So, since the extra day landed on a Monday this year, doesn’t that mean you can take the day off? I think it should - fresh air is a great way to improve your mental health! Now the important question: “do I need snowshoes?” Boy, that’s a tough question to answer and unfortunately I have to say, most likely, MAYBE. Does that help? It’s getting to that season where you should have them along, some sort of traction might well be needed. I tend to carry my snowshoes on my pack for a while just in case the snow is a bit deeper up high, and then switch out as needed. Sometimes the snow isn’t all that deep but it’s a mess to walk on. Now, of course, there is the rumor a snowstorm coming and that changing things to a solid YES, you will need them.

The following recommendations for your February 2016 extra day/vacation/sick day make great choices. So when you do take that leap you should head over to Schroon Lake to check out these select seven hiking destinations.

Treadway Mountain

Distance Roundtrip/Loop

7.8 miles

Estimated Time Roundtrip/Loop

4 to 5 hours

Brief Overview

From the Putnam Pond Trailhead start a moderate and easy winter stroll around the pond. There are a few intersections along this route to the mountain so be sure to take notice of the trail signage. The final climb to the summit is moderate with only a couple of spots that would resemble steep, but it can be very icy. The summit and the approaching ridge are loaded with rock outcroppings and views, take them all in.

Other Notable Features

Be sure to explore all around for different views as the area seems to open up around every corner. This is perfect for snowshoes or not, but there may be a bit more snow up high. Traction of some sort is a must.

How to Get There

From Schroon Lake follow Route 74 toward Ticonderoga. Take a right onto Putts Pond Road and follow to the end at the state campground. You may or may not need to park outside the campground entrance, it all dependson if it is plowed out adequately or not. Either way just walk straight up the hill and the trailhead parking is on the left, and the trail is at the far end.

Pharaoh Mountain

Distance Roundtrip/Loop

9.8 miles

Estimated Time Roundtrip/Loop

6 to 7 hours

Brief Overview

This hike might be a bit long for some family members. From the parking area you will hike an access road to Crane Pond, which is easy with minimal change in elevation. This is also a nice place to take a break. From there you will hike on a moderate foot trail past Glidden Marsh with tremendous scenic value.

The ending climb to the summit is a bit more demanding, and in some areas could be considered quite steep and surely icy. Some visitors consider this hike moderate, others strenuous, I would say it’s someplace in the middle. The views are from the open summit and former home of a fire tower.

Other Notable Features

Be aware this peak can be very windy; bring something to block the gusts and enjoy the top. Snowshoes should be carried.

How to Get There

In Schroon Lake follow Alder Brook Road to Crane Pond Road which will be on your left. Follow Crane Pond Road to the large parking area. Don’t try to drive any further along Crane Pond Road — it is far too rough for most vehicles, and it is in a wilderness area.

Mount Defiance

Distance Roundtrip/Loop

2.2 miles

Estimated Time Roundtrip/Loop

1.5 to 2 hours

Brief Overview

You will start heading immediately up the road and on a steady grade you will come to the summit where old cannons and a pavilion are located. The view out over the lake and of Fort Ticonderoga is fantastic. The road is very wide with plenty of room for snowshoers and skiers.

Other Notable Features

This is a great historical peak with neat views out over the lake and into Vermont as well as of Fort Ticonderoga.

How to Get There

Follow Route 74 toward Ticonderoga. In Ticonderoga head south on Route 9N, and continue for 0.75 miles to Montcalm Street on the left. Follow Montcalm Street for 0.6 miles to Champlain Avenue, which will be on your right. Follow Champlain Avenue for a very short distance to The Portage on the left, and then take a left onto Defiance Street. Drive Defiance Street to the Toll Road which will be on the right.

Cook's Mountain

Distance Roundtrip/Loop

3.4 miles

Estimated Time Roundtrip/Loop

2 to 4 hours

Brief Overview

This peak is part of the Cooks Mountain Preserve owned by The Nature Conservancy and opened for recreation to the public. The trail begins rather easy but soon begins a steady climb up the east side of the mountain where views through the trees can be collected. While steeper terrain does exist for short periods along the trail is has been graded well and never seems to be very aggressive. A few lookouts will be along the partially open ridge. The end of the trail brings the best bang for the buck. This trail can be very icy in sections.

Other Notable Features

This is a great hike to do with Rogers Rock or Mount Defiance, perfect for the entire family.

How to Get There

Follow Route 74 toward Ticonderoga. In Ticonderoga at the intersection of Route 9N and Route 74 in Ticonderoga follow Route 9N south and then shortly a left onto Lord Howe Street. This will soon become CR 5 (Baldwin Road). Follow Baldwin Road for 1.8 miles to the trailhead on the right.

Roger's Rock

Distance Roundtrip/Loop

4.0 miles

Estimated Time Roundtrip/Loop

2 to 4 hours

Brief Overview

The campground entrance is closed in the winter, so you will need to snowshoe the campground roads to reach the trail which is located there. The trail is located to the back of the campground on the backside of a small loop. Once on the trail you will start to climb immediately on some rather steep terrain. In winter this trail is used much less, making the possibility of the trail needing to broken out that much more likely, so it would be a good idea to have snowshoes in the car to see what the conditions are like. You will quickly gain the ridge high above Lake George where you will have some outstanding views out over the lake and into Vermont. Be careful along the top and the ridge t is very steep and can be slippery.

Other Notable Features

This is a historical location where Captain Rogers evaded capture by the Native Americans, a neat piece of history and possibly a bit of lore.

How to Get There

Follow Route 74 toward Ticonderoga. In Ticonderoga at the intersection of Route 74 and 9N in Ticonderoga follow Route 9N south continue for 6.5 miles to the Rogers Rock State Campground on the left, park roadside in a safe location and away from any gates.

Severance Hill

Distance Roundtrip/Loop

2.4 miles

Estimated Time Roundtrip/Loop

2 to 4 hours

Brief Overview

This family-friendly trail offers good views out over the region with limited effort, but be aware this is a very icy trail and traction is a must. From the trailhead you will soon come to an access culvert that leads hikers to the opposite side of the Northway. On the opposite side, the trail will remain level for about a quarter of a mile before starting to climb slightly and then steeply in areas. At 1.2 miles you come to the first view and a slight bit further to the second. The nice feature of this summit is it is slightly enclosed so winds are not typically an issue.

Other Notable Features

This has always been the go-to hike for families staying in the area, and for good reason — it’s a nice peak, and the hike is an interesting one as you hike beneath I-87 through a large tunnel.

How to Get There

From the intersection of Route 9 and Route 74 just off I-87, exit 28, follow Route 9 south toward Schroon Lake. Continue for just over a half-mile to the trailhead on the right.

Goodnow Mountain

Distance Roundtrip/Loop

3.8 miles

Estimated Time Roundtrip/Loop

3 to 5 hours

Brief Overview

This ragged looking mountain is home to one of the few fire towers remaining in the Adirondack Park and thanks to a not-for-profit organization it’s in great condition too. From the trailhead you will start to climb a bit steeply to a flat area that you will follow for a little while before climbing easily once again. From here to the summit it's a steady climb, but not very steep, although it can be icy and slippery in spots. Upon the summit you will come to the fire tower and great views especially of the High Peaks area.

Other Notable Features

In route there is an old horse barn a great place for a photographic opportunity. There is also a fire tower on the summit adding additional views from the steps.

How to Get There

From exit 28 in Schroon Lake follow I-87 north for one exit to the North Hudson exit 29. From here follow Boreas Road west toward Newcomb. Continue to Route 28N and take a right and head toward Long Lake. Continue for right around 8 miles to the trailhead on the left.

 

Plan to stay in the Schroon Lake Region and choose one of these great hikes for your next extra day!

 

Blogging about food…does anyone have a better job than me? This week, our blogging team went looking for the perfect Adirondack meal, and I got the honor of checking out the various eateries in Schroon Lake to put the perfect meal together. Judging by the two places I visited one recent beautiful fall day, Schroon Lake is definitely the place to go when you’re hungry!

Sticks & Stones Wood Fire Bistro & Bar

The first place I visited was Sticks & Stones Wood Fire Bistro & Bar. With a name like that, I had high expectations for the food – and it lived up to those expectations! On the day of my visit, I met with one of the owners, Gary. He explained about the wood fire oven they have, which was brought here by boat from Naples, Italy. It is really cool because it is behind the bar, visible from the dining room, so you can see them using it. It makes the restaurant warm, and smells so good! Many of their dishes are either cooked or finished off in the oven, for that wood fire taste and crispness.

I have a weakness for unusual salads, and I’m kind of a salad snob, so when I saw the Fig & Goat Cheese Salad, I had to order it. It did not disappoint – it had the perfect amount of dressing, with a little bit of balsamic drizzle on top that gave it a nice, sweet taste. The marinated roasted peppers were packed with flavor, and I had to control myself not to lick my plate!

Having a salad for lunch means I have room for dessert, so I ordered the homemade apple crisp on the advice of one of the very friendly staff members. It came to my table steaming and smelling divine! The filling was delicious, the crisp – made from corn flakes, brown sugar and oatmeal and finished off in the wood fire oven – was crispy and sweet, and the vanilla ice cream and caramel on top was definitely the icing on the cake! My mouth is watering just writing about it…I will definitely go back again for that!

Sticks & Stones has a very diverse menu, so you can visit multiple times during a long weekend stay and have something completely different each time! There is also a daily special menu, including an appetizer, soup, entrée and dessert, which I will try for dinner the next time I am in town.

Fig & Goat Cheese Salad

• Spring lettuce mix
• Wood fire roasted almonds
• Marinated pickled peppers
• Figs
• Goat Cheese
• Dressing: balsamic vinaigrette
• Topped with a balsamic drizzle

DeCesare’s Pizzeria

When I think Pizzeria, I think Brooklyn pizza, the kind I used to get where I grew up on Long Island. But I’m learning that Adirondack pizza has its own character, and some of it is awesome! One of the places you’ll find awesome Adirondack pizza is DeCesare’s Pizzeria in Schroon Lake. A family-owned business, DeCesare’s Pizzeria was first opened in 1972 by Val and Lorraine DeCesare. Now, their son Alan and his wife Debbie carry on the family tradition, keeping Schroon Lake locals and visitors happy.

At DeCesare’s, the dough, pizza sauce and spaghetti sauce are all made fresh daily, along with their homemade sub rolls. Their most popular pizza is The Mountaineer, which consists of 100% real mozzarella cheese, sweet Italian sausage, mushrooms, onions, peppers and pepperoni. They also have a pizza named after the Schroon Lake Wildcats. Debbie and Kiersten, the manager, are both Schroon Lake alum, and The Wildcat has a special combination of wing sauce and BBQ sauce, topped with red onions and grilled BBQ chicken... yum!

You can either dine in or take out at DeCesare’s Pizzeria, but the day I was there I decided to follow up my salad from Sticks & Stones with some delicious chicken corn chowder soup in the dining room.

Just like I love salads, I absolutely love homemade soup. This soup is made by Kiersten, and it was outstanding! I’m not one for spicy foods, but this had just the right amount of kick to perk up my taste buds and warm me on a chilly fall afternoon. Kirsten was kind enough to share the recipe, so you can all try it at home:

DeCesare’s Pizzeria Chicken Corn Chowder

• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 2 cups potatoes
• 1 cup onion
• 1/2 cup chopped carrots
• 2 TBSP butter
• 10 tbs flour
• 5 cups chicken broth
• 2 tsp. Creole salt
• 1 ½ cups chicken
• 1 ½ cups corn
• ½ cup crumbled bacon
• 3 cups half & half
• 1 can fire roasted tomatoes

Directions: Add celery, potatoes, onions and carrots to a stock pot with about 2 TBSP butter. Simmer for a bit, until tender. Stir in the flour. Slowly add chicken broth and seasoning, stirring constantly until thick. Cover and let simmer for 12 minutes. Add chicken, corn, and bacon; let simmer 7 minutes. Just before serving, add the half & half and tomatoes, heating through again until hot.

I love finding new restaurants to try. On your next stay, make sure to sample the local eateries and find your new favorite in Schroon Lake!

Winter in the mountains is spectacular. Evergreens cradle white tufts of snow while lakes, ponds, and waterfalls freeze over, creating crystalline ice sculptures that are tucked among the boulders and trees. Snowshoeing is a fabulous way to see the beauty up close, and we’ve picked four of our favorite trails to get you started. Before heading out, be sure you have plenty of extra layers, food and water, and get an early start — evening comes early in the mountains!

1. Newcomb AIC

Wide, easy trails and scenic overlooks are what snowshoeing at the Newcomb AIC is all about. AIC stands for Adirondack Interpretive Center, and that’s exactly what this place sets out to accomplish. Strap into some snowshoes and prepare to embark on a network of 3.6 miles of trail that wind through 236 acres of woods and waterways. The trails are open daily from dawn to dusk, even when the main building is not. The trails are all really mellow so seeing the entire AIC in a day isn’t a problem for most hikers. For current hours of operation and up-to-date info, please visit the AIC's website.

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

Getting there

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

2. Mount Severance

Gaining elevation is the best way to see the beauty of winter’s snowy grip on the mountains. Luckily, some peaks are easier to climb than others, so killer vistas are still attainable even if vertigo-inducing scrambles aren’t your thing. At a manageable 1,693 feet in elevation, a trip up Mount Severance shouldn’t take the entire day, but do take your time ascending — snow and ice are fine if you have snowshoes and microspikes, but it’s still a good idea to walk slowly.

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

Stats

• Distance: 1.2 miles to the summit
• Elevation: 1,693 feet
• Elevation gain: 700 feet

Getting there

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

3. Goodnow Mountain

Goodnow is a little longer and a little more difficult than Mount Severance, so definitely wear snowshoes and bring microspikes for this one. The view from Goodnow’s restored summit fire tower is simply stunning: a series of High Peaks rise to the north while rolling mountains, twisting rivers, and expansive lakes stretch toward the horizon in every other direction.

The trail starts at a mellow grade and never gets too steep as it climbs. A lot of trail work has been done to maintain this popular route; you’ll see the result of that in the many wooden bridges, boardwalks, and stairs along the way. Those features will help you cross icy sections, so be sure to take advantage of the trail crew’s hard work!

Even though this is a pretty easy trail as far as mountains go, be sure to bring a couple of extra layers, especially for the summit, which is always chillier than the valley below. An insulated bottle filled with a hot drink or soup is also a great thing to bring! Unsure about conditions? Take a look at SUNY ESF's webcam on the fire tower to see real-time updates.

Stats

• Distance: 1.9 miles to the summit
• Elevation: 2,690 feet
• Elevation gain: 1,040 feet

Getting there

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

4. Pharaoh Lake Wilderness Area

You could spend a week exploring the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness Area and still not see it all.

The 46,283-acre region is chock full of trails, lakes, mountains, and wildlife all accessed from 11 parking areas. That’s great for people who like to explore, but it can make it difficult for first-time visitors to decide where to go. So here's a handful of options accessible from the Crane Pond Road trailhead.

Crane Pond

This is a relatively easy 1.7-mile hike to a lovely pond, and there’s plenty to see along the way. The first part of the path is actually a dirt road, so it’s wide and gently graded, making it perfect for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The views of the ravine and waterfalls on Alder Creek make this an especially scenic route. The first 1.2 miles rise about 160 feet. Shortly after that, the trail levels off and skirts Alder Pond. Take a right at the three-way intersection and Crane Pond will appear in a few minutes.

Pharaoh Mountain

At 2,556 feet in elevation, Pharaoh Mountain is certainly not the biggest or the hardest hike in the Adirondacks, but the view from its mostly open summit is phenomenal. Like any destination in this area, there are several directions this peak can be approached from. From Crane Pond, it’s an ascent of 1,405 feet over 2.6 miles. 

Pharaoh Lake

About 3 miles past Crane Pond is Pharaoh Lake, a large, scenic waterbody that has a truly remote feel. If you’re not up for the ups and downs, bypass the Pharaoh Mountain trail and continue past a couple of nice ponds to get to the lakeshore. More intrepid snowshoers can make a loop by going over the mountain. Either way, this is a long hike through the woods, so leave early and bring plenty of food, water, and extra layers!

Getting there

Follow Route 9 north from downtown Schroon Lake and turn right on Alder Meadow Road. After about 2 miles continue straight onto Crane Pond Road and follow that for 1.4 miles to the end.

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Start planning your snowshoe adventure today. Pick a cozy lodging in the Adirondack Hub and make a weekend of it!

Jones and Hedgehog Hills---Winter bushwhacking in the Hoffman Notch Wilderness

The Hoffman Notch Wilderness is almost 39,000 acres of prime real estate butting right up to Hoffman Road in Schroon Lake. I made my decision to go and visit just a small portion of the beauty that lies within that green line they call wilderness. A buddy and I met at the exit for Schroon Lake off I-87 and carpooled over to the start of our little excursion into the woods. We parked at the Big Pond parking area and decided to start along a trail and then visit a hidden back-country pond while we were at it.

The trail, yet untouched this winter, only really had a few inches of snow on it, not enough for snowshoes. We chose to leave our winter personal flotation devices in the car knowing we would make even better time without the added weight. The trail just moved by faster and faster, the snow becoming more and more perfect as it rested on the trees. With snow drooping the balsam branches we were surely in a winter wonderland.

 

North Pond

North Pond was the hidden gem I was referring to. As much as I love bushwhacking to the summits of the Adirondacks, I also love the sweeping vistas that a hidden pond can give, especially in the cold of winter with the sun sparking the flakes on a frozen flat field of ice. It wasn’t long until we reached that point where we would become one with the forest. We would leave the trail and see what we could find further out in the depths between the contour lines of a map.

The forest was open and mostly inviting. We aimed for a northern route to reach the southern shore of North Pond. Just over a quarter of a mile the pond would rest at the base of Hedgehog Hill. The openness the pond gave us was amazing. With the shallow slopes of Hedgehog to our right we quickly would turn to start our climb.

Hedgehog Hill

We wasted no time in making fast work of the lower elevations as we moved through the open hardwood forest before us. We would stop on occasion as we had open views behind us of the pond below us. From time to time we would be welcomed by a random spruce or balsam tree and then once in a while a small patch would be growing in front us, nothing we had any issues avoiding. The grade was never too steep and before too long we stood atop the semi-open summit taking in the surrounding views. But it was time to head toward Jones Hill, which to our belief would be the highpoint of the day. Making another northern heading we were on our way.

Jones Hill

We stayed on a heading of north to follow the flat ridge and descend slowly off Hedgehog. The ridge soon opened up some great views of the ledges on the south side of Jones Hill; the excitement started to flow. The open hardwoods were still quite easy to navigate and with the massive cliffs in front of us we didn’t even need the help of the GPS. But how would we get up the cliffs? The cliffs line the ridge and the western ridge came down to meet them. While still steep, we managed to obtain the ridge with the helping hands of one another and possibly the help from our micro-spikes.

The rocks, forming a natural staircase in many sections helped us out, and we were pleased to use them when we could. The views opened up almost immediately as we hiked along the top of the cliffs. The blue skies screaming "take our picture", so we did, and we did so often. It didn’t take long to reach the summit of Jones, with all the gorgeous views taking up our attention. Jones standing 1882 feet in elevation, not a towering peak by any means, but higher than most in the immediate area.

Descending back to North Pond

We decided to take a short detour on the way out, since we had some extra time and all. We thought we might want to check out what we called Upper North Pond. Upper North Pond really is an unnamed body of water north of North Pond, but its water flows south to the main body of water. Drained into by the Blue Ridge Range we felt it could be a secret hidden attraction, and as we descended the western ridge of Jones Hill we could start to see fractions of it. Once we got to the shore we were happily surprised by its unique beauty. While it didn’t appear to be holding much in the way of water its sleek shape gave it a neat look and the windswept grass along the edges gave an appearance of a winter deep freeze. We worked our way around the eastern shore of the hidden pond and followed the drainage until we were once again along the shore of North Pond. We knew now it wouldn’t be long until we ran into our original tracks in. Even with the gusty wind we felt confident they would still be there.

We followed our track back out and once again upon the Big Pond Trail. On our trip out of town we knew we needed to satisfy our hunger with something closer to real food, rather than half frozen snack bars and ice crusted water. Stewarts would take care of that need – just enough to get us back home and ready for another adventure. Perhaps you want to hit the woods but would rather forego the bushwacking and hike some of the trails in the Schroon Lake Region, we have plenty to choose from. Maybe the snow's getting deep and you want to try out snowshoes; well, our trails are great for that as well.

An Adirondack retreat

Nestled in the Adirondack Mountains, abundant with natural beauty, unique history, and homegrown flavors, the town of Minerva — including its hamlet of Olmstedville — has a lot to offer. It's a hidden gem full of fun and classic summer activities perfect for a relaxing night or two away from home. From owls at twilight to s'mores by the fire, find 24 hours* in Minerva jam-packed with fun! In fact, you might want to think about extending that adventure by a few hours, or even a few days...

*Give or take a few. That's the traveler's prerogative!

Day one - adventure time!

Welcome to Minerva! You got here, presumably, enjoying the scenic ride, no matter what direction you've come from. The beautiful drive (or ride, if you're on a bike) is a treat in itself, and leads you to one of the sweetest scenic spots in the Adirondacks, that radiates quiet charm. As soon as you get here, why not stretch your legs and enjoy that fresh Adirondack air? Travelers with a lot of ambition, energy, and eagerness can set out on a hike at Moxham Mountain, where the trail winds 2.5 miles along a moderate ridge that offers a lot of big views. Kind of a nice way to introduce yourself to the area, don't you think?

If a hike isn't your speed, or perhaps you'd rather save that adventure for tomorrow, a visit to Donnelly Beach will invigorate you and your kiddos. Spend a few hours splashing around, sunbathing, and enjoying the sunny surroundings, which include views of the sparkling lake and surrounding forest. Beyond the warm sand, Donnelly Beach also features a playground, picnic area, and spots to launch your canoe or kayak. Seeing the area from the water — Minerva Lake is wonderfully paddle-able — is a special experience you shouldn't miss!

While you're at the beach, indulge in a frosty milkshake or churros at the snack bar!

Fun fact: The American artist Winslow Homer visited Minerva. Among the works he painted in the area was one entitled Netting the Fish, depicting a guide fishing on an Adirondack lake!

Day one - dinnertime!

Get closer to the screen. I have a secret to share with you. *Drops typing to a whisper* One of the most interesting fine dining restaurants in the Adirondacks is right here. Yes, here. In sweet little Minerva, and I have to insist that you eat there. Open seasonally, so you'd best visit in summer, The Owl at Twilight is a treasure that everyone needs to try at least once. Think: luxurious, chef-crafted meals. Think: an extensive drinks menu that invites trying a few different things. The Owl at Twilight's menu ranges from fresh mussels from Prince Edward Island, sauteed with saffron, to chipotle-rubbed ribs and super-fresh veggies made with great care. Paired with custom cocktails, New York craft beers, and a wine list from around the world...look, just go and have an amazing meal!

Fun fact: Minerva is a great place to pick up maple syrup, too! Visit Maple Knoll Farm for the sweet stuff and other maple treats!

Good night and good morning!

If you've ever longed for a wee cottage or cabin of your own, with lake views and woods all round, Minerva has that, too! At Morningside, take your pick of sweet lakeside cottages, which range in size from cozy for a couple to a chalet fit for a full-size family. Morningside is the perfect spot to enjoy your morning coffee on your own private deck, listening for loons on the water.

Each cabin rental offers the choice of canoe or kayak for a relaxing paddle, while Morningside also has a private beach for swimming, hiking trails, playing field, fishing, and an expansive tree house for the kids to enjoy. It's so easy to relax and have fun at Morningside that you won't want to leave! With views like this, who would want to?

Fun fact: Minerva was first settled in the early 1800s. It was officially a town in 1817, with early settlers being involved in lumbering and farming.

Day two - more to explore

A visit to Minerva — if you can drag yourself away from the relaxing deck at Morningside, that is — isn't complete without a visit to Betty's Funny Farm. There, Betty herself has created a welcoming bed and breakfast and charming farm shop. The array of offerings in the shop are a wonderful and delicious (truly!) array of Adirondack-crafted items, including wool sweaters and mittens, quilts, soap, and Betty's own jams and jellies!

As you're cruising around Minerva, enjoying the fresh air and quiet, Adirondack atmosphere, It's About Thyme Farm and the Thyme Glass Arts shop is another wonderful stop. Summer at the farm means a colorful variety of plants, fresh produce, garden decor, and a glassblowing studio. At the studio shop, browse a stunning array of delicate, intricately designed and handcrafted items. From mutli-colored ornaments to vases, dinnerware, and jewelry, the studio shop is full of beauty; bring home a gift or a little special something for yourself to remember your trip! If you visit the farm in fall, you can pick out your perfect Halloween pumpkin in the pumpkin patch!

Fun fact: Minerva is the name of the Roman goddess of wisdom and the arts! She might have liked meeting some of Minerva's local crafters and artisans!

Day two - dine more!

So, you've hiked, you've paddled at the beach, shopped, literally smelled the roses, and now it's time to go home. But is it? Before you depart, indulge in one more vacation meal with a lunch or early dinner at Sporty's Iron Duke Saloon. I promise, you don't have to be a biker to enjoy a tasty meal at Sporty's. The atmosphere is fun, the staff are friendly and welcoming, and the food is just what you need to treat yourself before you head home. The menu may not be extensive, but everything is incredibly good, from the famous wings to the 1/2-pound burgers! Don't be afraid to take your leftovers home with you; you might want a snack for the ride home!

What else can you do in Minerva? Here are a few more ideas:

• Visit the historic marker that honors Solomon Northup, a free-born Black man who was illegally sold into slavery in the 1800s. He was born right here in Minerva!
• Bring your bicycle! There are pretty, quiet scenic roads offering the opportunity to stretch your legs. The Hardscrabble Road offers an especially attractive loop.
• Check out the amazing Hornbeck Boats, where amazingly light, incredibly durable canoes are made and sold!
• Okay, technically it isn't in Minerva, but if you're heading south to get home, explore natural wonders and truly epic history at Natural Stone Bridge and Caves. Bonus: they have an ice cream stand, too!

Enjoy your overnight in Minerva, soak up the Adirondack wilderness views, outdoor adventures, and of course, the local color. While you're planning, learn more about other parts of the Adirondack Hub for travel inspiration, too!

 

Submitted by guest blogger Zohar Gitlis

At the time of this writing I’m curled up in front of my wood stove, drinking tea and watching the frost send tendrils up my windows. The days are getting longer but winter’s hold is still tight. Sugaring, or maple syrup-ing, marks the first whisper of an approaching spring every year — the sweetness isn’t just a metaphor for the anticipated change of season — it’s the literal energy force of our waking forests. When maple trees sense rising temperatures they send sap, or stored carbohydrates, from their roots upwards to the tree canopy — this is what maple farmers mean when they say the “sap is running.” That sap provides the nutrition necessary for the tree to develop new buds; buds become leaves; leaves spend the long summer days capturing and photosynthesizing energy from the sun; that energy is then converted to sap and stored in roots for the winter and the next budding cycle. 

Maple Knoll Farm, in Minerva, is a small family-operated sugar bush nestled behind the Moxham Mountain ridge, and just a short drive from North Creek and Gore Mountain ski area. Eric Klippel bought the farm in 2005 and made his first syrup there in 2008. For Klippel, sugaring is a labor of love; the trees are tapped, firewood cut, and sap boiled by his friends and family every year. The folks that work Maple Knoll Farm with Klippel do it for a love of the process, the forest, and usually a small share of syrup for their home kitchens.

Klippel grew up in North Creek and made his first maple syrup when he was in 7th grade. He remembers tapping a couple of trees in his cousin’s backyard and boiling the sap on a flat pan over a fire of slab lumber. He started sugaring in earnest in 1984 and ran a sugar house in North Creek for about 14 years before purchasing Maple Knoll Farm. 

Behind the scenes

Klippel’s days vary a lot during the year, but he typically starts tapping trees in early February with friends and neighbors. The vacuum lines are already hung from the 1,600 maples that he taps, but new holes are drilled and the polycarbonate spouts are replaced. Once the new spouts are in, Klippel will let the trees run on their own for a bit; waiting to turn on the vacuum assist until the weather cooperates to provide a steady stream of warm days and cold nights. 

 

Once enough sap is harvested, Maple Knoll will fire up their sugar house. The sugar house is a majestic dark wood barn designed by Klippel with large glass windows intended to invoke Great Camp Santanoni in neighboring Newcomb. Klippel built the barn entirely with wood harvested from Maple Knoll Farm. The sugar house is home to a number of holding tanks for maple sap, a reverse osmosis machine (used to remove water from freshly harvested sap), an evaporator, finishing pan, and a commercial kitchen with equipment for making value-added products like maple cream. 

The evaporator is the heart of the sugar house; Klippel’s is a 3-foot by 10-foot wood-fired vortex evaporator. After sap is run through the reverse osmosis machine, bringing it from 2% sugar closer to 10%, it goes to the evaporator pan. While running, the evaporator gets stoked with firewood about every 8 minutes; the high heat of the wood fire keeps the sap boiling to evaporate off the excess water. At finish the sugar density of the syrup will be closer to 67% (67% = that sticky amber gold that’s perfect for pancakes, oats, and sneaking by the spoonful). 

Although a sugar house, warm from the evaporator’s fire, air hung with sweetness and excitement, is always fun, Klippel prefers getting out into the woods. His favorite part of farming maple is developing the sugar bush itself. He enjoys finding a sturdy young maple with the potential to become a strong producer and releasing it. Releasing is the process of cutting out competing trees to give the maple room to develop a larger crown, increasing foliation and photosynthesis, both of which are important in a maple crop. The year-round work of caring for the maples, harvesting firewood, and maintaining a healthy sugar bush contributes to a bountiful sugaring season.

Keeping tradition alive

Most of all, Klippel loves the tradition of maple sugaring. “It used to be that pretty much every farmer here made syrup, they wanted sugar, they made syrup,” he says. Maple Knoll’s logo, “An Adirondack Tradition,” emphasizes his focus on keeping that tradition alive. Klippel isn’t in the sugaring business for big profits, saying “I really enjoy the tradition of it, the education of it. It is a tradition that I hope the people of the Adirondacks can sustain as a part of our heritage and our history.”

Visiting

On my way out the door Klippel asks if I’ll do anything else while in town. I tell him I would like to stop by Cafe Sarah in North Creek, a favorite in the area for fresh baked goods, hearty soups, and a warm cup of coffee. He responds, “Say hello to Sarah for me, and look out for my maple syrup, we have a retail display there.”

Maple Weekends this year are March 21-22, and 28-29. Klippel and his family will have cookies, homemade doughnuts, and maple products to sample at their sugar house in Minerva. If you’re lucky and the weather cooperates you might even get to see the evaporator in action. While you’re in the area check out Cafe Sarah in North Creek, or hike the Moxham Mountain Ridge Trail (the trailhead is just a mile further down 14th Road from Maple Knoll Farm).

 

 

Jim and I were in search of an abandoned road, a deep valley, and a summit — not necessarily in that order. This was sure to be an adventure. It was the first week of September and strangely the weather resembled that of a typical July day, thick in humidity and boasting a rising heat index. There was hardly a cloud in the sky to offer us a reprieve from the rays of the sun, but fortunately we got an early start and the canopy of the maple and beech trees shaded us.

I had received a bit of beta from a friend in regards to Bailey Hill, the summit we were in search of. It supposedly had a large glacial erratic on the summit, which was essentially the highest point, and we would need to somehow scale it — but just how big was it, or was it just another “big fish” story? I had a notion to bring a length of rope to help aid our final ascent onto the boulder, but through a rush to get rolling in the morning I failed to act on it.

We arrived at the Loch Muller Trailhead for Hoffman Notch and Bailey Pond ready to hit the trail. We used the trail toward Bailey Pond which according to my USGS map is considered to be a continuation of Loch Muller Road. This old road, now well forgotten and abandoned, went through the valley east of Bailey Hill and ended near the base of a small bump on Washburn Ridge. Washburn Ridge is a rather large expanse of land spreading from Loch Muller to Blue Ridge, a land mass of curiosity for me.

The trail to Bailey Pond moved by swiftly before us and of course we had to walk the extra couple-hundred feet to the shore to take a gander at it. The dry weather has definitely taken its toll on the pond, but its beauty still remained; Hayes Mountain reflected in the placid water like a sentinel to the area, watching guard, protecting its smaller brethren.

Loch Muller Road continued beyond the trail to Bailey Pond — we would use this as long as we could to gain the ridge on the south side of Bailey Hill. To clarify, this 'hill' is noted as 3050-feet — perhaps hill isn't quite an accurate term. The road remained well-used along the old trail toward Marion Pond, but as soon at swung left out of the valley, it pretty much disappeared into the forest, as did we. From this point we started our bushwhack toward the boulder-topped summit. The forest was open with hardwoods, beech nuts littered the ground, black bears would surely soon follow. High in fat, the beech nuts are a main source for these bruins to get ready for their winter hiatus.

Once on the ridge the contour lines spread out and offered us a relaxing hike. Dotted with fern glades, small rocky outcroppings, and only a scattering of conifers we enjoyed nearly every step of the adventure. The ridge unfolded in front of us and we quickly neared the top. The highest point of land was just prior to the erratic, but the “pet rock” was obviously much higher.

The scramble to the top was an interesting proposition, one worthy of a short video, but lucky for us no one was watching. The boulder stood 12-feet in height and was massive in girth. It was well-rounded, and even if there were foot-holds and hand-jams we would have been battling the slippery and loose moss it was layered in. We decided it would be in our best interest to not climb it — but that wasn’t going to happen. We went in search of a couple of dead trees to prop up against a live one to use an impromptu ladder. We found two, both of which were, what I would call, “a piss-poor idea.” These two were rotten and not all that stable; I went in search of a third tree. Then I heard: “That wasn’t too bad,” as Jimbo managed to climb his small stature to the top using the other two. Weighing a good 75-pounds more than him, it would be questionable for me to use the same route. What the heck, I would give it a go. At about 5-feet off the ground I was able to reach up and grab a small pole-sized yellow birch and I pulled myself to victory. But now, how the heck would we get down?

Luckily, gravity did all the work getting us down. All we had to do was point our toes in the right direction and land flat and sound. Bracing our backs against the boulder we slid and landed on the soft spruce needle and moss-layered ground, with a small thump we were there.

Located to the east of us was Bailey Pond Inlet and a small high mountain beaver pond, at least that’s what the map and our GPS showed. We were not all that confident that it still existed in the sense that water would still be left in the bowl. Would it be more in line with a grassy field tucked into a deep valley between us on Bailey Hill and the lower flanks of Washburn Ridge? Of course, we must go, because a close second to a mountain’s summit is a valley’s wetland.

Nature is full of genius and the fact that this secluded peak was so welcoming and the others around it are so violent, just solidified this belief. Our descent into the valley was steep, but broken up with land shelves allowing us a gentle conclusion to the mountain. A short distance from the summit we stood on the shore of the hidden wetland, looking out over a grassy layer with a marshy bottom. Too marshy for us to wander out further than 20’ or so in search of the perfect picture and soggy feet.

It was unfortunate that we couldn’t use the grassy field as an escape down through the valley; we would have to climb slightly back into the hardwoods and out of the conifer -lined shore to make any decent time at all. The undulating hills gained us much more unforeseen elevation and the chin hobble added a bit of frustration. We soon came upon an old beaver dam, one which must have blown out with age and drained the once gleaming pond that existed here. Downstream of the beaver dam was more grass and another dam, but the bottom was dry and offered an easy stroll further downstream where the wetland receded and the inlet’s rocky bottom reared its trail-like face.

This was also roughly the area where the Loch Muller Road made a hard turn up Washburn Ridge and the spot we hoped to find it; however it was, like all roads and trails whose use goes unwarranted, returned to nature. We turned to Bailey Pond Inlet and the rocky trail it provided us as a clear route back to the trailhead, and we rock-hopped our way downstream. We made excellent time, slipping now and again on the moisture coated rocks, but we were soon at the crossing of Loch Muller Road — at least where it was supposed to be, but no remnants made themselves apparent. We made for the woods once again and another crossing of the old road, this time a dried-up streambed, and here was a cable, a support for a bridge perhaps? Also a few old cans, beer of course, and a soup can — maybe this was from a camp along the old roadway? Then, just feet away, we were back on the portion of the old road we followed in, easy to define and fast to hike.

At the end of the day, over a cold beer at the trailhead, we appreciated our adventure as we do with all our outings. We were happy to have found what we were looking for, more than just solitude and history, we discovered a bit of glacial litter as well.

Make the Schroon Lake Region your Adirondack basecamp for your next hiking adventure. Here you'll find great places to fill your stomach and rest your head after a memorable day of outdoor adventures.

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This week the ADKs rock on:

Hamilton rocks

The day I quit rock climbing

6 degrees to Kid Rock

Some rockin’ pieces

Boulder dash

Heart of stone

Rum of ages

Ten Ways to Experience Fall in the Southern Adirondacks

The Southern Adirondacks in the fall is a destination that bursts with vibrant colors, crisp air, and endless outdoor adventures. As the leaves turn into a tapestry of reds, oranges, and yellows, the region offers a perfect blend of activities for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those looking to soak in the serene beauty of autumn. Let’s explore the top 10 best things to see and do this fall in the Adirondack Hub!

1. Explore Great Camp Santanoni

Visit the historic Great Camp Santanoni via a scenic 5-mile hike or bike ride. Surrounded by vibrant fall foliage, the camp offers stunning views and a glimpse into the Gilded Age wilderness retreats. Great Camp Santanoni is also accessible via horse drawn wagon and, new this year, the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is offering individuals with disabilities to reserve and use a power wheelchair device free of charge. 

2. Apple and pumpkin picking at It's About Thyme Farm in Minerva

Enjoy apple and pumpkin picking at It's About Thyme Farm in Minerva. Set against colorful fall scenery, the farm also offers fresh produce and homemade goods, perfect for celebrating the season.

3. Explore the Upper Works

Discover the history and beauty of the Upper Works, a former mining village, now a gateway to the High Peaks. Hike through fall foliage to remote lakes and explore the ruins of the old ironworks with interpretive panels set along the gravel road where you have the opportunity to learn more about the history.

4. Enjoy a fall boat ride around Schroon Lake

Take a peaceful boat ride on Schroon Lake, where the calm waters reflect the stunning autumn colors. Whether you choose to paddle or ride, it’s a serene way to enjoy the fall landscape.

5. Hike Mount Severance

Hike the 2-mile trail to Mount Severance for panoramic views of the Adirondack peaks and Schroon Lake. This beginner friendly trail is perfect for fall, offering beautiful foliage and rewarding vistas.

6. Fall shopping along Main St. in Schroon Lake

Stroll along Main Street in Schroon Lake for unique shops and boutiques. Fall brings cozy atmospheres and seasonal items, including local crafts, autumn decor, and warm clothing. Be sure to check out the new Schroon Lake Department Store!

7. Enjoy some of the best fall events

Experience the Southern Adirondacks’ through fall events like Teddy Roosevelt Weekend, Handlebarley, and Adirondack Marathon Distance Festival, all set against the vibrant fall backdrop.

8. Sip on delicious fall brews while taking in the views at Paradox Brewery

Head to Paradox Brewery in North Hudson to enjoy seasonal brews that taste like fall, while taking in the stunning fall views from their outdoor patio.

9. Fall camping adventure

Embrace the cooler temperatures and fewer crowds with a fall camping trip. Popular spots like Pharaoh Lake offer serene landscapes, warm campfires, and starry skies. Or stay at any one of the scenic campgrounds. Be sure to stop into Frontier Town Gateway on your way through to stock up on all your camping essentials. 

10. There’s more to explore in the Upper Hudson Recreation Hub

Explore more of the Adirondacks! The Upper Hudson Recreation Hub offers fall adventures from hiking and paddling to wildlife watching. Enjoy the autumn beauty with fewer visitors in this outdoor haven.

Whether you decide to experience just one activity from our list or all ten, you won’t want to miss the chance to create unforgettable memories during the best fall adventure right here in the Adirondack Hub!

… on an 8+ Mile Lake

It’s a gorgeous late summer morning as we head out of the High Peaks toward the beautiful lower Adirondack tracts, specifically to Schroon Lake. One of my favorite spots to swim, I have never actually been out on Schroon by boat. I’m excited.

This is an exploration expedition I am taking with my co-workers Kelly and Shaun. We live only an hour from Schroon Lake, but know very little about the actual body of water - we are going to change that. Kelly is generously driving her boat and I am traveling with her. We are meeting Shaun in town as he headed down a bit earlier to document a few of the stores.

Munchies and Magic

Since we were heading down from the north, we took Exit 28 - which put us in a perfect spot to pick up our picnic lunch at the Mount Severance Country Store (now closed, but try out the Adirondack General Store in Schroon Lake). Located on the outskirts of town (probably a mile or so from the main retail stretch), this has always been one of my favorite stops. Somehow on long trips I always find an excuse to take a break right around this point - I am 100% sure it has everything to do with the many choices of homemade baked goods they offer; from muffins and donuts to cookies, bars, and what I like to call 'magic bread' - so nicknamed as I have no idea how they get this delicious bread to be so light and fluffy, but I will buy a loaf every single time. Every time.

Walking in we are cheerfully greeted by a few locals that are standing around chatting over their morning snack. We looked over the generous sandwich menu and ordered a couple of wraps for ourselves and a sub for Shaun. As our food was being assembled, we took a couple of minutes to peruse the fun and odd (candied crickets!?) offerings at this all-purpose camp store; it’s almost a bit overwhelming to be able to buy your fishing gear, next to your cereal, water guns, magazines, and propane. We grabbed a few cookies, a couple of bags of chips, and - yes, a loaf of magic. I then got into a bit of a debate with the gentleman behind the counter: he likes his bread crusty and a bit harder; after I took my turn extolling the virtues of the loaf in question - he finally conceded, this bread (that I love!) would be okay with spaghetti and sauce. By now, our order was ready and we had to laugh when the sub was handed over - it could’ve fed all 3 of us, well worth the price (around $7 if I remember correctly). Our picnic basket was ready, the temperature outside was climbing, the water was calling.

Boats, Beaches, Bays, Boards

Heading into town, we took note of the Marina down a long driveway on our left, and then headed down to the Town Boat Launch, conveniently located adjacent to the public beach, just a block from town. By the time we got the boat in the water and Kelly had toyed with the motor a bit, Shaun joined us, and we were ready to explore - well, explore our picnic anyway - it was after 1pm by now. We headed out past the beach and decided that was a good place to drift and eat while we formalized our plan of action. A couple of cocky seagulls thought this was a good idea as well, and hovered nearby doing lazy circles as they awaited any scraps that might not make it into our mouths - they were sadly disappointed.

Sunblock applied, stomachs filled, a sort-of plan in hand; we headed north toward the Marina. Finding it was quite a bit easier by land than by sea - or by lake - as the case may be. We followed a set of buoys into a smaller bay at the end of the lake, and then just as we were starting to wonder if we missed it, a channel opened up to our left and we came across the full-service Schroon Lake Marina. The place was hopping - obviously, summer on the lake is a big draw in Schroon. We stopped for a moment to take a few photos, then decided it was time to actually head back out and test the water.

Leaving the channel, we noted what was obviously a local’s hot spot - on the far side of the bay, next to the entrance of the river, a beach only accessible by boat. Families, dogs, guys playing football, teens exploring - this is what we came in search of! Kelly and I took the opportunity to dive in and cool off. The water was awesome, still spring-fed, but warmer than our high-peak mountain lakes. We spent a few minutes chatting with folks and found out that the Marina is actually the only one on the lake - good fact to know.

Now, I am not a water-skier or wakeboarder (I’m not even cool enough to know if those are the hip terms… yes, I said, hip) but my companions were itching to strap on their gear, so off we went to search for an open stretch of calm water.

Schroon Lake is beautiful. I mean, beautiful. Plenty of open water, surrounded by picturesque landscape, mountains peacefully looming in the distance. We are passing boats of all sizes & makes - from sailboats to party barges, and everyone is smiling - really, how could you not be? I can not wait to take a tour in later September or October - the foliage must be absolutely outstanding from this vantage point.

Okay, so, we find the perfect spot and Kelly is first up on her board. Shaun is driving the boat, I’m spotting; and, this is new, I’m given a very quick lesson on how to use one of Shaun’s cameras with the instructions to try to get a few shots. Now, I’m nervous. We are on a boat, with waves, I’m holding a camera that is infinitely more expensive than anything I own, and… I’m clumsy. I do not point this out - I just hold on for dear life and hope for the best.

Kelly takes an awesome ride, and it’s time for Shaun to strap on his ski. We head down the lake to find another calm bay, with 8 miles of water at our disposal, there are plenty of choices and we can afford to be picky. I am still on camera duty - I have still not dropped anything. The sun is shining. This is a good day.

After a couple more rides each, we are at the far end of the lake - literally, within site of the end. About as far away from our starting point as possible. It’s almost 3pm now, time for us all to jump back in for a last swim and then head back to the dock. Our plan is to be back on the road between 3:30-3:45, as I have to pick up my son at 5pm, and we have to factor in an hour drive. Ambitious, true - but totally doable.

Our Intentions Were Good… Our Boat - Not So Much

3pm… Hmm. The boat won’t start.

3:10… Hmm. The boat still won’t start.

3:15… Hmm. I am getting nervous.

3:18… Shoot (that’s the polite way of putting it)

3:20… Placing calls to people we know that may be in the area and available to save us.

3:25… Is that a dock? A Public Campground? Yes, it is… and it looks pretty nice. We should camp here sometime. Can we swim to it? Tow the boat? I have a couple of broken ribs, but I can probably do the side-stroke - it can’t be more than a quarter-mile or so. Google it. Call it.

3:30… Yup, it’s Eagle Point Campground. Sadly, they do not have a dock that’s accessible for a ski boat, and they don’t recommend pulling it into shore - lots of jagged submerged rocks.

3:35… Hmm… Still won’t start. We need to be saved. Let’s call the Marina.
* Note to all: This is amazing - we all had great reception on our phones. A strong signal in the middle of a lake in the Adirondacks. Awesome and lucky.

We can not say enough about the Schroon Lake Marina. We called, gave our location - which was greeted cheerfully with something to the effect of, 'wow, chose the absolute furthest point to break down, huh? We’ll head out soon, but it’ll take a few to get to you.' (me: cursing and shaking my fist at the sky! why, oh why, did I not set up a child-care backup? why, on this beautiful day when I normally would be ecstatic to be stranded on a lake, do I actually have a deadline? why did I leave the magic bread in the car??)

3:35-4ish… Drink all available liquid. Eat cookies, chips, and leftover sandwiches. Call and arrange for childcare. Accept the situation and the forced relaxation. Wait patiently. Apply more sunscreen. Wave at passerby. Stare at the beautiful sailboat floating peacefully under the blue sky. Relax. Enjoy the fact that we are stuck in one of the most idyllic situations possible.

4:00-4:10… Rob from Schroon Lake Marina arrives with gas, jumpers, a big smile, and a willingness to shoot the breeze and answer all our random questions about town; while he worked out the problem. We are up and running within minutes, and he graciously followed us back to the dock, mile after mile - we wanted to see this lake, and I can honestly say, mission accomplished.

4:40ish… We loaded the boat, parted ways with Shaun, and then decided to take a spin (via car) down to the Marina. What an awesome place. Definitely worth a stop if you are in the area and looking for any gear. They have recently refinished the main building, and they sell everything from boats and gear to t-shirts and mugs. Plus… as seems to be the case in most places I’ve visited in Schroon, you’ll be greeted at a family-owned business by friendly outgoing folks.

5:00ish… We decide our adventure is over, and we really should get on the road. Only an hour or so later than we planned. Could have been worse by all means.

It is almost, almost, a blessing that we broke down - it afforded us extra time to take in our surroundings, research the town, and mingle with the locals. Foliage Season is about to hit, and Schroon Lake deserves another visit: while it might be getting a bit chilly to dive in, I hear we need to take a hike up Mt. Severance, and there are a few restaurants I can’t wait to try out - I’m open to suggestions, send me your favorite spots, maybe we’ll get a chance to swing by! Next time, we’ll plan for a full day (and daycare) - that much I guarantee.

Submitted by Guest Blogger: Troy Thomas

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After a blend of hazelnut/chocolate coffee and a hearty, thoughtfully prepared, ham and cheese omelette breakfast, I set out early for my outing. Not five minutes into my journey, poised on the side of the road is a doe, regal in its timid stance, waiting to cross the road.

I am grateful she saw me and I her. I remind myself that deer move from dusk until dawn, and this silvery blue autumn cloud cover has stretched the dawn hours on this crisp morning.

So now, with a heightened sense of things that only nature can provide, I conclude that in the Adirondacks you are constantly reminded that what you see is not a statue or a billboard — it is real, it has breath, and this is its home.

Back to nature

My alertness, fed by coffee and in no small part the suddenness of the deer sighting, I safely pull over onto a provided lookout. Everywhere I glance is a painting.

I capture a frosted tree, its branches bending to a wind that is not there, as if frozen in a more tumultuous time.

There’s a picturesque drive from any direction as I travel through time. My destination, the Adirondack Interpretive Center in Newcomb, was once part of New France.

Like all border towns, a mystery, on the edge of some map, but it’s that edge that keeps these places alive, the cliche trading post scene in westerns or adventure films to gather up supplies and obtain tips and knowledge of the local dialect and terrain for the trek ahead.

A historical intrigue is piqued in my imagination, but for now the sun breaks through, evergreen reflections dazzle and silver frosted reeds burn into a gold mist.

Choice of trails

The Adirondack Interpretive Center (AIC) is located at 5922 Route 28N in Newcomb, New York. There is ample paved parking. The trails at the AIC welcome dogs, but here in particular a sign asks that you leash your four-legged friends to protect nature’s other animals, like the beaver and geese. A laminated note at the trailhead I chose tells me that beaver have built a dam under the bridge, and the east end has flooded and is now impassable without proper footwear.

After looking down at my shoes, the original plan is ditched. I sign in and turn around to set my sights on Rich Lake and the other Peninsula Trails, its moss covered entrance only a few steps away. I decide on the Rich Lake Trail, so I follow the red markers. Each trail has its own color coded markers to follow.

It’s time to stretch your legs whether you have two or four. The trail descends into a rich-smelling wood, and upon crossing a bridge I catch myself smiling for no apparent reason. I’m a child again, enjoying abundant rock, fallen trees, and lacy hemlock.

Is it any wonder that a cooped-up dog leaps onto all fours at the word "walk." It just feels good, it’s fun. How many times as a child did I hear from a parent, “Get outside and play.” Now looking back, it's not bad advice.

The Rich Lake Trail is only a mere 0.6 mile warm-up trek, but with payoffs around every corner as time slows. I gaze onto Rich Lake, with Goodnow Mountain in the distance.

Clubmoss, hollyhock, goldthread, partridge berries, and hemlock present nature’s deconstructed Christmas tree. The frost creates a holiday mood.

Partridge berries.
My lungs take in and exchange the fresh, clean air that feels measured out and dialed in specifically for me. I find myself actually taking time to breathe, a natural instinct I catch myself forgetting to do at the gym or indoor home workout. I spend a lot of time in my life sitting, but here my gait corrects and quickens, and my endorphins surge into noticeable positivity as I move on through my sun-speckled path.

Hemlock held in nature’s A-frame.

I try not to deprive myself of this. I adjust my footwear from hiking sandals in summer, hiking shoe or boot in fall and spring, to snowshoes in winter. I round the path, and what appears to be an ancient monolith or maybe a giant dinosaur tooth towers into view.

Laminated information cards along the way quell my romance with archeology and prehistoric dentistry. That is how I know this rock was placed here by a glacier only 13,000 years ago.

I’m 6-foot-2, you do the math.

Choice of stops

Park benches are along the way to sit and experience the view in slow, deep fashion. Always vibrant greens and blues and their reflections are to be discovered long after the autumn peaks.

Launch into nature, engage your body and mind, set your imagination and your spirit free. Just off the path, stop and explore the banks to see new sights at every turn, like the mirrored clouds seen here, or a fallen birch tree’s glowing white bark in the sunlight just below the surface of the water.

The Rich Lake Trail and Peninsula Trails and all others here are 1 mile and under. This makes it easy to tie them all together for an extended hike, which will warrant that beautifully put together picnic basket I now have in my mind.

I stop and look ahead and see more lake views and plenty of sunlight ahead for this day. Invigorated, I decide rather than make my return trip a backtrack I will continue on and complete the loop instead, thus extending my hike. I pause to soak up some sun and drink my favorite bottled water. I feel different, on a molecular level. My lungs are not the same pair I brought with me, something about this mountain air regenerates me.

I can return to my life, significant other, family, friends, job, hobbies, passions, all with a renewed sense, see everyone in a new light, the light I bring to the table now shines brighter on them as I bring my new light into the totality of all the light in my life. I can look with better eyes now.
I trek on.
Start your rewewal with a lovely stay. Stoke up for another hike with a fine meal. There is so much great hiking.

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This week in other ADK related news:

Sit, coast, ride

Grinch be gone

Naughty or nice

Cold-weather options

Old genes

Duck, duck, goose