A great motivator to get kids to enjoy hiking is to present a destination. While the view from a mountain peak is a great motivator, it might be too much for younger children. But getting to a pond or a river works just as well.
These hikes have other advantages for tiny feet. They have minimal elevation change, possibly smoother trails, and are short enough to let us reach the goal before a child loses interest.
Here are some top picks to try.

Super easy

Take the Hewitt Eddy Trail for a scenic, 2.4 mile round trip.
For smaller children, there's a much shorter and smoother option for reaching the riverbank. As seen below, the regular trail can be muddy and rocky (left) while the alternate trail (right) has only a few challenging stretches as it drops to river level.

To reach this super-easy option, cross the road across from the trailhead sign. This is a short seasonal road leading to some primitive camping sites. Walk down this road until we come to a pretty little meadow on the left. A simple stump marks the start of this side trail.

Following this trail down the riverbank leads to a fine view of the Boreas River. If we have a tiny hiker, this walk up the road, exploring the meadow, and getting down to the riverbank might be enough of an outing to both wear them out and keep their interest.

However, this might ramp up some enthusiasm for "more more!" If so, you can more confidently take them on the Hewitt Eddy Trail, and you don't even have to get to the end, as much of the trail follows the riverbank here, too.

Another delightful short hike, just a bit south, is Rankin Pond. This trail has a lot of lovely variations along its length and a photogenic pond at the end.

Fast trip to falls

Just a few miles from North Hudson, along the very scenic Blue Ridge Road, is the Blue Ridge Falls set of little trails. There's a small parking area.
The first glimpse of the river and the falls appears within minutes.

The trails wind along the river, some closer, some more in the forest, but while the ones near the rocky shore can be lumpy with tree roots and rocks, some of the forest trails are broad and lovely.

Most of the trails have the music of the roaring falls nearby to make a delightful sensory feast. Most of the trails are cushioned by fallen pine needles.
Be careful near the river; it is moving at a fast rate and there's a lot of mass in that much water.

The sun and shadows offer a lot of contrast, and parts of the river are dark with overhanging trees.

Have a break, a snack, and a browse at the nearby Adirondack Buffalo Company. Yes, real buffalo.

Road to adventure

I really like the Cheney Pond Trail, which is near the middle of Blue Ridge Road. This is another easy trail because it used to be an access road, so even though it is only a mile round trip, it's an even faster mile than it would be along a typical Adirondack hiking path.

While this makes for easy, sunny, walking, do not try to drive down what remains, even with a rugged vehicle and high clearance. There's a caved-in culvert and some big rocks that will probably make you regret the decision. And...there's no place to turn around.

For walking, it's excellent. There's a gradual descent, lots of wildflowers because there's plenty of sun in the center, and varied forest compositions to observe along the way.
There's a stretch at the end where we can start glimpsing Cheney Pond. There's also a fantastic picnic spot when we are almost at the shore, so pack some sandwiches and cookies for fine waterfront dining with a view.

Cheney Pond itself is very scenic, with a distant mountain range, varied shoreline, and some big, very rugged, rocks scattered along the entire shoreline.

If everyone is ready for more, the Tahawus mines are only 5 miles away, near the intersection of Blue Ridge Road and Route 28N, reached along Route 25. The mines themselves are closed, but the old works makes for some fascinating, level, walking.
Choose a fun place to stay. Tame that appetite with our dining choices. Explore more of our fine hiking.

Minerva is a little-known town in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains near Gore Mountain and is a nature lovers' paradise. The town is named after Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom, and after reading this blog, you will feel wise that you know about this hidden gem. The Hudson River forms the southwesterly boundary of the town, with 15 miles of its course forming the town boundary. About 15 miles of the Boreas River is also within the town. These 30 miles of pristine river are surrounded by state land, which makes up 64.5% of all the land in the town. With so much state land available, it's no surprise that Minerva has some fabulous hiking opportunities. 

1. Blue Ledges

Distance: 5 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 597 feet
How to get there: From the intersection of Route 9 and Hoffman Road in Schroon Lake, follow Hoffman Road (CR24). Continue on CR24, which eventually turns into Irishtown Road. Take a right onto O’Neill Road, just over 11 miles from Route 9, and a left onto Longs Hill Road (CR24A). This will bring you to Route 28N in Minerva in roughly 2 miles. Take a right onto Route 28N for 2.5 miles to Northwoods Club Road on the left. Follow Northwoods Club Road for 6.5 miles to the Blue Ridge Trailhead parking on the right. 

This hike leads to a horseshoe bend on the Hudson River with towering views of Blue Ledges, iconic cliffs that rise 200 feet overhead. During the rafting season, Blue Ledges is a mid-day stop (usually between 11-2) for many of the area's whitewater rafting companies that operate on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. The scene is very energetic. You can see rafts in every color go down the river, which look like a bunch of Skittles. If you want a more tranquil hike, avoid Blue Ledges on those days or avoid a mid-day arrival to the Hudson River. 

2. Moxham Mountain

Distance: 5.5 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 1152 feet
How to get there: Take NY 28N out of North Creek toward Minerva. That major rock mountain on your left as you're driving along NY 28N is Moxham Mountain. In Minerva, turn left on 14th Road. Follow 14th Road to the end of the pavement and another 0.2 miles along the dirt road to the small parking area on the left or right. The trail starts from the parking area on the left. 

This hike ebbs and flows from rocky and rooty terrain to short climbs and descents, so the trail is engaging but not daunting. After the first half mile, you will reach the first of a dozen overlooks that become more frequent from here. These rock ledges make perfect stops along the way. The last lookout point before the summit has amazing views of the wetlands and ponds of the Siamese Ponds Wilderness and Gore Mountain. The final climb to the summit is a steep quarter of a mile, but the view of the Hudson River is worth it. In addition to the beautiful view, look for the geological survey marker embedded in the summit. If you look closely, you will notice the mountain is labeled as "Maxam" instead of Moxham.

3. Vanderwhacker Mountain

Distance: 5 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 1686 feet
How to get there: From North Creek, take NY 28N West for 16 miles.  Immediately after the highway crosses the Boreas River, there is an unmarked gravel road on the left.  Take this road for 2.6 miles to the point where it splits.  The dirt access road to the trailhead is rough in spots, so it is best driven with a high-clearance vehicle (like a pickup truck) or slowly with a low-lying car. Alternatively, park off NY 28N at the pull-off on the right just before the bridge. This adds 2.6 miles to the trailhead. 

The trail is marked with red disks and begins with a gradual elevation change as you cross small creeks and pass around wetlands. At around 1.5 miles from the trailhead, old fire observers' cabins come into view. From here, the trail increases in difficulty and requires a steady climb of 1,200 feet throughout 1.3 miles. After that, the elevation is more moderate as you approach the fire tower. Once at the top, climb the stairs to the top of the fire tower and take in the striking panoramic views. 

After your hike, don't miss out on the opportunity to go for a swim or have a picnic at Donnelly Beach. Quench your thirst with the locals at Sporty’s Iron Duke Saloon, a classic biker bar, or grab a snack at Sullivan’s Store in Olmstedville.  

Love Your ADK

The Adirondacks are a special place with millions of acres of pristine forests. It is up to us to keep it that way. Please help protect the Adirondacks and be prepared when you hike by following Leave-No-Trace ethics consider taking the Love Your Adirondacks Pledge to help ensure that the forests, waterways, and local communities remain beautiful and unique for generations to come.

Leave-No-Trace Principles

1) Plan and prepare
2) Stay on hiking trails and camp at designated areas
3) Dispose of human waste and trash properly (pack it in, pack it out)
4) Leave what you find
5) Minimize campfires
6) Respect wildlife
7) Respect other hikers and manage your pet

A fun part of every snowmobiling trip are the stops along the trail. Giving yourself and your group pre-planned breaks for rest and refreshment adds to the delightful time, no matter how long or short your loop may be.

As thrilling as it is rocketing along the trail, it is just as important to refuel; both the sled, and the appetite. Hanging up the helmets and enjoying a good meal is part of the fun, too. Here are some welcoming pit stops.

Hometown Handiness

The Newcomb Cafe & Campground is an excellent spot to get gas at one of their pumps and/or stop for a homestyle breakfast or lunch. From there you can hop on a number of trails around the Newcomb area that connect to other communities like Long Lake or Indian Lake.

Just down the road is the Lake Harris Lodge. They have a full bar, serve lunch and dinner, and have several stone fireplaces to warm up by. They serve American-Italian style food and have local beers on draft at the bar, and the lodge overlooks Lake Harris. You can come right off the trails to a hot meal. 

Downtown Pubs

All downtown dining in Schroon Lake is available to the snowmobile owners who park their machines on the gazebo park grounds. After the ice is firmly set and tested, it can be safe to sled across the frozen Schroon Lake, but do be careful. It's an easy walk to find many fine places, but here's a look at the two pubs.

The Timberwolf Pub is a local gathering place. It can be difficult to choose from the delicious menu, but the soups are home-made and the burgers are fresh so you can't go wrong either way. Their motto is "good food, good company, and good times." Join them for breakfast with daily specials, lunch with homemade soups, and dinner.

Flanagan's Pub & Grill is a Irish Pub. They have daily specials, and today, I had the peppermint hot chocolate. Homemade. I could tell. When the menu says “The Best Wings in the Adirondacks,” I have to check them out. There are many varieties and I am planning to try them all. The menu has some welcome side trails and appetizers. After five the dinner menu features some hearty meals sure to satisfy the hungriest snowmobiler. We went for my favorite appetizer, the gluten-free coconut shrimp which is so good I have to share, so we also got the Nachos Deluxe, with fresh jalepenos.

St. Patrick's Day is Flanagan's anniversary, so that's also a great time to stop in. But then again, any time is.

Bistro Flair

Sticks & Stones Bistro & Bar is at the edge of town, with plenty of parking. The rustic interior with stone fireplace is a warm and welcoming space in winter. The owner is particularly proud of the special Italian pizza oven. There are sandwiches, bistro salads, and evening entrees like scallops, fresh fettucine, and steaks. Make sure you check out the burger of the day!

Even my gluten-free self can enjoy one of their signature desserts, the adult root beer float with vanilla bean ice cream, but there are many more. Like table-side s'mores and molten lava cake. They also specialize in craft beer, boutique wine, and handcrafted cocktails.

With such a range of possibilities, and so many trails, the Adirondack Hub makes a wonderful choice to spend your day sledding. After a full day of fun, find a place to stay. Try more of the delicious dining. Explore more trails!

---

 

If you like craft beer, you need to visit Paradox Brewery in Schroon Lake. And depending on when you visit, you might even get to sip your pint while enjoying a view that includes some of the High Peaks. 

Paul and Joan Mrocka opened Paradox six years ago. Hailing from New Jersey, Paul started brewing when he got out of the service in 1984. The couple transitioned from being visitors to the Adirondacks when they bought a house on Paradox Lake, and as many Adirondackers can attest, life here isn’t as leisurely as it might seem.

“I don’t vacation anymore, I work,” Paul said with a laugh. “I use my boat maybe twice a year, and I only used my season pass for skiing twice last winter.”

That hard work is paying off, though. The Mrockas are building a shiny new brewery in North Hudson, just a few miles north of Schroon Lake on Route 9, to replace the current brewery, which is just south of Schroon Lake on Route 9. The brewery will be closer to I-87 than their current location, and it will be close to the state’s new Frontier Town Campground, Equestrian and Day Use Area. 

But besides being in a convenient spot, the new brewery will allow Paradox to quadruple its output and move everything on site. Right now they’re at capacity at their present location with about 2,000 barrels (there's about 30 gallons of beer per barrel) a year, and another 1,800 to 2,000 barrels a year are produced in Stratford, Connecticut. 

Shiny and new

The large, hangar-like building on Route 9N will be packed full of modern, highly efficient equipment. Outside, a large wraparound deck provides views of the surrounding mountains, and there might be food trucks in the brewery’s future. All in all, the vast space is bigger than what Paradox currently needs because Paul wants to allow room for the business to grow. 

More space also means more brewing tanks, so the brewers can try smaller batches of things that will only be found on site. There could be a maple porter or a blueberry wheat in Paradox’s future! 

A round of beers

Back at the current location, tasting room manager Andre Turcotte outlined some of the mainstays Paradox offers. The Paradox Pilsner is one of the lightest beers they do — it’s smooth, crisp and refreshing.

The Beaver Bite IPA is the top selling beer, while its sibling Beaver Overbite is a juicy double IPA, a pineapple meets grapefruit kind of thing. Southern Hemisphere is a highly coveted beer — all of the ingredients come from New Zealand and Australia and it tastes hoppy without being bitter. The pale ale is a classic, light and low on the hoppiness.

And then there’s the Off Trail Series.

“The Off Trail Series is to keep the brewers’ creativity going,” Andre said. “Once a month they go off the trail, they try something a little different, a different rendition to a recipe, or they try a different style.” 

One Off Trail beer was Peaches and Cream, a milkshake IPA with peach puree and lactose in it. It sounds like a mixed drink, but Andre said it didn’t taste like one. That’s something that speaks to what the brewers at Paradox are all about. They’ll slide something across the bar that you might not think you’ll like, and you’ll end up with a new favorite.

“We have people walk in here who say they hate IPAs, but ours are a northeast style. Very juicy, hoppy more than bitter,” Andre said. “You get someone who will walk in hating IPAs and they’ll walk out with a case of our Southern Hemisphere IPA.” 

Beer isn't the only thing you can try in the Schroon Lake Region! Take a hike, go horseback riding, or go for a paddle!

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

1. Adirondac, a ghost town

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

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

Getting there

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

2. Newcomb AIC

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

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

Getting there

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

3. Mount Severence

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

The trail leaves the parking area by way of two metal tunnels, which go underneath I-87. The path is well-marked and well-maintained as it winds to the base of the mountain, crosses a wooden bridge, then climbs moderately to the summit at the 1.2-mile mark. Explore the top to discover all of its secrets — there’s a stunning view of Schroon Lake in one direction and another that encompasses the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness Area.

Stats

Distance: 1.2 miles to the summit

Elevation: 1,693 feet

Elevation gain: 700 feet

Getting there

From Interstate 87, take Exit 28, head toward Schroon Lake, and make a quick right to go south on Route 9. The parking area is in about a half mile on the right.

4. Goodnow Mountain

Goodnow is a little longer and a little more difficult than Mount Severence, but the view from its summit fire tower is simply stunning: A series of High Peaks rise to the north while rolling mountains, twisting rivers, and expansive lakes stretch toward the horizon in every other direction.

The trail starts at a mellow grade and never gets too step as it climbs toward the summit. A lot of trail work has been done to maintain this popular route; you’ll see the result of that in the many wooden bridges, boardwalks, and stairs along the way. Those features will help keep your boots dry and using them also keeps the surrounding trail from eroding, so be sure to take advantage of the trail crew’s hard work!

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

Stats

Distance: 1.9 miles to the summit

Elevation: 2,690 feet

Elevation gain: 1,040 feet

Getting there

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

 

You can imagine that as editor of a statewide hunting andfishing publication, I see my share of big buck photos. And over the course of my newspaper career I've always been a hands-on kind of editor, so I manage to grab a camera with some regularity still and snap a few shots of big deer, big fish and turkeys.

Sometimes – usually during spring gobbler season – I even end up on the other side of the camera. But it sure hasn't happened for me this deer season, as I've struggled to fill a tag and, even as I write this, am planning to jump out this afternoon in an effort to find a buck. At this point in the season, any buck. They're all trophies now as the next-to-last weekend of the firearms season winds down.  

Things have, however, been heating up in the deer woods, as they always seem to do when the temperatures drop and the bucks are on the prowl for willing does. Some of the best bucks of the season are killed later rather than sooner, and that seems to be the case again this year. 

While I've been beating my head against an oak tree trying to find a buck, the stories keep rolling in all around me. A friend connecting on a big-bodied seven-pointer (5 on one side and 2 on the other) way back inthe high country of the Lake Placid and Whiteface regions, necessitating agrueling, 8-hour drag out of the woods that wasn't completed until the following morning. A neighbor scoring on a fine 8-point not far from where I'd been hunting, filling his tag while I was 300 miles away for the Southern Zone opener. Another friend who, home from college for the Thanksgiving holiday, finally got out and in the first hour of his hunt downed a beautiful 10-pointer that will likely score in the 150s. Sometimes it happens that way. I'm trying to convince myself it could happen to me later today. 

And just as there are big-racked whitetails in the high country, there are also corn-fed beauties along Lake Champlain and in the Schroon Lake Region, in spots like the sprawling Pharoah Lake Wilderness Area. 

Even on Thanksgiving Day itself, I was pressed into duty –with pleasure – with news of Jesse Napper's spectacular 11-point buck, the first ever for the 16-year-old. 

It started harmlessly enough; I was working cleanup duty at a church dinner when his aunt arrived with news that her nephew had killed a big buck. She even had a photo of it on her digital camera. 

When she showed me, I wasn't sitting down. I should have been. It wasn't just a "big buck." This one was something special, a big-bodied, heavy-racked, long-tined monster that weighed in at a field-dressed189 pounds and will almost assuredly score in the 150s when someone puts a tape measure to the massive rack. 

I had to see this one myself, and hustled up the road to the farmhouse the hunters had gathered. This was a big deal for any hunter, but especially for a 16-year-old tagging his first buck. I made sure he was aware of that, even driving back home to fetch a couple of cameras for a photo session, then listening to him re-tell the story of his Thanksgiving morning success. You'll see a photo and story in an upcoming issue of New York Outdoor News. 

I didn't have to ask Jesse to smile for the camera. 

And who knows? Deer-hunting lightning can strike at anytime up here. Some big bucks are still out there. 

Maybe I'll need someone to take my picture. 

Of all the winter sports out there, I think snowshoeing is probably the easiest to learn. Our Adirondack trails simply transform with the seasons. If you can hike there in the summer, you can snowshoe there in the winter, exchanging the bright green for the sparkly white. If you can walk, you can snowshoe.

Snowshoeing doesn't require much more equipment than the actual shoes, though I highly recommend a pair of trekking poles. At first, there's this tendency to step on your own feet, since they are a bit larger than what you are used to. Even after you get the hang of it, having that extra four-point leverage of poles is always a good idea, especially on backcountry trails, or on any descent.

That's one of the reasons dogs do well in snow. They have four on the floor.

Go anywhere

One way to have a great time, even on the first time, is getting some expert help. Cloudsplitter Outfitters in Newcomb rents all kinds of equipment, including snowshoes. Their expert guides will take you out for a trek tailored to your interests and skill level.

They are certified Adirondack Guides who love the area and have everything needed for four-season enjoyment of it. From equipment to accommodation, they can offer a full service experience.

Their store is stocked for all kinds of outdoor needs, and there's an especially fine selection of trail food. Staying fed and hydrated on the trail is an important comfort element.
A recent trek I joined gathered kids and dogs for a festive outing on fresh holiday-season snow.

Make sure to have proper hats, mittens, and socks, because when these sensitive areas are not warm enough, all of you will feel cold. But this day was one of those where the overcast sky actually seemed to keep in the sun's heat, and the lack of wind makes a big difference. On the trail, windbreaks of trees can alternate with the vistas of meadows and lakefronts.

Our guides also have many local stories connected to the history of the area, from the early lumbering days to the mid-century move of the Tahawus mine's "company town" to neighboring Newcomb. Guides also lead trips to Camp Santanoni Preserve, a famous Great Camp that can only be reached using human power.

Get out and snowshoe!

With or without a guide, there are a lot of beautiful places to explore in Newcomb.

Newcomb's Overlook Park has the Hudson River running through it. The abundant forest trails here also have a backdrop of Adirondack High Peaks. There's even an informative display that helps visitors identify the distant mountains.

Newcomb is also the home of the Adirondack Interpretive Center. This beautifully sculpted trail system has bridges over many brooks and lake outlets, including a peninsula trail with plenty of dramatic water views. 

A lot of the trails wind through winter forest landscapes, with abundant tracks from wildlife and benches along the path. I love the sound and sight of half-frozen water tumbling over ice and rocks. The Center is open Friday - Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Use of snowshoes is included in the admission.

Learn more with Snowshoe glory: Adirondack Interpretive Center.

Don't forget food and rest

Although a break can be as simple as a Thermos of coffee or hot chocolate, when you're ready for a full lunch try the Newcomb House Bar and Grill — a popular Adirondack pub. Plan to take a break here and enjoy the warm atmosphere of this local favorite.

Stay right at Cloudsplitter Cabins in their self-contained cabins with kitchens.
Find some more great trails — especially for birding enthusiasts, in the blog, Boreal Birding in Newcomb and Minerva.

The Schroon Lake Region is as gorgeous in winter as it is in summer. From downhill skiing to a warm fire, this is a wonderland of outdoor recreation and festive relaxation.
Choose some cozy lodging. Warm up with our dining. Find the finest snowshoeing trails.
 

Whether you want to fish, swim, paddle, or sail, Schroon Lake is the ideal basecamp for your summer fun adventures!

By the numbers

Need proof? Check out these sweet facts:

Ready, set, plan!

So grab your gear, book your campsite, and start dreaming about all the fun you'll have this summer in the Adirondacks' Schroon Lake Region!

We'll see you on the lake - or maybe at one of our favorite secret swimming holes!

SaveSave

The Roosevelt Truck Trail in Minerva is one of the most beautiful trails in the Adirondack Park. The road-sized path takes hikers through a lovely, mature boreal forest of spruce and balsam fir trees on a carpet of sphagnum moss.

The 2.5 mile long trail has become a favorite hike during the annual Adirondack Birding Festival.

Flora and Fauna

Year-round boreal birds, such as Black-backed Woodpecker, Canada Jay, and Boreal Chickadee can be found along the Roosevelt Truck Trail.

During the spring, it is one of only a handful of known nesting locations in the Adirondacks for the sought-after Cape May Warbler.

In the fall and winter, both year-round and irruptive finches can be found along the trail if the cone crop is good. With an excellent cone crop this year, Red Crossbills have already made their way into this area.

Wildflowers, lichens, mushrooms, amphibians, and mammal tracks are just as exciting as the birdlife along the Roosevelt Truck Trail! Black bear and moose tracks are often spotted along the path.

August Field Trip

I recently led an August field trip along the Roosevelt Truck Trail. The Long Lake “Little Bus” dropped us at the northern trailhead along the Blue Ridge Road in dense fog conditions.

One of the first birds we found was a female Black-backed Woodpecker!

A few Boreal Chickadees were also found. A total of 9 Boreal Chickadees were tallied this day along the trail.

Several Hermit Thrushes and one Swainson’s Thrush were also found early in our hike.

More than a dozen wildflower species were found during our trip and the first one encountered was the lovely Blind Gentian.

Blueberries were abundant as we hiked the beginning of the trail – as was the black bear scat!

The trail has gradual uphill sections in the first couple tenths of a mile before a steeper downhill section around the half-mile point. Vanderwhacker Brook is crossed on a wooden bridge at the bottom of the hill.

The wide diversity of fungus along the trail was an attraction for everyone.

Spotted Touch-Me-Not, a favorite food of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, and Turtlehead wildflowers were found in a wetland area near a stream.

After crossing Vanderwhacker Brook, the trail has gradual uphill and level sections before the first of two wheelchair-accessible camp areas is reached. We took a food break at the camp site picnic table. The camp sites are roughly the half-way point of the 2.5 mile long route.

The trail has a few more gradual uphill sections before a series of downhill areas end at the southern trailhead parking area.

As we hiked the second half of the 2.5 mile long trail, we spotted Eyebright, a tiny little wildflower that could easily be overlooked!

A feisty Winter Wren, one of several found, called loudly at us! Golden-crowned Kinglets and Red-breasted Nuthatches were abundant along the trail. Several late summer “warbler waves” were encountered and included, Ovenbird, Magnolia, Blackburnian, Black-throated Blue, Yellow-rumped, and Black-throated Green Warblers.

As we neared the trailhead, we heard chainsaws. The local forest ranger and a crew were clearing blown-down trees from the trail. The Roosevelt Truck Trail is a popular cross-country ski route in winter. In summer, those with physical disabilities can gain access through the metal gate and drive to the camp sites, so the trail receives regular maintenance.

Just before we reached the trailhead, one of the participants commented on a huge White Cedar tree at the edge of the trail. Thomas Cullen stood in front of the tree for perspective on its size!

The Long Lake “Little Bus” was waiting for us as we arrived at the southern trailhead parking area located off Route 28N.

How to Reach the Roosevelt Truck Trail

The 2.5 mile long Roosevelt Truck Trail runs in a north-south direction between the Blue Ridge Road and Route 28N. To reach the Roosevelt Truck Trail southern parking area, proceed .3 miles south of the railroad tracks on Route 28N to the paved road east of the highway – it looks like a driveway! Often, hikers decorate a pole near this drive (currently there are 3 American flags in the pole!). Drive in the bumpy paved road for a few hundred feet to where it ends, and park without blocking the gated trail. From the opposite direction, the paved road is 1.6 miles north of the Boreas River Bridge. To reach the northern end of the trail, take the Blue Ridge Road 4.3 miles east from its intersection with Route 28N to the trailhead on the south side of the road, or 10.5 miles west of the Elk Lake Road. The northern trailhead is on a curve and difficult to spot. There is also a metal gate at this end of the trail and stone walls on either side.

With two cars, one at each trailhead, the trip can be a 2.5 mile thru-hike. Otherwise, the round trip is 5 miles.

When you visit, you will find comfortable lodging and restaurants in a beautiful wilderness setting!

All hikers welcome

If your hiking gear has been laid to rest for the year in your garage or under your bed, it's time to dust it off and give it some love! The trails of the Adirondack Hub never rest, and they’ve been missing you this snowy season. See your favorite landscapes and summits transform under winter powder, traverse through new challenges, and embrace the peace and quiet of calm snowy trails. Although the hustle and bustle of summer has ended, you’ll find just how exciting winter hiking can be. The trails are calling this winter, so grab your snowshoes and cross-country skis and let’s go!

Treat this blog as a guide to some of the Adirondack Hub’s most notable trail systems, and choose between easy, medium, or hard trails. Note that just because your favorite trail is easy in summer, doesn’t mean it will be easy in winter!

Easy - AIC

For a beginner's circuit, or for those who like to take things easy, we thought the AIC would be the perfect fit. The AIC (Adirondack Interpretive Center) offers the tranquility of the outdoors with seamless trails that blend gently into the terrain of the property. Located in the town of Newcomb, the AIC is part of SUNY ESF’s Newcomb campus, serving visitors with an education on Adirondack wildlife and its ecosystems. For an easier hike, the AIC is perfect, offering 3.6 miles of rolling trails that aren’t too tough on your leg muscles, and stellar views of Rich Lake and Goodnow Mountain. The property also includes a home base that houses bathrooms, gear, or simply just a place to warm your mitts. Snowshoes are also available for use inside the main building. Note that the AIC is snowshoe only, so no skis!

Medium - Pharaoh Lake Wilderness

Cranking up the difficulty, Pharaoh Lake Wilderness offers shorter beginner trails, as well as more difficult terrain for intermediate hikers. Bordering the town of Schroon Lake, Pharaoh Lake Wilderness includes an oasis of lakes and ponds interspersed with its own mountain, Pharaoh Mountain. There are nearly 70 miles of foot trails, each with their own unique views and terrain. Choose from following the shores of the wilderness’s lakes, or try Pharaoh Mountain Trail to catch the incredible winter views from the summit. Although Pharaoh Mountain isn’t the tallest peak in the Adirondacks, its location offers phenomenal views of the surrounding mountain range. Most trails do not exceed 6 miles round trip, all except for Sucker Brook Trail, clocking in at 7 miles. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are permitted on all hiking trails. Remember to reward your hard work with a pint and a hot meal before the journey back to basecamp.

Hard - The High Peaks 

We won’t sugar coat it, the High Peaks of the Adirondacks are a challenging feat all on their own. Add snow and volatile weather, and you have your very own Indiana Jones adventure brewing. Luckily, these giant beasts can be scaled with proper gear, prep, and patience. Beginners may want to try a few of the previously mentioned trails first before attempting a High Peak. Increasing your stamina and athleticism with easier trails is advised. A High Peak is typically defined by an elevation of more than 4,000 feet, and round trip hikes can vary from 5 to 18 miles. Because of this, choosing which mountain you’d like to hike is step one. Researching your mountain before you go is essential, you can read up on other hiker’s experiences, and any obstacles that you may need to pack for. You’ll also be able to estimate how long the trail will take you, plan on arriving early and leaving before you lose daylight. Because of varying conditions, be prepared to stay overnight if you have to. While winter in the Adirondacks is characterized by frigid temperatures, remember that the air and weather can be completely different at the top of the mountain. While it may look sunny and perfect at the base, you may be climbing right into a snowstorm at the top of the mountain! So proper layering is a must. Start with a base layer of sweat wicking long sleeve shirt and pants, an insulating layer made of wool or polyester, a hooded jacket, and an outer shell. Wool socks should also be worn in your boots. 

Here is a list of other items that should be in your pack: 

1. A map and compass

2. Crampons and/or microspikes

3. Headlamp 

4. Batteries for your headlamp

5. Matches 

6. Sunscreen (you can still sunburn in winter)

7. First aid kit

8. Food- and extra food

9. Water- a lot of water

10. Extra clothing 

Lastly, and most importantly, tell someone before you go, including the mountain you’re climbing, the time you plan to leave, and the time you plan to get back.

After you’re done with just one, you’ll appreciate the few that own a 46er patch.

Gear up, stay warm, have fun

Winter is an exciting time for outdoor lovers of the Adirondacks. Whether you’re a snowshoe champ or cross-country skiing aficionado, there's a trail that’s ready to match your skill set and challenge your athleticism. If you’re a slow-and-steady kind of person, the trails of the AIC and shorter trails at Pharaoh Lake Wilderness are here to offer tranquil hikes without the heart racing thrills of some of our routes. No matter the path you take, proper gear and research is important. At any level of expertise, pick your trail based on your comfort zone, knowing yourself and your limits up here is necessary! Be aware of weather conditions and prepare for unforeseen obstacles. And if the weather isn’t that great, consider rescheduling. The trails will be right where you left them.