A change in the seasons

It is sometimes difficult to remind yourself that spring is coming – complete with warm sun and green leaves – when winter continues to dominate the landscape. While my cross-country skis and I don’t complain about that arrangement (we love it when the snow persists for a long time), it is nice to look forward to spring birds, which will soon be migrating through the region on their way north, or arriving to nest locally. For those of you who likewise are anticipating the arrival of many of our spring and summer residents, here are a few places to check out this spring once the seasons change.

Roosevelt Truck Trail

Perhaps best known as a place to find boreal species like Black-backed Woodpecker, Boreal Chickadee, and Canada Jay (formerly called Gray Jay), the Roosevelt Truck Trail runs 2.5 miles between Route 28N and Blue Ridge Road. It is most easily reached from the south along a short, broken asphalt road that meets Route 28N 1.6 miles north of the Boreas River Bridge and 3.7 miles south of the junction of 28N and Blue Ridge Road.

While its reputation as a good place to find boreal birds is deserved, the diversity of the coniferous forest along the trail grows during spring, when a long list of species arrives – including Purple Finch, White-throated Sparrow, Swainson’s Thrush, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, and Blue-headed Vireo. This collection of birds also includes a long line-up of warblers – such as Magnolia, Nashville, Pine, and Cape May – meaning a short walk on the rolling terrain of the easy path can yield a nice list of birds.

Cheney Pond

One of my favorite paddles in the area, Cheney Pond offers an intimate exploration of a tucked-away gem. The pond’s small circumference is easily navigated, and intrepid birders can carry their boat (lightweight boats are best) a short distance from the back channel of the pond to the Boreas River for an additional 2 miles of paddling downstream to the remains of Lester Dam. The pond and its marshy edges in spring may harbor birds like Wood Ducks, Common Mergansers, Great Blue Herons, and American Bitterns, while the surrounding woods host a litany of species from warblers to vireos to woodpeckers to flycatchers.

This means that if you didn’t bring your boat you can also bird as you walk the half-mile road which leads to the pond from Blue Ridge Road — reached 5.5 miles east of the junction of Blue Ridge Road and Route 28N – to find a nice assortment of birds. You can also follow the path which leads from the Cheney Pond Trail to Lester Dam (reached in about 2.6 miles from Cheney Pond). Despite being overgrown in some places, the path leads through a variety of beautiful birding habitats including coniferous boreal habitats, where species like Black-backed Woodpecker, Boreal Chickadee, and Canada Jay can be found.

The Boreas Ponds Tract

At nearly 21,000 acres, the Boreas Ponds Tract presents all sorts of places to explore for birders looking for an adventure. Acquired by the state in the spring of 2016, the best way to access the area is along Gulf Brook Road, which winds for 3.2 miles from Blue Ridge Road to the furthest parking lot in the tract — beyond which the road is blocked by a yellow gate until it opens in the summer season. From there birders must hike (or they can bike) to reach the namesake Boreas Ponds themselves — a 3.5 mile trip one way — but the route is easy along the dirt logging road.

And the site is worth the effort it takes to reach. Gulf Brook Road initially cuts through deciduous forest, the spring and summertime haunt of Scarlet Tanagers, Red-eyed Vireos, Ovenbirds, and American Redstarts, but the forest varies with pockets of conifers, offering a wide array of species as a result. It changes markedly the further you explore, as the habitat becomes much more coniferous and boreal in nature as you reach the area around La Bier Flow and the Boreas Ponds themselves (you could tote a lightweight canoe that far and paddle either if you wanted).

Such areas may offer the likes of Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, Olive-sided Flycatcher, or Black-backed Woodpecker, and thickets and wetlands often host Northern Waterthrush, Canada Warbler, Hooded Merganser, and Alder Flycatcher. And even if you missed all of these, the view of the High Peaks over the Boreas Ponds is amazing — fair compensation for your endeavor.

The Adirondack Interpretive Center in Newcomb

No trip to the Central Adirondacks is complete without a visit to the Adirondack Interpretive Center (AIC), and spring and summer may be the best times of year to stop in for a visit. The AIC offers you 3.6 miles of trails to explore, as well as boat launches to ply the waters of Rich Lake, Belden Lake, and Sucker Brook.

In this way you can enjoy a paddle, watching Bald Eagles or Hooded or Common Mergansers while listening to a chorus of birds singing the music of spring from the shoreline. This list includes thrushes like Swainson’s, Hermit, Wood, and Veery, as well as warblers like Northern Parula, Black-throated Green, and Magnolia. Even without the birds, the trails are splendid for spring hikes, and the water — although still cold — affords you a great chance to warm-up your spring and summer paddling muscles. And the center itself offers interpretive and please-touch displays, helping to ensure that your kids have plenty to do if you bring them along.

Spring is on the way and spring birding is coming with it. Plan your trip today by checking out our amazing lodging and dining options.

Vast wilderness, spectacular mountain views, lovely scenery, and fantastic birds await those who go birding in the Newcomb-Minerva area. The boreal habitat of this region attracts the most sought-after bird species by visitors and residents alike. Year-round species such as Black-backed Woodpecker, Gray Jay, Boreal Chickadee, and Evening Grosbeak can all be found from easy roadside birding or by hiking one of the many scenic trails in the area. It is also a reliable place to find winter nesting Red and White-winged Crossbills when there is an excellent cone crop on the trees, which is the case this year.

Beginning in Newcomb and heading southeast along Route 28N to the northern half of the Town of Minerva, here are some great boreal birding destinations.

Birding in Newcomb

The Adirondack Interpretive Center

The Adirondack Interpretive Center (AIC) in Newcomb maintains a feeding station in winter. At this time of year, the AIC building is open Friday through Sunday, but the trails are open seven days a week. You can stop by anytime to view their feeders, which attract many winter finches.

The Hudson River

Heading west through town, a scenic place to stop is the bridge over the Hudson River. Check for waterfowl, and several nearby houses for feeder birds. River Otters can be observed on the side bay, south of the bridge. I observed a Fisher cross the ice during one of my winter stops at this location. On a recent guided tour, we stopped and photographed a Beaver working away near the bridge.

Scenic Overlook

Near the western side of town, the scenic overlook parking area (across from the ballfield and next to the Medical Center) is a great place to listen for birds in Newcomb. Spectacular views of many High Peaks are visible including Mount Marcy, the highest peak in New York.

Red Crossbills have been found in this area throughout the fall. They nested in the Newcomb-Minerva area in late summer, and it appears they will be nesting again this winter in the same locations. Red and White-winged Crossbills can nest any time of year if there are enough cone seeds to feed their young and they typically nest during winter in the Adirondacks. The last time we had an excellent cone crop, Red Crossbills nested in late summer and again in the winter, when they were joined by nesting White-winged Crossbills. This winter, the conditions look favorable for a similar finch irruption in the Adirondacks.

A couple days ago, while listening for Red Crossbills, I found 10 Bohemian Waxwings in a Crab Apple tree in the middle of the mowed field by the scenic overlook parking lot. This species, which breeds in northwestern Canada, and Alaska, moves into northern New York in the fall to feed on fruit such as Crab Apples, and the berries of Mountain Ash and Buckthorn. Bohemian Waxwing is the most asked for species to see in winter by visiting birders.

While I was photographing the Bohemian Waxwings, I heard a foraging woodpecker at the tree line along the mowed field. Hiking toward the sound, I discovered a Black-backed Woodpecker.

Santanoni Drive

The road along the scenic overlook, Santanoni Drive, is a wonderful place to look for boreal birds. It is a short road that ends at the Hudson River Information Center. The building sits on the bank of the upper Hudson River which placidly winds its way through scenic boreal forest. Black-backed Woodpeckers and Boreal Chickadees can be found at this location.

Adams Lane & More

Directly across Route 28N from Santanoni Drive is Adams Lane. Take this road to check feeder birds at local houses. I recently found a male Evening Grosbeak feeding among American Robins in a fruit tree in this neighborhood.

Purple Finches, Pine Siskins, and American Goldfinches are abundant everywhere this fall.

A Boreal Marsh

Continuing southeast on Route 28N, a birder can stop at numerous places to listen for boreal birds. A place I enjoy is a marsh located ¾ of a mile past the intersection of Route 28N and the Blue Ridge Road. The marsh is surrounded by boreal forest. On a recent guided tour, we stopped here and found the three species the visitor most wanted to see: Black-backed Woodpecker, Gray Jay, and Boreal Chickadee! A vocalizing Evening Grosbeak also flew overhead.

Birding in Minerva

Snowmobile Trail

About ¾ of a mile up the hill from the marsh along Route 28N, and now within the Town of Minerva, there is an old barn on the left and a clearing on the right. You can park in the clearing. Not only is this a great location to listen for Black-backed Woodpeckers and Boreal Chickadees, it is also where the newly cut snowmobile trail crosses Route 28N. You can hike this new trail which runs through boreal habitat on both sides of the road.

Railroad Bed

Another interesting birding location is the railroad bed. There is a dirt parking area on the northeast side of Route 28N. I generally cross the road and hike south a short distance to an area with wetlands on both sides of the tracks. Vanderwhacker Brook is on the east side and there are a couple marshy ponds on the west side. This area attracts Black-backed Woodpeckers, Boreal Chickadees and often, Red Crossbills. In the spring and summer breeding season, several flycatcher species nest in this area, including Olive-sided Flycatchers. Red Crossbills nested at this location in late summer and I found them again on my latest trip to the area, so they will likely nest here again this winter.

Roosevelt Truck Trail

About a third of a mile up the hill along Route 28N from the railroad crossing, the Roosevelt Truck Trail’s south trailhead can be found on the east side of the road. Often, local hikers/skiers mark the paved entrance so people can find it – recently, three American Flags adorn the entrance! Until it snows, you can drive a few hundred feet to park at the dead-end. This short drive is not plowed in winter, but the snow plowers leave plenty of room on the west side of Route 28N for cross-country skiers and snowshoers to park cars. The hiking trail leads 2.5 miles to the Blue Ridge Road, so 5 miles round trip, or 2.5 miles if cars are parked at both ends. Most of this dirt road trail is in lovely boreal habitat.

Boreas River

The Boreas River is about 1.6 miles south of the Roosevelt Truck Trail, and another great place to look for birds. The first species found here the other day was a pair of Red Crossbills right at the bridge location. Often, Black-backed Woodpeckers, Boreal Chickadees, and Evening Grosbeaks can be found by the river in addition to crossbill species when there is an excellent cone crop. A campsite is located on the east side of the bridge, and the Boreas River Trail on the west side. The trail is quite scenic, but a bit loud for birding since the river has some rapids along this stretch.

Hewitt Eddy Trail

The Hewitt Eddy Trail can be found ¾ of a mile south along Route 28N from the Boreas River. This trail intersects the Boreas River Trail. Together, the trails total 2.2 miles and if you hike the road to reach your car, the loop becomes 3 miles. The Hewitt Eddy foot trail traverses boreal habitat with Black-backed Woodpeckers and Boreal Chickadees year-round.

The day before Thanksgiving, I spotted a Barred Owl hunting in a field along Route 28N just south of Minerva village. They often begin hunting in late afternoon, so it was still light enough to photograph this beautiful owl.

These are just a few of the wonderful birding locations along the boreal zone from Newcomb to Minerva. Stay tuned to this website for more Newcomb-Minerva birding options along the Blue Ridge Road and Tahawus region in a future blog! After a day of boreal birding, enjoy a great meal and comfortable lodging in this beautiful wilderness area.

Most Adirondack challenges involve doing one activity, usually hiking, over and over. If you happen to like the activity, trying to earn the corresponding patch really becomes a checklist of cool places to visit, and the bragging rights aren't bad either.

Now, forget what you know about those other challenges, because the Experience Newcomb Patches are different! The four patches range in difficulty from casual to extreme, with each requiring different activities to complete. Sure, there's hiking (this is the Adirondacks, after all), but there is also paddling, biking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. Our suggestion: start at the easy end of the challenge and work your way through them for the best results.

Check out the official Experience Newcomb Patches guide and registration form for more info. Happy exploring!

Challenger

The Challenger Patch is friendly to people of all abilities, and it offers some interesting ways to see the Adirondacks. The completion of one activity is all that’s required to earn the patch.

Choose from these adventures

1. An overnight camping trip at the AED campsite in the 19,600 acre Essex Chain Lakes Complex, a region with more than a dozen lakes and ponds. 
2. Take a horse-drawn wagon ride to Great Camp Santanoni, with access to the beautiful Newcomb Lake. This service is provided by Newcomb Farm, and qualified persons with disabilities can ride for free. Call (518) 480-1743 for more info.
3. Take a drive into the former site of the mining town Adirondac and visit the MacIntyre Blast Furnace at Upper Works, then picnic at the Town Beach on Lake Harris.

Explorer

Pursuing the Explorer Patch is a great introduction to the Adirondacks. To earn the patch, explorers must complete six of thirteen activities. Options range from the easy, 1-mile hike to Woodruff Pond to more serious endeavors like the 4.5-mile round-trip hike, snowshoe, or ski to the summit of Goodnow Mountain. There are also some paddles thrown in, so if you haven’t spent time on the water in the Adirondacks, rent a canoe or kayak and get out there! 

All of the locations listed are well worth the trip. To ease into it, start with some of the first options and work toward the Goodnow hike.

Choose from these adventures

1. A half-mile walk to Woodruff Pond, located behind Newcomb Central School.
2. A 1-mile walk to Santanoni Farm.
3. A 0.8-mile hike to the Octopus Tree (you’ll know it when you see it) on Goodnow Mountain.
4. Complete the Adirondack Interpretive Center’s Sucker Brook Trail, about a 1 mile round trip. Be sure to check out the AIC’s museum and programs while you’re there!
5. Walk to Lake Henderson, which is only a quarter-mile round trip.
6. Walk through the now-defunct village of Adirondac, and check out the iconic blast furnace there.
7. Complete the 3-mile round trip Campsite Trail.
8. Do the 2.5 mile hike to the Blue Ledges on the Hudson.
9. Walk the Essex Chain Road north to the Hudson River.
10. Paddle to Campsite Bridge from the Route 28N bridge.
11. Paddle to Ann’s Island from the Route 28N bridge.
12. Hike the Upper Works River Trail.
13. Hike, snowshoe, or ski to the top of Goodnow Mountain, where there’s a gorgeous view from the fire tower. This is 4.5 miles round trip.

Intermediate

Completing one biking, one paddling, and two hiking activities are what it takes to earn the Intermediate Patch! 

Choose from these adventures

1. Hike, snowshoe, or ski to two of the three fire towers: Goodnow Mountain, Mount Adams, and Vanderwhacker Mountain.
2. Hike, bike, snowshoe, or ski to Great Camp Santanoni and Newcomb Lake.
3. Paddle from Rich Lake to the Route 28N bridge. This 5-mile route features one portage and three rapids.
4. Being in the Deer Pond parking area and paddling through Seventh Lake in the Essex Chain Lakes Complex.
5. Paddle Lake Henderson and enjoy views of Indian Pass!
6. Paddle Fishing Brook from Rich Lake to Stone Bridge
7. Bike, ski, or snowshoe to Cedar River from the Deer Pond parking area.
8. Complete the 14-mile round-trip hike, snowshoe, or ski to Moose Pond.

Extreme

Unless you are an experienced biker, hiker, and paddler, it is best to earn the Explorer and Intermediate patches before attempting the Extreme Patch. To go extreme, all three of the following activities must be completed, and you only have a day to do each!

Complete the following adventures

1. Hike, snowshoe, or ski all three fire towers in one day: Goodnow Mountain, Mount Adams, and Vanderwhacker Mountain.
2. Bike the entire 20-mile road system in the Essex Chain Lakes Complex in one day.
3. Paddle the perimeter of Deer Pond, and paddle across First through Seventh lakes and Grassy Pond, all in one day.

Use the Newcomb Patches as your introduction to the Adirondack Hub, then start planning your own paddling, biking, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing adventure! 

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This week in ADK news:

Stargazer's Guide to Tupper Lake

Paddle the Saranac River

Lake Placid Brunch

Hamilton County Fall Events Lineup

Lean-to Life

Eight Things you Need to Know about the Malone Golf Club

Leaf Peeping on Two Wheels

Nestled away between two charming towns of the Adirondack Hub lies a lodging property that perfectly embodies an Adirondack vacation and makes you feel like your home away from home. The Blue Ridge Motel sits between the towns of Schroon Lake and North Hudson, directly on the main drag of Route 9. Close enough to the center of Schroon Lake and the Paradox Brewery and yet isolated enough to feel like you're enjoying a perfect Adirondack getaway.

A little history

The Blue Ridge Motel has been present in the community for over 70 years, serving guests, families, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. In 2019, it underwent a change in ownership and a thorough refurbishment, transforming into a pillar in the lodging community for the Adirondack Hub. And let me tell you, the rehab was much needed! With over 10 newly renovated rooms, the Blue Ridge Motel offers options for everyone, ensuring a comfortable and memorable stay. Whether you're a solo traveler seeking solitude or a family looking for spacious accommodations, the motel has a room that suits your needs. 

Pet-friendly oasis

Of course, what's a vacation without your furry friend? At the motel, your four-legged friends are more than welcome. They understand that pets are part of the family, and their presence enhances the overall vacation experience. From comfortable beds to a huge lawn, the Blue Ridge Motel ensures that both you and your furry companions feel at ease during your stay.

Proximity to aadventure

I know that for many when looking for a place to stay, location and proximity to outdoor adventure play a huge role! The motel is close to hiking trails that wind through the Adirondack Mountains, offering breathtaking views and a chance to reconnect with nature. In the winter the Blue Ridge Motel is the right choice for snowmobilers! The motel is located right on trails that take you all over the Adirondack Hub! Who wouldn't want to wake up after a night of fresh snow has fallen, hop on their sled, and get riding? 

Amenities galore

Beyond its cozy rooms and pet-friendly atmosphere, the Blue Ridge Motel boasts a host of amenities to enhance your stay. Don't worry, you’ll still be connected to the outside world. From complimentary Wi-Fi to the charming communal areas where you can socialize with fellow guests, the motel goes above and beyond to make your stay memorable. Imagine yourself relaxing by a crackling fire pit under a starlit Adirondack sky, sharing stories of the day's adventures with fellow travelers. Sounds like the perfect place for a memory that’ll last a lifetime. Don't just take our word for it. The Blue Ridge Motel has been voted Best in the Region two years in a row now! 

To dive deeper into lodging properties available in the winter and year-round take a look at our website and start planning today!

Winter in the Schroon Lake Region about getting out & enjoying the outdoor events 

Learn about our natural environment

In Newcomb at the SUNY-ESF Visitor Interpretive Center, outdoor events fill the calendar. For some cool and educational treks and gatherings check out:

• January 9, 16, 23 & 30 - "Smammeling" - One of our research projects is small mammal trapping (smammeling). Learn firsthand about the critters we catch and why they are important to the ecosystem.
• Full Moon Snowshoe Hike and Chili Chow-down - enjoy a great outdoor full-moon snowshoe trek and take in the great North woods by moonlight, followed by chili and hot chocolate.
• January 25 - Winter Survival for Mammals - Join us as we explore the woods and discover how some of our mammals survive the winter. This program is designed for families and we'll provide snowshoes.

Historic Great Camp Santanoni Tours

Another wonderful outdoor excursion in Newcomb is the Winter Weekends at Camp Santanoni. Although not normally open in winter, three weekends in January are designated for tours of this historic camp. On these very special weekends, one of which falls on January 18-20, snowshoers and XC skiers will be welcomed with tours and a warm-up at the Artist's Studio before their return trips. Great Camp Santanoni has been undergoing a complete restoration over the past few years. We'll learn firsthand about the conservation and restoration work during these interpretive tours of the site, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. The round trip is 9.8 miles. 

Lots to entertain you at nearby Gore Mountain

With winter in full swing, there is a great deal going on at Gore Mountain, located just a short 20 minute drive from Schroon Lake. From special rate weekends, to live entertainment and especially the Take Your Kids to Gore Week, when kids ski free, there are lots of reasons to visit the Schroon Lake Region for skiing.

Check out the other January events in the Schroon Lake Region as well as at Gore Mountain Ski Center on our main events calendar and plan a trip for winter fun in Schroon Lake!

Schroon Lake Adirondack Region Paddling

Early this spring I hiked the Short Swing Trail from Rte 74 to Tubmill March while there was still snow and ice under foot. At the beginning of the trail there is a little bridge that crosses the outlet of Eagle Lake and I resolved to come back and check out the paddling. Last week I was able to put together a trip and we had a great day.
NYS Department of Environmental Conservation maintains a small boat launch about a mile west of the hamlet of Eagle Lake. A small parking area accommodates about six vehicles. On the day we went there were two other cars--one with an empty kayak rack. Someone else was already on the water. We took quick advantage of the easy put-in and loaded up.

Eagle Lake

There is nothing like the first truly sunny day when the it's-probably-going-to-be-cold-later layers of clothing come off and there is nothing between bare arms and the warm sunshine. Hearing the paddle strokes in the cool water breathes new life into those of us who count down between enough snow to ski on and ice out on the lakes and ponds. We easily found a nice steady rhythm, heading east along the shoreline which was lit up by the beautiful flowers of the shadbush.

Eagle Lake has interesting rocks along the shoreline. We stopped several times to check out different formations before heading around the corner that leads to the main lake. From the boat launch there is a small, protected corner of the lake which is connected to the main lake via a culvert under a causeway on Rte 74. The water level was sufficient to allow us an easy float underneath without disturbing the swallows who continued to dart around nearby. I loved this kind of tunnel as a child and still feel a pinch of excitement going under a road in a boat.

Once under the causeway the main lake opens wide. Eagle Lake is about 2.5 miles long and about 40 feet at the deepest. On this day we could not see another boat. Later the kayaker turned up but for most of the trip we paddled on our own. The lake is stocked with brown trout and is known by some local guys as a good place to catch black bass. We hadn't brought fishing gear so continued toward two little islands at the east end of the lake.

The leaves were not open on the trees yet and we had nice views of the surrounding hills. No boats on docks and no swim towels on porch railings--all was quietly waiting for the summer residents whose houses ring the lake. A gentle tail wind took us toward the first island, the bigger of the two we checked out. As we got close to look at the sculpted, rocky shore we found the island was posted so continued on, noticing a bright orange spot of color from a very early Columbine in a pocket in one of the ledges. Whoever owns the island has a perfect private place for camping and enjoying the water, and an interesting contraption that may be for jumping off the cliff when it's swung out over the water. There is also a great opening in the rock at the end of the island that looks like a mold of a whale's tale.

We headed for the small island and found a perfect place to take in some sun. The flat rock on the north side allowed us a gentle landing and we pulled up the canoe beneath a stunning shadbush at the peak of flowering. A sign cautions against damaging the rugged little trees that endure winter on the tiny island. I needed a geologist to identify the minerals that sparkled in the sunlight. With the lichen that grows on the rocks there is a pretty mosaic of color. After some chocolate, almonds and an orange we sat absorbing the sunlight until the breeze raised a few goose bumps and we got back to work, expecting a firmer paddle back. We were lucky --the wind had swung around, making the return easy and relaxing.

Great Day with another visit planned

If we'd had more time I would have headed for the end of the lake to check out the lean-to that's noted on an old map I have. A post on adkforum says, "yes there is a lean-to there. I believe it's accessible by boat only. The old topo maps show a trail, but it crosses private land and I don't think there is legal public access."
There is also a nifty half mile trail that leads from the west end of the lake to a tiny pond called Otter Pond. The combination short, protected paddle and quick hike would be perfect for families with young children or adventurers in light solo canoes. On this outing we never made it to the outlet of the lake to explore the bog plants I've heard are there but as the season gets warmer there will be more to see.
As we turned back toward Schroon Lake and the Northway we did take a minute to explore Pyramid Road. There is a beautiful beaver flow where red-winged black birds were vying with a few ducks for territory but I noted that the road and Pyramid Lake at the end of it are surrounded by private property--best left off the itinerary for travelers.
Eagle Lake is a destination that could be lengthened or shortened depending on the pace of your paddling and the time of year. It's nearness to the road makes it very quickly accessible when you're looking for convenience and beauty and don't mind some surrounding signs of civilization.

 

This week I had to drive south for a conference and felt the usual twinge of regret to leave the mountains. I decided to break up the trip with a walk to see the view from Mount Severance in Schroon Lake. It's the perfect diversion from a ride in the car—long enough to stretch your back but not so tough you need a change of clothes when you get down, at least in winter.

Just before the trail head there is a great piece of sculpture at the Schroon Lake Bed and Breakfast.  I ran into Mark Piper the proprietor who told me Merlin, as the old man is known, was a gift from his mother-in-law. There's no doubt more to that story so a stay at the B and B is in order.

Severance is notable for the unusual trail access via tunnels under the Northway. In some ways the tunnels add a feeling of adventure and the road sounds quickly fade as you enter the woods. My hearing was more attuned to the ever-so-slight rustling of young beech leaves and the mildly alarmed chickadees than the highway sounds behind me.  It was nice to see good trail work has been done--there are two bridges to cross and a nice staircase complete with handrail.  There is also a pair of nice benches at the top of a little rise. Plenty of deer and coyote sign criss-crosses the trail both down low under the hemlocks and up higher in the hardwoods.

Although a lot of snow had melted there was a fair amount of hard pack and ice, which from the look of several long skids had also caused trouble for a few deer. I relied on my Microspikes but I carried a trekking pole for insurance.

Including stops to take photographs and snoop around some animal tracks I was on top in 40 minutes. The view was bright and clear. I studied the fishing shanties near Clark's Island where there is reputed to be one of the oldest trees in New York State.  The far hills in the Pharoah Lake Wilderness to the east looked very tempting to explore.  Near my own foot prints I saw tracks of deer coming out to enjoy the view—or more likely to absorb some thermal energy from the sunshine. On a steep patch of ice the tracks twirled around like an ice skater's then turned back.

 

On the way down I crossed the tracks of a ruffed grouse that hadn't been there on the way up and then a nice set of fox tracks that had also not been there earlier.  Finding tracks on top of my own gives me the fulfilling sensation that I am just another one of the wild things in the woods.  I can pretend for the day but  Winter Storm Nemo, underway as I write today, gives me respect for the resourcefulness of the wilder species. 

 

 

Finding time during a busy time of year

I have a confession to make. As much as what I do revolves around birds, I often don’t have time – particularly during this season of the year when their numbers and diversity in the Adirondacks are at their zenith – to simply go birding. The reason is that I’m often so busy teaching, guiding, or conducting research on birds that I can’t fit it in. That’s how it goes when things are busy I suppose, but it is also a shame since there are so many great places to simply explore in the region. And now is an amazing time of year to investigate them.

 

Cheney Pond

Take for instance some of the birding sites which line Blue Mountain Road north of the Hoffman Notch Wilderness Area. Each of them could take much or all of the day (or multiple days) if you wanted to spend that long, and all of them are worth the time. My favorite site might be Cheney Pond, where a short, perhaps half-mile road leads from Blue Mountain Road to the pond itself. The road is easy to walk – and can be tricky to drive if you don’t have clearance or aren’t careful! – and you can bird your way to the water with a variety of warblers and other songbirds to lead the way.

 

The best way to cover the pond is to bring your boat and paddle, and a loop on the small waterbody should yield water-loving species like Great Blue Heron, Wood Duck, and Common and Hooded Merganser as well as lots of songbirds from the surrounding forests and edge and alder habitats – including warblers like Common Yellowthroat, Black-throated Green, American Redstart, and Chestnut-sided.

 

 

Once on the far side of the pond, you can negotiate the channels which lead to a beaver dam which in turn necessitates a carry to reach a flatwater portion of the Boreas River, which you can paddle for about two miles until it reaches the remains of Lester Dam. The route offers a long list of warblers, vireos, tanagers, grosbeaks, waxwings, sparrows, and everything else in between. This includes northern finches which can often be found in coniferous habitats along the route, as well as a series of locations along the Rt. 28N corridor heading south towards Minerva. The excellent cone crop on our conifers has attracted good numbers of both Red and White-winged Crossbills to the region since last summer, and our forests have also been loaded with Pine Siskins as well.

If you come without a boat but still want to search for such species, you can hike the trail to Lester Dam which heads off from the road to Cheney Pond a short distance before the road reaches the water. The trail not only offers finches, but also other boreal species like Gray Jay, Black-backed Woodpecker, and Boreal Chickadee, and an assortment of warblers like Nashville, Magnolia, Yellow-rumped, and Canada. And if for some reason you don’t find such birds there, you can also check out the Roosevelt Truck Trail which runs between Blue Ridge Road and Rt. 28N (the easier side of the trail to access).

The Boreas Ponds Tract

Even with this, some birders (including this birder!) will be interested in the seclusion offered by the recently acquired (2016) Boreas Ponds Tract, reached a short distance east along Blue Ridge Road from Cheney Pond. Three access points take you into the enormous area, the best of which is Gulf Brook Road, located 6.3 miles east of Cheney Pond. The dirt road winds through deciduous and mixed forests for 3.2 miles, meaning you can find a long list of birds from the car if you are not inclined to walk. In doing so you can find the likes of Broad-winged Hawk, Blue-headed Vireo, Scarlet Tanager, Winter Wren, Hermit Thrush, Swainson’s Thrush, and Golden-crowned Kinglet, and an entire suite of warblers including Magnolia, Northern Parula, Black-throated Blue, Ovenbird, Canada, and Mourning.

Once at the last parking area, you can continue into the area on foot, reaching the dam and the Boreas Ponds themselves after a 3.5 mile hike. But the walk is easy and the birding great, making it worth the effort. You can also bike the road or you can even lug a lightweight canoe along with you so you can paddle the Boreas Ponds, or LaBier Flow, the latter reached 2.5 miles from the final parking area on Gulf Brook Road.

Whatever method to access the area you choose, you will be richly rewarded. Even if you see no birds, the views of the High Peaks from the Boreas Ponds are stunning, and the huge tract offers days of exploration. But the birds are equally impressive, and you will likely return with a long list. This not only includes the birds mentioned above, but also species like Olive-sided and Yellow-bellied Flycatchers, both of which can be found in boreal and coniferous pockets along the route as well as near the wetlands which dot the area.

These same wetlands and ponds harbor the likes of Common Loon, Great Blue Heron, Alder Flycatcher, Hooded Merganser, Bald Eagle, and Northern Waterthrush, and the coniferous forests once again offer both Red and White-winged Crossbills. It all means that a trip into the Boreas Ponds Tract is one which requires time to fully explore the area. And it is a good reminder to me that even with my hectic summer schedule, I need to get out and start adventuring and enjoying such locations. After all the summer is short, and there is no time to waste.

Plan your summer outdoor recreation and birding adventure today! And check out our lodhttps://www.adirondackhub.com/lodgingging and dining pages to learn more.

 

Hunting in the Adirondack Hub

Hunting is a way of life for many Adirondackers, and some spend their whole year gearing up for hunting season. Adrenaline and nervousness stream through their blood as the sun rises on opening day. Anticipation and excitement creep in. The whole year has led to this; the moment to finally get outdoors for a chance at the “big one." The vast Adirondack wilderness is comprised of millions of acres of land, brimming with plentiful wildlife and all of the opportunity a hunter has been waiting for. 

Finding the perfect spot

At first, the Adirondack woods may feel overwhelmingly vast and endless. Millions of acres of dense forest and mountains make up the Adirondacks, and in some places the terrain can be difficult to maneuver. Choosing the ideal location is key to a successful hunt, so where should you go? The Adirondack Hub is filled with land ideal for hunting, and places like Boreas Pond Tract, Pharaoh Wilderness, and Hammond Pond Wilderness offer a wide range of options for hunting on state land. However, given the fact that it is state land, you must be careful of your surroundings, and mindful of other people who are out hunting. If you aren't familiar with the area and are in need of information to help you find your perfect hunting location, try downloading a hunting app such as OnX Hunt that provides information on public/private land, boundaries and maps, and landowner names. 

Guide services

If this is your first time hunting in the Adirondacks, don't be alarmed. The Adirondacks can be intimidating - consider hiring a guide! LaBar Guide Services out of Minerva offers many options to help make your hunting experience in the Adirondacks perfect. They are here to show you first hand the best do's and dont's of hunting in the Adirondacks. They will help you navigate and track deer and provide you with a vast knowledge of the land and its inhabitants - which in turn can increase your chances of your prize deer. You'll want to be well prepared as the ratio of land to deer is rather large, and you may have to put in a lot of work and travel a lot of miles if you want to be successful. 

“I do not hunt for the joy of killing but for the joy of living, and the inexpressible pleasure of mingling my life however briefly, with that of a wild creature that I respect, admire and value.”- John Madson

Safety and Respect

WEAR ORANGE! When it comes to hunting safely wearing orange is the best option, whether it's a vest or even just a hat. Deer do not perceive colors the same way we do, so wearing orange looks muted to them and bright to other hunters. People often think wearing camouflage from head to toe is ideal for blending in, however when hunting on state land where other people are surely to be, wearing bright orange will help ensure your safety. Respect toward other hunters, the wilderness and wildlife is much appreciated by all, especially after waiting all year for the opportunity to get out in the woods!

Plan for Change

The universal suggestion for all hunters is to anticipate change. Success often depends on a hunter's ability to make adaptations and adjustments where necessary. In the Adirondacks there are 9 weeks of hunting; archery, muzzleloader, and rifle/regular firearm seasons. Each comes with different strategies. Hunting at the beginning of the season is drastically different than hunting towards the season's end. Be prepared to adapt and overcome! Early in the hunting season, deer are still moving and traveling, preparing for winter. Later during the season, the deer are slowing down and beginning to settle for the winter. Plan around the cold weather; the colder the better. 

Often times there is no "right way" to hunt that will guarantee a successful outing. It's important to remember that your hunting skills and abilities will need to adapt to whatever the day brings. It's also important to remember to enjoy the hunt with friends and family, as these memories of being out in the woods will stay with you for the rest of your life. Prepare to set realistic expectations, the Adirondacks offers one of the most difficult areas to hunt in and yet poses a great challenge for hunters making the hunt all the more exciting. However, don't expect to come in right away and bag an amazing 8 to 10 point deer.

Now we can't sit here and give away all of the secrets on where to find the best hunt or harvest the biggest deer, that would be too easy and certainly not as fun. For that you're going to have to get down and dirty and find that perfect area and put the work in for yourself. 

Wishing you an enjoyable and safe hunt in the Adirondack Hub!

Alpine skiing has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I remember growing up outside of Rochester, NY and learning how to ski on a very small hill with a tow rope. I remember graduating to “the big mountain” - which has half the vertical of Gore Mountain. I remember going back to the small hill to teach lessons when I was in high school and college. I guess you could say I think skiing is pretty great, and I’d happily spend any day on the mountain, enjoying thrilling black diamond trails or helping others learn the art of gliding on snow.

But I know that every person, every body is different. Gore Mountain has taken this to the next level. For more than 20 years, Gore has been providing adaptive ski lessons. What is adaptive skiing, you ask? Adaptive skiing uses specialized equipment to help people with disabilities experience the joys of downhill skiing. There is a certain sense of freedom that comes from being able to ski, and everyone should have the opportunity to try a truly amazing sport.

I recently spoke with Bruce Tubbs, a supervisor at the Snowsports School at Gore Mountain who primarily focuses on children’s lessons and the adaptive program. Above all else, Bruce said any ski lesson, whether it be adaptive or not, is about developing balance, confidence, and motivation. Simply put, there is nothing quite like skiing.

What is adaptive skiing?

As Bruce told me when we chatted, the goal in any adaptive program is to make modifications for individuals who have limitations so they can safely slide down the mountain. At Gore, trained and certified instructors provide lessons to individuals with physical, cognitive, and/or developmental disabilities. Each lesson is different, but is built on the same principles: meet the specific needs of the student. Bruce said that instructors have worked with individuals who have spine weakness, suffered strokes, or have vision or mobility challenges, or ADHD, among other limitations. Children or adults can partake in a lesson; there is no age limit to learning how to ski or refining skills!

 

There are six disciplines of adaptive skiing: bi-ski, 3-track, 4-track, mono-ski, developmental, and visually impaired. There is a variety of equipment used in adaptive skiing, including:

• Bi-ski: this is a sit-down ski that assists skiers who have balance impairment and/or lower extremity or trunk weakness. It is designed for those who use a wheelchair or have difficulty standing or walking. Bi-skis can be used independently or with the assistance of an instructor.
• Mono-ski: a mono-ski is a bucket-style piece of equipment like the bi-ski, but it is only operated by the skier; there is no physical guidance from an instructor and it is used independently.
• Two-track skis: these are essentially “normal” skis and boots for people who can stand on two skis but might need a tether for some extra leg support and a spacer for tip retention to help with ski positioning and muscle movements.
• Three- or four-track skis: this type of equipment is used for individuals who have the ability to stand on one or two legs, but need the added balance and steering provided by outriggers. The goal is to provide four points of contact with the snow so skiers can remain balanced. Three- or four-track skis are best for individuals with cerebral palsy, leg amputation, spina bifida, or brain injuries.

At Gore, adaptive skiers have the ability to use equipment for: three-track skiing with outriggers, bi-skis (two are available), and a mono-ski with outrigger. 

Gore’s adaptive program

Do you or someone you know want to join Gore’s adaptive ski program? It’s as easy as making a phone call! It’s recommended you call a week or two in advance so the Snowsports School can make sure an instructor suited to your needs is available. Each lesson is 2-hours long, and there are two instructors per student. Set-up and introduction are included in the first lesson, and since the goal is to create an environment for recurring lessons and strong relationships, everything is saved from lesson to lesson. The certified staff and instructors ensure skiers are properly fit for the equipment they need. Everything is written down and sized during the first lesson so that during follow-up lessons skiers are able to get out on the slopes faster. In the words of Bruce, at the end of the day, Gore’s adaptive staff want to get you what you need and make your day fun. 

As any beginning to ski lesson will go, skiers start on the easier trails and work their way up to more challenging terrain. Sunway here you come!

If this all sounds expensive, don’t worry! There are tools available to help accommodate the costs. The New York State Access Pass gives people with disabilities free access to state-run parks, historic sites, and recreational facilities (including Gore!). Lift tickets, equipment rentals, and one additional ticket for caregivers are included; the skier only pays for the lesson itself.

Go with the snow

Bruce said the adaptive program has been growing in popularity over the last 20 years, but especially in the last five. The benefits of skiing are enormous - from confidence building to experiencing the refreshing joy of skiing down a mountain - and with adaptive programs, skiing is becoming a sport that entire families can do together regardless of abilities and limitations. Call the Snowsports School at Gore Mountain (518-251-4804) today to make your reservation! There may be new COVID-19 protocols during the 2021-2022 season, so be sure to visit the website for the latest information.

While you’re visiting the Adirondack Hub, be sure to also check out other accessible things to do to make the most of your winter! From accessible lodging in Newcomb at The Inn at Santanoni to sampling delicious beer and snacks at Paradox Brewery to taking a scenic drive through the beautiful snow-covered forests of Minerva, the Adirondack Hub is your place for winter adventure. And Gore Mountain is THE place to be for skiing, from Jamboree all the way up to The Rumor. See you on the mountain!

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Photos of ski lessons courtesy of Gore Mountain.