The lovely Essex Chain Lakes Tract opened to the public in the summer of 2014. This remote area is comprised of twelve lakes and ponds. Paddlers can spend the day exploring the lakes, or stay longer by camping at one of the designated sites.

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At the end of last summer, I chose to do a camping trip. I explored Third Lake to Seventh Lake, and reserved the most remote camp site, number 2 on Sixth Lake.

The Carries

After the long scenic drive on backroads in Newcomb, a visitor reaches the large parking area for the Essex Chain Lakes. There are two carries to reach Third Lake. The first carry is a quarter mile and begins on a dirt road. Pay attention! You need to take a right turn off this road on a foot trail to Deer Pond. I walked right on by this trail by hiking with my canoe over my head. The trail drops down to Deer Pond. When I visited, there were ongoing improvements to the carries, including steps on the trail to Deer Pond.

Canoe straight across Deer Pond to access the second carry. This half-mile carry begins on a foot trail that leads uphill to an old dirt road. Turn right on the dirt road and watch for a left turn on a short foot trail that leads downhill to Third Lake.

The carries to Third Lake total three-quarters of a mile. I hiked the carries twice – once with my canoe and paddle, and once with all my camping equipment, so my hike was two and a quarter miles!

The Lakes

Third Lake is the largest in the chain and has four designated camp sites. It also has many Common Loons and Common Mergansers.

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From the put-in on Third Lake, a paddler can choose to head west-southwest to Second and First Lakes, and then a carry of four-tenths of a mile to Grassy Pond, or head east-northeast to Fourth through Seventh Lakes (no more carries in this direction).

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All of the lakes have signs indicating which numbered lake you are entering.

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The transitions between lakes had Beaver houses and many lily pads.

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Fourth Lake is small and intimate with only one camp site.

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The transition from Fourth Lake to Fifth Lake is through a large culvert under a dirt road. There is a rope with knots and you pull yourself through.

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In high water conditions, it might be necessary to take your canoe or kayak out and walk over the road.

Fifth Lake is larger and also has many Common Loons. There is one camp site on this lake. This site can also be reached by hiking the road that leads from the parking area. I met a group of five men coming out as I headed in last September. They said they used a wheeled cart to get all of their camping equipment, which included a lot of refreshments (!), to the Fifth Lake camp site. It is nearly a 2 mile hike, so 4 miles round trip. After they got their camping equipment to the site, they hiked the carries with their canoes and paddled to the camp site from Third Lake.

The transition from Fifth Lake to Sixth Lake was lovely. It has dead snags that likely attract Olive-sided Flycatchers in breeding season. There were Belted Kingfishers rattling as they fished and many lily pads and floating dirt mats. It was fall migration during my trip, and migrant shorebirds were attracted to the floating mats.

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Sixth Lake is also small and intimate. There are two camp sites and I spent the night at the site farthest east, so there were gorgeous sunset views over the water from my camp. It was mesmerizing with ever-changing color.

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The camp sites are primitive and the privies are the new open-air, wall-less models. With a restriction of no fires, there is more vegetation in the camp sites than at sites where fires are allowed, and campers burn up all the brush and sticks.

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The Nightlife

The night was filled with the wild sounds of Barred Owls hooting and “monkey-calling” to one another.

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All night, I heard the call notes of migrating Swainson’s Thrushes that flowed over me like a river.

There was splashing in the water and I wondered if it was a Beaver or Moose.

Dawn

In the morning, I heard singing Blue-headed Vireos and Common Yellowthroats, and a calling Pileated Woodpecker. A curious Black-throated Blue Warbler flew close to me as I ate breakfast. A Belted Kingfisher rattled. A Red Squirrel dropped large White Pine cones with a loud thump wherever I happened to be standing.

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I explored Seventh Lake. At dawn, the lakes appeared as mirrors of the world above without a ripple. It was blissfully peaceful and I lingered in the wilderness.

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Heading West

I finally returned to my Sixth Lake camp site and reluctantly broke it down. I headed west back through the chain. I once again saw the Common Loon families, a Deer drinking at the edge of the water, Beaver lodges, and many wildflowers. It was a lovely paddle back to Third Lake in calm winds. And then I hiked the carry trails twice again with my canoe and camping gear.

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If you plan to paddle the Essex Chain Lakes, and you want to camp overnight, a (free) permit is required. The Adirondack Interpretive Center (AIC) in Newcomb issues the permits from May 15 to October 15. If you camp before May 15 or after October 15, you do not need a permit. A map of the campsites can be found on the AIC website, and they can also assist in describing the various sites since you need to choose a campsite ahead. There is no permit needed for day use.

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I plan another trip this summer to explore Second and First Lakes, and Grassy Pond. Plus, I want to experience the lakes in bird breeding season! If you plan to visit, there are wonderful lodging and restaurant options available in the area.

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.

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

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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.

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

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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.

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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.

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

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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.

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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.

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

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

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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.

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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!

Just a hop, skip and a jump from New York City is a State Park larger than Yellowstone, Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Glacier and the Great Smokies National Parks combined, called the Adirondack Park (the Adirondacks or ADKs). The word Adirondack was a name given by the Mohawk tribe meaning “barkeaters.” The Adirondacks is the largest National Historic Landmark and covers over 6 million acres. The Park is always open, and there's no admission fee.

For generations the Adirondacks has been a source of inspiration. A playground for the adventurous, a source for wellness and healing, a stadium for world competition, a battleground, a canvas to painters, photographers, visitors and artists alike; and to the ever many, a muse. From Albert Einstein, to the Rockefellers and Vanderbilts, to Presidents’ Roosevelt and Coolidge, historically there has been a tradition of inspired minds choosing to spend their time in the mountains and waters of upstate New York. The fresh air, mountains, and miles of trails, water, and winding roads beckon you to experience what the Park means to you.

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Into the Woods

One of the longest-standing of these sources of inspiration and tradition comes in the form of song from Seagle Festival. Conveniently located in the South-East side of the Park in the town of Schroon Lake, Seagle has been drawing in talented up-and-coming singers summer after summer. This season the Seagle Festival is celebrating 100 years as the oldest summer vocal training program in the United States, and as a premier opera and musical theatre producing organization.

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For a town of less than 2,000 residents it’s unique to say that every summer opera singers from across the country and around the globe contend for a spot among the elite thirty-two who are selected to train, practice, learn, and perform at this prestigious music school. The Colony was founded by Oscar Seagle, a world-renowned baritone. Quickly nicknamed “Olowan,” an Indian name for “Hill of Song,” Mr. Seagle’s reputation made the Colony a magnet for aspiring singers.

For the 2015, Centennial Season

The Seagle Music Colony offers an impressive performance schedule for visitors to enjoy this “Hill of Song” in action all summer long. For the 2015 Centennial Season the audience has the chance to enjoy the timeless classics: Falstaff by Verdi on stage July 1-5, and The Barber of Seville by Rossini from July 15-18, both performed in Italian with projected subtitles in English; Into the Woods[/i] by Sondheim, the fairy-tale classic which hit the big screens in 2014, comes into the mountains from July 29 - August 1; and the season is rounded out from August 12-16 with the highly anticipated and unforgettable, Les Misérables[/i] by Schönberg & Boublil.

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Children have the opportunity to laugh, as well as learn, as the Colony presents the children’s opera The Ugly Duckling. This delightful adaption of Hans Christian Anderson’s classic fairy-tale explores and teaches young viewers the important life lesson and message of acceptance. (Sung in English with relatable characters).

Find your muse and indulge in what inspires you!

Considered the gateway to the Adirondacks, Schroon Lake makes a great basecamp to experience and explore all the Park has to offer. Plan a trip to Schroon Lake this summer and see what all the fuss is about. Let the Schroon Lake website help you find what you are looking for.

• Find lodging
• Hire a guide
• Reserve tickets to a show at the Seagle Music Colony
• Check out a class of your own at the VIC Center on the Events page
• Explore what to do

Feeling inspired?

Learn about Teddy Roosevelt’s ride in Spencer's Blog, learn more about the Seagle Music Colony in Sue’s blog, and read about the painter Winslow Homer.

An Adirondack Hat Trick

As you may have read in this recent blog, I took a spring trek up Moxham Mountain. And, because of that hike, I got the idea to see what else this region’s mountains have to offer. We had this plan to do a two-car traverse through an area none of us were familiar with, so we left nothing to chance and got a bit of an early start. For once I was not the one running late, using my internal alarm clock as an excuse, it was odd being on the other side of that conversation. Corenne and I were sitting on the corner of Northwoods Club Road as Jim went racing by in his ghost white S-10, we smiled wondering how long it would take him to realize what he'd done (it wasn’t toooo long before he pulled in behind us). We drove down a bit further to a very deep col between Venison and Kellogg Mountains to park Jim’s truck as best we could on the side of the road, trying to avoid a sinking feeling in the generating mud layers. We found a spot near the culvert for Bullhead Brook, which saved us having to cross it later in the day; it had become a river with all the snowmelt during the recent weeks. Then off we were to the other side of the range.

We parked our second car off 14th Road just south of Minerva, which happens to be the same road as Moxham Mountain. We drove past that trailhead and continued for a bit over a mile to a convenient spot across the swollen creek and on Forest Preserve Land. Much of this area is private property but there are a couple of parking spots that accessed us to state land. We found the western most access point which was perfect because this placed us on the friendly side of Deer Creek.

Dutton Mountain

Now we would be off, and yes, we left our snowshoes in the car - I had no desire to wear or even carry them. Worst case scenario we wallow through what snow was left, and it couldn’t be much, the ground as far we could see was bare. Immediately the ground was soft under our feet, we loved it, even the slight amount of standing spring water was great to see for a change. After a short steep climb to get above the brook, we were on a very mellow hike through some very open forest. With Dutton Mountain just under a mile away, it quickly came into sight on the horizon. We could see from afar that it had ledges with possible viewing opportunities just below the true summit, we couldn’t wait to be there. Then yet another pleasant find, it was a spring beauty popping up through the decaying oak leaves; still closed from its overnight slumber, it would surely be open before day’s end, maybe we would see more after mid-day.

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We climbed the steep slopes of Dutton with loose rocks jumbled under us. While many stayed put, others were sent astray by me toward Jim and Corenne. The rocky slopes opened up to a unique red pine forest, not seen as much in the Adirondacks as I would like. An open ridgeline offered up views toward Moxham in the foreground and in the distance the quiet snowy slopes of Gore Mountain; the fire tower glistened in the sunlight. We were yet a quarter-mile from the summit as we worked through an oddly mixed forest of spruce, red pine, white pine, and birches - a mixture of species not commonly seen together. The summit would offer us nothing for additional views and quite honestly it would have to be pretty darn good to trump where we just were.

Venison Mountain

We quickly dropped off the north side of Dutton in search of Venison - no it’s not hunting season, that’s the name of the peak. This would be the longest portion of this today's trip and at that, just 1.3 miles or so. Venison Mountain was nearly the exact same height as Dutton making the actual summit tough to see once we dropped lower in elevation. The descent was gradual and eventually we found ourselves in a very thick pole stand. Actually not even pole diameter trees, they were obviously older, just not spread out enough to grow properly. The ground was very dark sand, almost like it was mixed with ash from a fire, were we in a previous fire zone? As we exited from this unique forested area we came to several small pools of muck in a semi-liquid state, which we had to navigate around or become part of.

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Finally we could ascend Venison; the approach was filled with undulating hills, just teasing us of a climb. Again we could see a rocky shelf just below the summit, this one just to the left of the actual top along with what looked to be an open ridge approach. As we climbed higher I chose a ridge I felt was the one we saw, although several other small shelves also looked welcoming. We pushed through the rubus that was growing in pretty thick fashion in the lightly treed areas, but I had jumped too soon, we needed the next semi-open ridgeline (but that was OK since we were aware of my error). Jim decided to go right and see what he could find and Corenne and I went left in the direction I felt was more promising. After a bit of side-hill hiking I spotted the ledge that had prompted us to be so diligent. I hooted and hollered to Jim, and eventually he heard my attempt to locate and we rendezvoused near the base.

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Atop the ledge we were in awe of the views before us, it felt as though we were in an apple orchard, but really we were in a mountain ash orchard with a grassy undertone. We spent well over a half-hour here relaxing and having a nice lunch. The true summit was only a few hundred feet away. At the summit we found a cairn marking the top as well as a small whitetail deer statue and some names scribbled on a piece of birch bark; quaint, yet not terribly out of place. A wooded summit on a rocky spine was where we were at and a crazy steep descent in front of us down to Northwoods Club Road. The terrain was steep, but not as bad as we had anticipated. We found a narrow drainage path which we jumped into with no delay, although eventually we had to leave it in order to stay on state land. We hit the road right at the culvert adjacent to where we parked, it was a near perfect descent.

Kellogg Mountain

 

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We were now looking up at Kellogg Mountain, which we figured to be a 500 foot climb in less than a quarter of a mile; it was going to be steep and relentless. We found a flagged route up the mountain, unsure of its purpose or destination, we followed it as it took a fall-line approach to the summit. As we neared the apex of the hillside we had to do a bit of hand-over-hand scrambling with small saplings as our support guides. We didn’t see too much promise here on this 2100 foot peak, but we were still hopeful. The true summit had slight views through the leafless trees, but as soon as they blossomed the views would be gone. Jim and I had to poke around, we wanted a view of the High Peaks that we knew were so near. And, then, there it was. We found a small open slope where we could see the entire upper Great Range from Marcy to Gothics and even the teeth of Sawteeth serrated the blue sky. We spotted the entire MacIntyre Range, and then in the other direction was the Dix Range. Sure they were off in the distance but we could find them all, and still quite snow-covered I might add.

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It was now time to go; what a sobering note to a wonderful day; but what comes at the end of a day is the ideas that flow for the next trip into the wilderness. Who knows where I will be, but I assure you it will be some remote peak nestled away in the wonders of our beloved park.

Ready to plan your next hiking, biking, or fishing trip in the Schroon Lake Region? We've got great places to stay and friendly folks to guide your way. See you on the trail.

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Hiking the Pigeon Lake Wilderness

Moxham Mountain is a fairly new trail to Essex County and is located in the Town of Minerva in the Vanderwhacker Mountain Wild Forest. The trail was built by the Student Conservation Association (CSA) in July of 2012 to give access to the public to a true Adirondack gem. This trail is a well laid out scenic route of 2.7 miles, on a moderate approach to a partially bald summit.

Moxham you might be thinking would be a very long drive from Schroon Lake, but with its trailhead accessible location it’s a rather short drive, using county roads. Just locate Hoffman Road (CR 24) in the Village of Schroon Lake and follow it all the way to Irishtown, which is a very small hamlet of Essex County. In Irishtown take a right near a graveyard and then a left at the T-intersection onto CR 24A. This will quickly bring you to Route 28N in Minerva. Cross directly over Route 28N onto 14th Road and continue 2.1 miles to the trailhead on the left. In the spring, as it was for me, the final 0.2 miles to the trail was closed due to wet conditions, if this is the case there is a small area to park at the top of the hill.

I had seen this mountain many times from Route 28 as I traveled south toward North Hudson, but never really placed the name with the face, so to speak, but once I summited I soon realized where I was standing. Finally the feel of spring was here and I was looking forward to hiking in warm weather and less layers. The week before I was in Old Forge on a hike, and to my surprise the snow was still very deep, especially on the northern aspect of the mountains, so we didn’t want to take any chances.

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What gear to bring???

We decided it would be wise to bring our snowshoes and Microspikes along just in case, if nothing else we could leave them in the car, and we would be traveling up the north side of the mountain ridge. As we arrived at 14th Road and started our drive down, my eyes wandered over at the northern slopes of the mountains in the area and it was quite apparent there was still plenty of snow lingering around. Even with the hard winter snowpack from heavy use, we felt there was a good chance that the snow would be rotten and not support us at all without the use of snowshoes. As much as we didn’t want to bring them, we strapped them onto our packs; if nothing else we could use the added weight for an additional dose of exercise.

We parked at the top of the hill and started the descent along the dirt road for all of 0.2 miles to the new state trailhead on the left. There would be ample parking here, if it were not under water. We started up the trail that still had a bit of ice on it, but no real snow to speak of. We now realized we would be taking our snowshoes for a tour on our backs. We did however decide to slip on the Microspikes, as traction was not at all good. The ice parted in areas where massive amounts of rushing water crossed the trail. It truly wasn’t long before the Microspikes were not really necessary. The trail became clear of snow and ice as we started to crest the first small bump along the ridge and the southern slopes mountain collected more warmth from the sun. We now were giving the tour to a set of Microspikes - if we hadn’t brought them though we would have needed them - it's Mother Nature’s cruel joke.

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The views from Moxham

We came to our first view and it was quite amazing. Through the leafless trees we could see the High Peaks around Upper Works, but it was still too obstructed by the forest for any decent photographic opportunities. A long descent brought us to a lower elevation, and a bit of snow started to appear again. As we approached the valley we noticed that we were coming to a small hidden pond that would be on our left, we investigated a bit only to find it was a beaver pond that had all but dried up to a stream running through it. The stream however, maybe small in the summer’s heat was now raging with snowmelt. The trail crossed at a spot not good for the future of our dry boots so we moved slightly upstream and over a downed tree that allowed us to rock-hop a couple well-positioned steps.

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Back in the snow we were, as we ascended through a shallow valley. Though the snow was very rotten and water raced beneath it, we opted not to reapply our traction for the short distance it would be needed to gain the ridge again. As we battled a short pitch of slightly steeper terrain and old waterfall ice, we realized we would be once again on a trail of reddened pine needles. The views soon became more and more frequent and my camera would spend more time out of the case than in. The pillow-like clouds above us formed interesting shapes and added to the depth of the views out toward Gore, Blue, and in the distance, Crane Mountain. The unique shape of Snowy Mountain and Indian Lake’s Little High Peaks were even further in the distance, expanding this view for many miles.

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We would soon be close to the summit and the nearly sheer cliffs of Moxham would be in sight capturing our imagination and awe. I had hoped that the trail would follow the tops of the cliffs, but even though it didn't, the line accessed them in several locations for additional views, slightly different from the last. We stood atop the summit of Moxham, gazing at the array of different views of the mountainous landscape and the frozen wetlands below. My camera was smoking from the constant shuttering of pictures, as a cool - not all that gentle - breeze pushed through our hair. It was so pleasant to be able to sit on a summit and enjoy its beauty for longer than 5-minutes. The winter had been long and even the most attractive summits of the cold season pushed us off the summits faster than we had preferred. It was nice to not have to wear snowshoes - even though we carried them. Our only regret was not bringing real food for lunch and having to settle for granola and a Clif Bar.

Our descent was fast and agile. With every step we gained three atop the slippery snow. We stepped and glided as much as we could, when we could, and what was to our slight disadvantage on the way up was our life flight on the way out. Soaked from the knees down from running water and wet snow, we wasted no time in changing into dry footwear for the ride home. Now off to Stewarts for a couple dogs and cone.

A morning of exploring in the Siamese Ponds Wilderness

The Siamese Ponds Wilderness Area is one of the largest Wilderness areas in the Adirondack Park. It extends some 24 miles north and south, 18 miles east and west, and is made up of over 114,000 acres of Forest Preserve lands. During the early 1900s logging became an important industry in the region, and most of the Wilderness area was heavily cut over. This heavy logging created a large quantity of slash and in turn caused devastating fires to tear through the region significantly impacting this natural resource. Today, the signs of forest fires are all gone and the traces of logging have pretty much disappeared. A young forest is all that remains giving the hint of logging operations some 100 years.

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Height of Land Mountain (HLM) is located just south of the Essex County border in Warren County, Schroon Lake is not all that far away either. HLM resting at 3021 feet in elevation is only shaded by its taller cousin Gore Mountain that sits less than a mile to the north. Why is HLM so important to the climbing community? Well, HLM is a 3000-footer which means it makes its way onto many hikers' checklists. For example, hikers climbing the Adirondack 3000-footers and the small group who are working on the 770 (which is all the 3000-footers in the Northeast - also known as the NE770). As a hiker whose sights are set on this 3000-footer I planned to tackle this moderate climb with my wife Corenne and close climbing companion Jim “I-love-to-break-trail” Hopson. Well, I'm not actually all that sure he loves breaking trail, but he sure is darn good at doing it.

Second Pond Trailhead

Setting off for a later start on this estimated 4-mile hike we met at the intersection of Route 8 and Chatiemac Road in Johnsburg, which is roughly 30 minutes southwest of Schroon Lake. I had done some research on this mountain but found nothing supporting the opportunity for views, but we remained optimistic. We drove separately the 2-miles or so up Chatiemac Road to the trail for Second Pond. We had thought about bringing skis along just in case the Second Pond Trail was skiable, but running late as usual, we left them home. The trail, come to find out was in great shape for skiing and used quite frequently, very recently, as a matter of fact. "Oh well," we said almost like a chorus, as we strapped on our snowshoes.

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We started up the trail on a whip, and Abby our four-legged hiking partner was happy to see the warm weather. She’s not a big fan of winter, but if the trail is broken or the weather is warmer, she’s all in. As we passed by Chatiemac Lake to our left we were quite surprised by the force of the wind coming off that small frozen body of water. The snow drifts were immense and to my estimation 5 feet deep. Of course we didn’t need to push through them, they were very solidly wind-packed and stomped out by previous snowshoers and skier. Game trails for deer, variant hares, and what appeared to be fox were all over and crossing at several locations where recent fallen trees have provided shelter and food.

After an initial gentle descent to the lowland we happened upon a secondary ski trail, which was not on any map I owned - I'm still unsure exactly where it goes. From here we would have to start climbing. The trail we were using would deliver us up the shoulder between Height of Land Mountain and Gore Mountain if we so chose, but we opted not to go quite that far. We could see HLM off to our left and just 0.6 miles away, as the crow flies, so we just decided to go for it. From here it would be a short bushwhack through an open hardwood forest of maple and beech saplings to the top. The snow was impressively deep, much deeper than we had anticipated. With Jim volunteering to take point for the start, I took the opportunity to snap a few pictures of the area. Corenne, stuck in the middle, would soon take lead as Jim stepped aside and I moved to the middle, Jim was now at the back resting. The snow seemed to continually get deeper with a top powder layer and a thin crust in the middle, with more powder on the bottom;we pushed through knee-deep snow on the flat areas. When we approached small depressions and steep terrain in the landscape, the snow depth increased to near waist deep molasses.

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Summiting Height of Land Mountain

Soon the slopes would get very steep and we used every tree we could to help pull us up and give us added support. Now it was my turn to break trail. Wallowing through I managed to keep a solid pace for quite some time, but eventually I had to take a break and Jim jumped right on in making route to the summit. We approached some rocky terrain as we neared the plateau on the ridge, but to our disappointment there were no views from this spot. The ridge was now quite flat but we were still a quarter of a mile away from the actual top of this beast. The flatter terrain was a joy to our legs and the snow seemed to be a bit more consolidated not even reaching our knees at this point. However, when we passed through the chin hobble, the snow deepened in an unconsolidated state of waist deep powder. The good news was we could see the summit just ahead of us, rearing up in a sharp face, lined with a steep rock ledge. We would for sure have some sort of wintery view. Once we tugged our way up from balsam tree to balsam tree we stood atop the sharp summit area and found a slightly obscured view out toward the south side of Gore. This was a different view of Gore, one that doesn’t get seen too often. From this view there are no visible ski trails, and the fire tower is unseen, giving this busy mountain a sort of secluded beauty we were happy to see.

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The true summit was yet about 250 feet away, through dense firs, which we broke through to stand atop Height of Land Mountain. Our descent was one of humor and speed. Of course the speed for which we tried to descend made for the humor. The track we made up was still not consolidated fully, so every few steps we would bury the front of our snowshoes a bit deeper and with the momentum of our downward retreat we would have to fight the urge to plummet forward. We did, on occasion, find ourselves rolling on our backs and fighting the snow to right ourselves again; the trail was a delight to finally stand upon. We exited the final portion of this adventure in prime fashion and looked forward to visiting the new Paradox brewery and grabbing a bite in Schroon Lake on the way home.

Satellite-Projected Image of Blue Line to be Implemented

Schroon Lake, N.Y. — Originally proposed in 1885, the installation of a visible boundary to define the borders of the Adirondack Park is finally a reality.

The new border will consist of a satellite-projected image of a blue line, designed to commemorate the blue ink that was used to define the Park boundaries when they were first drawn on New York state maps leading up to the Park’s official establishment in 1892.

The Blue Line Projected Perimeter Project was spearheaded by the Adirondack Cartologists Society, and it has been been supported widely. Project proponents boast that the highly visible, defined boundary provides several benefits.

First, as a tourism destination since the late 1800s, the Adirondack Park’s lack of entrance gates has long been a source of confusion for leisure travelers to the region. Destination marketing representatives confirm that confusion exists. “Visitors often complain that they want to brag about entering the park, but are not sure when exactly they cross the Blue Line,” said Jimmy McKanta, president of the Adirondack tourism bureau. “With the increased importance of word of mouth promotion via social media, that ‘bragging’ is of more marketing importance than ever before."

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Perimeter Project committee member Dave Shore was responsible for acquiring the grant funding for the development of the graphics and the actual satellite technology. Shore touts the maintenance-free nature of the projected Blue Line. “A line that is painted or otherwise physically drawn on the ground would require caretakers,” he said. “The projected blue line will show on TOP of the snow and leaves, eliminating the need for shoveling or raking.”

Wildlife advocates are also in favor of the project, highlighting the benefits of a purely visible blue line versus a physical boundary with access gates. “We are pleased that once the Projected Perimeter is in place, it will not affect wildway corridors,” said John Axis of the Adirondack Black Bear Society. Although the organization has expressed interest in a physical border to the Park as a checkpoint for things such as the transfer of invasive species, and firewood from outside the park, they agree that the positives outweigh the negatives. “Once out of hibernation, the bears, and all other animals for that matter, will be free to leave the Park.”

While the project has been met with unprecedented support for an initiative of its significance, some groups have expressed concern. The Park in the Dark Coalition, a local environmental group that seeks to protect the land inside the Blue Line from any increased light pollution, has made some proactive suggestions. “We’d like to suggest that at the very least, a darker blue within the electromagnetic spectrum is used,” said Willie Rightway, a representative from the Coalition. “That caveat would be appreciated, in order to keep the wavelengths of visible light down to a reasonable level.”

Elected officials see the projected Blue Line as having potential economic benefits. “This Projected Perimeter could have a built-in revenue component,” said Mayor Rabideer of the Saranacs. “A visitor Park Pass could be introduced, perhaps with a projected Blue Line-activated QR code. Those without one would be able to pay for them at strategically placed electronic kiosks. Passholders would earn a list of benefits, including 6er and 46er trail access.”

The Projected Perimeter Project committee has not yet finalized a Blue Line time line, but anticipates implementation no later than the 150th anniversary of the Adirondack Park’s establishment.*

For more information about the Blue Line Projected Perimeter Project, contact the Adirondack Cartologists Society via GPS or visit adirondacksusa.com.

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*The preceding story is fabricated in celebration of April Fools day, popular for the commission of good-humored practical jokes of varying sophistication.

Five Select Trails in the Schroon Lake Region

Winter shouldn’t be a reason to not bring your four-legged buddy hiking with you, so why not bring them up with you next time you visit the Schroon Lake Region? There are tons of trails that are perfect for both of you, the only problem is choosing which one. Here are 5 short-and-sweet destinations that would make a good start.

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Crane Pond

This hike can be found at the end of Crane Pond Road just north of the Hamlet of Schroon Lake. Located in the vast Pharaoh Mountain Wilderness you will have ample opportunities to venture down side trails to other beautiful locations such as Pharaoh Mountain and Goose Pond. From the trailhead you will need to snowshoe or ski the remaining portion of the road to its end at Crane Pond Road. This final portion of the road is closed to vehicular traffic. As for your pooch, this road hike is perfect. The footing is typically very solid which will help keep your dog’s paws on top of the majority of the snow.

Severance Hill

This short 2.5 mile roundtrip hike off Route 9 will bring you and your hiking partner a bit higher. Located just north of Schroon Lake it’s easy to access and fun to hike. Positioned on the east side of the Hoffman Notch Wilderness you can check out the landscape from a different point of view. This snowshoe will bring you under the Northway through a large hiker culvert to access the wilderness. On the other side you and your pet can enjoy a gentle to moderate hike up one of the more popular peaks in the area. With outstanding views you won’t want to turn around, but there’s so much more to see.

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Lost Pond

Lost Pond is located in the Pharaoh Mountain Wilderness and you will be starting just east of the Putnam Pond State Campground off Putts Pond Road. This road can be found off Route 74 between Schroon Lake and Ticonderoga. This trail gets a decent amount of winter activity making the trail nice and solid for all users. Cross-country skiers use this trail quite often to access Lost Pond, but very few users actually go around the pond in winter. Whether the loop around Lost Pond is broken out or not, it is a very enjoyable trail to follow.

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Spectacle Pond

Spectacle Pond is located on the western edge of the immense Pharaoh Mountain Wilderness and will give you a unique look at this side of the recreational area. This 3.5 mile round trip excursion brings you along a very mild trail and a sweet babbling brook, whose water runs clean and crisp. A typical hard-packed trail made popular in winter by cross-country skiers will bring you back to a hidden pond where brisk breezes and sparkling snow will make you feel relaxed and happy to be there.

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Big Pond

Big Pond is just that, a big pond. Located at just over 1.5 miles from Hoffman Road you will have a short enjoyable ski or snowshoe through the Hoffman Notch Wilderness. Your dog will love this trail, at least mine did. With a flat course through the forest your dog can do the usual routine of run out and run back as much as they would like. Outstanding views await you and your pet from Big Pond as well as from Lower Big Pond on the way in.

Like the ideas of these five destinations? Check out what other snowshoe outings there are in the area. Then, once you’ve worked up an appetite be sure to stop by one of the local shops for a nice bite to eat. Staying in the area for a few days, see what Schroon Lake has to offer for lodging that’s pet friendly.

Cabin Fever Therapy:

“One therapy for cabin fever may be as simple as getting out and interacting with nature. Research has demonstrated that even brief interactions with nature can promote improved cognitive functioning and overall well-being.” - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

I was searching for remedies to cabin fever and the common results from my online searches were: change your environment, get outdoors, and connect with nature. Okay, living in the Adirondacks I can do that! I wanted something a bit different and in a location that was easy to get to.

Ready to find my cure I decided to check out what the southern Adirondacks had to offer. I called the Schroon Lake Chamber of Commerce and spoke to Tammy. She was a wealth of knowledge, and I was excited about her suggestion for a local stay package that Witherbee’s Carriage House was offering.

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Stay at a cabin to cure cabin fever??

Witherbee’s Carriage House Restaurant and Adirondack Lakes Cabins have put together packages for lodging, dining, and a day of maple sugaring. I called Witherbee’s Carriage House to learn more.

I found out that maple season has arrived in the Adirondacks, and while the sugar’s flowing during March & April the opportunity is here to indulge in a stay, dine & maple package that could cure those winter blues. This sounds like a sweet package - plan a trip to make your own maple sugar the traditional way on a working 1890s Maple Sugar Bush.

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About the 1890s Maple Sugar Bush

Your hosts Bill and Patty Christian have their own maple sugar bush where they make maple sugar on site - the same way it was done back in the 1890s. Be their guest and spend the day learning and taking part in the whole maple syrup process. Collect the sap in buckets, then transfer it to the collection tank that’s hauled on a wooden skid to the sugar house. In the sugar house see how they use the traditional wood stove to boil the sap all day and turn it into syrup. While the sap is boiling hang out by the wood stove and play cards, enjoy an egg hardboiled in sap (it's tradition), and go snowshoeing to their camp in the woods.

Your maple for you at Witherbee’s

After a day of maple sugaring bring the product of your labor back with you for dinner. Witherbee’s Carriage House loves showing off their culinary skills for their guests and features special meals with syrup as the star. Enjoy their Maple-Dijon Glazed Salmon or Oscar's Pork Chop along with a variety of signature maple deserts.

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The Adirondack Lake Cabins

Follow your day of maple sugaring, and your maple-themed dining experience featuring your own homemade maple syrup, with a cozy night stay at the Adirondack Lake Cabins. Newly built, these cabins are conveniently located behind Witherbee’s Carriage House with a great view of the lake. The cabins feature traditional Adirondack rustic charm with modern comfort, built from trees harvested directly from the property and milled at the local mill. Great for couples, friends, and family, each cabin sleeps up to six.

Treat yourself this March & April

Think fresh Adirondack air, rustic charm with modern comfort, historic tradition, with a bit of sweetness rolled in. Make a weekend of it, the Schroon Lake Region offers many ways to get outside and connect with nature. From ice fishing, snowmobiling, and sledding to hiking, skiing and more, come see all the great things to do and see why this easy to get to Adirondack community will keep you coming back for more.

1. Sleep-easy at this old-time speakeasy

False walls, hidden closets, a secret hallway, and a bar with a one-of-a-kind New York history are just a few of the special features you will find at the Silver Spruce Bed & Breakfast. This cool post-and-beam home dating back to the 1790s was reinvented in the 1920s for the prohibition era. The past owner, Sally Miller Smith spared no expense, topping off her 17-room addition and elaborate liquor hiding places with the bar she purchased from Manhattan’s original Waldorf Astoria Hotel before it was torn down in 1930. Sally set up this unique piece in the basement, where it became the focal point of her wild parties in the speakeasy formerly known as The Tavern at The Schroon River Falls.

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2. More than it seams

This quiet B&B retreat offers panoramic views of a beautiful brook, pond and the surrounding Adirondack Mountains. The B&B is located along Trout Brook Stream on Trout Brook Road near the Hoffman Notch Wilderness area just to the north of downtown Schroon Lake. Here you’ll find great hunting, fishing, hiking, biking, skiing, snowmobiling and all your sewing and alteration needs. …Wait, what?!! Rocky Acres Inn Bed & Breakfast is home to the on-site Rocky Mountain Sewing and Alterations where you are invited to stay at the Bed and Breakfast for an Adirondack vacation and bring your sewing and alternation needs with you. Rest and relax while having your garments renewed: have your formal wear altered; get your hems, zippers fixed up; detail your uniforms and aprons; and don't forget to have your curtains, pillows, and pet needs customized.

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3. 12,000 reasons you will want to visit

The Adirondacks are known for pristine beauty and untouched landscape, and at the Elk Lake Lodge you can literally get away from it all on their 12,000 private acres. The Elk Lake Lodge says, “This is a world that is unchanged in hundreds of years - a timeless place that offers a unique wilderness experience, a place to enjoy the silence, the clean air, the unspoiled natural beauty that are increasingly rare in modern life.” Ranked in Outside Magazine as one of the “Ten best wilderness lodges in North America,” this little gem in New York State is easy to get to, close to everything - yet somehow away from it all. Be a guest on its privately-owned forest preserve surrounded by the Adirondack Mountains. Run by a single family since the middle of the last century, the Elk Lake Lodge has been in operation in the same spot since the mid-nineteenth century. It is place that change rarely touches.

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4. Rough it with style

The Scaroon Manor, is a New York State owned campground with a distinguished past. Notably, it was the location for filming of the movie Marjorie Morningstar with Gene Kelly and Natalie Wood in 1957 and soon became an elegant destination resort for the rich. Although the Manor was torn down when New York State bought it in 1967, the resort’s exceptional features such as the historic amphitheater, and the 1200 feet of shoreline and beautiful beach remain available to guests. Today, Scaroon Manor Campground is available for day use and overnight camping on the 240 acres of land. The current campground consists of: 60 campsites, hot showers, flush toilets, picnic areas, picnic pavilion, swimming beach, boat docks, and trailer dump station. Motor boats, rowboats, and canoes are welcome. It is also handicap accessible.

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Find your Adirondack Basecamp

Discover a unique getaway of your own, the Schroon Lake Region has a variety of lodging options, from motels, cabins and lodges, to B&Bs, private rentals, and camping - pick the one that resonates with you. Perhaps pack your pic-a-nic basket, and take the family to Spacious Skies Adirondack Peaks or try something offbeat like Betty's Funny Farm. Take a look for yourself and see - there is so much to be explored here.