We decided to set up camp in Vanderwhacker Wild Forest off Moose Pond Way, the road which takes hikers to the trailhead for Vanderwhacker Mountain.

Paddling Cheney Pond

Our tents up and with an evening of light still left in the day, we bumped back down the rocky and rough road and drove a short distance to check out Cheney Pond, a place where I’ve birded but never paddled in the past. We snacked on the way as part of our dinner – it is all too easy when adventuring to push meals off until late!

[img:cheney-pondpaddling.jpg]

Cheney is a picturesque little pond located off of Blue Ridge Road before the road descends to the Northway, and we quickly unloaded in the soft blue light of late day to maximize our time on it. A few Cedar Waxwings fed from the tops of the trees along the edge of the water, and a pair of Common Loons sat out in the middle of the pond, their shapes mirrored by the glassy surface. We began our loop of the pond’s jagged outline, chasing a Belted Kingfisher ahead of us, which chattered as it flew low over the water from perch to perch.

The local beaver was less easily intimidated by our quiet paddling and it slid alongside us, slapping its tail in disapproval of our audacity to trespass on its lake. Beavers are always good for such shenanigans, and I chuckled while Wren jerked her head up in alarm with each slap – it’s a consistent part of our evening paddles.

[img:beaverlarry.jpg]

Portions of the pond’s boundary are characterized by boggy and marshy habitat, and we poked around to see what else we could find, chasing up a Great Blue Heron and pausing to admire the tufts of cotton grass which accented the green vegetation. In this way we eventually wound our way to the backside of the pond where a small, snaking stream connects it with the Boreas River, as the river runs along the border of the Hoffman Notch Wilderness Area. From there, paddlers can travel a couple more miles along Lester Flow.

[img:cheney-pondoutlet.jpg]

We didn’t have enough daylight for such a venture, and the tiny waterway is blocked by a muddy beaver dam, so we chose not to carry past the dam the short distance to put-in on the Boreas. But the brushy habitat of alders along the waterway held a group of chattering birds – White-throated, Song, and Swamp sparrows, Common Yellowthroats, and a Least Flycatcher or two – who, like the beaver, thought we didn’t belong there at that point in the evening — chipping loudly at our approach. We turned around to paddle the waterway back to Cheney, and then continued to loop the rest of the pond’s outline, spotting a few bats scooping up insects over our heads.

A Beautiful Night and Morning in Camp

Once back and loaded at the car, we drove the darkening road back to our camp, where we enjoyed a late dinner and a star-filled sky before heading to bed. A brief rain storm ushered in the following morning and I had to wake long enough to zip up the door to my tent to keep the spray off me and Wren. But the rain was short-lived, and as dawn approached I heard the nocturnal flight calls of a few migrants overhead as I debated if I wanted to rouse my tired body.

[img:blackbacked-woodpeckerfemale.jpg]

Eventually I was up, and we puttered bleary-eyed around camp listening to still more flight calls – these were the daytime calls of Red Crossbills overhead. Thanks to an excellent crop of cones on our conifers across the Adirondacks, crossbills have been in many places in the region this summer. I heard them a few more times during the morning and we later heard White-winged Crossbills as well.

Looking to spot the crossbills, I watched clouds racing each other across the sky, revealing patches of blue as the front pushed through the area. Even with the wind in the trees we could hear Black-capped Chickadees, Golden-crowned Kinglets, and Red-breasted Nuthatches calling from the forest surrounding our camp, and I "spished" to see if there were vireos or warblers mixed in with them. A short time later, a Black-backed Woodpecker called from the nearby conifers. The constant distraction meant that breakfast and packing up wet tents may have taken longer than it would have otherwise, but we were outside to explore and there is little to complain about being able to explore directly in camp. But in the end we were fed and packed, and we headed out to continue our exploration of the beautiful fall-like day.

Late summer and fall offer great opportunities for outdoor adventure. Plan your trip today by checking out our lodging and dining pages.

Fans of fall foliage, (and yes, I am one) can fall into well-worn paths of enjoyment. Sometimes it is a great advantage to shake up the usual and take the road, or hike, or paddle...less traveled.

One of the appeals of the Schroon Lake region is how very much fall we have, and in beautiful settings, too.

This can be just a bit overwhelming. Here's some concepts which can help you get your arms around it. And take it home.

Photo finish

Of course there will be photos. That's part of the point.

But when you behold a gorgeous vista and try to take a picture of it, there's often disappointment. Your eyes, your brain, and your camera all have their quirks, and are all working against each other.

Don't let this sabotage your photo. Wide angles brings the foreground closer and shrinks the distant objects. Sometimes, that might be what we want.

[img:htfvistalake.jpg]
To a certain extent, it doesn't matter what kind of camera you are using, either. Phone cameras can be excellent tools for landscape photography, if you understand their capabilities and limitations. They are set at a wide angle, which is fine for taking pictures of groups of people. When it comes to landscapes, it gets trickier.

A helpful tip is to remember that with such lenses, there is a bigger than real-life difference in distance. Objects that are close will seem larger than they are, while even just a bit further away, those objects become smaller than they are.

This explains how we take a beautiful roadside picture, and wind up with mostly road.

[img:htftiltwalkpic-collage.jpg]
It can be as simple as tilting the camera (for more sky) and walking closer (pick a vantage point to exclude more of the foreground) to make a big difference. Don't be afraid to zoom in a tad to get more of what you want. A lot of zoom on a camera phone gives the "watercolor effect" and will blur, but a little bit can help a lot with your framing.

Rent a boat or walk our waterfront for some easy vistas right in Schroon Lake.

Vary our perspective

Time of day can also be used to your advantage. Early in the morning, the contrast between warmer earth and water and the colder night temperatures creates some lovely mists rolling over the water or softening distant mountains.

[img:htfbigaerial.jpg]
Later, the humidity leaves the air for some crystalline long distance views.

Even rainy days have some compensations. It's a chance to make one perfect, and shiny, tree stand out from the background after the active water has stopped falling.

Cloudless blue skies are a wonderful contrast to the reds and golds of foliage, but overcast skies have more evenly-cast light that is less intense. This makes the fall colors pop with more natural saturation.

Choosing late afternoon and evening will mean light, which will warm the foliage colors. Position yourself so evening shadows fall in the deep evergreen sections of the forest, and let the brighter trees stand out all the more.

[img:htftamaracks-collage.jpg]
Another option to play with is using an editing app on your phone or tablet. This can duplicate some of the tricks of professional photographers, such as different filters and exposure duration. As seen above, the picture on the lower right was taken with existing light and not adjusted. The other photos had their contrast, highlights and shadows, or exposure tweaked for different results.

You can also use such an app to crop out some of that troublesome foreground so it does not dominate the picture.

Choose from our biking and driving routes.

Choose a focus

How and where you explore colorful nature is another tactic to make your foliage photos more interesting. Fall is a great time for hiking, and it's the best way to stop and find just the right angle.

[img:htfbirdnestredleaves.jpg]
If we are moving in close, choose an interesting foreground object that will not compete with the colors or overly dominate the picture. This delicately woven bird's nest lets the leaves fill the picture while also giving a viewer's eyes a place to "rest."

Give your pictures depth by showing objects on different planes of view. If we are shooting across water, pick an object in the foreground to give a sense of three dimensions that a flat photograph might need to offer a fuller picture.

[img:htfredleavesdarkwater.jpg]
Likewise, in the picture above, the distant trees seem brighter when underscored by the intense color of the shrub in front of the water. The dark water behind it makes the bright color even more intense.

The beauty of our autumn foliage is in its complexity. We have the full range of species, a broad spectrum of color, many ways to access it, and acres and acres to offer. It's fall. Enjoy the intensity.

Pick a scenic hiking path.

Chose a cozy place to stay. Make that appetite happy with our dining. Keep up with the advancement of color by bookmarking our Foliage Report.

An amazing sculptor once called Newcomb both her home and her inspiration.

Anna (Vaughn) Hyatt Huntington was known, both then and now, as an artist whose specialty was animal and garden figures.

Immersed in nature

Anna arrived in New York City in 1902, having established herself in the Boston area with small animal sculptures. She soon established herself as an artistic force to be reckoned with, gaining international attention with her 1915 Joan of Arc monument, showing Joan astride a horse, standing in the stirrups. This was New York City’s first monument dedicated to a historical woman.

[img:ahhpaintingallen.jpg]

She met railroad magnate Archer Huntington at a Beaux Arts ball sometime after the above portrait was painted. She attended dressed in costume as Joan of Arc. They married in 1923 on what was both their birthdays, March 10. Archer had been married, and divorced, before, but this match was to prove a close and loving union. Anna stated: "My greatest good fortune comes in having a husband whose encouragement and guidance is in absolute sympathy and gives me a freedom to work that is the lot of very few artists."

Archer bought the camp on Arbutus Pond in 1899, but the property continued to be developed by famous Adirondack architect William West Durant. This was then split into Huntington and Arbutus Lodges, which became their summer retreat.

[img:ahhwindowview.jpg]

Archer liked to fish and Anna found it a perfect place for her to prepare field studies of the natural forms she used in her art. The forms of living creatures, be they animal, vegetable, or human, was a lifelong interest of Anna's.

[img:ahhdaisiesarbutuspond.jpg]

The shores of Arbutus Pond, just behind Huntington Lodge, show off the natural beauty of the area. Here Anna had a studio where deer, goats, and donkeys wandered in and out. They were used as models.

Art and philanthropy

Archer Huntington had been adopted by Collis Huntington, a founder of the Southern Pacific railway, when his mother married. As the only heir, he received a massive fortune, which he was to invest in artistic ventures, grants for parks and gardens, and, as he put it, "Wherever I planted my foot, a museum grew up." This was to total 15 museums by the time of his death in 1955.

Both Archer and Anna were passionately fond of animals, especially in the wild. They were to donate their Adirondack property to the New York College of Forestry (to become part of the State University of New York) in 1939. The 15,000 acres would create the Anna and Archer Huntington Wildlife Forest. They requested it be used "for investigation, experiment and research in relation to the habits, life histories, methods of propagation and management of fish, birds, game, food and fur-bearing animals and as a forest of wild life."

[img:ahhdiana.jpg]

Anna's famous statue of Diana, the huntress, was a celebration of triumphant female energy. The goddess of wild animals and of the hunt was so beautifully realized it became internationally famous. Until 1928 there was a miniature version of it as the hood ornament of a car, the Diana Moon, produced by the Moon Motor Car Company.

Challenges and triumph

Anna was in a period of great creative inspiration in 1927 when she contracted tuberculosis. For the next decade, she would chafe at her doctor's orders for bed rest and inactivity. In 1930, seeking a mild climate for her in the winters, she and Archer purchased Brookgreen Gardens in South Carolina. This former rice plantation had gone back to nature, giving Anna something of a blank canvas for her to create the nation’s first outdoor sculpture museum.

[img:ahhyouthtamingthewild.jpg]

While the Adirondack period of her life was over, the influences were never to leave her, any more than her passionate interest in nature ever left her.

[img:ahhbearsculpture.jpg]

Huntington Lodge is now the property of the Newcomb campus of the State University of New York, College of Environmental Science and Forestry. But Anna's sculpture still belongs to the world.

You, too, can be inspired by the lovely nature in the Adirondack Hub! Pick your own lodging. Enjoy a range of dining. Explore art and nature.
 

---

 

References

Header photo: cast of the hand of Anna Hyatt Huntington, 1935, Aluminum. Lent by the Hispanic Society of America, New York, NY.

Insights into the Huntington marriage from "Energy and Individuality in the Art of Anna Huntington, Sculptor and Amy Beach, Composer," by Myrna G. Eden.