The Start of a Pharoah Mountain Wilderness Adventure

It has been quite some time since I wandered about in the Pharaoh Mountain Wilderness Area. My last trip brought me to a couple of remote peaks in some pretty deep snow, I might add. Late spring brings the warm smell of decaying pine needles and leaves from the autumn coat. Wildflowers start to emerge, waters start to warm up, tributaries are easier to cross, mud isn’t quite so deep, and colors finally start to open up your eyes to the warm weather settling in... ah, the joys of spring. I like to look at the positives of spring and not the negatives of the blackflies that so often comes with the territory. Sure they can be an annoyance, but it’s not that hard to overcome, and quite honestly, I believe the more you play in the spring the more you get used to them and you start to ignore them. The more you swat and pay attention to them, the worse they are.

That’s enough on the insect population, now more on the mountains. We started out mid-morning with 6-peaks on our radar. Our group ganged up in Schroon Lake to spot a car for this interesting and long traverse. We stashed one car at the Gull Pond Trailhead and carpooled a bit further south to another access to the wilderness area. This southern access was west of Leland Hill along East Shore Road in Schroon Lake. It was a bit of a chore to find a good spot to get off the road; we did manage to get most of the car on the shoulder - good enough we all agreed.

Leland Hill

Leland Hill at just over 1300’ would be the first small peak we would work on. The forest was open, but parked right on the shoulder of the hill. We started climbing immediately, unlike many of the Adirondack Mountains where you have a long flat approach. We started at under 1000’ in elevation and climbed that initial 350 feet in no time flat, my fast pace might have played a part in that. The summit wasn’t much to talk about, it was open hardwood with no views, but a splattering of star flowers made it pleasing to the eyes.

Quackenbush Hill

From here we headed just east of north to approach Quackenbush Hill, sitting at an elevation of 1486’. We didn’t really have to descend much but we did lose nearly 200 feet in the process. As we climbed we looked to our left and saw what looked to be an area where views might welcome us. The steep slopes on the west side of the mountain opened up some great views of the Vanderwhacker Mountain Wild Forest, Hoffman Notch Wilderness, and Schroon Lake. We poked around a bit more but without much success, so we moved on with high hopes and dreams of some great views from the summit, which didn’t come.

Spectacle Pond Hill

Now we were off to the summit of Spectacle Pond Hill, resting nearly 1.5 miles away and resting at over 1600 feet in elevation; not the tallest of the day, but getting there. Looking over my map in days prior, I didn’t have a whole lotta confidence that it would be a huge payoff. The descent was long, but the forest was wide open. We would continue losing elevation until we were again at less than 1000 feet; everything we gained from the road would be gone, all but about 50 feet of it anyways. In the valley we had a visitor, no not a local or another climber, but a turtle. It was a painted turtle I think, I’m not really up on my reptile identification skills. Abby was having a good time with it, not so sure what to make of its existence - it was the first one she had ever seen. Sniffing and walking in circles around it, only to be startled by a leaf she overturned, the turtle had won the stand-off. The over 600 foot climb might not seem like much too many of you but when it’s in just a half mile, it gets to be steep. Again we were skunked at the summit, and not even a peekaboo view from the shoulder was awarded for our efforts.

Spectacle Pond Trail

We now had a slight dilemma, should we descend to Spectacle Pond, Coffee Pond, or just go right in between them to reach Desolate Hill? We left that decision up to the terrain, I suppose you could say. We wanted to stay high above the ponds to avoid losing too much elevation in the course of the traverse. The terrain, as I mentioned, had other plans. We kept getting pushed left. Well, I kept getting pushed left that is... since I was leading I guess I can take responsibility. We ended up heading right at Spectacle Pond’s western shore.

Off to Desolate Hill

Spectacle Pond got its name from its shape as a pair of spectacles. We hit the trail and felt a sudden pleasure in being on a solid and stable surface. We knew it wouldn’t last long, we needed to hit the forest again to reach Desolate Hill. The trail was eaten up fast by our limber pace and as the trail ended we found ourselves in an open evergreen forest along the top of an attractive esker above the pond. The esker ended in a depression with a small drainage and what appeared to be a small beaver village up above. Desolate Hill was the one I felt would be the rewarding one, and with Pharaoh Mountain so close, it could be a killer payoff. We moved along through the open forest and as we started to climb we came upon some decent-sized cliffs. We went right for them. Scrambling very steeply at times, we had to boost up Abby, and Corenne even took off her pack to help her get up over the small ledge. We could have gone around them, but we love scrambling hand over fist. Atop this was the best view of the day, one for the books, one to be remembered - fantastic!!! The summit wasn’t much higher, but again wooded. We searched hard and heavy for something of a view - a decent glimpse of the cliffs of Pharaoh - but nothing really. The joys of spring have also brought us leaves on the trees, and this veil of green has created a barrier for views.

It was lunch time now. It had to be - my stomach alarm was going off. A healthy lunch and a PBR, to bring down the healthiness a bit, was in order. An extended break did however help the black flies find us for their dinner hour as well, and it was soon time to go.

Smith and Leland Hill

Smith and Leland Hill was next, number five for the day. This one was the highest of the mountains at around 1725 feet in elevation, still nothing crazy tall, but fun anyhow. We wouldn’t have to descend much on this one, but the climb back up was very, very steep. Additional cliffs dotted the side of the hill, but none that would give us any additional views. We summited only long enough for a couple of pictures.

Gull Pond Trail

The next would be a surprise for Jim and Corenne. I was sure they didn’t want to do a sixth peak but I was persuading them that it would be worth the effort. A descent into a deep valley of hemlocks delivered us to Bottom Brook which was a wide swath of a brook in this deep valley. The final 200+ foot climb would be about all our legs could afford for the rest of the day, but we did it in great fashion. Through boulders and scattered rocks, we meandered through the small cliffs and occasional spruce, to the open views off Gull Pond Hill. The hill is not officially named as such, but we gave it that - it seemed to fit. The cliffs of Gull Pond Hill had taunted me for years, and every time I visited the pond I wanted to go there. Well, today I did. Out of curiosity I wondered if I could throw a stone into the pond - and strangely enough it reached.

We followed the herd path off the summit which leads around the pond to the west. The path was apparent most of the time, others not so much, but it was easy enough to keep the pond close to our right. Once on the trail and upon the peninsula of the pond, we had a secondary break in a shallow breeze, which awarded us a relaxing retreat from the bugs as well. The half mile trail back to the car clicked away very fast, and before we knew it, we saw the gleaming white of Jim’s truck through the trees, and our escape from the forest. The cool breeze of the open car window cleaned away the black flies we felt were nesting in our hair, and smiles lighted upon our faces with the realization of this successful six-pack traverse. We were already throwing around more ideas of a future adventure in the Pharaoh Mountain Wilderness.

The Schroon Lake Region has lots of lovely places to go for a bike ride. Whether you like road or mountain biking, there's the right mix of terrain for any age or skill level.
The abundance of lovely lakes has another advantage for those who like their routes a bit on the flat side, while our rugged ranges add spice to mountain biking trails. Here are some fine choices for that next trek.

Go big

Follow the route of the Adirondack Marathon Trail for the "most beautiful run in the world." That goes for bikes, too.
The route is all paved and mostly flat or gently rolling. There is a hilly section between miles 4 and 12, with minimal traffic.

This famous marathon run was laid out in 1997 to take full advantage of the many scenic views there. Most of the route has a view of Schroon Lake, while the northern end has lovely forest views.
Much of the west side of the course runs along the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness Area, where there are 50 miles of trails. Choose from mountain climbs like Pharaoh or Treadway, or visit the many waterbodies like Berrymill Pond, Rock Pond, Gull Pond, Goose Pond, Crab Pond, and Clear Pond, along with Pharaoh Lake and Grizzle Ocean.

Lots of stops are built in for coffee and lunch, such as the town beach and downtown Schroon Lake. At the southern end, near Pottersville, it's a short detour to a popular cave attraction, Natural Stone Bridge & Caves.

This is a fun place to cool off and enjoy nature's air conditioning. There are self-guided tours, swimming, and a well-stocked rock shop. There are several miles of hiking paths, too, all included in the admission.

Go small

We have lots of little seasonal roads that are low traffic and high adventure. One of the most popular is the Newcomb Lake Road, which was once a carriage route for the inhabitants of Great Camp Santanoni. Now, motorized vehicles are prohibited. To get there in summer, many like to bike it.

This 5 mile route (one way) out of Newcomb is cool under the trees and ends at the buildings of this unique Great Camp, which is of great architectural interest.

The 12,900 acre complex has over 45 buildings to view, and lots of places to explore. In July and August there are onsite interpreters available for information and discussion.

Another fine choice is Crane Pond Road. This area has many seasonal, somewhat maintained, roads which are very scenic mountain bike routes.

This is the canoe launch to Crane Pond (photo courtesy of protectadks.org). In turn, these lead to trails with wonderful forest views, as in the video above.
Crane Pond Road itself is 2 miles to Crane Pond, but look for the trailhead for Goose Pond at the 0.9 mile mark. At 1.6 miles watch out for flooding from the northeast end of Alder Pond. The Long Swing Trail is at 1.7 miles, on the left. Reach the west end of Crane Pond at 2 miles. This is also how to reach the trailhead for the Pharaoh Mountain Trail.

Go far

For a long and lovely trek, the Grand Loop is 56 miles of stunning scenery. It is popular as a scenic drive and it's also a famous motorcycle loop, but the traffic is usually not that busy and it is so quiet we can hear it coming.
A must-not-miss part of it is the Blue Ridge Road. There's also Blue Ridge Falls, which is a roadside stop and a short hike along a rocky river, with lots of stunning views.

There's a little parking area with a trail along the river with many interesting vantage points and photo opportunities.
There's also the Adirondack Buffalo Company. Our own herd of bison!

The mountains are a perfect backdrop to the bison in their territory. We can also visit the store, which has a wonderful selection of snacks and beverages, along with their own gourmet foods, baked goods, and local crafts.
It's a great place to get a break, a snack, and a handmade throw pillow or peach pie. The proprietors have a lot of Native American themed items, as the bison are an important animal to Native Americans. While not native to the Adirondacks, the bison love it here, as so many do.

Find out more about this fascinating place in our blog post, Where the buffalo roam.
These are just a few of the enjoyable bike routes we offer, because it's all about the journey.
Choose a charming place to stay. Find some tasty dining. Explore more biking.

 

It's no paradox: beer and pretzels do, indeed, pair well with happy hour.

So, I happened to be driving down the Adirondack Northway (I-87) on a recent, very hot, Friday afternoon when it occured to me that a stop at Paradox Brewery was in order. It's right at the base of Exit 27, how very, very convenient! Now, I have been here before - and I've written about that experience - but it was late fall, the weather was much chillier, and the indoor tasting room was my destination. It was certainly time to indulge in a new brew in the outdoor tented area that I've been hearing so much about from my co-workers.

Of course, I always feel the need to justify myself, and I often overthink my decisions. If you're like me, I'm going to help you out - read on for the top 3 reasons you NEED to stop by Paradox Brewery. Soon!

#3: You enjoy a cool, laid-back vibe...

When you pull up to the Paradox Brewery, you are immediately put at ease by the fun, tie-dye adorned, decor. A giant bear is onsight to greet you (and collect your garbage), and the beertenders are on the ball.

You can choose to grab a picnic table, belly up to the bar, or grab some friends and play a few rounds of corn hole.

Sidenote:Take a minute to check out their awesome handcrafted taps - awesome little Adirondack details really add to the fun experience!

#2: You like fun, friendly people...

When I arrived there were several cars pulling out and for a moment I was alone with the staff. Lucky for me - I got to ask lots of questions, and they were more than willing to discuss in detail what makes each beer special and unique. (I won't even try to begin to explain - you need to experience it for yourself, and I wouldn't do the descriptions justice!)

Of course, as is the trend at small breweries, the crowds ebb and flow. Within minutes, I was joined by a new group of beer enthusiasts. I met several visitors that decided to stop for a quick tasting while they were passing through town, a group of hikers that were relaxing after a day on the trail, and a fun group of locals that were filling up their personal growlers to take home.

Sidenote, if you are shy, like me: the great thing about beer-tasters are that they are generally quite friendly and willing to talk - even to strange girls that randomly ask to take their picture![/i]

#1: Shall I spell it out? B-E-E-R!

Here's the thing: I like beer. Here's the other thing: I know nothing about beer. While I enjoy the taste of a good microbrew, I in no way, shape, or form would ever be able to tell you what the distinctive flavors are in a given brew. I also have no problem asking for the details. Luckily, these ladies were ready to pour out the details.

One of my favorite things to order is a sampler. Here at Paradox the flight consists of 6 small glasses ranging from dark to light. The bartenders give you a run down of what you are tasting, and there is an awesome detailed chalkboard to refer to as well. You learn about the alcohol content, the flavors that are used to enhance each separate beer, and even a little history. All that being said, I like the dark ones. And the light ones. Not the flowery ones. I do enjoy some of the seasonal brews (Pumpkin is next up on the docket here!). And, I highly recommend a yummy pretzel (mustard optional) to cleanse your palate.

Sidenote: Now that I think about it, it might be time to make another visit - the Pumpkin and Oktoberfest brews should be on tap by now. It seems like it would be irresponsible of me not to report in on them. Who's with me!?

Fall is a beautiful time to visit the Adirondacks and the Schroon Lake Region has great places to stay for the night. Plan to visit Paradox Brewery for a sampler and then enjoy a pint or two of your new favorite local brew at one of our great restaurants. That's right, when the Brewery is closed for the night, you can grab a pint at the local restaurants (actually, these days, you can grab a pint all the way down into Orange County). What are you waiting for?
Cheers!

Cliff Mountain--A winter herd-path tradition

As many of you may know Cliff Mountain, standing at 3944’, is part of the Adirondack 46 High Peaks - but under current criteria that just doesn’t measure up. When the 46 High Peaks were originally measured for height, Cliff was surveyed at being over 4000’ in elevation, later to be revealed as not. Cliff Mountain still resides on the list, as it should, it was one of the original bunch and honestly it adds some good climbing to the mix. Located behind Mount Marcy, Cliff often shares its glory with Redfield, at least for those who want to bag two peaks in one day. Now, when it comes to winter climbing it often gets to be a standalone peak, because adding Redfield on the same day is more than many can bite off. With this being the case some clever winter mountaineers have developed a route, for winter use only, that will gain the climber the summit of Cliff directly from Flowed Lands. The route really hasn’t developed a name, per say, but I have heard it referred to as “Cliff Direct.” Most just call it “that bushwhack route from Flowed Lands.” While I wouldn’t call this a tradition for most, it has become a traditional winter route, for those who know about it.

Upper Works

To access this approach from the Schroon Lake Region it’s rather simple. But first and foremost it’s best if you can stay in the Schroon Lake Region the night prior, because a fresh early start is very important and Upper Works is a short drive away. Follow Blue Ridge Road out of North Hudson toward Newcomb. Just prior to reaching Route 28N in Newcomb, take a right onto Tahawus Road and follow this all the way to Upper Works Road, which will come in on the left. Follow Upper Works Road to its end at the High Peaks Trailhead.

When we reached Upper Works on our last trip we felt pretty good, having stayed so close by the night before we avoided that long drawn out car ride at 3:30 am that we had dreaded even thinking about. We dressed lightly for the ride to avoid getting sweaty in the car and then getting an instant chill once we were out in the parking lot. We shared the trailhead parking with only two other cars, their hoods were well coated in a snow frosting, apparently they had been here for a few days. Now suiting up for the balmy 20 degree, 5:00 am start, we were pleased to not have to wear excessive layers to battle the cold that settled in only a few days ago. A light southwest wind was predicted to bring in near 40 degree temperatures by mid-day, not sure if this was going to be good or bad for snowshoeing – but I knew my digits would be happy.

We moved along the trail as though we were going to be late for last call. But in all honesty, the first portion of this trail along old wooded roads is a cake walk and a great way to gain distance and make some really good time doing it. We also didn’t even know if “Cliff Direct” had been broken out and developed for the season yet. If it wasn’t we would have one heck of a battle on the steep slopes to summit this day.

The trail to Flowed Lands was as hard as concrete, if it weren’t for the traction (and the lack of will to carry them on our back), we could have skipped the snowshoes. Flying by the Henderson Monument I started to get my mind rolling about a near future climb on Calamity Mountain, but that’s another story altogether. Soon we stood at Flowed Lands and were signing into the trail register. What’s this? Someone else was here a few days ago doing this exact route. However, we still didn’t know if they made it all the way or not. The wind was howling and not with that warm breeze we had hoped for. The wind not only battled us, but it also completely covered any sign of a trail over the frozen Flowed Lands. We had a rough idea of the location on the other side so we just angled for the peninsula named Livingston Point. Once we arrived at the lean-to on the point we tried to find any sign of a herd-path. Walking in circles and meandering around like a lost beavers we just decided to go for it. We couldn’t find any herd-path, maybe the other group gave up, or maybe it just wasn’t where we thought it should be. We had plenty of time to make our own route, it wasn’t quite 8:00 am yet. We dropped over the hill near the lean-to and down into drainage for Livingston Pond, then over a small rise to another lowland area and BINGO, there it was. The herd-path, sort of, I mean it was there for sure; faint from being blown over, but good enough to follow.

Flowed Lands to Cliff Mountain

Now on the herd-path we could breathe easier, at least we had a direction of travel that might avoid the massive blowdown fields that were warned about on this side of the mountain. The path gained us elevation very fast and led us over to the main drainage that ran near some massive cliffs. The path never really advanced to the brook but stayed high and offered us almost instant gratification of views. The views just kept getting better as the summits of Iroquois and Algonquin started to pop out over the trees.

Soon we would be brought into the forest where the herd-path avoided most of the thick groups of balsam and spruce, although a few seemed to just push through. The herd-path, as you can imagine, was constructed of numerous small and large switchbacks to avoid minor cliffs and dense stands of conifers, but we were okay with that. The summit was literally right there looming in front of us. A short section of four-legged climbing was involved, but the traction was decent, we knew this would be the crown of the summit, and sure enough, shortly after, we were there. I must say, the views in winter are far more dramatic than the ones in the other seasons. The 4-feet of snow we were standing on sure does help lift you up over the spruce and standing snags. Wide open vistas, High Peaks right in your face, and the motivation to try for Redfield. Okay, I wouldn’t go that far, we really only wanted to climb Cliff, so we did an about-face and descended the herd-path back to Flowed Lands.

We were back at the trail register near Flowed Lands in right about an hour from leaving the summit. It’s not that we ran, we literally just slid off the mountain. The herd-path was now so well developed and steep that we could butt slide and glissade our way to the base of the peak in no time at all. The remaining 4-miles or so came a bit slower. We were so far ahead of schedule we just moseyed our way back to the car.

Taking my advice and staying over in the Schroon Lake Region? Book now online. Bet you’ll be hungry after the hike, or need a carb-loaded pasta dinner the night before, we also boast some great places to eat. Rather be guided to the summit in the High Peaks, maybe Cliff – our local guide services are here to oblige.

There’s no better basecamp for adventure in the Adirondacks than the Adirondack Hub. Our snow-covered winter communities create the perfect environment for locals and visitors to get out and enjoy the fresh air while providing all the amenities needed for post-adventure relaxation. This region is an epicenter for outdoor enthusiasts, so much so that the activities are so numerous, that it might be hard to choose which ones to do! To get you a head start on planning your adventure in New York State's Adirondack Hub, here are 8 of the top things you can do on a stay here this winter.

1. Explore on snowshoes

Lace-up your snowshoes and get ready to explore some of the most pristine winter landscapes in the southern Adirondacks. For a chill outing, check out the interpretive trail at the Adirondack Interpretive Center (AIC). And if you’re looking for a longer day out in the Adirondack Mountains, look into the trails that weave their way through the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness Area near Schroon Lake. You’ve got options on this network, from hikes to backcountry ponds or to mountains like Treadway, and even the namesake Pharaoh Mountain (for experienced snowshoers). From gentle paths to rugged backcountry routes, snowshoeing here is a truly immersive experience—perfect for beginners craving peace or seasoned snowshoers seeking adventure.

2. Cross-country ski trips big and small

For those who crave that gliding rhythm of cross-country skiing, the southern Adirondacks are a slice of heaven. A favorite amongst locals and visitors, especially beginner cross-country skiers or those with families, plan a trip around Santanoni Winter Weekends. At these special events, you can combine hot cocoa, history, and welcoming cross-country ski trails into one day of winter fun. And if you’re coming to the Hub with experience, consider a thru-ski of the Hoffman Notch Wilderness, an absolute classic tour that anyone who’s spent time on skis in the backcountry should get out and do. Aside from these two adventurous options, there are many more ski trip possibilities in the Hub!

3. Ski or snowboard at Gore Mountain

Did you know that Gore Mountain was one of the first ski resorts in the country to form a Ski Patrol? This, among a flurry of other “firsts”, fun events, and recent improvements, is enough to make any skier, from beginner to seasoned slopestyle, want to spend time on this ski mountain. Not convinced? Here are some stats: 14 lifts, 108 trails, 7 mountain areas, 2,537 feet of vertical, and multiple lodges for eating and relaxing. 

If you stay at the Lodge at Schroon Lake, enjoy complimentary shuttle rides to and from the mountain, where a day of fresh powder awaits. Spend the day carving turns, then return to the Lodge to unwind by a crackling fire—a true winter retreat.

4. Ice fish on picturesque lakes

The Hub is known for having some of the Adirondacks’ most productive bodies of water for ice fishing. Bring your tip-ups, warming huts, and patience to our iced-over lakes and ponds, you won’t be disappointed. Try your luck at Lake Harris, Minerva Lake, Schroon Lake, or Paradox Lake. Each lake has its charm, whether it’s Harris’ proximity to the High Peaks or Paradox’s proximity to a brewery that shares its name. If the ice is thick enough in March, the Schroon Lake Ice Fishing Derby draws anglers from near and far and offers a lively community atmosphere and a bit of friendly competition.

5. Connect communities on snowmobiles

Gas up your snowmobiles, get your friends together, and plan out a link-up of the Hubs' many groomed snowmobile trails! Starting from Newcomb, you can ride all the way to Hamilton County, stopping at gems like Newcomb Café for a warm coffee, cocoa, and pastries. The Schroon Lake/ North Hudson snowmobile club manages hundreds of miles of trails, with pit stops at local establishments dotted along the entirety of the network. Riding with friends through the snowy Adirondack Mountains is a special experience, and connecting communities through snowmobiling is a satisfying way to spend a winter weekend.

6. Family fun with ice skating & sledding

Embrace classic winter fun with ice skating and sledding at rinks and hills in Schroon Lake, Minerva, and Newcomb. These towns host family-friendly skating rinks with warming huts so you can sip hot cocoa in between laps. The Newcomb Sledding Hill, Minerva Sledding Hill, and Schroon Lake are all prime sledding spots for a day of laughter, thrills, and rosy cheeks. Combining skating and sledding in these communities keeps you close to many of the amenities, from cozy cafes to delicious lunch stops and main streets. Speaking of…

7. Stroll down Schroon Lake’s storybook main street

Finish any day with a leisurely stroll down Main Street in Schroon Lake, where small-town charm is alive and well. Stop by 9-Mile Coffee for a warm latte, browse unique finds at the Schroon Lake Department Store, and pop into the Pinecone Mercantile, where you’ll find everything from home decor and fresh-baked bread to locally sourced food products. With each step, you’ll feel the warmth of the community’s spirit, surrounded by mountain views and friendly faces. The end of any perfect winter day.

8. Enjoy a pint by the peaks

After a day of winter adventure in the Adirondacks—whether snowshoeing, skiing, or sledding—heading to Paradox Brewery is the perfect way to warm up and wind down. Nestled in North Hudson, this cozy brewery, fit with crackling fireplaces, offers craft beers that capture the spirit of the region, often using local ingredients that reflect Adirondack flavors. The rustic taproom, with its view of snowy mountains, (the hills of the Hoffman Notch and High Peaks Wilderness Areas) invites you to kick back with a freshly poured pint by the fire. Paradox’s seasonal brews are a great match for winter, with rich porters, stouts, and seasonal IPAs that hit the spot after a day in the cold. It’s a favorite local stop, blending outdoor spirit with craft beer culture. We might be biased, but we think winter may just be the best season to stop by Paradox Brewery.

Like what you hear, and want to plan a weekend of adventure in the snowy Adirondack Mountains? Check out our cozy and comfortably-priced lodging options, and start setting your sights on all the things to do here in the Adirondack Hub this winter.

Newcomb is a wonderful destination for spring hiking. There is a mountain that is just the right height, historic sites to explore, and an entire complex of lakeshore and forest trails.

Top to bottom, it is Adirondack hiking that is all within the spring conservation guidelines that avoid damage to trails and delicate vegetation.

One sweet mountain

Goodnow Mountain is a fun trail that even children can handle. And, there's the additional scenic possibilities of a sixty-foot fire tower which commands one of the finest views in the Adirondacks. At 2690-feet tall, it even onforms with DEC requests to stay below 3,000 feet before June, yet offers plenty of hiking enjoyment.

The fire tower, built in 1922, has been fully restored and lets climbers view twenty-three of the forty-six High Peaks. The trail and tower are the work of the College of Environmental Science and Forestry at Syracuse University (ESF) and the Town of Newcomb. The College also owns the 15,000-acre Huntington Wildlife Forest where the mountain is located.

It is part of the ADK Fire Tower Challenge.

The trail starts level, and at the half-mile mark there is a bench to signal the ascent is about to begin. There are boardwalks over boggy places, and an old horse barn marks the 1.6 mile point. Look for the open ledge at 1.75 miles, where there are more benches, and don't be fooled by the descent afterwards; this is to set you up for the final ascent to the summit. It is 3.9 miles round trip.

(photo courtesy Peakery.com)

The mountain was named for Sylvester Goodnow, a homesteader who claimed its base in the 1820s. What a rugged fellow he must have been. Get a brochure at the trailhead to add a self-guided nature experience to this hike.

Walk through history

There are two extraordinary hiking destinations that bring back a fabled past.

Adirondac/Tahawus Mines is the site of an entire mining complex devoted to special iron mines which contained titanium. Now a ghost town, abandoned in 1857, this place once housed mine workers and a forty-eight foot blast furnace for ore extraction.

The mines failed in part because it was difficult to get the right kind of iron from the ore when it was contaminated by titanium dioxide. Ironically, this was the same reason the mines were reopened in 1940; titanium was now far more valuable than the iron itself.

Titanium is a mysterious metal. It is highly resistant to both seawater and chlorine, and is both biocompatible (does not trigger allergies when used in the body) and able to osseointegrate; to knit itself into the bone. It is the preferred substance to use in dental implants. Forty million tons of titanium were mined out by 1989.

Theodore Roosevelt was in Tahawus in 1901 when President William McKinley, who had recently been shot by anarchist Leon Czolgosz, took an unexpected turn for the worst. He had set out for a hiking trip up Mount Marcy when he was intercepted by a mounted park ranger to hear that McKinley was now in mortal danger. Roosevelt set out for the train station in North Hudson to return to Washington DC, and assume the duties of the Presidency.

Camp Santanoni Preserve was once the Great Camp of Robert C. and Anna Pruyn. It is now a 32-acre historic area consisting of three Complexes; Gate Lodge Complex, Farm Complex, Main Complex, and the old carriage road (Newcomb Lake Road) that connects all of them, and provides the only access.

Hiking or mountain biking is allowed, and it is a popular cross-country ski trail in the winter.

Many of the buildings have been lost to fire or mishap, but the architecture is still a stunning sight. This was the first Great Camp to be entirely designed, as a coherent unit, by a professional architect, Robert H. Robertson.

Devoted to nature

The Adirondack Interpretive Center at Newcomb is a wonderful place to feel the beating heart of the Adirondacks. It is a natural history museum and a trail complex.
There are two great rooms with exhibits, comfy chairs, and big windows.

After exploring the displays, you are ready to see these elements in person. The complex has four trails that cover 3.6 miles over 236 acres. There are plenty of water views with Rich Lake, Rich Lake outlet, and Sucker Brook.

One of the things I love about hiking is that most of the time, the weather doesn't matter. Bring a jacket, wear comfortable boots in case of boggy patches, and protect areas that might get chilly if the wind picks up. I always have a hat, because that's where I feel a bit of cold, but others might want thick socks.

The last time I was there, it began to rain, and it didn't even matter. Because I simply retreated into the forest and didn't even get wet. I held off my shoreline walking until the clouds started to clear.

Then I got this picture.

Spring hiking. So dramatic.

From January 1st unitl Memorial day, the Adirondack Interpretive Center is open Friday - Sunday, 10am-4pm. From Memorial Day – Columbus Day, they are open daily 10am-5pm, and closed on Tuesdays.

Enjoy our range of lodging. Experience our dining. Try all our hiking.

When you think of the Adirondacks, the first thing that might come to mind is endless adventure. But we want those adventures to be accessible to everyone. While we can only modify nature to a certain extent, the Adirondack Hub has several attractions and outdoor destinations that make it easy for all to access and enjoy. Here are four of our favorite accessible locations. 

1. Camp Santanoni Historic Site

Camp Santanoni is an incredible historic site open to the public with a number of year-round outdoor activities available and occasional events that take place there. There are also a number of accessible amenities. 

Accessible Features

A horse and accessible wagon may be reserved to travel the Newcomb Lake Road Trail between the Gate Lodge Complex and the Main Complex. Qualified persons with disabilities can ride for free. This service is provided by Newcombe Farms (518-480-1743) through a contract with DEC. Others can ride for a fee. Accessible vault toilets are available at the Gate Lodge Complex and the Main Complex. 12-foot wide covered porches around the Main Lodge are accessible by ramp. Accessible horse mounting platforms are available at the Gate Lodge Complex and the Main Complex.

2. Frontier Town Campground & Day Use Area

Frontier Town Campground is a newly constructed state campground with 77 campsites just outside of Schroon Lake and right next to Paradox Brewery with equestrian features and a day use area. 

Accessible Features

Frontier Town was designed to provide accessibility to people of all ages and abilities and includes many Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant features. The facility's universal design enables everyone, including seniors and families to access its amenities. All campsites, showers, and restrooms are accessible and campsites have accessibly designed picnic tables and fire-making facilities. In addition, the campground features two ADA-compliant horse mounting ramps. There are also three accessible parking spots at the day use area. 

3. Adirondack Interpretive Center 

The Adirondack Interpretive Center is part of SUNY ESF's Newcomb Campus and provides a number of learning opportunities. Inside there are an array of exhibits, props, and publications to learn about the Adirondacks. Outside there is 3.6 miles of trails and a picnic area to eat lunch and experience the beauty of the natural environment. 

Accessible Features

Most AIC facilities and programs are wheelchair accessible. The 0.6-mile Rich Lake trail, managed by SUNY ESF, is in the process of being improved to give users a better interpretive accessible experience as well.

“Birds can nest in winter?”

This is a frequent question I receive when I mention that Red Crossbills are currently nesting in several locations in the Adirondacks — including Newcomb and Minerva. Red Crossbills (Loxia curvirostra) and White-winged Crossbills (Loxia leucoptera) are finches that can nest at any time of year, but they most frequently nest during winter in the Adirondacks. Crossbills feed their young conifer seeds, so they can nest even in the depths of winter if the cone crop is large enough, which is the case this year.

Canada Jays begin nesting toward the end of winter, usually in late February or early March, and their young fledge in late April. With nesting out of the way in early spring, this allows the year-round Canada Jay to spend late spring and summer caching enough food to make it through the next winter.

Great Horned Owls nest in winter also, usually during February. Young are born after a month of incubation. The owlets remain with their parents for a long time compared to other species – until early fall. By nesting in winter, Great Horned Owls give their young enough time to learn how to survive on their own before the following winter.

It’s all about food

Birds are warm blooded animals and much of their behavior, including nesting, migration, and other movements, is all about finding enough to eat. A common misconception is that cold weather is responsible for some bird species migrating. It’s not the cold temperatures, but the changing food sources as a result of those temperatures (especially the effects on insects), that are the impetus for some birds’ movements. Many waterfowl species will stay north as long as they have open water for foraging, and with our rapidly warming climate, the birds are staying longer and longer as the lakes ice over later and later each year.

Interesting Red Crossbill facts

As their name implies, Red Crossbills have bills that are crossed. Roughly half of Red Crossbills have upper mandibles that cross to the right, and half to the left. This unique physical characteristic allows the birds to open cone scales so their tongue can reach the seeds. If a cone is closed, the crossbills will bite off the cone and hold it with their toes as they open it. If the cone is already opened, the birds will use their bills and feet to hang, parrot-like, in all kinds of positions in order to access the seeds.

Male Red Crossbills are red (sometimes orange) and females are greenish-yellow. Both have dark wings and tails.

During nesting, the female Red Crossbill does all of the incubation, and then all of the brooding of nestlings. Red Crossbills are monogamous and the male feeds the female during courtship and incubation, and he feeds the young after they hatch. By the time the young are 5-days-old, both parents feed them. By the end of winter or early spring, it is wonderful to see the heavily striped Red Crossbill fledglings!

The Red Crossbill is considered a mostly western U.S. species as you can see by its range map.

Red Crossbills are “nomadic” birds. They move from place to place based upon the variable nature of cone production, sometimes all the way across the continent. Unlike most migratory birds that nest in one location, winter in another, and then return to the same place to nest, Red Crossbills only show up to breed and forage based on the size of the cone crop.

Both Red and White-winged Crossbills spend a lot of time “gritting” - taking sand and salt from the roadways. Unfortunately, they are often killed by vehicles since they don’t fly out of the way in time. If a Red Crossbill’s upper mandible points to the right, the bird will turn its head to the left to grit, and if the bird’s upper mandible points to the left, it will turn its head to the right to grit.

Whenever I’ve observed Red Crossbills drinking, they are always positioned upside down!

Scientists believe there are at least 10 different Red Crossbill sub-species based on the differences in their calls and songs, and differently shaped bills. Red Crossbills specialize on particular coniferous trees for feeding – some preferring various spruces, pines, or hemlock, etc. Their bills are the perfect size for the particular coniferous tree cones on which they feed. The calls have allowed the scientists at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology to separate Red Crossbills into different “Types,” which are likely different species. I often record calling birds and send the recordings to Cornell for identification. Most of the birds in Newcomb and Minerva are Type 2 birds which have a loud call note. The Red Crossbills recorded in Long Lake are Type 10 birds, which have a softer call note. Multiple “Types” of Red Crossbills will often nest near each other, but they do not inter-breed. If scientists decide to separate, or “split,” Red Crossbills into multiple species, it will be tricky for birders to distinguish them since they all look alike!

With an excellent cone crop on most coniferous trees, this is a terrific winter for observing beautiful Red Crossbills. In Newcomb and Minerva, watch for this species along Route 28N from the scenic overlook in Newcomb to a mile or two east of the Boreas River in Minerva. Listen for their loud, “jip, jip, jip” calls. The best time to look for Red Crossbills is early in the morning just after a new snowfall when the plows have recently salted and sanded the highways. The crossbills will be gritting in the road.

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It always seems like such a gift to have Red Crossbills singing and nesting during the heart of the Adirondack winter!

In addition to great roadside birding along Route 28N, there are many trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the area. And after your outing, there are wonderful places to dine and spend the night.

 

Whether you are pulling your own water gear or arrive with only your kayak shoes and a dream, Schroon Lake welcomes you to their namesake lake. It's over four-thousand acres of fun.

This charming resort town has been famous for summer hospitality since the late 19th century. And when it comes to the lake, nothing has changed.

Historic summer getaway

The Leland House was a resort hotel built in 1871 on the shore of Schroon Lake. It had six acres of gardens, three stories, and room for 125, which was soon expanded to accommodate 50 more. The Victorian-style hotel boasted a front veranda, a two-story porch, and an observatory. It quickly became popular and grew to the point where the main dining room (there was also a children's dining room) could hold 300 people.

As they say in real estate: location, location, location. As seen in this postcard from the 1900s.

Schroon Lake offered plenty of gorgeous recreation with its nine miles of glacier-dug lake backed by the mountains of the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness Area. As its reputation grew, more and more people built resort hotels in this lovely area.
Eventually, "vacating the city" to escape the summer heat turned into the word "vacation." Yes, the Adirondacks didn't just invent the word, we perfected it.

This postcard was from 1907, when wind or strong arms was the way to get around on the water. In fact, this was a favorite way of courting among young people; just the two alone on a lake, yet visibly not doing anything that would shock turn-of-the-century sensibilities.

The "summer romances" of the resort hotels of upstate New York was such a well-known phenomenon it led to popular Broadway musicals like "Wish You Were Here." The bestselling novel "Marjorie Morningstar" took place at the world-famous Scaroon Manor. Later, it would be a film musical starring Natalie Wood and Gene Kelly, filmed right in Schroon Lake.

This vintage postcard, with a postmark of July 30th, 1920, gives an indication of how this resort town was known for the easy pace and scenic beauty of the Lake Resort culture. In the center is the sign for The Leland House.

Boating has always been a popular way to get out on the lake and view the lovely scenery. Now there are even more ways to enjoy the lake, with kayaks, Stand Up Paddleboards, and inflatables joining the traditional sailboats, fishing boats, and canoes.

Choose your favorite

Whatever you want to do on the water, the Town Dock is a great place to get going.

There's parking and accessibility about a minute from downtown, and plenty of days full of that Adirondack blue water and blue sky. Plenty of room for all, whether you are racing along pulling someone on water skis, or paddling a quiet shoreline looking for scenic photography opportunities.

If you have brought your boat, you might want to explore other local water bodies, like Paradox Lake, a long 896-acre lake with incredible mountain scenery. It is also known for its tranquility, as it is sheltered among hills and forests; one of the most untouched places in the whole of the Adirondacks. Water access is via the campground entrance, and has a hard surface ramp and parking. Further east, Eagle Lake is a prime paddling spot, located right at the edge of the Pharaoh Lake Wildnerness Area.

For those who aren't bringing their own watercraft, Schroon Lake Marina has the variety, and flexibility, you might be looking for.

They include water skis and tubes free of charge with all multi­-day boat rentals, so every skill level can have fun on the water. And for those who like it slow, there are kayaks and canoes. Browse their pro shop for anything you might be missing.

And, they even have Stand Up Paddleboards for their many fans.

Do you just want to start with your "toes in the water"? Then take a Schroon Lake Boat Tour for a one-hour cruise filled with scenic places and local legends.

Town beach

Best beach in the Adirondacks? That just might be so.

If you prefer the water closer to shore, Schroon Lake's Town Beach has fantastic swimming and sunbathing in their lakeshore park. Walk to downtown to find everything you need for a day at the beach, from a picnic lunch to whatever you like to fill that cooler with. There's plenty of ice cream nearby too, perfect for completing any summer day!

However you wish to enjoy the lake, the variety will please anyone in the family. From getting involved with that big beach read to testing those water skis, you can find your favorite kind of lake love at Schroon Lake.

Nostalgia isn’t always bad. It can lead you to try things you remember loving as a kid. Like square dancing. I hadn’t square danced since I was in my elementary school enrichment class where Hot Cross Buns blaring on a plastic recorder was considered music. The afternoons we square danced meant moving to our teacher’s commands and swinging our partner to fiddles. I don’t remember ever not wanting to square dance.

I recently square danced with some friends in the beautiful Adirondack lake town of Schroon Lake. Every Wednesday evening in July and August at 7 p.m. the town of Schroon Lake’s Chamber of Commerce hosts a free public square dance right on the shore of the lake, at the bandshell. In the center of it all is a wonderful dance floor, conveniently made of cement and cordoned off by a stone wall.  As one person noted, “it might just be the most beautiful dance hall” in America, overlooking the shimmering water and a stone’s throw from downtown. People of all ages come out to dance on these evenings and it’s acceptable to come alone, to bring a partner, or to come with a group. Expect to meet new dance partners, of all ages and abilities. I may not be a seasoned square dancer, but plenty of experienced dancers came out to enjoy this tradition with the rest of us.

Square dancing requires a caller and often a live band, so these events are not always easy to come by. Our caller was enthusiastic and instructive, and I happened to partner dance with her husband, which meant I had extra instructions on how to do the moves. Regardless, plenty of people — including children — were eager to teach me since I didn’t know the moves.

Once the music started, the fun began. Square dancing is a group activity so there’s lots of laughing and holding hands with strangers. The name “square dancing” comes from  the shape couples make when they dance. Two couples facing each other makes a square. This square, however, can be expanded into a giant rectangle to accommodate more couples. The shape matters less than the sheer fun of having more people involved.

Our caller began the evening with simpler dances. I learned to do the Do-si-do, bringing me back to those joyful childhood lessons in enrichment class. As a child I didn’t think this, but as an adult I recognized how square dancing is great exercise to great music. Traditionally, the music danced to is performed by a folk ensemble made up of string instruments. Our band was a string trio with an upright bass, guitar, and fiddle. They vary their playlist each week. Square dancing originated in 17th century England and became popular in the U.S. during the early 20th century. Today it is most popular in New England and Appalachia.   

By the third dance I was more acclimated and the moves became more complex, but no less fun. Dancing involved much promenading on the dance floor with my partner. My favorite move involved forming a tower with my partner for other couples to dance under. At no point during this evening did I feel pressure to get all the moves right.

Schroon Lake is a great place to host a square dance because it’s a small community that comes alive in the summer season. It's a beach town with a fresh water lake and it's in proximity to amazing hiking. In town is the unique, high-end craft and furniture store, Pine Cone Mercantile and Provisions, which is also a bakery that serves fresh baked bread and coffee. This store also has a small market that serves fresh produce and goods from local farms. The Strand is the local movie theater that shows indie movies from time to time. Schroon Lake is also home to the Seagle Music Colony, the Word of Life Bible Institute, and 9-mile Coffee, proving it’s an eclectic place. It feels like a small town with its own identity outside of tourism. I honestly couldn’t tell who were the locals and who were the summer travelers during the square dance.

An exceptional part of this evening was the setting, which was not your typical indoor dance hall. We were in a prime location to watch the sunset on the lake. I witnessed kids play football on the nearby lawn and others just lingered about on the grass. One woman parked it on a lawn chair the entire evening to watch us dance.

The final dance of the night was a Schroon Lake original: the Zodiac. It involved some singing and improvising, and the kids in the audience went wild for it. That’s all I can tell without giving it away. You’ll have to experience it for yourself.

Schroon Lake is a great summer destination! Start planning your trip today. Dance, eat, spend time in nature, and rest easy.