Submitted by guest blogger Susan Repko

Outside time

As soon as I see the morning light in the summer, I start thinking about how to spend the entire day outside. After months of gray and cold, Adirondackers go into overdrive during this time of the year. I feel a need to make up for lost time by squeezing in as many activities as possible. 

I start with coffee on the porch and ask my husband the daily question, “So what do you want to do today”? Then I steer the discussion to what I have in mind. Recently we decided to take a hike to Gull Pond — the best little trail in Schroon Lake. I remember when my grandfather, an Adirondack guide, taught me how to track deer in the area and to respect the woods. He shared his love of nature and the mountains with me. 

An easy trail 

My husband and I are not serious hikers, but we have backpacked through the High Peaks in the past. Now we enjoy spending leisurely time in the woods along an easy trail. A trip to Gull Pond is a perfect nature experience in every season. It’s an easy half mile that takes the hiker on a journey to a scenic pond. I have a fear of getting lost in the woods, but there’s no worry there because the trail is well-worn and well-marked.  

I grabbed the backpack from our mud room and threw it over a shoulder. It’s always ready-to-go with a first-aid kit, bug spray, matches, flint and steel, knife, cell phone, trail map, and even bear spray (not to worry). We packed the perfect lunch -- a couple of subs from DeCesare’s restaurant, kettle chips, trail mix with nuts and M&Ms, and bottles of water. I prefer wearing long, lightweight pants and hiking boots, although sneakers are fine on this trail. We were on our way as soon as Dottie, our dalmatian, leaped into the back seat. She knew there was an adventure ahead.      

A trip to the natural world

The trail to Gull Pond may only be fifteen minutes from downtown Schroon Lake, but it’s a trip to another world. As you drive north on Route 9, you leave the village behind. Once you take a right on Alder Meadow Road, there may not be another car on the road. You pass wetlands that are surrounded by mountains and full of wildflowers, streams, and beaver dams. You take a right on East Shore Road and follow the lake to the trailhead which is located about three miles down on the left. 

We were ready with bug spray and hats when the mosquitos realized that we had arrived. We grabbed our backpack and hiking poles and signed the register.

There’s something about the woods 

As we left the parking lot, I felt welcomed by the quiet woods. There was a wonderful cool in the air as we started down the trail through dappled light. The scent of warm pine needles and the chatter of birds surrounded us. The trail was outlined by beautiful arrangements of ferns, berries, wild plants, and rocks, which all seemed to guide us as we trekked along. There was a sense of discovery as we walked quietly, listening for wildlife and looking for unusual wildflowers. Swallowtail butterflies flittered around and tempted me to chase them. 

We crossed a bridge of cut logs over a marshy area and then the trail rose up to an area where light streamed through the trees. A quick walk up the pine-needled hill gave us a view of the pond below. We had this classic Adirondack place all to ourselves. The only sound was the flapping wings of a loon. We sat together on a log and enjoyed our lunch in this wild place.  

I sensed that nature continues whether we are there or not. The next time you visit the hub of the Adirondacks, make sure to check out this trail or many of our other hikes in the region. Don't forge to find a place to refuel and lay your head after a long day of adventuring. 

Let’s face it, we know this ski season is looking different. But that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy it! There’s nothing better than getting outside and enjoying something you love right now. However, we want you to be prepared for what you can expect before heading to Gore Mountain this year. So, here’s a list of what you need to know before you go so that you can have the best possible experience.

Advance ticketing & season passes

All lift tickets, lessons, and rentals must be purchased online. If the date you’re looking for is booked, please check back as more availability may be added as it becomes available. Consider mid-week to avoid crowds and enjoy shorter lines and more skiing and riding. And don’t worry if you’re a season passholder: you don’t need to make any reservations. 

Arrive ready!

Indoor space is currently limited so try to get as much of your gear on and ready as possible in your car and try to leave as many of your personal belongings as you can in your car. This will limit any unnecessary time indoors for everyone. 

Mask on & keep 6 feet apart

For the safety of yourself and others you must wear a double layer face mask at all times, with the exception of when you are actively skiing or riding, or if you are seated for dining. They’ll help keep your face a little bit warmer if anything! 

Ride with your crew

Skiers and riders that arrived together can ride the lifts together. If you are a single skier or rider, you’re welcome to take a lift solo. Don’t forget to keep your face covering on while you wait in lift lines and for the duration of your ride. Gondola windows must remain open during the ride, but that’s okay because you’ll get to enjoy the fresh mountain air. 

Limited capacity & takeout food

Indoor space will be limited and tables inside are spaced 6 feet apart and can only be occupied for up to 30 minutes. Try some of Gore Mountain’s new grab and go takeout food options or bring your own food in your own personal pack and enjoy it outside. If you do need to sit down and eat inside, try to avoid the busier lunch hour of approximately noon. 

Follow NYS’s travel advisory

With ever changing guidelines, it is important to stay up to date with New York state’s travel advisory. For more information on what is happening in our region, please take a look at our travel updates page. We will keep it updated with what’s open, what restrictions there are, and any other important information we think you might want/need to know. 

As always, remember to socially distance when possible, wash your hands, wear your mask, and stay kind. Gore Mountain will continue to update their operational information as necessary and ensure that everyone has a safe experience at the mountain. 

Spooky Season

It’s that time of year again, folks. The spooky season is upon us, and as October comes to an end, we ascend towards maximum levels of spookiness. In the fall, the Adirondack Hub becomes the Haunted Hub, giving thrill seekers and ghost-hunters alike the chance to get their blood pumping. As Halloween approaches, so does the search for something scary in the Haunted Hub.

The Ghost Town of Tahawus

Could there be a better place to ghost hunt than in an actual ghost town? The village of Tahawus was once a busy mining village that was located in what is now the town of Newcomb, NY. Tahawus, or Adirondac, was founded in 1826 after iron ore was discovered on the banks of the Upper Hudson. In 1858, the town was deserted for the first time as complications arose with mining operations. Tahawus would be repopulated in 1941 during a second attempt at mining the area. Like it had before, the mine would shut down again in 1989, leaving the ghost town that stands today. Today, you can hike through the abandoned mining area, explore the remnants of the town that once flourished, and read some informative historical signage along the way. But be warned, the appearance of the deserted town looks like something you’d see in a horror film, and to this day, local legends swirl about ghost sightings and supernatural occurrences.

Aiden’s Lair

Between present day Minerva and Newcomb is where you will find Aiden’s Lair, a popular supernatural adventure seeker destination. While the abandoned Aiden’s Lair is certainly creepy, it also has significant historical significance, which only adds to the lore of this once luxurious lodge. On September 6, 1901, President McKinley was shot twice by anarchist Leon Czolgosz while in Buffalo, NY. At the time of the shooting, then Vice President Theodore Roosevelt was on Isle La Motte on Lake Champlain. Upon hearing the news, Roosevelt began his route to Buffalo to be with President McKinley. Not long thereafter, Roosevelt was informed that the operation was a success and was told not to return to Buffalo at that time. Then, on September 13th, things became dire. While hiking Mount Marcy, Roosevelt was informed that McKinley’s condition had suddenly taken a turn for the worse. Upon hearing this, Roosevelt set off on what would become known as the “Midnight Ride to the Presidency”. During that ride, Roosevelt stopped at Aiden’s Lair to stretch his legs and exchange his current transportation for a fresh horse and wagon before embarking on the rest of the ride to Buffalo. Aiden’s Lair is chalked full of historical significance and serves as a supernatural adventure destination in the Adirondacks. 

Great Camp Santanoni

Built in 1893, Great Camp Santanoni was part of the original wave of Great Camps in the Adirondacks. Wealthy individuals of the time began vacating cities in the summer and relocating their families to open spaces so they could relax and have some “space to breathe” in the warmer months. The Adirondacks (as it does today) provided that refuge. Eventually, The Great Camp came into the possession of the Melvin Family. Tragically, during one of their traditional family vacations in 1971, a member of their extended family named Douglas Legg disappeared into the woods with little trace, never to be seen again. Extensive measures were taken in the search, and a rescue team of hundreds, including law enforcement, volunteers, and even private investigators, searched at great lengths through the Adirondack Forest to find the boy who had gone missing. Sadly, he was never found and no body was ever recovered. Following the gut-wrenching tragedy, Camp Santanoni was sold to New York State and reopened in the early 2000’s as a state park. Today, the buildings remain, and the legend continues to grow. Stories of supernatural phenomena can easily be found on social media platforms or with a quick Google search. The overwhelming opinion by those who have hiked the area is clear: there is a presence in the woods around Great Camp Santanoni that lives on to this day.

Plan your Scare-cation

Add each historical site to your scare-cation itinerary and get spooked this season, or maybe take the entire Haunted Adirondacks trip for yourself. After that, find a place to stay that isn't haunted, find something to eat, and maybe something to do to unwind after your own supernatural experience. Spend this spooky season getting terrified in the Haunted Hub! 

The Adirondack Mountains — and the townships within them —are beautiful places to live and visit. Travelers come from around the world to spend time here because of the scenery, the outdoor activities, the hospitality of the local people, and the unique businesses that are scattered throughout our region. However, the reality of the Adirondacks is this: it is sometimes a challenge to live here year-round! With a lull in tourism during the late fall and early spring, many business owners become creative and find interesting secondary ways to make their income. One business owner, who lives in the mountains outside of Schroon Lake, has managed to to meld two of her favorite things with great success.

True Adirondack spirit

Laura Donaldson had been a seamstress/tailor for well over 35 years. She wasn't your typical small-town seamstress; her business plan was unique because she would travel to her clients' homes, place of business, or any other location they needed her. She often found herself working in Newcomb, Schroon Lake, Minerva, Olmstedville, North River, Warrensburg, Glens Falls, Chestertown, Pottersville, Thurman, North Hudson, and Adirondack to name a few! Her business thrived, and she was doing well. Unfortunately, in 2001 Laura was faced with the challenge of taking care of an entire household due to the passing of her husband.

Faced with new challenges, Laura stepped up to the plate like any other tough and rugged Adirondack woman, and she started a bed and breakfast at her home. She knew it wouldn't be easy, but she drew on her years of experience as a caterer, election office worker, school substitute, headstone digger, movie theater attendant, house cleaner, and as an employee of the Schroon Lake Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center. This was yet another new challenge, an endeavor with great potential.

Taking a chance

It was by chance during her summer work at the Schroon Lake Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center that Laura met a woman that was desperately looking for a place to stay. It was 4th of July and all the local motels and B&Bs were booked. The lady really needed to come for a family vacation, so Laura explained that she had been considering the possibility of starting a B&B of her own. Laura told the lady that if she was willing to stay at her place it would give Laura the opportunity to feel it out and see if it is something she really wanted to do.

This chance meeting was a great fit; Laura loved fussing while making coffee and muffins for her first guest. And over the next fifteen years, Rocky Acres Inn grew. Laura has been blessed to have had many wonderful guests that continue to return each year to stay in her home. She works hard to make every guest's experience unique and comfortable, and her breakfast is divine. With sprawling yards at this beautiful property, guests are sure to witness wildlife and nature at its best. Besides her regular B&B rooms, over the last couple of years Laura has added a screen house that people can stay in that has a heater and curtains that can be pulled to keep the heat in on a chilly night for that "Airbnb" feel. During the winter her yard is a great place to cross-country ski.

Today, both Laura's B&B and sewing business are thriving due to the fact that she melded them together (they even share a website!). Laura has had the pleasure of having guests bring their items to be tailored while they stay at her B&B. Where else is that an option!? She happily gets to do two of her favorite things at once — fuss over her guests, and take care of their tailoring needs. With the success of her unique business, she was honored recently by Trip Advisor for her growing 5 star reviews. But the most rewarding compliment Laura gets is generous and kind comments and gifts from her guests. She has had guests take her to dinner and send her unexpected gifts such as an embroidered pillow case, a hat and shirt for organ donation (in honor of her late husband), an outfit sent for her to use as mother of the bride, and a beautiful signed plaque in honor of guests that stayed in her Wolf Room. All these kind acts of generosity enforces Laura's will to succeed.

The personal touch

You can not book a room at Rocky Acres B&B online, and there is a reason for that: Laura believes in good old-fashioned one-on-one customer service. She would rather speak to her guests in person so that she can cater to their individual needs.

As of 2022, Rocky Acres has been in business for 18 years now, and the future is bright! Page after page of TripAdvisor and Google reviews are the result of Laura's hard work and dedication. Ready to plan your vacation? Contact Rocky Acres Inn today!

 

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This story was written by Tammy Whitty-Brown and was originally published in 2016. It was updated in 2022.

One way of knowing what people love about the Schroon Lake Region is what they share with each other.
With that in mind, here are the Top Ten things people think about... when they think about us.

History, fishing, and pie

The top most-shared blog of 2017 was about North Hudson history, which includes a fun video about Frontier Town. Our blog, A Day in North Hudson, covered the rise, fall, and possible new rise, of this early theme park.

There's also the fantastic family hiking and the amazing Adirondack Buffalo Company. Yes. real buffalo.

The next one was about Schroon Lake's favorite diner, Pitkin's: A taste of home. Fantastic breakfast with all the fixings, their own Michigans, or dinner with those homemade desserts, like peanut butter pie or rice pudding.

Come on in and make yourself to home.

The third blog was about the great fishing in the area, Wild places, wild fishing! It featured an interview with an Adirondack Guide and a DEC wildlife biologist to find out some of the best places to find the fish.

Of course, the fishing is fine all the year 'round, whether the water is "hard" (frozen) or "soft" (not frozen.)

Water, water, everywhere

Our next three top shares are all about the lakes and rivers.

The blog Kid Hikes Near Water shared some of our favorites for getting the younger ones on a hike with a lovely payoff at the end. Of course, we are spoiled for choice, here, as seen in this shot from Newcomb.

One of our followers, Richard Gallagher, brought us this lovely photo of Blue Ridge Falls, a spectacular, and spectacularly easy, hike with big waterfall action.

Thank you, Richard. What a reminder that spring hiking is especially good for this kind of roaring river photo opportunity.

Our next contender was this shot of fall on the shores of Schroon Lake.

From the fantastic foliage to the tasty eats downtown, this is a great place to be at that most enjoyable time of year.

Thrill of summer

Our final four top shares celebrate the sheer beauty of the area, like this one of fall just beginning in North Hudson.

One of our bloggers caught this fun reminder of how nature is all around us in the Adirondacks.

I love this fall picture from one of our most enjoyed photographers, Sharron Hosley Tyrrell, who revels in capturing our loveliness.

Thank you so much, Sharron!

Coming in tenth is a blog called Celebrate Summer in Schoon.

Which we do, we do. And we hope you do, too.

Some of our most shared posts were videos. Enjoy them on our Schroon Lake Region Facebook page, and feel welcome to follow us.
We don't believe in depriving you of anything.

Come and stay with us. Enjoy a meal with us. Win a stay with us.

Warmer days are finally here and nothing compares to an Adirondack summer. Longer days mean longer adventures, and there is a never-ending list of outdoor activities to tackle. Before every new season I like to make a few goals, a bucket list of sorts.

This summer I’ll be racing in the Black Fly Challenge, want to learn to fly fish, and have a big question mark next to the Adirondack Canoe Classic-90 miler, but more important than any race, I want to experience new regions in the Adirondacks. I currently live in Lake Placid, which means my backyard extends for 6 million acres. It might take me a lifetime to explore, so I better get started.

First up on my haven't-visited-yet Adirondack towns is Schroon Lake. Read on the see my Schroon Lake summer bucket list!

Boating on Schroon Lake

There is no shortage of boating options in the Schroon Lake Region, so I hear, making it number one on my list. Schroon Lake is 9 miles in length and has 23.7 miles of shoreline, so there’s plenty to cover by boat. There’s also a beach on the lake, perfect for summer lounging.

The Schroon Lake Marina has a great rental fleet of pontoons, row boats, motor boats, deck boats, canoes, kayaks, stand up paddle boards and more! If fishing is your boating motive, there are 24 fish species and 52 trout-stocked bodies of water in the Schroon Lake Region.

Camping and Hiking

More than any other season, summers are meant to be spent outside. I would happily leave my bed behind in the summer, trading it for my hammock, tent, and sleeping bag. Falling asleep to nature's sounds, waking up to the warmth of the sun, and being fully immersed in the outdoors is what dreams are made of (and why I chose to move to the Adirondacks!).

Top on my Schroon Lake Region camping and hiking list is the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness. The 46,283-acre Pharaoh Lake Wilderness offers 70 miles of hiking foot trails and an abundance of lakes and ponds. Pharaoh Mountain stands as the wilderness’ highest point at 2,551 feet. There are also plenty of camping options with 38 designated tent sites and 14 lean-tos. It seems to be the perfect hiking choice whether I'm out for a day hike or a multi-night camping trip!

Dining

I strongly believe dining out is a must when experiencing a new place. Beer is also high on my list and Paradox Brewery is just the place to go. I already know their beer is delicious, I just need to experience it at the brewery. Paradox opened in 2013 and has been taking off since, featuring a variety of beer styles for every craft beer connoisseur.

North Woods Bread Co. is another place I’m excited to visit. They serve rustic breads, local cheeses, and other handmade goods, all of my favorite things! No matter your dining style, there seems to be a long list of options!

Shopping

At this point you might take me for an outdoor, tent-sleeping bum, but I’m a Long Islander at heart and I'm always ready to shop!

Schroon Lake is home to a quaint downtown area with unique shopping options. I’m dying to check out Pine Cone Mercantile — a home goods store taking a modern spin on rustic interiors. There is also Gokey’s Trading Post, Adirondack Buffalo Company, and more!

I’ve never been one to plan and I probably won’t start now. There’s no saying when my Schroon Lake Bucket List will be complete, you’ll just have to keep checking back in. I’ll follow up eventually and let you know how it goes!

 

I should also note, if you’ve made it this far, you’re probably also intrigued by Schroon Lake and just about ready to plan your adventure. Don’t put too much thought into it, just book your stay now!

 

I have a nostalgic streak that draws me to historic places. When deciding which attractions to visit this season, I went off the familiar path and chose an Adirondack attraction I had driven past the signs for all my life but never visited. I was excited at the prospect of finally visiting this natural wonder.

One of our oldest and best attractions

Natural Stone Bridge and Caves is one of the Adirondack's oldest natural attractions. The business has been operated by different members of the same family for more than five decades. Surveys have concluded that the Stone Bridge appears to be the largest natural marble cave entrance in the eastern United States. Greg Beckler is the current family member to own and operate the business. We chatted with Greg after our tour and he filled me in on a lot of history and some of the expansion they've done in recent years.

An 1824 passage from A Gazetteer of the State of New York by Horatio Gates Spafford, describes the stone bridge and cave:

"The STONE BRIDGE, in this town is a very great natural curiosity, and has given the name Stone-Bridge Creek, to a small stream that runs under it. This stream rises in Essex County, and enters Chester about 30 rods above the Bridge, and immediately falls over a rocky precipice, into a large natural Basin; whence turning easterly, enters its subterranean passage in two branches. The northern branch enters its passage under an arch of massive granite 40 feet high, and about 80 feet broad at the base, gradually diminishing in capacity as you descend. A person may follow the stream with ease, 156 feet from the entrance, where it becomes co contracted as to check any farther progress. At a short distance, the southern and principal branch enters its passage amidst a heap of stones and rubbish that almost conceal the entrance; and though with difficulty, its passage has been explored. In some places, very much confined, in others it opens into caverns of 30 or 40 feet diameter, and filled with water to a great depth. At the distance of 247 feet from the entrance, the waters disembogue in one stream, having united in the subterranean passage; and here is a precipice of rock 54 feet high, which terminates the Bridge. The arch through which the water discharges is about 10 feet wide and 5 high. This stream enters the Scaroon River, about ¾ of a mile below the outlet of Scaroon Lake, and the Stone Bridge is about 3 miles NW from the mouth of the Creek."

The above ground tour

Greg was kind enough to give me a thumb drive with some great images of old maps and brochures from the past days of the attraction. The tour map from the 50s is one of my favorites. Keep in mind the current tour is somewhat expanded from this older map as they have added some walkways since that time, and there is a walkway across the top of the stone bridge. But, you'll get the general idea from this map. Oh, and they'll give you a brand spanking new map when you go.

 

As you can see, the paths wind around the edges of Trout Brook, which runs through the property. It's lined with wooden walkways, stairs, railings and beautiful meditation spots along the way. We marveled at some of the tiny and noisy caves with the brook rushing through them. We've had a very dry summer here in the Adirondacks this year. Fortunately, just prior to my visit, the region experienced some big storms, dumping quite a large amount of rain on the area. Naturally the rain caused the water levels to rise in the rivers and streams, so we were able to experience the attraction with a fairly normal amount of water flowing.

The day we toured was a beautiful, hot summer day and the attraction was very busy. Lots of visitors of all ages were scurrying around the rocks and walkways around the property. Little kids were marveling at the caves and the loud water sounds inside them. Noisy Cave is one of the caves visitors can walk into. Trout Brook rushes through the cave as you watch the electric lighting change color from green to blue to red to purple. It's pretty cool and we readily understood why it was named Noisy Cave - we could not hold a conversation inside!

It took us about an hour and a half to walk the entire tour, taking time to stop for a snack with a lovely family from Connecticut, who so generously offered us some of their treats and water. The Lilaporia family, from Connecticut, had chosen to visit by suggestion of their three young daughters, who were making all the holiday decisions and plans for this vacation. I love that idea! I think more families should do this - that way the kids can't complain when they don't like the itinerary —because it's all theirs. The girls obviously had a great time judging by all the smiles:

Highlights of the tour

A great resting spot along Trout Brook, known as Serenity Park

There are wonderful benches and stopping points to take a break and contemplate the beauty

This is the site of a former sawmill on Trout Brook

You can see why this cave is known as "Tiny Cave"

Walking along the huge expanses of rock downstream from the Bridge

Natural Stone Bridge is also a great location for a wedding!

Fall foliage season is a perfect time to visit and capture nature's spectacle

Some really cool 'potholes' as seen from the walkway above - these are carved out by the force of the water raging against rocks swirling around within the hole.

Join an adventure tour and get inside the caves

If you aren't claustrophobic and you don't mind getting wet and dirty, sign up for one of the Adventure Tours led by a guide through some of the amazing caverns and waterfalls. The tour is offered once a day on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday each week during summer, ending the last day of August. If you miss it this year, make sure you visit during the summer months next year to take advantage of this very cool trip through the attraction. Watch the video above for the better picture of the Adventure Tour.

It's a tight squeeze through parts of the Adventure Tour. Put on your brave pants and give it a try next summer!

There are many more activities in the park for adults and kids alike - mining, climbing, disc golf, and much more.

And of course, there are winter snowshoe adventures.
If you're a rock hound, you won't want to miss the gift shop. Greg told me they make regular rock buying trips to Tucson, Arizona, and rocks shows in Pennsylvania and Massachusetts. These are apparently the big shows in the rock world. The rock shop is filled with hundreds of amazing rock and mineral specimens, most of which are for sale. There are Mexican geodes with surprises inside that you can buy, and they will split them open for you to find your special surprise minerals. There are many items on display that are not for sale, but you can buy items ranging from .10 cents to $10,000.00! Don't miss at least browsing around the rock and gift shops before departing.

Plan your trip

Plan a trip to the Schroon Lake Region and take advantage of all the fall attractions and events in the region. Visit Natural Stone Bridge and Caves website for much more history, as well as admission information. The park is open through September 5th from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and September 6th to October 10th, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Be sure to arrive 90 minutes before closing time to assure yourself the time for the full experience.
Of course, Mother Nature's fall foliage spectacular is the biggest attraction in fall. What better backdrop than to spend a few days visiting and touring. Don't wait til the last minute to make your lodging plans — plan now to visit soon!

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This week in related ADK awesome autumn activities:

Switching gears

Lapping up the fun

Four for fall

A-maze-ing fall fun

Going up?

By land, sea, or air

Defiance at its finest

Bike the Barns 2016

Newcomb, NY is a haven for hikers, with nearby trails leading to the eastern High Peaks, Mount Goodnow, and into Great Camp Santanoni. It also is home to Lake Harris and the Hudson River for boating, camping, or just relaxing. 

And now Newcomb residents Kelly and Tony Audino are looking to feed hungry visitors and offer beds with lake views. I met up with Kelly earlier this week and got a glimpse of the future Lake Harris House Lodge and adjoining glamping sites.

The couple moved to Newcomb from the Albany area to open the Hoot Owl Lodge, fulfilling their dream of moving to the Adirondacks. Kelly said there isn’t a place in Newcomb for dinner, so she decided to rectify that. Hence, their latest project, the Lake Harris House Lodge.

Situated along Route 28, the road that cuts right through the town, stands the shell of the soon-to-be Lake Harris House Lodge. The restaurant is slated to open late October 2018. Kelly gave me a tour of the enormous space that will include three fireplaces, leather couches and chairs, cathedral ceilings, a capacious bar area, screened-in outdoor seating overlooking the lake, and 90 or so tables. The plan is to become a year-round destination for hikers and visitors in summer and fall, and skiers and snowmobilers in the winter. While still heavily under construction, it was easy to envision the warm, traditional Adirondack-style lodge to come. 

We then walked down the the edge of the property adjacent to Lake Harris to tour the first of four glamping sites. Glamping is luxury or glamorous camping — a mix of hotel room amenities in an outdoor setting. The completed tent is outfitted with a queen bed, a dresser, and seating area. There is also a porch with more seating that faces the lake. There’s a ceiling fan, electric outlets, and canvas windows to enjoy Adirondack breezes. 

Guests will be able to order room service from the lodge and enjoy dining in their personal elevated and waterproof “tent.” Of note is Kelly’s attention to detail; each bed has 1,000-count sheets and fluffy down duvets. 

Outside, Tony will be building docks where glampers can tie up their canoes and kayaks, or use just for sitting and enjoying the view. Each site will have its own bathroom facilities. 

Kelly says she envisions the sites as romantic getaways, and they even plan on installing a wood stove to test out winter glamping. 

I’ll keep you posted with more photos when the doors open! Once you've booked your stay, check out our unique dining options and other attractions.

 

 

Here in the Adirondacks, we love winter. Really, really love winter: building snow forts, ice skating on frozen lakes, sledding down hills, and warming up with hot cocoa. As good as that sounds (and I know you're pondering your next winter vacation right now), we also love winter events and activities. During a variety of special events, winter is celebrated with skiing clinics, snowmobile rides, live music, great food, and more. Here are some of our favorite events that make the most of snow, ice, and the joy of living in a real life snow globe.

Camp Santanoni Winter Weekends

January 18 - 20, February 15 - 17, March 14 - 15

Ski or snowshoe your way into the past at historic Great Camp Santanoni, once a private summer home on Newcomb Lake. While Santanoni may be reached by ski or snowshoe all winter long, Winter Weekends are an extra special time to enjoy this historic property. Volunteers from Adirondack Architectural Heritage will be on hand to provide tours of the Great Camp's Gate Lodge and Main Lodge, while the Artist's Studio will be a cozy spot to warm up and enjoy hot chocolate, coffee, and tea. Don't have snowshoes? No problem! Staff from the nearby Adirondack Interpretive Center will be on hand to loan you a pair for the 9-mile round trip adventure.

Gore Mountain MLK Weekend Holiday Camp and Fireworks!

January 18 - 19

Make your children’s winter vacation extra special with this holiday camp at Gore Mountain. They’ll enjoy two full days of fun on the slopes and in the snow with coaches and new friends and a hearty lunch. This camp is great for kids of all skiing and riding levels. All you have to do is pick them up and drop them off! Stick around at dusk on the 19th for a gorgeous fireworks display, torchlight parade, and live music! There's a reason why so many skiers and riders visit Gore year after year, so come find out for yourself!

Vintage Snowmobile Races

January 25

Head to beautiful, frozen Lake Harris for this affordable, entertaining annual event hosted by the Newcomb Snowmobile Club. The event is totally free for spectators, while riders interested in racing pay only $10 to enter. Lunch is provided by the club and the racing is good fun for everyone. You just might get inspired to take up snowmobiling yourself. The Adirondack Hub has miles and miles of beautiful trails to explore!

President's Week Holiday Camp at Gore

February 18 - 20

Make your children’s winter vacation extra special with this action-packed holiday camp at Gore Mountain. They’ll enjoy three full days of fun on the slopes and in the snow with coaches and new friends and a hearty lunch. This camp is great for kids of all skiing and riding levels, helping them have fun and improve their skills. All you have to do is pick them up and drop them off!

Adirondack Interpretive Center

Ongoing

Visit the Adirondack Interpretive Center in Newcomb for outstanding exhibits about the natural history of the Adirondacks, as well as periodic special events, including guided snowshoe hikes, film screenings, painting workshops, and more. The AIC's beautiful trail system, which winds through cedar swamps and along two lakes, is well worth a visit. Trails vary in length, so visitors can choose a short walk or a longer adventure. The AIC is an exceptional location to learn more about the plants and animals of the Adirondacks, as well as the mountains themselves, and enjoy the beauty of nature first-hand.

Whether you ski and ride, snowshoe, or love the sound of a good old fashioned snowmobile engine, the Adirondack Hub and the towns of Newcomb, Schroon Lake, Minerva, and North Hudson have great wintertime adventures, activities, and events. Visit us at one of our cozy motels, lodges, or cabins, enjoy the great outdoors, and sample hearty Adirondack food and craft beer.

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Submitted by Guest Blogger: Brooke Clark

The ride to Schroon Lake was always far too long when I was heading up to ride snowmobiles with my dad. I would wait for him to pull into the driveway, only to run out at top speed to climb in and go! He had the most beautiful sled with a leopard seat, and the smell! Oh, how I loved the smell when he got that machine started. I am so fortunate that I married someone who shares this love of winter, snowmobiling and sharing it all with family.

The recent cold temperatures certainly went a long way in helping firm up what we had on the trails, and we were fortunate to have our groomer out this weekend. We are hoping that the reports of snow ring true and head our direction!

Plan ahead to sled!

We have annual events in Schroon Lake that ensure sledding is fun for the whole family. A few years ago, we lost a good friend and avid snowmobiler. The 5th annual Mark Heinzelman Snowmobile Poker Run is on Saturday, Feb. 13 this year. We raise money in his name to donate to either a local family or charity.

The following weekend is the Schroon Lake-North Hudson Snowmobile Club poker run. This is also an annual event. For both, we register and then ride in groups from place to place, getting a card stamped. Then we gather at a local spot — usually the Fish and Game Club or a restaurant — and pull playing cards to make a hand of poker. The best hand wins, and there is usually something for the lowest hand, too! We share laughs, memories and make plans for families to get together to plan more snowmobiling. Close to 100 people enter the runs. It certainly makes for a fun-filled day for everyone.

In addition to the poker runs, the majority of people who live and visit Schroon Lake in the colder months enjoy getting out and riding. We ride to go out to dinner and to get to the grocery store; my daughter has even been asking if she can ride her sled to school. It certainly is a great form of transportation when the roads get scary and you need to be somewhere. We also ride on the lake, when it is safe. Ask a local fisherman you see on the ice and he or she will be more than happy to tell you how much ice is on the lake.

Safety First!

General guidelines regarding ice thickness are:

• 2" or less — STAY OFF
• 4" — safe for ice fishing or other activities on foot
• 5" — safe for a snowmobile or an ATV
• 8" - 12" — safe for a car or small pickup truck
• 12" - 15" — safe for a medium-sized truck

I generally wait until I see vehicles driving about before I venture out onto the ice. I have driven my jeep, snowmobiles and have spent a lot of time fishing on our lake without incident. There is always someone that thinks it’s safe before it is, and they wind up going through the ice, so ask questions, be safe and don’t be that guy…

Where to begin?

Schroon Lake has one of the longest trail systems in New York state. There are 6 main trails, and all interconnect. Trail 1 begins at the Schroon Lake Municipal Golf course. It is the longest trail, with a variety of terrain and the widest trails. Be careful on the golf course, which is wide open to ride, due to the fact you may not be able to see another sled coming at you through the dips and valleys.

You can access the lake about a quarter mile down Hoffman and across state Route 9. Trail 6 provides the best access to local restaurants, gas, service and other amenities. The North end is located at Paradox Lake. If you take the trail south you can reach the Fish and Game Club, Sticks and Stones, Witherbee’s and other trails that continue south into the Warren County system.

The state is currently working on connecting our local trail systems so we can travel to points we haven’t been able to access in the past. Remember when you join a club you can register your sled at a discounted price. You can find all kinds of information by following the links here. Questions come up often about age to ride and courses available. We offer a snowmobile licensing course annually at our local Fish and Game Club.

Here are a few of the basic guidelines:
The New York state Office of Parks and Recreation website states that, "Youth ages 14 through 17 years old may operate a snowmobile, on lands upon which snowmobiling is allowed, without adult or other supervision if they have completed a snowmobile safety training course recognized by the State of New York. If youth ages 14 through 17 years have not completed the training course, they may operate a snowmobile if accompanied by (within 500 feet of) a person who is at least 18 years of age.

Youth ages 10 through 13 may operate a snowmobile, on lands upon which snowmobiling is allowed, if they have completed a snowmobile safety training course recognized by the State of New York and are accompanied by (within 500 feet of) a person who is at least 18 years of age.

Children less than 10 years old or less than age 14 without a safety certificate may operate a snowmobile only on lands owned or leased by their parent or guardian."

Visit the NYSSA website for a detailed reference to the New York state laws pertaining to or affecting snowmobiles, including OPRHP Law § 25.19, operation by youthful operators.

Photo credit: Patricia Strickland

Our trails wind for miles around beautiful snow-covered trees, along frozen streams and through quaint communities. I consider Schroon Lake one of the best places in the Adirondacks to snowmobile in New York. There are other amazing places to ride, but I think the combination of our trail system, restaurants, access to the lake and our tight-knit community make it a truly special experience. See you on the trail! Ready…set…ride...