By Kathryn Behuniak

My husband is always anxious to get out onto the water and paddle. For the last several years, I was focused on completing my quest to hike all 46 of the Adirondacks’ High Peaks. Now that I’ve met that goal, I’m ready to row! I’m not a complete newbie to paddling. We’ve owned recreational kayaks for over a decade. We’ve paddled many different ponds and areas in the Central Adirondacks, and generally prefer “the pond less traveled." In other words, the more remote, the better. Our latest adventure met that criteria nicely.

Open For Business

Within the last two years, sections of the Park that were previously inaccessible to the general public have opened up through the cooperative effort of the State of New York and the Nature Conservancy. Among those are the Essex Chain of Lakes and a section of the Hudson River from Newcomb to Indian Lake. On Father’s Day weekend the weather was absolutely perfect for paddling. It was absolutely perfect for just about anything in the Adirondacks, but since it was Father’s Day weekend, The Hubby got to pick the adventure! He wanted to explore a section of the Hudson River called Blackwell Stillwater.

In order to get back to the remote put-in, we had to drive about five miles or so from Route 28N on the Goodnow Flow Road. Near the end of this road, we turned left. If you turn right onto Woody’s Road, you follow the Flow around to the parking area for the Essex Chain. We’ll explore that on another perfect day. Today we went left and just past the dam, there’s a dirt road on the left. The road’s in pretty decent condition and we drove it until we saw a small parking area on the left – and an outhouse on the right. We parked here, unloaded our double kayak and began the trek to the put-in. It’s about a third of a mile from the sign-in kiosk, which is just beyond the parking area, down a dirt road to the river. It’s mostly downhill, but we were still wishing we had the little carrier with wheels for the boat!

It took us about 15 minutes, with a few rest breaks, to get to the sign for the Hudson. The “downriver” put-in is to the right. Before we committed to that, I walked down an overgrown, grassy trail to the left to see about putting in “upriver” of the bridge. We were thinking of heading toward the Goodnow River first, and then paddling downstream. There didn’t appear to be enough clearing to launch our boat, so we opted for the downriver spot. But first we walked onto the bridge. The sturdy iron bridge is for members of the Polaris Club to access their camps which are on the far side. Unfortunately for the owners of the hunting camps, their leases expire in 2018 due to the State’s acquisition of the land. Until then, they have exclusive use of the land over the bridge and we respected their rights.

We spent few minutes soaking in the tranquility of the scene before getting our life jackets on and putting our oars in the water. The put-in was a short hop through the woods from the dirt road and in no time we were off. My concern when we decided to check out this section of the river was that we would have to work hard paddling upstream on the way back. That wasn’t really an issue. This section of the Hudson isn’t named “Stillwater” for nothing. The River is so wide at this stretch that the current is very dispersed. As a result, we didn’t have great difficulty on the return trip, but we also didn’t enjoy a “free ride” when going with the current! It was a nice, leisurely paddle.

A Peaceful Paddle

Initially we passed several hunting camps on the left as we headed downriver, but before long they were out of sight and we were truly alone. We marveled at the fact that there were no clearings along the banks and imagined what it was like for the first settlers who traveled by water with nowhere to pull off for the night. The only paths we saw were those that appeared to be made by some beavers, otters or other critters making their way through the woods to the water.

After about an hour, we heard the sound of rapids. I was anxious that we didn't inadvertently end up heading for Indian Lake and was ready to turn around. The Hubby wanted to explore the area “just a little closer” to the rapids, and I reluctantly agreed. We were in a double kayak – I didn’t have much choice! Fortunately, there are decent-sized boulders to the left of the rapids which helped insure we were not hurtling towards certain death through the terrifying rapids. Yes, I may be prone to a little exaggeration, but the barrier rocks did go a long way to calming my fear that we would somehow end up in this small section of rapids.

Once The Hubby’s curiosity was sated, we turned to paddle back upriver. We crossed toward the opposite bank where there was a small area out of the flow of the river and just sat listening to the birds and for any signs of other wildlife. We grabbed a snack and began paddling. Staring us right in the face was a spectacular view of several High Peaks. Our view appeared to be the McIntyre Range (Marshall, Iroquois and Algonquin - if my identification was correct. The current was not overwhelming and we enjoyed the mountainous vista as we slowly made our way back toward the bridge. For the first time since we put our boat in the water, about two hours earlier, we actually saw other people. Two guys passed us heading downstream. They had the types of kayaks that are made for shooting the rapids and judging from the GoPro camera affixed to the front of the trailing kayak, that was their plan.

Our trip was not as adventurous, but I’m certain we enjoyed our paddle just as much. As we approached the iron bridge we could see several people fishing and one or two soaking up the sun on the large rocks on the camp side. We talked about trying our luck and paddling through the rapids under the bridge to head upstream toward the Goodnow River, but that conversation ended when we realized if we were unsuccessful, at least half a dozen people would witness us capsizing. The Goodnow could wait until another day… and maybe we would start the trip by putting in on the north side of the bridge. That way we could explore the Goodnow first and then, if we were feeling daring, paddle through the rapids under the bridge and ultimately take out on the downriver side of the bridge.

We were tired but not exhausted after about 2.5 hours of paddling and floating. There were still no other cars in the lot, so the two adventure kayakers must have begun their trip at the Lake Harris boat launch in Newcomb. That would have guaranteed them a few sets of rapids before we passed them further along in their trip.

Take advantage of this paddling opportunity now. Once the word gets out about this pristine area of the Hudson, it’s possible you won’t enjoy the same solitude we did. A stop for lunch at the High Peaks Kitchen and Campground on Route 28N in Newcomb rounded out a wonderful afternoon in the Adirondacks.

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

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.

Lunch

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

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.

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.

 

This is my favorite time of year, (if you don’t count summer).

Seriously, one might find it odd, but I actually enjoy what some here call “stick season,” that stretch of leafless, snowless time that exists between the brilliant reds and oranges of fall foliage and the exhilarating snow-covered white of winter.

It’s a break of an unpredictable amount of time during which one can hike or trail run without the typical summer hiking traffic, any insects, or those pesky leaves mucking up your view.

We have been the recipients of extended warm weather in the Adirondacks this fall, and though I’m sure it will soon come to an end (there was some accumulated snow just days ago in the mountains), I’ve certainly enjoyed the extra snowless trail time.

One of my favorite regions to hike is in, and around, Schroon Lake. I love the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness, with its varied terrain. I had decided to go to one of the Crane Pond trailheads for a short hike the other day, but before I left my yard, a shot rang out.

The Shot Heard Round My Yard

The shot was from property adjacent to ours, a tract of land that is leased each fall by a hunting club. It is deer hunting season in our region, and it truly isn’t unusual to hear a gunshot -- sometimes it is merely target shooting.

However, it reminded me that I should don my bright, high-visibility colored jacket and hat, just to be safe. Like cyclists and cars share the road in summer, hikers and hunters must share the woods in fall and winter. And I again perused the website to select a more popular area, as hunters would likely steer clear of a higher trafficked hiking trail.

That was when I ran across the listing for the Adirondack Interpretive Center (AIC) in Newcomb. I hadn’t been there in years! The Center, as I remembered, had a network of trails with interpretive signs, and as a bonus, is one of the places in which there is no hunting allowed.

So I decided to head to the AIC for my hike.

Season Mixing

Where I live on Lake Champlain is at about 100 feet above sea level in elevation, and Newcomb is 1,946, according to the Internet. It was about 50 degrees out when I left the Lake Champlain Region. So, in a bold season-mixing move, I decided to get to Newcomb via my motorcycle, and to bring my microspikes with me in case the trails were at all icy.

Microspikes are a stick season (not to mention winter) hiking must. Temperatures at this time of year can fluctuate and differ dramatically as one goes up in elevation. Having traction for your boots can make an otherwise dangerously slippery icy trail like… well, like a walk in the park.

The ride west along the Blue Ridge Road between North Hudson and Newcomb is one of the most beautiful scenic rides in the region. I admit that the temperatures did decrease as I got closer to Newcomb, but I was sufficiently bundled up in layers (that included my high-visibility jacket) for the trip. When I arrived in Newcomb, I continued through town on 28N, and finally saw the sign for the AIC on the right. I parked alongside two other cars in the parking lot, and as I took off my outer layers, guessed that it was closer to the mid-40s Fahrenheit there.

I headed into the Center building, which is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Lucky for me, it was Thursday at about 2 p.m., so I had time to explore. Upon entering the building I was immediately greeted by Kristin, the assistant program manager at the Center.

The AIC main building’s full name is the Center for Nature Interpretation in the Adirondacks, and the whole AIC is managed by the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF). Inside the Center, there is a room set up for lectures and meetings; they host a number of learning opportunities for groups, and welcome a number of school groups this time of year.

There are several interpretive displays, and a lobby with views of the forest and bird feeders outside the windows and a chalkboard with the names of the current types of birds one might see. (Right now, common raven, black-capped chickadee, red-breasted nuthatch, downy woodpecker, blue jay, blue-headed vireo and the northern flicker.) I recognized a chickadee in the feeder while I was there. Kristin showed me one big exhibit room that is currently being renovated to include a three-dimensional and several interactive displays on the natural and cultural history of the Adirondack Park. I was particularly drawn to the display with several animal pelts in the lobby, including a friendly-looking bear.

A Walk in the Adirondack Park

Kristin provided me with trail maps - one for summer and one for winter - adding to my season-mixing theme. She also gave me some additional guides to mammal ecology and botany for use along the trails. She agreed with me that microspikes or other traction devices are helpful once it is cold enough for the trails to become icy. It was cool on this day, but not cold enough to need extra traction.

Armed with my maps and guides, I set out to check out the network of fairly short trail loops. I began with the Sucker Brook Trail, a one-mile loop. Most of the trails are wheelchair accessible, and as such are nice, wide, cleared trails that include some bridges and wooden boardwalks that are wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs, as well as skis and snowshoes once there is snowfall.

Given the small number of cars in the parking lot, I realized that it wouldn’t be crowded, but the only people that I saw during my walk were in the distance, taking in the view from one of the bridges on the other side of the Sucker Brook trail. I never did catch up with them, so they must have been traveling at least at a snail’s pace.

There were two bridges and a section or two of boardwalks on this loop. I thoroughly enjoyed this easy jaunt through largely untouched forest. There were a number of downed trees that had weathered but not yet decayed, with cool spiraling designs in the remaining logs.

The Sucker Brook Trail winter map indicated that it is of moderate difficulty, and a “challenging” ski. Some of the hilly terrain would definitely be an advanced trek on skis, for sure, but was quite a nice walk, and would be equally great on snowshoes or microspikes.

I decided to check out the Rich Lake Trail, as the .6 miles at my glacial walking rate would be just the right amount of time before the Center closed. This trail has a couple of decks overlooking the lake, complete with benches. There were also canoe access points for people paddling from other parts of the lake.

The walk was nice, and quiet, with the exception of some birds (I identified the sound of a chickadee, but couldn’t pinpoint other sounds -- I’m no ornithologist) and a squirrel who was chattering away, obviously quite annoyed that I was interrupting his day.

The AIC trails aren’t for those seeking a 46er peak-bagging experience, but it is a perfect place to take a family or for a leisurely stroll in the woods. The AIC is a new favorite stick season destination for me, but I might return this winter, too, to try my skis out on the loops marked “challenging”!

 

NOTABLE: The AIC offers snowshoes to visitors at no cost! In addition to the trails, the AIC hosts a regular schedule of programs - keep up with them on the events page!

 

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

It was a beautiful day for the Adirondack Interpretive Center’s (AIC) “Migration Celebration.” I led a morning bird walk on two of the AIC’s four trails. After the walk, Wendy Hall, from the Adirondack Wildlife Refuge and Rehabilitation Center, gave a presentation on raptors, bringing along several of the Center’s birds.

The Bird Walk: Rich Lake Trail

The AIC offers 3.6 miles of well-maintained, scenic trails and a picnic area for the public. The bird walk began on the Rich Lake Trail, which is a loop trail just over half a mile long. Rich Lake was still frozen and the trail was snow and ice covered, so we proceeded slowly! There are several lovely bridges along the trails.

Many birds were heard and observed along the trail. A Fox Sparrow migrant was the loudest singer near the AIC building!

The biggest surprise was finding a Northern Cardinal singing away in heavily forested habitat! It was likely attracted to the AIC bird feeders, which were still up.

Winter Wrens recently arrived and were quite vocal along the trail.

We had lovely views of a recently arrived Hermit Thrush near the AIC building.

The Adirondack Interpretive Center (AIC)

A brief break was held inside the Adirondack Interpretive Center building before hiking the second trail. Wonderful breakfast foods and drinks were laid out for participants by the AIC staff.

The AIC is part of the State University of New York’s Environmental Science and Forestry campus in Newcomb. The AIC building has large glass windows that offer lovely views of the surrounding forest and bird feeders. The building also offers an array of exhibits, props, and publications that allow you to explore the natural and cultural history of the Adirondacks.

The AIC offers public programs, events, speaker series, courses and other activities throughout the year to the public as well as school groups. So keep an eye on the AIC’s schedule of events!

The Bird Walk: Sucker Brook Trail

After a break in the AIC building, the bird walk continued on the mile-long Sucker Brook Trail. The trail borders both sides of the outlet of Rich Lake to a location where it flows into Belden Lake. Belden Lake’s outlet flows into Lake Harris, which in turn flows into the Hudson River. The outlet was free of ice and swiftly moving.

There are two large bridges that cross the Rich Lake outlet.

We had another view of a Hermit Thrush as it foraged on the ground. The presence of the thrush got a strong reaction from a Winter Wren, which briefly showed itself on a downed tree.

Golden-crowned Kinglets and Brown Creepers vocalized. We had nice views of a Ruby-crowned Kinglet – in this habitat, a migrant. They nest in both high and low elevation boreal habitat in the Adirondacks. Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers drummed and called. A Northern Flicker, the only ground-foraging woodpecker species in the Adirondacks, was active near the AIC building. Northern Flickers and American Robins show up in the spring when the snow melts and they have access to the ground.

In addition to the loud, migrant Fox Sparrow, several other sparrow species were found: Song, Swamp, and White-throated Sparrows, and Dark-eyed Juncos.

Flocks of Red-winged Blackbirds and Common Grackles vocalized.

Migration is in full swing!

Raptor Presentation by Wendy Hall

After we returned from hiking the Sucker Brook Trail, Wendy Hall, and staff from the Adirondack Wildlife Refuge and Rehabilitation Center in Wilmington, gave a presentation on raptors. She brought along many of the Center’s resident raptors. A Barn Owl delighted the children (& adults) in the audience. This species nests south of the Adirondacks and has become quite rare in New York State.

An American Kestrel, the smallest falcon species in the Adirondacks, was quite vocal and animated.

Children enjoyed seeing the Northern Saw-whet Owl, the smallest owl species in the Adirondacks.

Wendy discussed the amount of food it requires to feed all of the sick and injured animals that are cared for at the Center. She makes long drives to pick up fish for species such as Bald Eagles. A constant supply of small mammals is needed for many of the raptors. Animals that can be, are released after rehabilitation. Those too injured to be released continue to be cared for at the Center.

It was an enjoyable presentation by caring rehabilitators, the unsung heroes for sick or injured wildlife.

The Migration Celebration morning events were fun and interesting.

Visiting the Adirondack Interpretive Center

A visit to the Adirondack Interpretive Center in Newcomb is always an educational experience. The naturalists are friendly and eager to share their knowledge of the Adirondack flora and fauna with visitors.

From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the AIC is open 7 days a week from 9 am to 5pm. From Labor Day to Memorial Day, the AIC is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 4 pm. The trails are always open 7 days a week during daylight hours.

If you plan to visit, there are many comfortable lodging and restaurant options nearby!

In the midst of the forever-wild Adirondacks, there is a grand entrance to The Fitness Trail, located in Newcomb, New York, just off of Route 28N. It's a great tune-up trail for your body and mind to prepare for the winter running season.

If the trailhead is not plowed you can take the turn into the nearby boat launch to find a parking spot.

The Fitness Trailhead parking lot might not be plowed.

Tune-up for Winter

No matter how conditioned and in running shape you may be, winter trail-running involves ever-changing and unpredictable terrain because essentially, you’re running on a trail with footing you can't see.

While its beauty may be undeniable, questions arise: how deep is the snow, is it packed, is there a rock jutting out or a bulging root just beneath the surface of this freshly-fallen blanket? Being early in the season, it’s the terrain underneath this natural crystalline magic that we’ll be running on today.

For me, The Fitness Trail is short and sweet but throws at you just about every type of terrain you can encounter even on an extended run — which is why I refer to it as a tune-up.

It's a reminder to me and my body that running with an informed intelligence of the terrain in tandem with proper footwear can tip the overall experience in your favor for enjoyment, exercise, and safety for both the novice or expert trail runner.

Upon exiting my vehicle, the first thing I do is inspect the conditions — underneath this powder in the parking area is a thin layer of ice. Now, to a point, our body’s design allows for the many deviations in terrain like uneven surfaces, loose rock, the many twists and turns, and slippage. But with a simple addition of equipment like a traction cleat you can reinforce and enhance natural body preparedness into super-human confidence with no bulkiness to hamper your natural stride.

This is the bottom of the traction cleat.

There are many different brands of traction cleats that slip on and off fairly easily and have ample elasticity to slip over your favorite running or hiking shoes. Today, the snow is not deep, so I opt for my summer running shoes, but I have hiking/running shoes on standby in my trunk just in case. I prefer the type of traction cleat that includes velcro strips for adjusting and tightening. In this in-between time of year, these will suffice, but snowshoe weather is quickly approaching.

Suit up and gear up

The proper apparel, clothing, and equipment make for a safe and enjoyable adventure, my backpack is always filled with backup; dry socks, gloves, lip balm, water, beef jerky, cell phone, etc. Teeming with visitors and locals alike in summer and fall, you may find you have the trail all to yourself — as I do today.

Warm-ups and being focused and ready are taken seriously on The Fitness Trail.

These signboards demonstrate the warm-up exercises.

You want your body and mind hitting on all cylinders. These exercise tablets with instructions remind me of the importance to stretch, and prepare the body and mind, so I decided to err on the side of caution and walk the first part of the trail informing myself of trail conditions before full gallop.

You’ll come to a side road at the start of the trail, slow up, and remember to look both ways before crossing.

Meltwater can turn to ice and lurk beneath the snow.

Pictured above on the right, meltwater creates small rivulets underneath the surface of the snow. I saw it mid-stride and was able to miss it, but as I have forewarned, what you see is not always what you get when winter trail running. To the left in my overcompensation to miss the water, I hit a small patch of ice — only my traction cleat kept me from falling.

Warming up

The blur of beauty as I pick up the pace.

The traction cleat gives you just enough bite into the terrain without hindering your stride. Next test... We’ve all seen the road signs warning us, “Bridge Freezes First.”

My traction cleats keep me upright and running over an icy bridge.

Footbridges are no exception. Here, in full stride, I felt my footfalls shimmy and slip on contact, a sheet of ice under the snow. Luckily my underconfidence told me to slip on my cleats which kept just enough positive traction with the icy surface.

The trail opens up to views of Lake Harris shortly after the footbridge.

Here the cleats bite in and liftsup the snow almost taking the terrain with me.

My second trip around the loop and I can eat hills like candy! I'm going out of my way to find obstacles and hurdles to jump over. Beast mode, anyone?

I elect to jump over fallen tree debris rather than run around it.

After this tune-up, I know the conditions are not ever going to be perfect, but my clothing and apparel decisions and my equipment choices give me a distinct terrain advantage and confidence, but never overconfident.

I run back to my vehicle and set the GPS to discover one of the many trails for an extended run just down the road!

No need to let the Adirondack winter keep you from the trails! Plan to take a run here in the gorgeous Schroon Lake Region, then reward yourself with delightful dining and comfy lodging.

Great Camp Santanoni Winter Weekends

If you didn’t know, the Adirondacks are littered with Great Camps. Yes, the same Great Camps that sparkled and dazzled the lives of the ultra-rich in the gilded age can be found right here, tucked away along secluded private drives (sometimes miles long) and most found with their own private lake access. While some camps have been the victim of natural deaths (fire is not a friend to wooden palaces) there are still a few that have been generously restored and kept pristine all these years. One of the last standing camps is Great Camp Santanoni. Located in Newcomb, this Great Camp has been open to the public and ready for visitors summer after summer. What about winter? While you can snowshoe and cross-country ski your way through the property on any snowy day, this season Great Camp Santanoni is hosting special Winter Weekends. Offering full tours inside the buildings, hot cocoa and lemonade, and locally provided snowshoes by the AIC, you’ll be welcomed to the property to see how an Adirondack Great Camp functioned during the winter months!

Over the lake and through the woods

To start this blog, I traveled from the equally snowy Vermont to kick off Santanoni’s Winter Weekend, bright and early. This included an hour trek down I-87, which happens to be my favorite highway, if you can have a favorite highway. Rolling past snow-capped mountain ranges and stopping for a few snack and bathroom breaks, we made it to Great Camp Santanoni at 11 a.m.

 Searching for the gatehouse

I brought along my mom for this excursion, as I’d need as much confidence as I could muster. Snowshoeing was on the agenda for the day. While I lived in the Adirondacks for a good chunk of my life, the only time I’ve snowshoed was in gym class, and our yearly climb up Coney Mountain in winter. Although I was a bit out of practice, I was excited to make the hike. A chance to walk through a Great Camp and see older historic buildings, I couldn’t pass it up! 

Strap in

After parking and layering up, we made our way to the gatehouse, where we’d get our snowshoes. Coming up to the gatehouse, I was a little nervous as it looked like someone's actual home. Knocking on the door, we were greeted by a friendly attendant who had been tending to a small fire inside the front room with music playing. The perfect winter scene in my eyes. He led us back outside and onto the other side of the covered drive to the shed, where we were able to choose our desired size snowshoes. After saying our goodbyes, we helped each other strap in and made our way to the trail.

Friendly skiers abound

The trail to the main buildings of the camp is long, but that doesn’t stop fellow skiers and snowshoers from getting out there! I have to say I had forgotten the kindness of local ski-junkies, as we made our way (slowly) up the trail, we were greeted by every skier. The perfect conditions and the friendly folks, reminded me that we were supposed to be there, loud crunching snowshoes and all. 

Crunching along the path

While we had planned to get to the main buildings, our course changed as our lack of expertise got the better of us. Both my mom and I were struggling with worn leg muscles, and we were ready to head back by the time we reached the one-mile mark. I will say that this trail is gorgeous, and perfect for conversation. Its sloping character and gentle turns make it easy to get lost in looking up at the tree tops and just gabbing with your snowshoe or ski buddies, before we knew it we were two hours into our trek.

Lunch at the Newcomb Cafe

After dropping off our snowshoes at the lovely gate lodge with our favorite attendant, it was time to head home, but first, lunch! We made our way a half mile down the road to the Newcomb Café. While it was a little late for breakfast, we settled on chili and french fries, the perfect reward for a chilly morning of snowshoeing. Of course the food was delicious, the service was incredible, and the atmosphere was just what we needed to relax after a morning adventure!

A weekend to remember

Our trip to Great Camp Santanoni was one that created amazing memories for my mom and I, and I’m sure it’ll sparkle on your list of winter challenges to take on this season. Luckily, there’s still a few more special Winter Weekends to get to. Make the trek January 18-20, February 15-17, and March 15-16, 2024. Don’t miss it!

The Adirondack Hub region is a cyclist's dream, with scenic byways, gravel forest roads, and breathtaking vistas. The Hub region includes the towns of Newcomb, North Hudson, Minerva, and Schroon Lake, and there are several reasons why someone should consider visiting this area for a biking trip:

1. Diverse Terrain: The Hub region offers a wide range of biking terrain suitable for cyclists of all skill levels. Whether you're a beginner looking for leisurely rides on flat, paved paths or an experienced rider seeking challenging mountain trails, you'll find options to suit your preferences.
    
2. Abundant Trails: The Hub region is home to an extensive network of biking trails, both on-road and off-road. You can explore the scenic byways and backcountry roads that wind through the area, ensuring variety in your biking experiences.
    
3. Scenic Beauty: Schroon Lake is located in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains, known for its stunning natural beauty. Biking in this region offers breathtaking views of pristine lakes, lush forests, and majestic mountain ranges. The picturesque landscapes provide a serene and tranquil backdrop for your biking adventures.

A valuable resource to use to find a curated route in the region is the "Find A Ride" section on the Bike Adirondacks website. Bike Adirondacks (BikeADK) is an Adirondack-owned and operated bicycle-powered company that hosts charity-driven events and sells apparel and merchandise. The next event on the BikeADK calendar is the highly sought-after gravel event called The Handlebarley.  

The Handlebarley

The Handlebarley cycling event is taking place on September 16-17, 2023. This two-day extravaganza is one of the highlights of the Adirondack cycling calendar, and BikeADK is at the helm of this fantastic event. The Handlebarley is in its third year and will feature two incredible fall days of gravel riding in the southern Adirondacks. You can sign up to ride just Saturday, just Sunday, or make it a full weekend. Either way, you're in for some incredible gravel riding, and riders will enjoy some of the most stunning scenery in the Adirondacks. The event officially kicks off late Saturday afternoon with a 20-mile out-and-back route from Paradox Brewery to stunning Elk Lake Lodge. Once there, you will take a tour of the property before cruising back to the brewery for a well-earned pint of delicious Paradox craft beer. Sunday's route is the main event and will be just as inspired. In addition to the thrill of the ride, Handlebarley offers a festival atmosphere with food, music, and camaraderie. It's an opportunity to connect with fellow cyclists, share stories, and be part of a community dedicated to making the world a better place through cycling. This year's Handlebarley event benefits the Penfield Homestead Museum, which includes the 1827 home of Allen Penfield, barns, a church, a parsonage, and ruins of the Crown Point Iron Co., where electricity in the form of an electromagnet was first used in industry. 

At the heart of BikeADK's ethos is the belief that cycling can be a force for good. Beyond the Handlebarley, BikeADK hosts a full calendar of charity-driven events that combine the thrill of cycling with the joy of contributing to meaningful causes. These events unite the cycling community and raise funds for various charitable organizations, making every pedal stroke count. Owner Doug Haney says, "As a bicycle tourism company, it's important that every BikeADK event supports a charitable organization or nonprofit. So much of what we can showcase on our rides is because they care for our communities and the landscape." 

ADK Apparel and Merchandise

BikeADK has a wide range of merchandise to show off your love for cycling and the Adirondacks. The company releases a limited edition cycling jersey that is only available the year it is released. The current design is a beautiful pastel sunset with Adirondack chairs on a dock and a loon gliding on the lake, an iconic Adirondack scene. Their t-shirts and sweatshirts also change frequently, so it's worth checking their website to see what they have available. This year, BikeADK's iconic logo - a bike with moose antlers in place of handlebars - morphs into tree roots for a fun, grounded design. BikeADK also sells merchandise from the Barkeater Trails Alliance (BETA), a non-profit organization that builds and maintains trails for ski touring and mountain biking in the greater Adirondack High Peaks region. Proceeds from the sale of Barkeater Trails Alliance (BETA) gear supports their mission to build, maintain, and advocate for backcountry trails for ski touring and mountain biking in the greater High Peaks region of the Adirondacks.

The Famous Brothers

The siblings are a Little Sister and Three Brothers, and even a first cousin would be thrown into the mix. The “who” that would be the favorite is in terms of views. You see I am not talking about a family rivalry here, but a set of five peaks all in a row that a buddy and I would explore in Brant Lake. Both Jim and I had read on several occasions about The Brothers and even seen a few pictures, this whet our whistle to get out there. We had flirted with the idea of making the drive down to Brant Lake just for this occasion, but more often than not we ended up doing something much closer to home, not involving a 2.5 hour drive (one-way I might add).

We weren’t sure exactly how long this adventure would take us, but we did get word that a decent path was developed up and over at least four of the mountains, Brace Mountain (the cousin) would surely be a bushwhack. With that in mind we passed on the “early bird gets the worm” idea and slept in a bit and settled on a later start of 9:00 am. You see there is no direct route to Brant Lake from home, for either of us, and coming in from opposite directions we couldn’t even carpool. Even if we could have, we had planned a traverse where two cars would be an essential part of our day.

We met up at the state boat launch site on Brant Lake and Jim followed me to a parking area off Route 8. The parking area sets at the base of Brace Mountain, which was our final peak planned, and Route 8 was where we would emerge from the woods. We then piled into one car and drove over to Palisades Road where a small finger of state land would access us the mountains. We found the paint blazes on the trees and what appeared to be the herd path. With room for only one or two cars along the shoulder of the road I managed to get the entire vehicle off the road - and being parked on a sharp corner that was important.

Heading up Little Sister

The trail started climbing right out of the gate as the flagged herd path followed the state property line. It was steeply graded but quickly leveled out once we hit the ridge. We got slightly off track as the path split away from the state property line, and we ended up having to back-track a little bit because we missed that separation. Once we were on it again, we had no trouble following it to the summit of Little Sister. Little Sister isn’t an official name for the smaller summit along the ridge but Barbara McMartin referred to it as “possibly the Little Sister,” so we just went with it. We were still slightly in the morning clouds but the lingering ones were burning off fast. In fact, as we waited, we could start seeing the mountains behind Brant Lake starting to peek through; it was quite majestic. From here we stayed atop the ridge on another faint path, also flagged, but much more difficult to follow.

Now off to the First Brother

We made a heading right at the First Brother which set at around 1650’ in elevation. As we progressed over the ridge the open rock started to appear and we had amazing views out over Little Sister to Brant Lake beyond. The clouds have now burned off and we had hazy views for miles. If was kind of like looking through a glass of skim milk. It was getting very hot, and as the saying goes “it’s not the heat but the humidity,” I can vouch for that.

We stayed right as to not miss additional views, but quickly the path started to disappear and we wanted to get back on it. The First Brother was layered in sweet fern; the pungent smell overtook our senses as we pushed through its entwined branches. We eventually came back to the trail as it led us close to the summit of the First Brother, but of course we needed to tag the wooded top.

The Second Brother awaits

The trail now descended before us - not all that steep, but very slippery in spots as the oak leaves made for a natural slip and slide. One instance of a slanted rock shelf got the best of me and my awkward flailing to catch myself ended up in a twisted heap at the base. Luckily all that was injured was my palm on my left hand which received a slight case of road rash, or trail rash might be a more appropriate title. Slightly bleeding, I knew I would have fun holding my trekking pole for the remainder of the trip but I just rubbed some dirt on it and dealt with the inconvenience.

Soon we stood at the base of what appeared to be a fine view, but we needed to get there first. The slopes were crazy steep, which we didn’t have to use, but good fun is in a wilderness scramble. The oak leaves again caused a bit of concern as they spread out over some unstable moss, but with carefully chosen foot placement we worked our way up on all fours. We rested atop a stellar viewing area at a makeshift camp created from local stones. Two chairs and a fire pit were erected from slabs of free rock, a nice conclusion to a steep climb on a humid day. We sucked down another bottle of water before we pressed on to the wooded summit of the Second Brother.

The Third Brother stands tall at just under 2000-feet

The herd path blazed in red dots was making us uncertain of its destination and since we had not been here before we didn’t know what to think. Too many times bushwhacking we had followed blazed trails only to be led off the wrong side of the mountain. We didn’t want that to happen. We followed for a ways but it seemed to veer off to far left and drop off the ridge and not head toward the Third Brother. We opted to bail on the herd path and head right for our destination atop the fourth sibling.

We managed somehow to get pulled off the ridge and had to climb our way back up, and atop the ridge we found that red dot trail again, I guess it did go in that direction after all. We followed it as is it led us over the ridge with great views of the Third Brother. We could see the open rock on this side of the mountain and it was imperative that we find it. We were quite sure that the red dot trail would head right up the gentler slopes of the ridge and not approach the steep open rock. We stepped back into hardwood forest and headed right up the steep face of the mountain. The jumbles of rocks and odd footing pushed us back left and as we neared the base of the open rock we ended back up on the red dot trail again, we just couldn’t win.

The red dot trail actually brought us right to the open rock and directly up it. Taking in the countless views we slowly made our way up to a large open field of rock and sedge where views off to the east were just as fine. The summit once again was wooded but the views we had along the way made that so much less important.

Bracing ourselves for the final peak

As we approached the end of our day we had one mountain left before we could descend directly to the car, and that was Brace Mountain. We had no idea what Brace would offer us, possibly nothing more than a nice walk in the woods. The descent was easy as we passed over open rock and through open hardwoods and quickly we stood at the shore of Spuytendulvel Brook, yes that’s how it is spelled, not exactly sure how to pronounce it though; I guess it’s a good thing I am writing and not reading. This brook is a massive width of rocks and boulders. Well over 12-feet wide but only a trickle was flowing through it. Our maps showed a wetland about 0.2 miles upstream and our love of ponds and wetlands drove us to check it out.

We rock-hopped the 0.2 miles and found ourselves at a wonderful location with outstanding vistas out over the beaver swamp. A few pictures were in order and then we would climb the steep slopes of Brace that came right down to the shore. The climb was all we could bear at the end of the day. Tired and overheated we pressed on ever so slowly to the summit of the wooded peak. Part of me wanted to check out the lower summit of the mountain, but a larger part of me just wanted to get back to the car to get a cool breeze flowing over my face.

We descended in a quick fashion, side-hilling the super steep slopes, playing amongst boulder jumbles, hanging from partially decayed trees, and jumping from lip to lip. And, we made it to the valley below with only one mere slip and tumble. From the valley we had a relaxing walk in the woods as we finished off the remaining half a mile to the car.

It was now time to head back into Schroon Lake, an important stop for an ice cream cone and a much needed ice cold drink. The remaining water in my pack was close to that of bath water and that, my friend, was just not acceptable.

“When despair for the world grows in me/…I come into the peace of wild things/who do not tax their lives with forethought/of grief. I come into the presence of still water./…For a time/I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.”

-Wendell Berry, excerpted from “The Peace of Wild Things”

Whenever the opportunity to write about “wellness” arises, I try to seize the opportunity. That isn’t because I find wellness particularly interesting — although I do, indeed, hold immense interest in wellness of the mind, body, and soul — but, rather, because it forces me to pause and reassess my own life. How is my stress? Have I been practicing self-care? Have I been actively carving out space for myself to embrace joy, movement, or stillness? Just about every time, I realize I would benefit from more intentional wellness. There are a number of ways I embrace self-care and wellness, but, like Wendell Berry, I consistently find peace amongst the wild things. April is National Poetry Month, so it seems quite fitting that Berry’s poem, “The Peace of Wild Things,” immediately comes to mind.

The above words first entered my life as I approached the end of my senior year in high school. Now, I will admit the slightest part of me was biased towards Berry’s “Peace of Wild Things” because we shared the same last name. As an eighteen-year old, I thought that was delightful. But Berry’s sentiments about finding peace in the stillness of nature, especially during times when life seemed too much to bear, was a catalyst to reconsider my relationship with nature, a relationship that is now central to my identity. The outdoors had always been my space for recreation — bike rides, playing tag, soccer matches, and pick-up basketball games while inhaling puffs of CNY pollen. But prior to reading “The Peace of Wild Things,” I had never considered the outdoors as a place for stillness, for refuge, for healing. And, as our dear friend Robert Frost wrote, “that has made all the difference.”

Studies have proven that time spent in nature provides cognitive and psychological benefits. The 6.1 million acres of the Adirondacks hold seemingly endless opportunities for immersing oneself amongst the flora and fauna, and the Adirondack Hub is no different. Below you will read some of my favorite wellness activities and where to enjoy them in the Hub.

Read a book by the water

I love to read, but I especially love reading outdoors. There is something about the sound of the wind rustling leaves, the birds chirping, and water gently caressing the shoreline that allows me to quiet the mental chatter and feel at peace.

Minerva, NY offers a terrific, scenic, and quiet aquatic spot to bring your favorite book. Rankin Pond requires a 0.3 mile hike along a gentle trail to reach this perfect wellness destination. Bring a lightweight chair or a blanket, choose the spot that calls to you, and enjoy. If you have a lightweight boat that you can carry, you will be treated to peaceful, calm, sheltered waters sure to calm the soul.

Go for a walk or a run (or a ride!)

It’s no secret that physical health and mental health go hand-in-hand. Movement releases endorphins and dopamine. Endorphins and dopamine result in feelings of joy, pleasure, and happiness (as well as improve focus and memory). Win-win! Some people prefer walking to running, and some prefer running to walking. Either way, your endorphin-dopamine release awaits! 

If you are looking for a goal to help motivate, Schroon Lake, NY is home to the marathon distance festival in September. The festival includes a marathon, a half-marathon, a two- and four - person team relay, a 10k, a 5k, and a 1k. Whether you are a runner or a walker, the marathon distance festival is a perfect event to choose a fitness goal that works for you! This year’s festival takes place from September 17-18, 2022.

Prefer traveling the world on two wheels rather than two feet? Schroon Lake is an outstanding and scenic destination for cycling enthusiasts! In fact, every region in the Hub has opportunities for a cycling adventure. Be warned — there are some serious hills throughout the Hub, but if you’re up for the challenge, these routes are hard to beat!

Enjoy some comfort food (and buffalo sightings!)

I love food. A lot. Exploring new cuisines is one of my favorite ways to unwind and focus on something that isn’t the never-ending to-do list we all experience on a daily basis. North Hudson, NY is home to Frontier Town Gateway. In addition to being a spot with great history and plenty to explore, Frontier Town also offers tasty food and beverages to enjoy during your visit. If you come on the right day, you can attend a Bollywood Night and enjoy delicious Punjabi food! If you haven’t tried it, you are missing out. And if you have, it’s time to go back to those delicious flavors you’ve been craving since your last visit!

While you’re in town, you have to make sure you visit the Adirondack Buffalo Company. While I have never read research connecting buffalo sightings with improved mental wellness, I know my heart is happy whenever I am near wildlife. Seeing as how “buffalo sightings” are far from your typical Adirondack experience, taking a moment to see these beautiful animals for yourself is well worth the trip!

Treat yourself to a unique lodging experience

Sometimes a change of scenery and surroundings is all you need to feel more at ease. Whether a vacation or a staycation, the experience of packing a bag to stay elsewhere triggers something in my brain to be a bit more focused on myself and those I am with. That said, bells and whistles in a hotel have never been my cup of tea. I appreciate them, of course, but my splurges tend to go towards the experiences rather than the lodging. If I have a safe and comfortable environment, I’m happy. Camping has become one of my favorite lodging options of choice. I’ve had chances to go glamping and often scoffed at the opportunity (see above statement regarding splurging on experiences vs. lodging). Dear reader, I will be the first to admit I was wrong.

The Lake Harris Lodge offers glamping, and it is so much more than simply lodging. It truly is an experience, and one I recommend to anyone and everyone. I enjoyed myself so much that I wrote an entire blog dedicated to my becoming a believer in the glamping life. To those who were like me — or, how I used to be: don’t knock it until you try it!

 

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No matter where you go in the Adirondack Hub, you will find plenty of opportunities for rest, relaxation, and wellness. Plan your next visit to the Hub and enjoy your rejuvenated getaway!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!