The Roosevelt Truck Trail is a perfect place for birding, cross-country skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, and accessible camping. It is surrounded by boreal habitat, so you really feel like you are the in the middle of wilderness.

Key takeaways

• Distance: 2.6 miles one-way
• Elevation gain: 260 feet from north to south, 375 feet from south to north
• Trail has two handicap accessible tent sites

Hiking the Roosevelt Truck Trail

The trail has minimal elevation gain, only going uphill slightly in a few places. You can choose to do this as a out-and-back if you only have one car. However, doing this as a point-to-point, and spotting a car at each trailhead, is the easiest way to do this. The route finding is straightforward.

In the winter

This would make for a good beginner snowshoe or cross country ski, when conditions permit and snowpack is good. Be prepared for winter conditions.

Camping

There are two accessible tent sites located along this trail. Access to the sites is from the Route 28N trailhead with a Motorized Access Permit for People with Disabilities (MAPPWD) permit. This is available from the DEC. Four wheel drive pick-ups or other high clearance vehicles are recommended. The tent sites have a firm, level surface with accessible picnic tables and accessible privies.

Birding

This boreal habitat is perfect for finding unique birds! Black-backed Woodpecker, Boreal Chickadees, and Canada Jays are present year-round, but in warmer months, there are warblers aplenty! This is one of the few known locations Cape May Warblers nest in the Adirondacks.

Find more trails in the Adirondack Hub

Looking for another hike? With the Adirondack Hub being at the center of so many trails, we’re sure to find another adventurous hike for you!

How to get there

There are two trailheads for the Roosevelt Truck Trail, making it possible to do a thru-trip if you have two cars available. The trail runs between Blue Ridge Road and Route 28N. A map is available here. GPS coordinates are available on the NYSDEC website and may be more helpful finding this location since there is no trailhead sign.

To access from Blue Ridge Road, travel west on Blue Ridge Road from North Hudson. Follow this road 15 miles to the location on the right. The entrance is on a curve and can be difficult to spot, but there is a a metal gate and stone wall on each side of the trail. There's room for 2 cars to park on the side of the road.

To access from Route 28N, travel east on Route 28N from Newcomb. Cross over the railroad tracks, and then in another 0.4 miles, you'll reach a road that leads north of the highway (it looks like driveway). Turn here, and park in the woods, but do not block the gate. Again, there is room for 2 cars.

Located near the brand-new Frontier Town camping and day-use area, North Hudson's cross-country ski trails travel south through the gorgeous, snowy woods of the Hammond Pond Wild Forest.

How to get there

Parking is on Route 9 near Frontier Town.

Cross-country skiing

The trail is beautiful and you'll find its mellow grades peaceful as you kick and glide through the forest. Find a trail map here and start exploring!

Stony Pond Trail is part of an intricate network of pond trails in the Vanderwhacker Mountain Wild Forest. The trail continues for just over a mile more along the shores of Little Sherman Pond and Big Sherman Pond to the southern shore of Big Sherman Pond.

Key takeaways

• Distance: 5.6 miles round trip
• Elevation gain: 750 feet
• Hike includes trail junctions and a bridge
• Based on a hike to near the end of Big Sherman Pond

Hiking the Stony Pond Trail

From the trailhead the path climbs slightly before descending to a newer bridge overlooking a wetland. As you approach Stony Pond you will have a beautiful brook babbling to your left with small cascades that produce a wonderful sound. The intersection reached at Stony Creek Pond has a lean-to and a picnic table, and there are views across Stony Creek Pond of Green Mountain.

Many people stop here for the day. There is an option to continue on to Center Pond by taking a left at the picnic table and crossing the outlet. The trail here continues over rolling terrain to another backcountry pond. There is a 0.2-mile spur to Center Pond. The round-trip addition would be 2.4 miles and 390 feet of elevation gain.

Going right at the lean-to, the trail continues for just over a mile more along the shores of Little Sherman Pond and Big Sherman Pond to the southern shore of Big Sherman Pond. The trail does continue, but most do not bring a second car, and turn around to where you came from.

Stony Pond Trail in the winter

This is a designated snowmobile trail in the winter, but does see much use by snowmobilers. It is a classic cross-country ski for those with backcountry experience, and also makes for a nice snowshoe. Do not expect this trail to be broken out, and be prepared for all winter conditions. Be especially careful around frozen bodies of water, and don't go out on ice without knowing its thickness.

Find more trails in the Adirondack Hub

Does Stony Pond sound amazing, but a little more than you want to tackle right now? With the Adirondack Hub being at the center of so many trails, we’re sure to find the best hike for you!

Snowmobiling

This trail doesn't receive a lot of usage because of its limited miles. It is not groomed.

How to get there

Take Exit 29 off of Interstate 87 and follow Boreas Road west toward Newcomb. Continue to Route 28N, take a left and head toward Minerva. Continue for just under 10.5 miles to the trailhead on the left.

Looking for a backcountry pond that doesn't require a lot of work to get to? If so, Cheney Pond is perfect for you! It's all peaceful wild forest and beautiful scenery. Visitors in any season can enjoy a variety of activities, including: hiking, fishing, paddling, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and camping.

Key takeaways

• Distance: 1 mile round trip
• Elevation gain: 150 feet 
• Hike includes trail junctions

Hiking to Cheney Pond

Follow the old access road turned into an easy trail to a camping, picnic, and launch area at the pond. The hike is quite easy and all downhill to the pond. You will pass by an intersection with the trail to Lester Dam at 0.4 miles. Turn left here and the pond is 500 feet away. There is a designated primitive tent site at the initial spot you meet up with at the pond, as well as a lean-to that is paddle access across the pond.

Cheney pond in the winter

Since it is not that long of a trail, this makes for a great snowshoe for beginners or even an excellent place to stretch your legs before a more rigorous adventure. It is also a great cross-country ski, but might be a bit too fast for beginners. Snowshoeing or cross-country skiing over a frozen body of water is a winter past time; it can access you to areas not seen by most in the summer. With that being said, it can be a dangerous activity to cross frozen waterbodies and should be done with care and respect for your environment. Know the ice conditions and be prepared for anything, including heavy winds, snow drifts, whiteouts, slushy conditions, and thin ice. 

Find more trails in the Adirondack Hub

Looking for another hike? With the Adirondack Hub being at the center of so many trails, we’re sure to find another adventurous hike for you!

Fishing

Trout can be easily fished from shore and the bullheads tend to bite all day. There is a shallow bay on the north side of the pond, which is a nice location for panfish and floating a bobber for brookies. Fish species include: brook trout, bullhead, panfish, brown trout, and smallmouth bass. There are plenty of grassy areas where bass are said to hide.

Paddling

This lovely little pond is part of the Lester Flow. This is a hand launch only. Canoes and kayaks will likely need to be wheeled or carried the half mile to the pond.

The lean-to is a great choice for those looking to try winter camping, but only when ice is thick enough.

How to get there

To get here, follow Blue Ridge Road (County Road 84) toward Newcomb from Exit 29 off I-87. It is 13.4 mile to the trailhead parking area on the left. The "trail" to Cheney Pond follows an old access road, and while travel is permitted, it is not recommended. At first, the access road appears to be a fine gravel road, but soon deteriorates with washouts, ruts, and extremely muddy sections. No worries though; it's only about a half mile walk to the pond with minimal elevation change.

Hiking, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing to Big Pond in the Hoffman Notch Wilderness Area is a classic trip for those looking to experience what this low-trafficked Wilderness Area has to offer. While there aren't many trails up the densely-wooded summits here, there are many bodies of water to check out with trails to them.

Key takeaways

• Distance: 3.3 miles round trip
• Elevation gain: 325 feet
• Hike includes trail junctions and bridges

Hiking to Big Pond

This trail maintains an easy grade with very little change in elevation. It's mainly on a wide course through the forest ,but will get slightly narrower in spots.

Leaving the trailhead, the path soon drops slightly to a bridge near the outlet of a narrow pond. This narrow pond does not have a name, but it could be considered South Big Pond. The trail climbs gently from here. Big Pond is slightly off the main trail, but it can easily be seen through the trees to the left. A path will lead the 100 feet downhill to the shore, where there are outstanding vistas. The trail continues straight and connects to the Hoffman Notch Trail. 

Big Pond in the winter

This trail is a great snowshoe in the winter, and is a classic cross-country ski for those with some backcountry experience. The parking area does get plowed in the winter. Snowshoeing or cross-country skiing over a frozen body of water is a winter past time, but it can be a dangerous activity and should be done with care. Know the ice conditions and be prepared for anything, including heavy winds, snow drifts, whiteouts, slushy conditions, and thin ice if you decide to head out onto Big Pond while it's frozen in the winter.

Find more trails in the Adirondack Hub

Looking for another hike? With the Adirondack Hub being at the center of so many trails, we’re sure to find another adventurous hike for you!

How to get there

From the intersection of Hoffman Road (County Route 24) and Route 9, follow Hoffman Road. Continue for 2.5 miles or so to the trailhead parking on the right. The trailhead has parking for several cars. The trail is on the left of the parking lot.  

A hike that circles three ponds with side trips to more possible. The hike to Moose Mountain Pond gets you into the backcountry of the Hammond Pond Wild Forest, and includes a side trail to Bass Lake (1.4 miles round trip added).

Key takeaways

• Distance: 8.4 miles round trip
• Elevation gain: 770 feet
• Hike includes trail junctions and bridges
• Based on a hike of both Moose Mountain Pond and Bass Lake

Hiking Moose Mountain Pond and more

This route leads to two ponds and an open beaver meadow. From the parking area, take the right trail to Moose Mountain Pond, not the one for Hammond Pond — both trails are side-by-side, so be careful. The path stays in a nice valley as you pass by Berrymill Hill and the attractive Berrymill Brook. It heads uphill slightly, but never undergoes any major elevation change. At around 1.5 miles in you'll come to a trail junction. Turn right for Bass Lake and head left for Moose Mountain Pond. Turning right leads 0.9 miles to the east end of Bass Lake and its rock ledges, cliffs, and great fishing. Turning left, you'll soon come to the grassy Berrymill Pond, which has a large bridge over its outlet. The trail remains easy as it goes through a hemlock forest. You'll reach the south end of Moose Mountain Pond at 3.2 miles, with Bald and Owl Pate mountains towering over you, and Moose Mountain joining in. The trail continues along the shore to an attractive lean-to at 3.5 miles. Return the way you came, and take the side trip to Bass Lake on the way back.

In the winter

This trail can be accessed in the winter, but is not well-trafficked, so expect to be breaking trail with your skis or snowshoes on. Because it isn't highly trafficked, you'll want to be ready for all winter conditions. Snowshoeing or cross-country skiing over a frozen body of water can be fun (like on Moose Mountain Pond or Bass Lake), but it can be a dangerous activity and should be done with care. Know the ice conditions and be prepared for anything, including heavy winds, snow drifts, whiteouts, slushy conditions, and thin ice if you decide to head out onto the frozen ponds.

Find more trails in the Adirondack Hub

Does Moose Mountain Pond sound amazing, but a little more than you want to tackle right now? With the Adirondack Hub being at the center of so many trails, we’re sure to find the best hike for you!

How to get there

Take Exit 29 off I-87 and follow Blue Ridge Road east toward North Hudson, then drive north on Route 9. Continue for 2.5 miles, turn right on county Route 4C, then turn right on Ensign Road. Follow Ensign Road for just over 2.5 miles to the trailhead on the right. This trailhead is shared with the Hammond and Bloody Pond trails.

By summer, it's a beautiful golf course. By winter, it becomes a lovely place to cross-country ski and snowshoe right in town. Enjoy the gentle slopes!

Get ready to ski back in time here! The end destination is the historic Great Camp Santanoni.

How to get there

From I-87, take Exit 29 and then head west along Blue Ridge Road toward Newcomb. Continue to Route 28N in Newcomb and head right into the village. Pass almost entirely through the village and locate the Newcomb Lake Road on the right; there will be a DEC sign for Camp Santanoni. Drive this road to its end at the magnificent gatehouse and parking.   

By the numbers

• Distance: 5 miles to the Great Camp
• Elevation gain/ loss to destination: 320 feet to height of land

Cross-country skiing

From the trailhead, you will pass by the gate and start a wonderful ski over mellow terrain. This road gets a ton of winter use by skiers and snowshoers, so expect it to be a fast ski, especially on the sparse and moderate downhills. In a short amount of time, after an easy uphill ski, you will come to the milk stables and some old farm houses that are being restored. From here you will be skiing mostly uphill but on a very easy grade, at times hardly noticeable and seemingly flat.

Just prior to the crossing of the bridge at Newcomb Lake there is a slight downhill, but that is the extent of the thrills you will have in that regard. The camp itself is a wonderful place and is reach after 5.0 miles.

Find out more

Read our blog post: Ski into the Past at Great Camp Santanoni.

Avalanche Lake is beautiful and remote, but well-travelled. It's well worth the trip for those who are prepared for the miles. Avalanche Pass is usually approached from the Adirondack Loj, but it can also be approached from the Upper Works, and when the two are combined make for an excellent through hike. Below both routes are described for those who want to hike the complete pass from Lake Placid to Newcomb or vice versa.

Key takeaways

• Distance: 13.6 miles round trip
• Elevation: 2,165 feet
• Elevation gain: 1,625 feet
• Hike includes trail junctions, bridges, and ladders
• Based on a hike from Upper Works

Hiking Avalanche Lake

Primary approach via Upper Works

This is a 6.8 mile hike, one way to the south end of Avalanche Lake. Starting from Upper Works it is a long day to the south shore of Avalanche Lake and back, but a rewarding through hike to Adirondak Loj.

From the parking area at Upper Works. the trail starts mostly flat, but starts its climb to Flowed Lands after a junction at 1.6 miles. Flowed Lands, reached at 4.5 miles offers amazing views through the valley past Mount Colden. From Flowed Lands you will hike its perimeter along a difficult trail of many ups and downs to the dam on Lake Colden. From the dam you will pass through a heavily-used camping are along the shore of Lake Colden. Past Lake Colden you will climb a bit to the south end of Avalanche Lake where the views are breathtaking.

Secondary approach via Adirondack Loj

This is a 4.8 mile hike, one way to the south end of Avalanche Lake. From the Loj follow the hikers' approach trail to the High Peaks that leads to Marcy Dam. From Marcy Dam, follow the trail toward Lake Colden. The first mile is a gentle climb, but the next half-mile is steep. Passing by a couple of newer (2011) slides on the side of Mount Colden you make your way through the apex of the pass where the temperatures are typically much cooler. Vast cliffs and wet rocks loom over you. The trail then descends to Avalanche Lake.

The hike past the lake is a bit demanding, especially with full packs, many choose to stop here and enjoy the views of the sheer rock cliffs of Colden and Avalanche Mountain. Past this point you will contend with boulders, ladders and a very windy trail, but the views along this section of trail are amazing and well worth the effort.

Avalanche Lake in the winter

Following the same route, winter hikers may snowshoe or ski to the lake. Note: Short winter daylight hours and a long route necessitate proper winter gear and emergency equipment. Do not snowshoe or ski out onto the lake during early spring or early winter, or when weather has been warm.

Find more trails in the Adirondack Hub

Does Avalanche Lake sound amazing, but a little more than you want to tackle right now? With the Adirondack Hub being at the center of so many trails, we’re sure to find the best hike for you!

How to get there

Primary trailhead/Upper Works: From exit 29 on the I87, follow the Blue Ridge Road (CR84) toward Newcomb. Continue for roughly 18 miles to the Tahawus Road (CR25) on the right. Follow this road for 6.3 miles to a left at a sign for the High Peaks and then to its end at Upper Works at 9 miles.

Secondary trailhead/Adirondack Loj: Leave Lake Placid on Rte 73, follow Route 73 toward Keene. Continue for about 3 miles to Adirondack Loj Road on the right. Follow Adirondack Loj Road to its end at Heart Lake and park in the main parking lot. A parking fee will be required.