There's always something going on in Schroon Lake, but in the summer the arts come to the forefront. The region is filled with artistic talent in a wide range of media, especially music, which is one of the cornerstones of the Schroon Lake Region both historically and today.

Music, music, and more music

The Seagle Music Colony is the oldest summer music school in America, and the talent on display in their regular summer performances is amazing. Musicals and light opera are both offered on the Seagle schedule.

The shows begin in late June with Old Friends and New, Seagle's traditional season-opening night. The not-to-be-missed kickoff includes all 32 of the school's young artists. It's followed by a reception where the public can meet the singers.

Continuing throughout the summer, the performance schedule starts off with The Most Happy Fella, Frank Loesser's original romantic Broadway musical, which tells the story of an unlikely love that blooms in the Napa Valley.

The Jack & the Beanstalk children's opera takes to the stage in The Boathouse Theatre in downtown Schroon Lake for two morning shows on July 9 at 10 and 11 a.m. But that's just the beginning! Don't miss The Elixir of Love, Roscoe, The Music Man, or any other Seagle Music Colony performances this summer.

Summer kickoff

Every Memorial Day weekend, Schroon Lake throws open the doors to welcome summer during Opening Weekend-Schroon Lake. Help get summer rolling as everyone celebrates with vendors, live music, free yoga, restaurant and retail specials, and lots more. Come help celebrate the arrival of summer!

Adirondacks artists and crafters

Nothing says you care more than an authentic piece of Adirondack art. Some of our best artists and crafters converge on Schroon Lake on July 16 for the 47th annual Arts & Crafts Fair.
This event has long-standing roots in the community and it shows — 47 years and counting is a long time. It attracts more than 100 vendors to the town park, which overlooks the public beach and lake.

Profits from the event go to the Schroon Lake Association for the protection and preservation of the lake. Shop and find great crafts, and help maintain the pristine beauty of this most magnificent of lakes.

Cycle Adirondacks

In what many have described as the best ride of their lives, Cycle Adirondacks kicks off its second year of citizen cycling through the Adirondacks.

This year, Cycle Adirondacks will skirt the edge of the Schroon Lake Region during its first and second legs on August 20 and 21. There's no better way to begin or end this awesome tour of the Adirondacks than a stay in Schroon Lake, and after the long ride you'll certainly deserve it. Why not plan on spending a couple of relaxing days with us? Check out our lodging options and book early!

Green Mountain seems to be a popular name amongst Adirondack Mountains. The name Green most likely comes from the obvious look it casts over the area. Covered in the deep greens of spruce and balsam, especially on the steep slopes of the south side of the mountain, it sure does make sense that it could be named so.

It’s only a hop, skip, and a jump from Schroon Lake, and we decided to take the approach from state Route 28N. Meeting up with my hiking buddies Melissa and Jarrod at the Stony Pond trailhead, we quickly realized that Microspikes would not be optional. There wasn’t all that much left of the snow, but it had been replaced with several areas of boilerplate ice. What snow was sticking around was also solid and nearly as dicey.

It was difficult to say how much snowmobile traffic this trail gets in the winter, but it was certain that DEC trail crews and operations were helping them out with some rather impressive new bridges. We quickly passed by the short spur trail to Twentyninth Pond, which we could see through the trees. The trail gained us a small bit of elevation fairly quickly before we descended along the slippery slopes to a crossing of Deer Creek. From here it wasn’t too long until we reached the shores of Stony Pond Brook and its lovely cascading waterfalls. It is true, nature is genius. Stony Pond came soon after, with the lean-to located slightly back in the forest.

From here we continued toward Irishtown, the suburbs of Schroon Lake. We didn’t travel much further on the trail before we had to start thinking about exiting into the forest beyond. Man is part of nature; I shall immerse myself in it, once again. My perseverance in my desire to visit these lesser known peaks drives me again and again to seek out adventurous routes in hopes of finding something unique and inspiring. I almost always do.

Once we arrived between Stony Pond and Little Sherman Pond, we had to start looking for an exit strategy — the ridge between the two ponds would be it. This land bridge would gain us the steep slopes of Green Mountain, and hopefully some views along the way. The southern face of the mountain dropped right off from the ridge in a nearly sheer fashion, so we would surely get a treat at some point.

The ridge was not all that steep to climb aside from a couple of short pitches, but the south side of this peak was surely weather beaten, which gave us all of the resistance we needed: The trees were stacked like cordwood. Harsh winters and strong winds surely did its toll on the balsams, and their dead stems and branches made pincushions out of us as we proceeded up the narrow ridgeline. We did manage to find a few observation points while along our course, and even as the small window views they were, it was something. They were actually very lovely, or “cute,” as Melissa would say.

At this point is where I say, “Hey let’s find a different route down.” But nope, Jarrod beat me to it. He suggested we head down the north side of the mountain toward Center Pond. That’s a superb idea if I say so myself. Melissa didn’t get a vote.

We started down, trying to remain on the top of the wide ridge, and even though we got pulled off by thicker spruce and balsam growth we made progress in fine time. We found ourselves standing in clumps of evergreens that were small enough so we could pop out for a breather now and again. That makes it sound much worse than it was, all in all we were back into the open hardwoods in seemingly a flash.

We reached the shore of Center Pond much quicker than I think any of us anticipated, so rather than hike along the shore to the trail we opted to head right over the small knob in front of us to gain the Hewitt Pond Trail on the other side.

The final climb was steep, but it felt great to increase our heart rates, so we pushed through it in a single motion and rapidly found ourselves on the trail, the steepest of the climbing we had all day. This trail in spots was not all that easy to follow, with its sporadic markers and unloved condition. We ended up losing it on a couple of occasions, and on one of those we just gave up and started heading along the shore of Stony Pond toward where we knew the trail was. Eventually we crossed it again and managed to remain on it as it returned us to the lean-to.

We wasted no time at all in our exit from the wild forest we called home for the last 5 hours. I think we were all about ready for some nourishment; even the spine of a deer Jarrod found started to look appetizing. I would of course upscale that need for food by stopping by Paradox Brewing on the way.

“Hey honey, the forecast says severe thunderstorms this evening. What do you want to do?”

“Let’s go to Schroon Lake for dinner and ice cream.”

“Sounds good!”

This may not be how normal Friday conversations go in your house, but that’s often how things work around ours. With three kids in tow, we’ve learned that there will always be reasons to not go on an adventure. Sometimes you just have to take the plunge.

So we piled the kids into the car and set off for Schroon Lake. It’s just a short hour-long drive from where we live, which was plenty of time for the baby to fall asleep, the two older kids to start fighting, and my wife and I to have a nice conversation about the black market value of a couple of bickering children. Just kidding.

As we rolled into Schroon Lake the rain subsided and we were able to beat the dinner rush at Pitkin's Restaurant. Things were already looking up! We settled in to our table and began looking over the menus. My wife and I decide to try the Friday fried fish special, and our daughter got the hamburger. Our son, a notoriously picky eater, got the ribs. That’s right. Ribs. I almost canceled my order because I assumed that I'd just finish the ribs for him. Luckily, I didn’t because there wasn’t much left! The food at Pitkin's is phenomenal and it comes out fast, which is important if you have young kids.

After dinner we strolled Main Street checking out the cool shops like Pine Cone Mercantile. This was to prepare us for the next essential Adirondack stop: ice cream!

On the word of one of the shop owners we headed across the Schroon Lake to the Adirondack General Store to try out their soft serve ice cream and homemade ice cream sandwiches. The drive was pleasant, but we agreed that next time we should see about renting a boat to cross the lake. The Adirondack General Store's ice cream was delicious but the homemade ice cream sandwiches were out of this world.

This evening just goes to show that even when the weather isn’t ideal, Schroon Lake is still the best place to be!

If you're hanging out at the Schroon Lake beach, there's a closer ice cream destination. Stewart’s Shops are a chain of convenience stores with dozens of locations in the Adirondacks. Besides having reliable gas prices, you know the shop will be clean, well-stocked, and friendly. You can get breakfast, lunch, and dinner there plus a solid cup of coffee.

Stewart’s Shops are also always stocked full of their own specially made ice cream. Long freezers contain pints and half gallons of dozens of specialty flavors. My personal favorite is the raspberry fudge tort (which the baby also loved!). My son opted for a dish of mint cookie crumble and my daughter chose rainbow sherbet. My wife is loving the new Crazy Coconut flavor! Schroon Lake’s Stewart’s is located right next to their amazing beach, so grab a cone and dig your toes into the sand.

Schroon Lake is well equipped for your next family outing. Hit the beach, go out to eat, and check out a fun summertime event!

If we dream of a delightful destination wedding, the Schroon Lake area has all the places we'd want to get away to. Our resorts have been catering to people, and making their dreams come true, for over a hundred years. If practice makes perfect, we can claim some awesome credentials.

As seen in these wedding photos from a local studio, Bird On A Wire Photography, we'll make choosing the destination for that wedding as easy as one -- two -- three!

1. Choose a gorgeous place

Gorgeousness abounds in the Schroon Lake Region. It is easy to find a lovely setting for almost any size of gathering.

We have plenty of wilderness, but it is also accessible. From lovely Schroon Lake which is a part of its namesake town, to classic resorts and beautifully maintained public spaces, the Adirondacks have been a place where people have celebrated for a century.

There are forests and lakes and mountains, but there are also resorts and restaurants and charming old inns.

There's a wide variety of lodging, from the sweep of Elk Lake Lodge, a private resort on its own lake, to charming B&B's which are just right for an intimate family occasion. Most of them have their own amenities, like gazebos, docks, and common spaces, which are available to organize ceremonies and receptions.

There are also public spaces with plenty of room, beautiful views, and limitless sky. With nature as our canvas, we can take advantage of the beauty provided and let much of the decorating take care of itself.

Schroon Lake has a town beach with a gazebo for some lovely backdrops. The Schroon Lake Fish & Game Club has a warm, paneled meeting space in a rustic setting that is still near plenty of services.

Nearby Gore Mountain is a ski resort in winter, and a stunning facility and grounds for special occasions in the summer. The town of Minerva has beautiful parks, pavilions, and a town beach available for groups.

Even many of our campgrounds have more amenities and meeting spaces than we might think. The Medcalf Acres Riverside Resort have camping cabins and RV spaces. Scaroon Manor is a state campground with an open air theater space that was featured in the movie "Marjorie Morningstar."

The Adirondack Interpretive Center at Newcomb has easily reached trails along with meeting facilities which lets couples craft a wonderful expression of their love for each other, and their love for nature. Newcomb also has a town beach and a scenic overlook that is stunning, just right for a ceremony and picture taking.


We can shape the event in ways which have meaning to us.


A couple can make a "wild wedding" both memorable, and comfortable, for their guests, while enjoying the benefits of peaceful surroundings and a sense of privacy like no other.

2. Choose the Adirondack attitude

We aren't the place for a lot of fretting and stress. We're the place people go to get away from all that.
Destination weddings evoke the warmth and closeness of family. Summer vacations in the Schroon Lake region have brought families closer for decades, in relaxed surroundings during long lazy days.

That same sweet feeling can make for an extraordinary event that contains all the popular Adirondack elements which we welcome you to make a part of your special day.
There's:

Informality - where we can dress "Adirondack casual," even at a wedding. Let our guests feel as relaxed as we are.

Playfulness - seat the guests at picnic tables, have them line up for a buffet barbeque, do an ice cream sundae reception. The less we need to manage, the less chance of something going wrong on our big day.

We can get married barefoot if we want!

Hospitality - by gathering all the lodging and dining in one place, we can mingle when we wish, enjoy a stroll through the forest when the spirit moves us, and easily gather together again for important parts of the day's festivities.

Simplicity - as the saying goes, we can have anything we want. We just can't have everything we want.

It's much too easy to get caught up in doing everything, and then have a rushed and stressful day. When it is a very special day we should simply be enjoying.

A destination wedding pares down a lot of the guest list, the complicated organizing of shuttling groups from one place to another, and being moved from one impersonal space to another.

The Adirondack way of weddings is to remind everyone of the important thing. Which is that... we're here.

3. Choose the right support

Once we have chosen our venue and taken our deep, relaxing breaths, much of the rest of our tasks can be dismissed or delegated. Making this too complicated is just going to create problems for us.

The area has a devoted business community which knows their specialties better than we do. So we can let them handle much of the logistics and execution.
Leaving us to do what we do best.


Rocky Acres is an Adirondack B&B and sewing service willing to cheerfully fuss over a bride's gown before the ceremony and fuss over the honeymoon couple after the wedding.
Schedule a couple's massage at Schroon Lake Massage and Wellness Center.

Arrange for the bridal party to take a yoga class at True North Yoga. Get the whole wedding party team shirts at First Impressions Stitching & Sportswear.

There are local bakeries, breweries, and catering services which can give exactly the right Adirondack touch to this most wonderful day. Then, we can choose another wonderful place in the area to have our honeymoon, or wave goodbye to our guests and not even have to unpack.

Our Adirondack way is about being one with nature, letting it lead us, and not trying no to impose control over something that is, after all, bigger than we are.

Just as two people join themselves in something more important than they are separately, the Adirondacks can help us remember that centering ourselves in nature is where we can draw the deepest satisfaction, relaxation, and understanding.

Remember, we are not alone in this. We just, sometimes, want it to look that way.

Choose the perfect lodging for everyone. Explore the dining. Ask the Chamber about services for that dream wedding.

All photos by Bird on a Wire Photography.

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In related ADK news: Put a ring on it ADK style

Say yes to Lake Placid

Betrothed on a budget

In the heart of the ADKs

Feel the love, Adirondack style

The coolest place to tie the knot

Farm to bridal table

Unique locations, fun destinations

Ice fishing in the Hub 

Across the Adirondack Hub, you’ll find quiet snow-covered forests cut open by vast wide-open flat spaces… wait, those are lakes! While our favorite paddle paradises freeze over for winter, they transform into havens for hard-water fishing, or ice fishing. Villages of shanties and tents cover many icy surfaces, making homes away from home for fishermen and women looking for the perfect bite. While the fishing is prime and it's oh-so-tempting to just stake out and wait to fill your cooler, there’s so much more to each region, from thrilling wintry attractions to cozy corners with flavors that make you forget the icy temps. 

Lake Harris 

Lake Harris is an expansive lake in Newcomb, bringing premier fishing to your next outing. Framed by the nearby High Peaks, you’ll be transported to a quiet oasis of snow and ice, with just the sounds of nearby wildlife to keep you company. In terms of fishing, you won’t leave empty-handed. The lake proudly supports a self-sustaining population of walleye after being experimentally stocked from 2004 until 2008. Other species you should keep an eye out for? Northern pike and yellow perch!

Off the ice

Away from the lake, and just down the road, take an outdoor walk through a classic Adirondack Great Camp - Great Camp Santanoni. The camp is the only publicly-owned Great Camp in the Adirondacks and boasts 13,000 acres of natural forest, farmhouses, cabins, and main lodge. The road to the camp in winter is only accessible via snowshoes and cross-country skis, so come prepared! 

Newcomb Cafe and Campground 

Just steps from the lake, the Newcomb Cafe and Campground offers cozy dining and home-cooked meals, making it the perfect place to relax and recharge. Whether you're kicking off your day or winding down with friends after a fishing trip, this spot serves up hearty portions of delicious breakfast and lunch. Open Thursday through Sunday, it’s the ideal place to fuel up for the day ahead or wrap up your outdoor adventures!

Minerva Lake

The smaller lake on this list, Minerva Lake is just as mighty as its neighbors! What it lacks in miles, it makes up for in quality and quantity of fish! While you cast, you’ll find Panfish, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, and Walleye, to name a few. With a few quaint islands at its center, you’ll be set off in your private ice fishing escape as you wait for your catch to arrive. 

Off the ice

Roughly a 20-minute drive away lies one of the biggest ski mountains in Upstate New York. Gore Mountain - sister location to Whiteface Mountain in Wilmington - offers 25 miles of downhill skiing, spanning 108 trails, 14 lifts, and a 2537′ vertical. With 4 peaks making up the mountain, you’ll find the perfect trail, from easy-going greens to double black diamonds for adrenaline junkies. Head into the lodge when you’re done for some fireside hot cocoa or stop into the Tannery Restaurant for a complete refresh. 

Sporty's Iron Duke Saloon

Looking for possibly the coolest bar in the region? Sporty's Iron Duke Saloon will transport you into a world filled with Harley Davidson memorabilia, antiques, and a bar stocked with your favorite brews after a day in the chilly temps. Their patrons rave about the grilled cheeseburger, or the "huge" turkey club, among the tasty comfort foods to choose from. When you're not feasting, feast your eyes on their extensive motorcycle collection!

Schroon Lake 

No stranger to hard water, Schroon Lake is home to one of the longest-running, classic ice fishing events in the Adirondacks. With 9 miles of ice to cover, you’ll have plenty of space to set up camp and get to fishing! Speaking of camps, when you get a glimpse of the lake, you may be surprised to find little villages of shacks and shanties sprawled across the ice, that’s just how good the bounty is here. Keep your eyes peeled for Lake Trout, Landlocked Salmon, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Smelt, Northern Pike, Black Crappie, Brown Bullhead, Rock Bass, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch.

Off the ice

After or around your fishing trip, experience something unique to Schroon Lake and the wild scenery here. Tucked away in a hidden corner of the region lies Natural Stone Bridge and Caves, an opportunity to explore an elaborate system of underground caves and natural stone structures that take you deeper into the Adirondacks' wild history. In winter, visitors have access via snowshoes only. You’ll get to see how the ice and snow react over the unique terrain, and explore over 14 miles of trails, including walks along the river, sinkholes, ledges, and even two mountain tops.

Sticks & Stones Wood Fired Bistro & Bar

If you’ve left the lake looking like an abominable snowman, we know you need a hot meal near a fireplace, stat! Sticks and Stones Wood-Fired Bistro and Bar will have you thawing out in no time, with a savory treat for your tastebuds to boot. Their menu covers all the bases for a perfect winter meal. Order the French onion soup (going first because I’m extremely biased), wings, or blackened beef tips to start you off. For the main event, choose from the pretzel burger, Cajun pasta, chicken parmesan, or their 12. Oz New York Strip. It wouldn’t be a wood-fired establishment without pizza, so build your own or order one of their specialty pies. 

Come for the fish, stay for the towns

Wherever you cast a line in the Adirondack Hub, you’ll find that the region is brimming with prime hard-water fishing, from our sprawling lakes to quaint secret hideaways, you’ll get your day’s worth of catches in no time. While you’re off the lake, experience everything each town has to offer within minutes. 

“I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order.”

John Burroughs

The Adirondack Hub is filled with endless opportunities for family fun. Whether your travels bring you to Minerva, Schroon Lake, North Hudson, or Newcomb, you are only a hop, skip, and a jump away from breathtaking hikes, visits through historical museums, art galleries, and independently owned stores, and tastes of the seemingly endless culinary creations. But after a day of adventure and activity, the peace and stillness of camping in the woods sounds all the more inviting. These three campgrounds in the Adirondack Hub offer the perfect respite for solo travelers, friends, and families alike.

Minerva Campground

Address: 68 Beach Road, Minerva, NY, 12851

Phone number: (518)-251-2869

Located next to the cool waters of Donnelly Beach, the Minerva Campground is the perfect space to unwind. There are fifty-six sites available for tent camping with car access available at every site. Non-motorized boat owners can utilize the boat launches and explore Minerva Lake! Use one of the available hot showers after playing on the basketball courts, tennis courts, the playground, or the swings. Fire up the grill and make use of the picnic tables, pavilion, or gazebo during your stay!

Not up for cooking? Head over to grab a bite—and a pint—at Sporty’s Iron Duke Saloon. Be sure to complete your stay by visiting the Minerva Historical Society Museum and explore the prints of watercolor paintings by Winslow Homer, an artist whose work was largely inspired by his frequent visits to Minerva, NY. 

Spacious Skies Adirondack Peaks

Address: 4035 Blue Ridge Rd, North Hudson, NY 12855

Phone number: (518)-532-7493

Spacious Skies Adirondack Peaks is filled with so much fun, it might as well come with a bow on top. The campground has over 100 sites available to accommodate tents and RV’s. For those who are not interested in a BYOS (Bring Your Own Shelter) camping lifestyle, Spacious Skies Adirondack Peaks has cabins, cottages, and yurts available to rent.

(Side note: I totally made up BYOS, but now I am fully committed to making it a thing.)

The amenities at Spacious Skies Adirondack Peaks turn it into its own mini-community rather than just a campground. The on-site gift shop, mini mart, and snack shop are accompanied by outdoor swimming pools, a mini-golf course, boat and bike rentals, mini-train rides, and so much more. There’s even an arcade! Scheduled daily activities including movie nights, Bingo, and ice cream socials take away the stress of having to schedule things to do, allowing you to kick back and relax.

Newcomb Cafe and Campground

Address: 5575 NY-28N, Newcomb, NY 12852

Phone number: (518) 582-8999

After a long day of travel and exploration, the last thing anyone wants to do is spend more time in a car. The Newcomb Cafe and Campground offers an opportunity to have a delicious meal and a space to enjoy some well earned R&R, all in one space.

This family owned and operated campground has sites available for tents and RV’s (BYOS!) with water and 30-amp electricity hook-ups in addition to a few cabin rentals. The campground has shower facilities and bathrooms, and the cafe has available Wi-Fi. However, the Newcomb Cafe and Campground aims to provide a “digital detox” for its visitors. During your digital-free stay, check out the campground’s fishing pond. Want to get out and about? Visit the Adirondack Interpretive Center for guided naturalist walks or indoor exhibits. The Newcomb Historical Museum is a great option for those wishing to learn more about the area, or enjoy the scenes from greens at the High Peaks Golf Course.

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No matter where your next trip to the Adirondack Hub takes you, any one of these campgrounds is the perfect ending to your day of outdoor adventures and explorations of attractions throughout the region. Whether you BYOS (okay, now I'm just forcing it...) or rent your lodging of choice, the ADK Hub should be added to your camping bucket list this summer season!

 

I never know where the mountains will take me from one week to the next, but I am almost always guaranteed an adventure of some sort or another. This week brought me to the north end of Hoffman Notch in the Schroon Lake Region. The snow-free aesthetics of our current winter are not normal, but that tends to happen from time to time. Snow is a wonderful addition to the harmony of the wintery mountains and without it we will be left with the dull ambers of the rotting leaves and the damp chill in the air around us. But we would not let that get us down as we can make the best out of almost any situation.

Driving down Blue Ridge Road, the multiple humps of the Hornet Cobbles has intrigued me for many years, and all I had to do is pull the pin and just climb them. In an early morning mental muddle we arrived in Newcomb to carpool down to the Hoffman Notch Trail. Saving fuel, money and energy is important in our pursuits.

The Hoffman Notch Trail is a gateway between the Hornet Cobbles and the massive expanse of Washburn Ridge which rests to the west, a future endeavor, for sure. The initial portion of the trail heads through private land so we could not venture off the trail until we made that obvious step into the Forest Preserve. The Hornet Cobbles consist of four distinct bumps. We first ventured to the one furthest north, called #4, the smallest of the lot. The trail brought us through the forest, past the wreckage of an old, deceased car — a Studebaker, I think.

We then crossed a wonderful structure over Sand Pond Brook and quickly came to a much more rudimentary crossing consisting of an old ladder laid down over a wet segment. From there it wasn’t too far to state land. Once we were sure we had crossed the border we started our bushwhack to Hornet Cobble #4. The terrain was nice and open but was going to get steeper. The mixed forest gave us an easy attack on the small summit, and even with challenging conditions we reached the ridgeline quickly. The ridge offered what we call a “filtered view” through the trees, but it was a nice early treat. The summit was not much further along the ridge and it was positioned atop a large boulder that we needed to scramble upon.

Next in line was Hornet Cobble #3, the third tallest of the lot and about 100 feet higher than our current position. The ridge didn’t require us to descend too much off of #4, which we were grateful for as we knew later that would not be the case. As we started to climb up the next summit, so did the balsam and spruce forest. There is not much to report on the summit of #3 except for the fact that we were standing in some pretty thick growth with barely room to turn around. We didn’t hang out and headed right for the tallest cobble.

As we descended, the forest started to open up and allowed us a nice view of our destination. We tinkered with the thought of heading over a smaller high point along the ridge that was in the way, but to avoid any unneeded thicker growth in our faces we opted to stay low to the east and evade it.

The summit of Hornet Cobble #1 came quickly, much more so than we had anticipated, and avoiding much of the thicker growth was surely a factor of our success. In fact, the final stretch was pretty open and the summit was, too. Unfortunately the open summit was also wooded, giving us seasonal views through the leafless trees.

It was now off to Hornet Cobble #2, the final summit along the ridge and quite a ways away, too. We descended off of #1 and at times it felt as if we were falling off the face of the earth. It was steep and very unstable in the area we chose, but it was fast and it delivered us in the high col at a rapid pace. The saddle was fairly flat with an elevation change that was easy and not steep at any point. We climbed the remaining 100 feet or so to the summit and with a bit of exploring we found a small window view of Hoffman Mountain to the east.

The ridge was not as thick and slow as I anticipated, so with our extra time we decided to visit a hidden pond to the southeast of the ridge to see what we could find in the lowlands. The descent was long and continuous, and in a slow forward progression we made tracks through the open hardwoods and eventually onto the shoreline of the hidden pond. The pond looked to be receding back further and further from the trees making for a wide, open shore. It was a bit of a mucky walk but a pleasant one. This was surely the payoff for the day. The scenery out from the valley and up the mountains was spectacular. Deer tracks dotted the shore, as did fallen trees with decades of being submerged.

We were now in a slight conundrum — should we climb back over the shoulder of the Hornet Cobbles or follow the drainage to the Hoffman Notch trail? We started along the creek and enjoyed a couple small waterfalls, but the shore was not all that friendly and we soon decided to climb up and over the shoulder. It wasn’t very challenging, but we were still not all that thrilled.

We eventually made the trail but in all reality it wasn’t that long, and we still had enough time to visit Big Marsh. Big Marsh is a large body of water that resides near the top of the notch. From our location it was about 1 mile away along a wet and faintly marked trail. The vistas out over the Marsh, which is truly more of a large lake, were wonderful. Texas Ridge shadowed us from across the open waters, and as the shadows of the day grew long we needed to hastily get hiking back to the trailhead. We wasted absolutely no time in our exit and only paused long enough to snap a few pictures of the boulders along the trail and the vintage logging machine park along the way. We were tired and ragged woodsman as we emerged from the forest, but excited about what we had found and excited in the thought of what other adventures we could ponder up in the Hoffman Notch Region.

There's plenty to do in the Schroon Lake Region after you've finished your hike in the Hoffman Notch Region. Go horseback riding, visit a museum or go shopping.

 

The Adirondacks is home to all sorts of outdoor adventures like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, but it takes some preparation to do it right, especially in winter. But don’t feel intimidated! The Adirondack Hub is the perfect basecamp for trying something new, and our gear shops have everything you need to get started. 

Picture this: In no time at all, you and your family can be walking past beautiful ice-covered ponds and strolling through snow-draped pine forests. Come try something new today, it’s easier than you think!

1. Get the gear

If you don’t have the gear, you and your family can still get out in the Adirondacks. Rent what you need from a gear shop like Cloud-Splitter Outfitters in Newcomb.

2. Get geared up

New to snowshoeing? Our gear shops are always staffed with people who love the outdoors, and they’re happy to pass that information along. They’ll help make sure those snowshoes (or skis) are the right fit for your feet.

3. Learn the route 

Another plus to renting equipment from a local outfitter is they know where to go. You’ll find hundreds of miles of well-marked trails in the Adirondacks, and some of them are not suitable for beginners. An expert can direct you to the best route based on your experience level and tell you about anything you should be aware of along the way.

4. Looking good!

Feeling like you’re ready to conquer the trail is the best way to start an adventure. Just look at those confident smiles!

5. Look at those smiling faces

There’s nothing quite like hitting the trail and leaving civilization behind. And snowshoeing is a great way to do it!

6. Take your time

A well-planned route is one that doesn’t require running to complete. There’s a lot to see in the Adirondack woods, so don’t rush!

7. Look and learn

You’ll probably see some more experienced skiers and snowshoers on the trail — take some notes and learn some new moves! If it looks like fun, it probably is.

8. The end of a perfect day

Learn the names of the surrounding peaks. They're all begging to be climbed, but that's another adventure.

Take all the time you need in Adirondack Hub. Plan some adventures then head into town for a place to stay and some warm food.

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The reason you may see media of people not wearing masks on our website is because all footage is from prior years. More than ever we all need to be vigilant about maintaining social distance of 6 feet or more and wearing masks when we cannot social distance.

The Adirondack Hub is a lot of things: scenic, beautiful, a great destination for fun, and also pretty big. The Hub, an ideal basecamp for adventure, is massively full of mountains, pristine wilderness areas, sparkling lakes, attractions, farm to table restaurants, and so much more. With so much to explore, you might want a little help navigating, right? Well, look no further, your Hub helpers are here!

Experience Newcomb Smartphone App

Known as the "Heart of the Park," the town of Newcomb is picturesque, family-friendly, and full of small-town charm and activities. Recently, the Town of Newcomb worked with zCivic, an app development company, to create a unique, tourism-focused app to support visitors to the community. The result, the Experience Newcomb smartphone app, is an exciting new guide to discovering Newcomb!

The app includes directories of local businesses, such as food and lodging options, destinations including museums, an events listing, and interactive GPS mapping. Looking for a challenge? Use the app to learn more about the town's unique Experience Newcomb adventure patch program. App users can find detailed information about how to earn each patch along with a form for users to "check-in" to start earning patches right away. Four different patches are awarded for accomplishing designated activities throughout Newcomb. Activities include hiking, paddling, visiting an historic Adirondack Great Camp, and more!

History aficionados can even use the app to partake in one of Newcomb's most exciting events: Teddy Roosevelt Weekend! Learn all about Teddy Roosevelt’s special connection to Newcomb, NY (the starting point of Roosevelt's midnight ride to the presidency). During TR Weekend, users can use the app to navigate to events with fun things to see and do for the whole family.

Users can download the Experience Newcomb app today on the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store and receive push notifications of upcoming events, weather conditions, and more. Visitors to the Town of Newcomb that do not have a smart phone can access the Experience Newcomb app at touch-screen kiosks located strategically throughout the town. There is currently one kiosk inside the café at the Newcomb Café & Campground. The town will be installing five more kiosks throughout Newcomb.

With the app, planning adventures in the Newcomb area has never been easier. The Town of Newcomb continues to deliver small-town hospitality to outdoor enthusiasts near or far.

Adirondack Wayfinder

Adirondack Wayfinder is a tool to help travelers be inspired, dream, and plan. With Wayfinder, explore themed trails highlighting scenic views, breweries, motorcycle tours, farm to table dining, history, family-favorite attractions, and so much more. The Wayfinder is a unique way to learn more about cultural and recreation opportunities throughout the Adirondack Hub, linking communities and exceptional wilderness areas, including Newcomb, North Hudson, and Schroon Lake.

Looking for a great route for a weekend of leaf peeping? Wayfinder can lead you to the Newcomb overlook on a family-oriented adventure that will help you make memories to last a lifetime. Wayfinder has multiple trails that focus on activities, lodging options, and adventures that kids of all ages will love, from square dancing in Schroon Lake to hiking a historic fire tower. From alpine slopes to the coolest retro dining options, general stores to serene lakes, the Wayfinder is a great tool for personalizing your Hub adventures.

Start from any address and share the trail to your smartphone. All trails are customizable, with options to add lodging and dining, even ice cream! Whether you decide to explore an entire trail or just use the site to get inspired, the curated trails on Adirondack Wayfinder bring the dream of Adirondack travel to you.

Adirondacks, USA Snowmobile app

The 6-million acre Adirondack Park does winter like no where else. When it comes to firing up the sled, the trails in and around the Adirondacks make up one of the biggest trail systems in New York state. Both groomed and backcountry trails provide the heart-pounding exhilaration of smooth cruising through a winter wonderland on some of the finest and most enjoyable trails in the northeast. With so many trails, and plenty of trailside stops to enjoy, deciding where to go and what to do first can be a little overwhelming. To the rescue: the Adirondacks, USA Snowmobile app!

The app allows snowmobilers to plan amazing adventures throughout the Adirondacks and includes an interactive map and all of the information you need to know about trails, gas stations, stores, restaurants, and lodging properties throughout. From restaurants that cater to sledders to cozy cabins in the woods, the app helps you learn more about local favorites and can't-miss stops. Explore lakeside trails in Schroon Lake or even the trail across frozen, scenic Brant Lake. The snowmobile app will help you find the winter wonderland ride of your dreams!

Download today on the App Store or get it on Google Play.

The Schroon Lake Region is a super interesting place, so there’s tons of great stuff that can be written about it. Sifting through the last year of blog posts, there are some great options worth reading again. Here are my five favorites!

1. The moving village of Tahawus

http://www.adirondackhub.com/story/2014/10/moving-village-tahawus
I wrote this one, and it was definitely one of my favorite pieces to write. I had heard the story of how the village of Tahawus (pronounced tuh-HAWS, not tah-HA-wuss!) was moved 12 miles down the road when I was bartending in Long Lake years ago, and it always fascinated me.

It was really cool to learn more about it. I got to check out photos and video from Tahawus and the move, I talked to some people who lived and worked there and in Newcomb when the move happened, and I got to see parts of Newcomb I had never checked out before. The historical society there is so cool - definitely check it out if you get a chance. Writing this blog post was an overall great experience!

2. The ride heard around the world - Theodore Roosevelt’s ride to the presidency

http://www.adirondackhub.com/story/2014/10/roosevelts-ride-presidency
There’s so much great history throughout the Adirondacks, but the Teddy Roosevelt story is one of our biggest claims to fame, and it’s so interesting to read about. Vice President Roosevelt loved the Adirondacks and was staying in the now-defunct village of Adirondac, near Newcomb, when he found out that his president, William McKinley, had been shot in Buffalo.

He took off for Buffalo immediately, but he was still traveling through the Adirondacks when McKinley died and he became president. Read more in Spencer’s blog post about it!

3. 3 hour tour

http://www.adirondackhub.com/story/2014/09/3-hours-boating-on-schroon-lake
Part of the reason that Schroon Lake is such a great place is that the village is situated right on the big, beautiful lake. I love this post Kim A. wrote over the summer about their great day on it.

I was so jealous of them getting out of the office and spending the day on the lake on a beautiful, sunny day. They got to swim, wakeboard, eat delicious food and boat around the lake. But my envy subsided a tad when I heard about how the boat had some troubles and they got stranded in the middle of the lake for an extra hour or two. Too funny!

4. Schroon Lake - a summer haven for culture

http://www.adirondackhub.com/story/2014/07/schroon-lake-summer-haven-culture
I’ve always been into the arts: I was in band, chorus and every play I could get into throughout elementary and high school, and I majored in creative arts with concentrations in theater and music in college. So Schroon Lake is my kind of town, and this blog post proves it.

I loved reading Sue’s post about all the amazing creative offerings in this unique little village, including the Adirondack Shakespeare Company, the Seagle Music Colony, the Schroon Lake Arts Council’s many activities and the annual Folk Music Fest. It makes me want to spend the whole summer there next year! Who’s with me?

5. Ski trip to Gore and Schroon

http://www.adirondackhub.com/story/2014/01/ski-trip-gore-schroon
Gore Mountain is a great place to ski and board, so I loved Nicole’s post about her and Kelly’s trip there last January. The next time I make the trip down there, I’ll definitely hit up Schroon Lake afterward and try out all its great apres ski (well, apres board for me) dining and lodging options! They sound great!