It's tradition: Scenic Driving

Long before cell phones and high-speed internet, back in the day when you couldn't google directions, my dad and I had a Sunday ritual. We would leave our camp on Hoffman Mountain, and "go for a drive." My dad would proclaim this statement like clockwork, let's "go for a drive" ... when I was younger it brought on the sighed reply of "okayyyy" - I couldn't act like I enjoyed it, that wouldn't be cool. But honestly, we didn't have electricity or running water for many of our years at camp, so I never really minded these excursions into the world.

We would head out into the surrounding Schroon Lake back roads. No plan in mind - we'd just drive and stop when something looked interesting. We loved to explore the Adirondacks, and I have many memories of discovering cool things ranging from a ghost town to finding the perfect secret swimming spot.

This week on a beautiful early-fall day, in the tradition of my childhood, I took to the roads - with no solid plan in mind. I remembered that I used to love driving over Route 74 toward Ticonderoga (I confess it's because it was the closest "big" town, and had some cool things like a Fort to visit!). While this isn't a real back road, I was by myself today and on a bit of a time constraint, so the thought of getting really lost (a distinct possibility in my world) was weighing on my mind. Plus, if memory served, there was a place in the road where, at certain times of the year when the snow had melted or it had rained a lot and the lakes were full, it almost felt like you would tip the car into the water. I was going to go in search of that spot and see what I found on the way.

The sun is shining, the top is down on the Jeep, and the radio is playing - I am ready! Starting from the one-and-only light in town, located at the intersection of Routes 9N & 74 at the base of Exit 28 from the Northway, I head east toward Paradox. And, since a traditional Sunday drive is all about the view, I took lots of pictures for this blog - hey, they speak louder than words or something like that anyway, right!?

Today's only guiding principle: If it looks interesting, stop.

Playing it by ear, I was just meandering along when to the right I saw a trail marker and decided to stop. Pharaoh Lake Wilderness Area!? Hey, I have read about this place - Spencer has written a family-friendly hiking blog about it... SOOOOO... this is how you get to Crane Pond and Pharaoh Lake!

Now, today's blog is about riding, not hiking, but I suddenly have a plan. I am going to check out any of the Trail Markers that catch my attention so when I have more time I can come back and hike the ones I am interested in.

I continue along 74 and not long after to the left I see my next trail marker. It indicates driving down a little road for 1.0 mile to reach Peaked Hill Pond. Sounds like a plan. I drive down a bumpy road that leads to an awesome boat launch I didn't know existed!

What a day to be on the lake! But... again... this is about the drive, so off to my next discovery! I head back up to 74 and take a left. A few more miles down the road I see my next big marker on the right side (who knew the 18 mile stretch between Ti & Schroon Lake would have this many public trails!?). It is another pull-off for the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness, this time for the Short Swing Trail - yet another section of wilderness I remember reading a blog about!

I stop to talk to a few hikers at this juncture. I had noticed within a mile or so of getting to this spot that the air had become quite smoky and it smelled like campfire. The hikers asked me if I had noticed it - they were a bit concerned, it has been a dry season afterall. Luckily another passerby confirmed it was a controlled fire. We talked for a few more minutes and it was time for me to bid them happy trails. (*see addendum at bottom)

Off to my next stop. Where will it be? I don't know, but here we go... another right-hand turn is soon on the docket.

JACKPOT! Adirondack Treasure: Found

This, this is exactly what a Sunday drive is all about. If I see nothing else today, this week even, I am content. EAGLE LAKE Fishing Access Site. I don't usually fish, so I normally wouldn't stop at a Fishing Site. What a mistake I have been making. Big, BIG mistake. As soon as I pull in I am taken with the beauty of this serene little spot. There is a parking lot with a half-dozen or so vehicles - yet it is almost like I am here alone. The leaves are just starting to change colors, and I am drawn to the little dock.

I am so glad I decided to stop! To the left the lake opens up and in the distance I could just make out a couple of paddlers.

To the right was this beautiful, wild section of lake. I am not a fisherman - but I would guess the "big one" might be hiding in this picturesque section of the lake.

I sit for a few minutes and take in the view. I breathe deeply and appreciate every little detail of the day. I love the Adirondacks. I truly do. It doesn't matter that I left the house a bit stressed this morning, as I take in my surroundings I can be nothing but thankful for all the peace I am afforded by just walking out of my door and into nature. Goodbye, stress.

I am soon joined by another traveler. We exchange beautiful day pleasantries, and I decide to move on - it's time to let someone else enjoy the solitude.

View from the Road

I only have a few more minutes to spare before I must change direction and start making my way back toward home. So I decide I will drive for another couple of miles and then call it a day. And, that's when I see the sign (yes, I pulled over quickly to take a pic!) - this must be the place of my fall into the water memory!

And, there it is... Eagle Lake. Water on both sides and a fun little turn.


Fortunately I was able to pull over & snap pics from the here. Unfortunately, before I actually made it the best viewing spot in the center of the lake, there was traffic around me. So, you'll just have to take the trip yourself and enjoy the actual view!

I drove a bit further and came to my last trail marker spot - this is on the right before the road starts climbing in anticipation of its long descent into Ticonderoga.

I didn't drive in to Putnam Pond this time, I reluctantly needed to turn around and I had already pushed 10-minutes past my designated self-imposed time limit. However this is a great place to hit the next time you're in the area, I camped there a couple of years ago and it's quite a nice little spot for the family. There are a good number of trails that start from the parking lot, and some amazing views.

Whether you decide to get out and explore on foot, or enjoy the view from the comfort of the car, Schroon Lake Region has so many great roads to explore. I urge you to get out and discover your own secret spots - of course, you should take lots of pics and share them on our Schroon Lake Region FB page!

Full Circle

And, as I was inspired to do this trip in the tradition of my father, it seems only appropriate to end it as he would have. After a day out exploring, we would visit the Mt. Severance Cemetery to pay our respects to our family. Now, resting in the shadow of the mountain of one of our favorite family hikes - I stop to pay my respects.

Hit The Road

I am so grateful that my Dad introduced me to the Adirondacks when I was a child. Oh, the memories! Ready to make your own? Book your lodging now - it's the perfect time to catch the fall foliage in full splendor!

* Sadly the information passed along regarding the smoke was incorrect. While there was no cell phone coverage in that particular area of my trip, I later went back to research and learned a valuable lesson - be careful, if something looks suspicious check it out - better safe than sorry. As mentioned is a dry season, and unfortunately the smoke was the beginning of a forest fire caused by an unattended campfire. As of print time, it has burned over 100 acres of Adirondack forest. Here is a screenshot of the NYSDEC post.

The latest AP report (as of Mon, Sept 28):

SCHROON (AP) — State forest rangers are battling a growing wild fire in the eastern Adirondack woods that has scorched about 100 acres since an unattended campfire sparked the blaze over the weekend.

The Department of Environmental Conservation says about 14 forest rangers are fighting the fire Monday at Bear Mountain in the Essex County town of Schroon (skroon), 80 miles north of Albany.

DEC officials say county 911 dispatchers received word of a fire around 1:20 p.m. Saturday in the area of Crane Pond in the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness.

Sunday afternoon's dropping humidity and winds gusting to 20 mph caused the fire to spread over 80 acres.

A state police helicopter and local firefighters have been helping contain the blaze.

No injuries or damage to structures have been reported.

 

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What's your ADK ride?

Take your top off - or roll down the windows!

Cruisin’ the country.

Biking the Blueberry Hill trails: best make a day of it.

Who needs plans!?

Pedaling: the long (or short) way to serenity.

A new face on an old favorite

"Without question, the greatest invention in the history of mankind is beer. Oh, I grant you that the wheel was also a fine invention, but the wheel does not go nearly as well with pizza." – Dave Barry

I remember when I first heard about Paradox Brewery opening up in Schroon Lake, it felt like just yesterday. The brewery was located in a former bait shop, gas station, and general store, which is not necessarily the best-suited location for a brewery; but they managed to make it work. Later on, construction of their new facility in North Hudson started, and after ten years at that location, a new effort of rebranding began! 

A new logo

Paradox Brewery's logo has undergone a transformation. While the original design was a trail marker with yellows and browns, the current logo, hilariously dubbed "Crowntain", tells a different story. The double image of the mountain and crown pays homage to Adirondack's history and location and positions the brewery at the top of the industry. The impossible shape at the bottom symbolizes the back-and-forth flow of water between Paradox Lake and the Schroon River. By appreciating the intricacies of the logo, you can't help but fall in love with it!

Where it began

The transition began in July when the 10-year anniversary of the brewery was announced. Paradox Brewery had an amazing celebration filled with food, laughs, and you guessed it, BEER! Here they unveiled their plans for the future starting with their new modern logo. The brewery needed to attract new drinkers and so began the process of rebranding and diving even deeper into the Adirondack market and beyond! They're looking into their new demographics. And don't worry the beer we have all come to know and love is still the same. The same IPAs and Pilsners that greet you at the door remain. There's no need to fix perfection! The brewery is just trying to keep up with the market and push themselves to the top. 

A new merchandise collection has been released to celebrate the launch of the new logo. If you were lucky enough to get your hands on a beer glass or shirt beforehand, you now have a valuable piece of memorabilia. To enhance your collection, check out the new selection of glasses and shirts available at the brewery. Speaking personally, I already have glasses from both the Schroon Lake and North Hudson locations, so it's worth adding one with the new modern logo to my collection. 

Change can be a good thing, and I am personally excited to see what the future holds for Paradox Brewery. We love you PBC! 

Fans of fall foliage, (and yes, I am one) can fall into well-worn paths of enjoyment. Sometimes it is a great advantage to shake up the usual and take the road, or hike, or paddle...less traveled.

One of the appeals of the Schroon Lake region is how very much fall we have, and in beautiful settings, too.

This can be just a bit overwhelming. Here's some concepts which can help you get your arms around it. And take it home.

Photo finish

Of course there will be photos. That's part of the point.

But when you behold a gorgeous vista and try to take a picture of it, there's often disappointment. Your eyes, your brain, and your camera all have their quirks, and are all working against each other.

Don't let this sabotage your photo. Wide angles brings the foreground closer and shrinks the distant objects. Sometimes, that might be what we want.

To a certain extent, it doesn't matter what kind of camera you are using, either. Phone cameras can be excellent tools for landscape photography, if you understand their capabilities and limitations. They are set at a wide angle, which is fine for taking pictures of groups of people. When it comes to landscapes, it gets trickier.

A helpful tip is to remember that with such lenses, there is a bigger than real-life difference in distance. Objects that are close will seem larger than they are, while even just a bit further away, those objects become smaller than they are.

This explains how we take a beautiful roadside picture, and wind up with mostly road.

It can be as simple as tilting the camera (for more sky) and walking closer (pick a vantage point to exclude more of the foreground) to make a big difference. Don't be afraid to zoom in a tad to get more of what you want. A lot of zoom on a camera phone gives the "watercolor effect" and will blur, but a little bit can help a lot with your framing.

Rent a boat or walk our waterfront for some easy vistas right in Schroon Lake.

Vary our perspective

Time of day can also be used to your advantage. Early in the morning, the contrast between warmer earth and water and the colder night temperatures creates some lovely mists rolling over the water or softening distant mountains.

Later, the humidity leaves the air for some crystalline long distance views.

Even rainy days have some compensations. It's a chance to make one perfect, and shiny, tree stand out from the background after the active water has stopped falling.

Cloudless blue skies are a wonderful contrast to the reds and golds of foliage, but overcast skies have more evenly-cast light that is less intense. This makes the fall colors pop with more natural saturation.

Choosing late afternoon and evening will mean light, which will warm the foliage colors. Position yourself so evening shadows fall in the deep evergreen sections of the forest, and let the brighter trees stand out all the more.

Another option to play with is using an editing app on your phone or tablet. This can duplicate some of the tricks of professional photographers, such as different filters and exposure duration. As seen above, the picture on the lower right was taken with existing light and not adjusted. The other photos had their contrast, highlights and shadows, or exposure tweaked for different results.

You can also use such an app to crop out some of that troublesome foreground so it does not dominate the picture.

Choose from our biking and driving routes.

Choose a focus

How and where you explore colorful nature is another tactic to make your foliage photos more interesting. Fall is a great time for hiking, and it's the best way to stop and find just the right angle.

If we are moving in close, choose an interesting foreground object that will not compete with the colors or overly dominate the picture. This delicately woven bird's nest lets the leaves fill the picture while also giving a viewer's eyes a place to "rest."

Give your pictures depth by showing objects on different planes of view. If we are shooting across water, pick an object in the foreground to give a sense of three dimensions that a flat photograph might need to offer a fuller picture.

Likewise, in the picture above, the distant trees seem brighter when underscored by the intense color of the shrub in front of the water. The dark water behind it makes the bright color even more intense.

The beauty of our autumn foliage is in its complexity. We have the full range of species, a broad spectrum of color, many ways to access it, and acres and acres to offer. It's fall. Enjoy the intensity.

Pick a scenic hiking path.

Chose a cozy place to stay. Make that appetite happy with our dining. Keep up with the advancement of color by bookmarking our Foliage Report.

 

 

As summer winds down in the Adirondacks, the days get shorter, the temperatures cool some and we look forward to the events of fall. But don’t forget there’s still some summer left, so enjoy the remainder with some of our ongoing events while you wait for fall to set in a bit later in September.

In the art & workshop departments, there are still plenty of events on the calendar:

Shakespeare in the Park

The ADK Shakespeare Company will delight with its “Kingship Cycle” - Richard II, 1 & 2 Henry IV, and Henry V during August. According to their website, you’ll be able to see all four Kingship Cycle productions beginning on August 28 and concluding with the first ever Labor Day Festival. Their extensive schedule can be found online at Adirondack Shakespeare Company.

Artist in residence

The Adirondack Interpretive Center in Newcomb still has lots of ongoing events and programs. Don’t miss catching their summer artist in residence, Frances Gaffney, at work on the trails. She’s there to chat and exchange tips and techniques in the summer Art Along the Trails program. Gaffney also conducts some regular painting workshops, so make sure to check out the Schroon Lake Region events calendar for all of AIC’s ongoing, year-round events.

Did someone say fishing?

For those wishing to hone their skills or learn how to fly fish, there’s a workshop at the VIC just for you - The Adirondack Fly Fishing Retreat. No experience is necessary and gear will be available. No excuses now to finally learn the fine art of fly fishing during this 3-day workshop beginning on September 12th.

Arts, crafts and farmers

Don’t forget the 4th Annual Adirondack Artists & Crafters weekly expo, which continues through September 6. The tents go up each week at The Schroon Lake Town Hall and they’re open for business from 10 am - 3 pm each Thursday. There is a terrific representation of local artisans and craft folks every week. Go home with something special from the Adirondacks!

On Mondays, through September 1, the Schroon Lake Farmers Market is open from 9 a.m. - 1 pm at 15 Leland Avenue. This is one of the Ausable Valley Grange's “producer-only” markets. This means vendors must sell only items that they or their employees have produced (they can’t buy in bulk and re-sell, or sell someone else’s product). These markets are the only ones in the Eastern Adirondacks. Remember there is much more than just produce at the market. Offerings include fresh breads and pastries, meats, cheeses, artwork, crafts and ready-to-eat foods. You can shop and have a little lunch at the same time. Don’t miss these last markets of the season!

Antiques galore!

Two of the much anticipated Adirondack events of the late summer season are the Adirondack Mountains Antiques Show in Indian Lake and the Adirondack Museum Antiques Show and Sale in Blue Mountain Lake. The Indian Lake event is a town wide sale of all things Adirondack you won’t want to miss, with vendors scattered all about town. The Blue Mountain Lake event is as famous as the location at which it’s held annually, The Adirondack Museum. These events are less than an hour drive from the Schroon Lake Region and make for a great day trip.

Whatever events you participate in during your stay in the Schroon Lake Region, you’ll be delighted with your experience. Summer’s still in full swing, so don’t miss out on any of the action. Plan a vacation or a weekend getaway today!

Summer is amazing, but have you seen fall in the Adirondacks? It is truly a sight to see. The reds, oranges, and yellows of the leaves create a colorful display that is unmatched. There are some pretty unique places to get out and see the fall foliage in the Adirondacks. Here are four of our favorite spots to see the fall colors in the Adirondack Hub. 

Treadway Mountain

The trailhead to Treadway Mountain starts at Putnam Pond State Campground (there is a parking fee when the campground is open). The hike is just under 8 miles round trip and boasts views of Pharaoh Lake and the High Peaks in the distance. Much of the summit is open rock, making a perfect seating area to enjoy a packed lunch and take in the view.  

Vanderwhacker Mountain

This hike up Vanderwhacker Mountain is 6 miles round trip leading to a fire tower at the summit. Several parts of the hike pass wetlands so keep your eyes peeled for wildlife - beaver activity is high there! The summit is quite forested, but the view from the fire tower will not disappoint. Views of the High Peaks, Gore Mountain, and Blue Mountain will take your breath away.

Wolf Pond

The hike to Wolf Pond is 2.3 miles from the Boreas River/Wolf Pond Parking Area on Blue Ridge Road. This is an easier, more gentle hike that is easy to navigate and which ends at the 59-acre Wolf Pond outlet. There is a lean-to on the pond that is able to be used on a first-come, first-served basis. This means you can sleep under the stars, and wake up to the birds chirping, all while you take in views of the High Peaks. 

Schroon Lake

One of the easiest places to get to is the waters edge of Schroon Lake. The gazebo by the lake is right near the center of town. Grab a picnic lunch and head to the grassy area by the gazebo or the beach and enjoy the views of foliage with the crisp air of fall, or grab a coffee and a book and relax to the sounds of the water. 

Flavors of fall

While the fall foliage views are amazing, so are the flavors of fall. Grab a Pumpkin Spice Latte from 9 Mile Coffee, a fall brew at Paradox Brewery, or a cider donut from the Adirondack General Store. Then find a quaint spot to rest your head. The communities in the Adirondack Hub will have you feeling nostalgic with a small town vibe, unique dining experiences, endless outdoor opportunities, and the cutest lodging properties. Pair that with the amazing fall foliage and you’ll never want to leave! 

Gimme a break

I have to stop. It's a compulsion. Whether I am heading north or south on the Adirondack Northway, as soon as I see the signs — you know the ones — I have an intense urge to flip on my blinker. Suddenly I realize I am hungry, thirsty, need gas, or need to stretch my legs. Mostly, I just need my dose of Schroon Lake.

This past week, in the frenzy of summer travels, I had two such occasions to visit my favorite little Adirondack town. I never pass up the opportunity — you shouldn't either! If you're heading north, take Exit 27 to Route 9. Trust me.

Peace of mind

The scenario: I was stressed, a little freaked out, and a mix of nervous and excited about delivering my son to sleepaway camp for the first time. Shockingly, we were running a bit ahead of schedule, so with an hour to spare pulling off at Exit 27 seemed the perfect way to procrastinate.

Regaling Oliver with tales of my own childhood summer adventures in Schroon, it seemed only appropriate to swing down Main Street and take a quick detour to the stunning shores of the lake.

Hoping to win best-mom-ever status before dropping him off for the week, I cheerfully agreed that he had time for a swim. And ice cream. (I think I succeeded, as he turned and quickly flashed this "thank you, mom" heart before dashing off to the sandy beach.)

I grabbed a beach blanket out of my jeep and settled on the grass to watch the action for a few minutes. There's something supremely relaxing about being in this town. I could seriously feel my shoulders slowly release and the stress just start to melt away as I breathed in the mountain air.

After the allotted 15 minutes turned into 25, a reluctant (and very wet) Oliver made his way up the grassy hill to me. Before loading up, drying up was in order, so we grabbed the promised icy treat and decided to spend a few minutes checking out the boats at the town dock and watching as the DEC steward carefully inspected each vessel for invasive species.

Lunch on the go

We had procrastinated enough — it was time to hit the road, the boy had places to be and memories to make. First, though, we needed to grab a quick lunch. I thought we would swing into Pitkin's, my favorite pit stop, but the beach detour had eaten up an hour.

With a change of plans we headed north on Route 9 and stopped at the newly reopened Mt. Severance Country Store — a true Adirondack one-stop shop. There we were greeted by a friendly pup and the smell of delicious baked goods. With two hearty sandwiches in our bag, we continued our journey north toward Exit 28.

Back to reality

We soon saw the flashing stoplight that marks the end of Schroon's main drag, and we hopped back on the highway, happy for our 6-mile diversion.

The boy was successfully dropped at camp and I needed to head home, though I would have stayed if invited! As I fondly think back on my own memories of Adirondack summers spent in Schroon Lake, I'm so happy to know he is making his own mountain memories — even if they're not with me. Sigh.

Of course, just a short while later, as I found myself on my normal 6-mile southern detour (off at Exit 28, back on at 27), I took the opportunity to indulge my sorrows with a selection of decadent cookies and an iced coffee from North Woods Bread Co. while I quietly took in the glory that is Schroon Lake.

What's your sign?

I can't help but wonder how anyone could pass this stretch of Route 9 by. Whether you have 15 minutes to spare, a couple of hours to browse, or a weekend to unwind, the road between Exits 27 and 28 is well worth taking. With awesome scenery, friendly people, funky stores, and quaint restaurants, the next time you're heading north — or south — visit the Schroon Lake Region. We think you'll like what you find!

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This week in related ADK news:

A rugged sport

Girls gone camping

Lily finder

Training pain

Nature's jewels

It's a monster!

Lettuce feed you

Cross Country Skiing In Schroon Lake Recon

With winter looming, but not QUITE here yet, I decided one day recently to do some recon for cross country ski season in the Schroon Lake Region.

I’ve done a lot of hiking in the region. In reviewing the trail systems for this recon mission, however, I realized that most of my hiking - both summer and winter - has been in the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness. There are other wilderness areas for me to explore; including the Hoffman Notch Wilderness area (where I HAVE gone snowshoeing once), and the Hammond Pond Wild Forest - a network of trails that I’ve never traversed.

Gear, Trails and Companions 

I looked at the map and descriptions, and decided that the Moose Mountain Pond and/or Bass Lake seemed to have great potential for cross country skiing. (I also asked the advice of my friend Elizabeth Lee, a licensed guide familiar with the region, and she agreed it would be a great ski or snowshoe destination.)

“Wild Forest” seems like somewhere you’d go unwillingly alone in a fairy tale. And as it was a week day and I WAS alone, I brought my trusty dog Katie with me on this recon mission. 

On the Trail in the Adirondacks 

We donned bright colors as it was hunting season, brought a small pack with water and lunch, and reviewed the sign in the empty parking lot at the trailhead, which is located on Ensign Pond Road in the Town of North Hudson. Moose Mountain Pond was 3.2 miles and Bass Lake (cleverly edited by local hooligans on every sign, I noticed) was 2.4. I decided that we’d head toward Moose Mountain Pond, and decide at the junction for Bass Lake whether I felt like tackling both lakes.  

The day was unseasonably mild, calm and sunny, but I stretched my imagination and pictured the trail covered in snow, and myself gliding on my classic cross country skis.

The hemlock-lined trail is quite wide and generally flat, without much elevation gain in the beginning. The trail parallels a stream, and a nice waterfall; perfect for a dog to muddy their paws and get a drink - though small enough that it would likely freeze over during ski season. After a mile or so, my keen investigative eye caught sight of one section that might be tricky on skis, but certainly navigable, and depending on snow depth maybe easier than it appeared with the rocks and roots visible at this time of year.

We were trekking along quickly, even without skis, and soon arrived at the junction for Bass Lake. I decided to head straight to Moose Mt. Pond and lean-to, which was another 1.8 miles from that point, and perhaps visit Bass Lake on the return trip.

Shortly after that junction, we crossed a small bridge at a dam at the end of a huge marsh. There were at least three beaver lodges visible from the trail, which parallels the marsh on its left for a bit. This section, blanketed in pine needles instead of snow at this time, included some rolling hills - quite a nice surface for skiing without requiring real technical moves.

Before long I could see that we were nearing the pond itself - and there was an area that appeared to be an obvious rest stop (there was even a cast iron pan left hanging on a tree.)  The trail, however, continued to navigate around the lake to the left. We continued along this section - scanning the landscape for the lean-to that would signal the end of the trail. This section was narrower, but still a fine trail for skiing.

Finally, there it was; a lean-to located above a beautiful pond. We scampered down to the water’s edge, I unpacked my snacks, and Katie went for a swim and fetched sticks for a while before returning to my comfortable lunch spot, realizing that her snacks were in my bag, too.

It was a lovely day, warm in the sun, but the days this time of year get shorter, and we had to turn back in order to ensure that we returned to the trailhead before dark.

If it was winter, once the lake was frozen, I could have skied across the lake’s surface directly back to that spot where the cast iron pan awaited, rather than through the woods.  But we hiked back along the trail - eventually reaching the bridge at the dam. We soon were back at the junction to Bass Lake, but given the time, I decided that destination would have to wait until we returned on skis this winter.

Though we hadn’t seen one person since we left the car, I put Katie back on her leash for the last mile or so to be good citizens, just in case we encountered anyone. We ran much of that last mile at speeds much like we’d achieve on skis, and I imagined that if I really WAS on skis, Katie could have pulled me, skijoring-style, skillfully navigating the trail and delivering me safely to the car.* 


I’m pleased to report that the reconnaissance mission was a success. I’m definitely going to return on cross country skis, which typically allows one to cover terrain a bit faster than on foot, giving me time to check out (B)ass Lake, too.  
 
* Note: We’ve never skijored before, and I’m pretty sure that if I were simultaneously on skis and tethered to my dog, we’d have been in those woods LONG after dark, trying to untangle my legs and poles from the trees that line the trail. But that’s not how I imagined it. 

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

 

Even though this December hasn't been quite as wintery as we may be used to, this will change and we will soon be seeing a few months of great skiing. I can also promise you I feel your pain; as an avid cross-country skier and snowshoer this tease of a winter just won’t cut it. So, let's do some dreaming and get our plans ready - when the Schroon Lake Region has developed a nice base here are a few places you can head over to do some cross-country skiing. For the time being, it may be time to think downhill and hit Gore! Remember, stay vertical people.

Gore Mountain

One of New York State's premiere ski centers is open for business and has been making snow for weeks now. Be sure to check with Gore Mountain for up to date conditions, rates and hours.

Gore has 109 trails and boasts 2,537 vertical feet of elevation drop, and you can access these by using the 15 lifts including the eight-passenger Northwoods Gondola and two luxurious high-speed quads which will keep you out of lines, with more time on their four peaks and in the parks.

Hungry or wiped out? You can visit the six dining options scattered across the mountain where you can refuel and keep skiing or riding without missing a beat or a potential “yard sale,” just kidding, no “yard sales” please.

Want to learn to ski or ride? Gore has an excellent staff of highly experienced and motivated instructors eager to help you get on the slopes in a safe and fun fashion.

Schroon Lake Ski Center (photos curtesy of NELSAP)

This small ski hill was reopened in 2005 after it had been closed since the mid 80s. These family ski hills are making huge comebacks in small communities and usualy offer free or highly reduced rates for downhill skiing. This ski slope is open on weekends, holidays, and during school vacations from 10am to 4pm, weather permitting.

To access the top of the ski slope you will have a 700’ pull using a handle tow that will get you to the top of the 150’ slope. There is just enough pitch to give you a few nice turns as you enjoy the great views. At the base you can find a small warming hut. This is the perfect FREE community ski center for the entire family to enjoy run after run.

 

Big Pond Trail

This backcountry trail is an outstanding ski destination fit for the entire family. If you enjoy cross-country skiing you should look into this well-maintained destination. From the trailhead off Hoffman Road you will be on a fairly wide course that gets ample ski and snowshoe use. Several undulating hills will bring you back to Big Pond and beyond. If Big Pond is your final destination you will be there is no time flat, but if you want to expand your skiing stay on the trail and get closer to the Hoffman Notch Trail where you will experience more hills and exciting riding.

SUNY ESF Adirondack Interpretive Center (AIC)

The AIC has four very distinctive trails which were designed for 4-season fun and relaxation, however only three are open and recommended for cross-country skiing.

Peninsula Trail

They do not recommend or allow skiing on this trail

Rich Lake Trail

This is a great trail to warm up on, and with limited amounts of elevation change, it gives you a nice introduction to the trails. Oh, and the views are great as well.

Sucker Brook Trail

This trail is considered to be a moderate trail but it’s a rather steep drop right from the parking lot. Once down off the hill the ski is actually very nice and you can connect up to the Sage Trail part way through.

R.W. Sage Jr. Memorial Trail

This is the longest loop at 1.1 miles, but it's an easy and mostly flat ski. Be sure to extend your ski trip by heading over to the Great Camp Santanoni Trail.

The trails are open every day from dawn to dusk. Additionally, the Visitor Center building is open Friday-Sunday from 10am to 4pm. The AIC offers public programs, events, speaker series, courses and other activities throughout the year to the public as well as school groups.

Pharaoh Mountain Wilderness

There are a great many access points for the Pharaoh Mountain Wilderness: The Putnam Pond State Campground, Long Swing Trail off Route 74, Short Swing Trail off Route 74, and off Crane Pond Road in Schroon Lake. The closest access point for Schroon Lake is at the end of Crane Pond Road. The Pharaoh Mountain Wilderness is a massive expanse of wilderness, with many, many miles of trails for all abilities. This area of many trails is not so much a trail network but several thousand acres of trails that intersect one another and have wonderful destinations for the eyes.

From the Crane Pond Road Trailhead you have the opportunity to ski many trails that can be accessed from the road, but first you must ski the extension of the Crane Pond Road that accesses you deep into the wilderness area. Discover Goose Pond, the Long Swing Trail, the Short Swing Trail, and the Pharaoh Mountain Trail while you are in there for a wide range of user abilities.

Other great access areas near Schroon Lake include the Spectacle Ponds Trail off East Shore Road and the Pharaoh Lake trails from the small hamlet of Adirondack.

Trail Skiing

Trail skiing is a wonderful past time and a great way to see the backcountry other than snowshoeing or hiking. Many of the trails you would consider for snowshoeing and hiking can easily be converted to cross-country skiing destinations. However, you need to keep in mind that these destinations will not be groomed or maintained for skiing. The foot trails also are much narrower and have a variety of obstacles for skiing that may require the user to have some experience. But with that being said, trail skiing is very exciting and a wonderful way to see the frozen landscape.

Mountain trails are not recommended for skiing unless you are a highly advanced skier - and even then they are very dangerous, but most of the trails to backcountry ponds are great places to visit without the worry of highly advanced terrain. If you do wish to ski back to a mountain, strap on your snowshoes to your pack, ski to the base and snowshoe up. When you snowshoe back to your skis, clip those on and off you go. In most cases cross-country ski boots can be used equally as well for snowshoeing so there is no need to carry a second set of boots.

Now, let's think snow and get ready to go!

A lot of exciting things have been happening in the Adirondack Hub lately, and we’re thrilled to share them all with you. Here are some of the newest updates and improvements that have been happening to make the communities of the Adirondack Hub even better than they already are!

Pitkin's Restaurant

New owners Adam and Bridget of Minerva did a complete overhaul of the iconic Pitkin's Restaurant in Schroon Lake. The interior and exterior have been completely remodeled and refreshed. They even recently completed an outdoor dining area. Don’t worry, the food is just as incredible and they still sell those pies we all love!

9 Mile Coffee Co. 

9 Mile Coffee Co. recently moved to a new location next to the Pine Cone Mercantile, but owner Andrew did a substantial remodel to convert a building from the 1860s to a modern/functional cafe, while maintaining the character and history represented in Schroon Lake. Pro tip: get your favorite cup of caffeine to go and head down to the gazebo to enjoy the view. 

Blue Ridge Motel

New owner Tammy Brown has completely renovated this Schroon Lake motel into a modern lodging property, while not losing any of the Adirondack charm. There are plenty of unique pieces and touches that make this place so special. The Blue Ridge Motel will be open this summer, and we are so excited to have Tammy and the Blue Ridge Motel as a part of the Adirondack Hub. 

EveryBODY518 Nutrition

Owner Danielle recently opened EveryBODY518 Nutrition in Schroon Lake, serving healthy and energizing smoothies and teas that are designed for takeout so you can enjoy the rest of your day adventuring in the Adirondack Hub. Pro tip: grab a drink to go and head to the beach!

Paradox Brewery

Our beloved Paradox Brewery in North Hudson has opened in their new location right by the new Frontier Town Campground, and the results are impressive. On the weekends they have a food truck serving delicious food to go with their one-of-a-kind beers. They have even added an outdoor pavilion and tasting room so you can enjoy your beer while enjoying the Adirondack air and mountain views. 

Newcomb Cafe & Campground

The Newcomb Cafe & Campground opened its cafe earlier in the year, but this will be the first summer their campground will be open. Their cafe serves breakfast and lunch seven days a week, their store is stocked with necessities as well as local fresh produce, they’ve added an outdoor dining area for the cafe, and the campground is open and accepting reservations that are filling up fast. They also have a gas pump making it a snowmobiling hot spot in the winter. 

Lake Harris Lodge

The Lake Harris Lodge in Newcomb opened at the beginning of the year in its newly renovated building. Its rustic interior is an absolutely stunning location for lunch or dinner overlooking Lake Harris. They also serve brunch on Sundays with live music! They have an outdoor seating area that overlooks the lake and lakeside glamping tents. Right now they have one complete, but three more are planned for the future. 

Other businesses are getting creative and adding new features to their already existing businesses. Sticks & Stones Bistro now has an ice cream wagon, Licks & Cones, serving your favorite frosty treats. And the Adirondack General Store made a snack window serving ice cream treats and summer bites. Summer in the Adirondack Hub keeps getting better and better!

We are thrilled to have so many new businesses opening in the Adirondack Hub and many other business owners continuing to make impressive improvements and upgrades to their businesses to keep traditions alive and visitors coming back for many years to come.

 

Everything in the Adirondacks tells a story, whether it be ecological, social, or cultural. Often interwoven in the abundant natural history narrative is one of human relations and community. Of course, we’ve all read about guides and loggers: traditional Adirondack ways of life. Though sometimes forgotten, others have left their mark on the Adirondacks in more ways than one.

In 1957, Fulton Fryar was invited to Seagle Music Colony (today known as Seagle Festival). This was significant because Fryar was the first African-American to come to Seagle. Segregation was still very real throughout the country, the Civil Rights Act of 1957 was not signed into law until September of that year, and hard-earned Civil Rights Movement victories in Congress wouldn’t be won for several years still.

Then-director John Seagle was so impressed with Fryar’s talent, he wanted him to come study at Seagle Music Colony. Fryar’s story is one of embracing art and finding the light.

Home again

Originally from North Carolina, Fryar was only 17 years old when he first came to Seagle. Many of the students who were Fryar’s peers were also from the southern part of the States, where segregation and racial inequality were still widespread. Although Fryar was welcomed at Seagle, he slept in separate quarters. While the institution itself was not segregated, racial attitudes in the United States made people cautious. 

But Fryar was not bothered by this at the time. 

In his separate lodging he was not kept up at night by other campers (who would likely be singing 99 Bottles of Beer), and his room may have in fact been nicer than the traditional dorm rooms. He put his own touch on the decor, painting meaningful objects and lines from poems on the walls. One stanza, from Tennyson’s “Crossing the Bar”, seems an odd choice, since its subject is crossing from life to death, but the tone is one of accepting fate instead of fearing the unknown. For Fryar, his room was an escape if he was having a bad day and the decorated walls provided inspiration. On top of singing at Seagle, Fryar was invited to help design sets because of his paintings in his room. In an interview with PBS, Fryar professed that the poems and art would “bring him out of darkness” to help him find the light again. 

“The Closet”

“The Closet,” as Fryar affectionately named his room, was modest: maybe 12 by 6 feet. It was attached to the laundry building, and essentially abandoned after Fryar left. The Closet sat empty for nearly six decades. After falling into dangerous disrepair in 2017, The Closet was moved to the Adirondack Experience, the Museum on Blue Mountain Lake to save it from demolition. Here, museum visitors have the chance to see it as a historic exhibit. Fryar hopes that the public will take a big lesson away from his little room: we’ve come a long way in race relations in this country, but there is still work to do. He hopes people will view his room with understanding and spread the message of unity, not discrimination. After his departure from Seagle, racial diversity has increased and students no longer bunked in rooms separated by race. 

Encore

For Fryar, a career in music did not materialize, but since leaving Seagle after two summers, he served in the Air Force for five years and worked in a career providing support to children and developmentally disable adults. He says the lessons he learned at Seagle have stuck with him throughout his life. Today, he enjoys spending time with his wife, kids, and grandkids. Fryar may not be singing on the stage, but he finds comfort in the artistry. He says he’s joyful and grateful to have been accepted into the program at Seagle.

History of Seagle 

Seagle Music Colony has been around since 1915. That’s right: 2020 marks the school’s 105th birthday! In 2021, it was rebranded as Seagle Festival. It is the premier opera and musical theater organization in the Adirondack region, and it is the oldest summer vocal training program in the United States. Traditionally, the summer features a summer full of special events and performances. Programming usually runs through June, July, and August. Watch emerging artists refine their craft in opera and musical theater. Ask anyone who’s been -- you don’t want to miss a performance at Seagle!

Schroon Lake has a rich history with the arts! Create your own memorable Adirondack vacation in the Adirondack Hub with an overnight stay, classic food, and outdoor activities. 

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Photos of Fulton Fryar courtesy of the Seagle Festival.