Serene snow hikes for every winter adventurer

Ready to have some fun in the snow without biting off more than you can chew? If you prefer adventure over avalanches, these hikes have you covered! Winter exploration in the Adirondack Hub doesn’t have to mean grueling climbs and risky routes—the Hub offers a variety of easy, easy-to-moderate, and challenging trails that let you embrace the thrill of winter without navigating high-altitude peaks. It's the perfect way to get outside, enjoy fresh air, and take in the beautiful Adirondack scenery—no advanced mountaineering skills (or survival tales) required. So bundle up, grab your sense of adventure, and let’s hit the trails!

While these easy trails offer plenty of fun, it’s still important to stay safe while winter hiking. Before heading out, make sure to check the weather forecast—conditions can change quickly, especially in the mountains. Dress in layers to stay warm, and don’t forget to wear waterproof boots with good traction to avoid slipping on ice. If there’s enough snow, bring your snowshoes, and consider packing microspikes or crampons for extra grip on icy sections! Carry essentials like a map, compass, or GPS, and always let someone know your planned route and return time. It’s also a good idea to bring a fully charged phone, snacks, and plenty of water, as even easy hikes can be more demanding in the cold. Stay aware of trail conditions and be prepared to turn back if the weather worsens or if the trail becomes too difficult. And, as always, remember to follow Leave No Trace principles. With the right preparation, you can enjoy a safe, fun adventure in the winter wonderland of the Adirondacks!

Mt. Severance

Winter hiking on Mount Severance in Schroon Lake, New York, offers a fun, easier option for enjoying the season’s beauty with breathtaking views and gentle terrain. The 1.2-mile trail reaches an elevation of 1,693 feet, with a total elevation gain of 744 feet, making it perfect for those seeking a manageable yet rewarding winter outing.

Located just half a mile south of the intersection of Route 74 and State Route 9, the hike begins with a unique passage through tunnels beneath I-87 before leading to the trailhead and register. From there, the well-marked path winds through a variety of terrain, with the steepest section appearing about three-quarters of a mile in. Along the way, two spectacular outlooks offer sweeping views of the surrounding Adirondack region—one with views of Schroon Lake and another showcasing Paradox Lake. At just 2.4 miles round-trip, this hike can be completed in under two hours, making it a perfect winter outing for hikers of all ages looking to enjoy the outdoors without the intense climb.

Great Camp Santanoni to Newcomb Lake

The 9.0-mile out-and-back trail from Great Camp Santanoni to Newcomb Lake offers an easy route with stunning views and rich history. With a total elevation gain of 698 feet, the trail typically takes around 3 hours to complete. It’s a well-loved route all year, with seasonal activities such as backpacking, camping, and cross-country skiing. The path follows a relatively level route from Newcomb Lake Road to Camp Santanoni, a historic site in Adirondack Park with several original buildings dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Dogs are welcome on the trail as long as they are kept on a leash, making it a great option for hiking with your furry companion.

Along the way, hikers will find beautiful campsites perfect for spending a night by the lake, making this an ideal destination for those looking to enjoy the outdoors and experience a piece of Adirondack history. The campsites are especially great in the warmer months, but for those willing to brave the cold, winter camping offers a peaceful and serene experience with stunning snow-covered views.

Calamity Brook Trail

Calamity Brook Trail offers a scenic route that connects to a variety of challenging peaks, including the highest of the Adirondack 46ers, Mount Marcy. While it's a great choice for seasoned hikers looking to summit high peaks, those preferring easier day hikes can stick to the base of the high peaks for stunning views without the need for advanced preparedness. A popular option is hiking from Calamity Brook Trail to Flowed Lands, a 9.4-mile round trip that offers amazing views of the valley and Mount Colden. Starting from the parking area at Upper Works, the trail is mostly flat for the first 1.6 miles before beginning a steady climb to Flowed Lands at 4.5 miles. For those wanting a longer adventure, the trail continues to Lake Colden, adding up to a 10.6-mile round trip with an elevation gain of 1,325 feet. Whether you're aiming for an easy hike or pushing toward a summit, Calamity Brook Trail offers something for everyone, allowing you to build your own winter adventure!

To reach the Calamity Brook Trail, take Exit 29 from I-87 and head west onto Blue Ridge Road (CR 84). Follow this road for 17.4 miles until you reach an intersection with multiple signs, then turn right onto Tahawus Road (CR 25). Continue for 6.3 miles and then turn left onto Upper Works Road at the street sign. Follow Upper Works Road for 9.9 miles, where you'll arrive at the trailhead at the end of the road.

Goodnow Mountain

Hiking Goodnow Mountain in the winter offers a rewarding adventure with beautiful views and a moderate challenge. The 4-mile round trip trail gains 1,075 feet in elevation, reaching a summit of 2,664 feet. The hike begins with a steady to moderate climb for about 1 mile, passing a small brook at 0.5 miles. At 0.9 miles, the trail sharply turns left, descending briefly before continuing the ascent. At 1.4 miles, you’ll encounter a concrete platform, remnants of a State Police radio repeater station, followed by an old horse barn dating back to the early 1900s. As the trail becomes rockier and steeper, the trees transition from hardwoods to spruce and balsam. At 1.8 miles, a small open rock provides a scenic view before the summit is reached at 2 miles.

At the summit, you’ll find a 60-foot fire tower—one of the tallest in the Adirondacks. While there are some views at ground level, the best panoramas are from the tower, where you can also look directly down onto the roof of the old observer’s cabin. This trail is not recommended for cross-country skiing but makes for a great snowshoeing experience. However, be cautious at the fire tower in winter, as the stairs can be very slippery and dangerous, and expect high winds and a serious wind chill at the top. The trail is heavily used, so it typically gets broken out quickly after a snowstorm, making it a great winter hike for those seeking stunning views and a bit of a challenge.

Moxham Mountain

For a moderate challenge and spectacular winter views, check out Moxham Mountain. This 5.3 mile roundtrip hike, with an elevation gain of 1,300 feet, begins with an immediate climb, though the entire ascent remains manageable. You'll be rewarded early on with a scenic view from the first ridge bump. The trail then leads to a descent to a dried-up beaver pond and brook crossing, creating a peaceful, picturesque spot. After crossing the brook, the climb continues through a shallow valley and reaches a scenic ridge that offers some of the best views in the Adirondacks.

Once on the ridge, the summit is just a short distance away, and you'll soon see the sheer ledge that marks the top. From the summit, enjoy panoramic views of the Indian Lake high summits and the High Peaks Wilderness on the opposite side. Moxham Mountain is a popular snowshoeing destination in the winter, but it’s not suitable for cross-country skiing. If you're looking for a moderate, rewarding winter hike with breathtaking views, this trail is a must.

Vanderwhacker Mountain

Vanderwhacker Mountain offers a 5.4-mile round trip with an elevation gain of 1,700 feet, making it a moderately challenging hike with spectacular winter views. From the trailhead, you'll follow a moderate path with gentle elevation changes. Around 1.5 miles in, you’ll pass the old observer's cabins before the trail steepens significantly, gaining much of the elevation in the final push. The trail levels out as you approach the fire tower, rewarding you with a breathtaking panoramic view.

From the fire tower, you can see the High Peaks to the north and the Boreas River valley to the east. In winter, the summit is blanketed in snow, with tall firs and birches providing a beautiful, frosty backdrop. For safety, be cautious on the exposed steps of the tower, as they can be slippery, and remember to remove any traction devices like microspikes or snowshoes before ascending, as they could damage the steps. The steep final push makes this trail unsuitable for cross-country skiing, and visitors may need to park on the main road in winter. But if you're looking for a rewarding winter hike with stunning views, Vanderwhacker Mountain is a must-try.

Pharaoh Mountain

Pharaoh Mountain offers a rewarding 11-mile roundtrip hike with an elevation gain of 1,965 feet. Starting at Crane Pond, the hike begins with a long, flat stretch as you cross a bridge over the outlet and follow the path for 0.7 miles to a junction. From there, the trail gradually climbs, steepening at 1.9 miles as you approach the summit. By 2.9 miles, you’ll reach the rocky summit, where you’re greeted with 360-degree views of the vast Pharaoh Lake Wilderness Area, making the challenging climb well worth the effort.

In the winter, skiing along Crane Pond Road is a fun, scenic experience, but snowshoes are recommended for the mountain ascent, as the terrain can be more demanding. Once at the summit, enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including the frozen expanse of Pharaoh Lake and the distant peaks of the Adirondacks. With its combination of a solid climb and breathtaking panoramic views, Pharaoh Mountain is an ideal winter hike for those ready to tackle a longer trail.

Mt. Adams

Mount Adams is one of the more challenging hikes on this list, but for those ready to tackle its steep ascent, the views and the hike itself are incredibly rewarding. At 5.2 miles roundtrip with an elevation gain of 1,800 feet, this hike takes you to a summit of 3,520 feet, where you'll find a 47-foot steel fire tower. Originally used by New York State for forest fire detection, the tower now offers hikers a stunning vantage point of the surrounding Adirondack High Peaks.

The first mile of the trail is relatively mellow, with some muddy sections near the Hudson River and Lake Jimmy. You'll pass the old fire tower observer's cabin and storage building at the 1-mile mark. From there, the trail becomes steeper, crossing a stream at 1.6 miles before the final push to the summit. As you climb, the terrain becomes rough and rocky, with the trail leveling off just before reaching the tower at 2.6 miles. While the ground-level views are limited, the panoramic views from the fire tower are spectacular. Skiing is not recommended due to the steep terrain, but advanced snowshoers looking for a challenge will find this hike satisfying. The trailhead is typically accessible in winter, so this is a great winter adventure for experienced hikers.

Plan your next winter hike!

This winter, take a break from alpine runs and embrace the beauty of the Adirondacks by hitting the trails for a winter hike. Whether you're looking for scenic views or a peaceful outdoor escape, there are plenty of easy to moderate hikes that allow you to enjoy the season without the worry of tackling treacherous high peak adventures. Just remember, preparation is key—dress in layers, pack your essentials, and always be mindful of the conditions. Be sure to bring snowshoes to avoid postholing and damaging the trails. With the right gear and a little planning, winter hiking can be a fun, rewarding way to explore the Adirondack Hub this season!

 

I had already planned to go to Schroon Lake for a meeting on a recent spring day, but with warm temps and sun predicted, I decided to combine the trip with an outdoor adventure. Itching to spin, I set a goal of riding my road bike around the entire Adirondack Marathon route.

I packed the bike and gear, a pair of sneakers and my briefcase and headed out with enough time to ride the 26.2 miles before my meeting began.

When I arrived in Schroon Lake, I decided to first take a look at the roads via car. This time of year is tricky; the "busier" roads are cleared of sand and salt earlier than the secondary roads. The marathon route covers both types.

I drove onto the first secondary road of the race route, Alder Meadow Road, and it looked summertime-cleared of sand. However, about a mile or so in, I realized why; the town crews were there cleaning the roads that very day. I passed them and came to the junction of Alder Meadow and Adirondack Road, which takes runners south along the eastern shore of Schroon Lake to the Town of Adirondack. At this junction, I realized that my plans would have to change.

This winter, which was great for snow sports as we had a good amount of the white stuff, also required consistent sanding of the roads, and this one hadn't yet been cleared. There was a substantial amount of residual sand in the road; not safe for my skinny tires (especially since I was planning to ride solo).

I quickly switched from Plan 26.2 to Plan 2.4. Luckily, I had brought along my trail running shoes.

I decided to do a short hike instead. With spring weather this beautiful, I had to do SOME sort of outdoor adventure. I had heard that Mount Severance was a short, 2.4 mile round trip classic local hike, so I looked it up on my smartphone and found the trailhead just across the street from the entrance to Alder Meadow Road.

Before I hiked up, however, I decided to obtain some nourishment. As luck would have it, the Mt. Severance Country Store was very close by, adhered to my new Plan 2.4 "Severance" theme, AND they make a mean sandwich, I knew from experience.

I ordered a sandwich, grabbed a bottled water and headed back out. (I had planned to carry the sandwich to the top and have a picnic, but it somehow disappeared before I arrived back at the trailhead.)

With all the running around I had done, I had actually run out of enough time to do a leisurely hike before my meeting, so I went to work, and returned to the trailhead at around 3:30 p.m. Though there were no cars in the lot before my meeting, there were now 4 vehicles parked at the trailhead. This was a welcome change to me; I'm not accustomed to hiking solo - at least not without my dog.

The beginning of the trail is interesting; in order to get from the trailhead to the mountain, one has to cross the four-lane Interstate 87 that goes from Albany north to Montreal. This crossing isn't as dangerous, though, as hikers can access the other side via two culvert tunnels. For those of us prone to claustrophobia, this adds a surprising twist to the adventure.

I made it through unscathed (except for a couple of broken nails acquired by grabbing onto the corrugated wall of the culvert to avoid slipping on a somewhat slippery entrance, due to ice that formed from melting snow. Shoulda worn my bike helmet!)

I signed in at the register located between the two tunnels, and after exiting the second, started up the snow-packed trail. All along the mile or so up to the summit, the trail varied from completely clear of snow in sections to post-holed packed snow in others. There were a few spots that were ice-covered and would have been better tackled with traction assistance like microspikes, but I was able to easily skirt around them.

I passed a few exuberant, smiling families, complete with kids ranging from 2 feet to 5 feet tall, all on their way down as I went up; the passengers in those cars in the lot. I didn't ask where they were from, but given the timing, I bet that this hike is a favorite after school local family jaunt; especially on a warm, sunny spring day.

I arrived at the top in less than 30 minutes, and took a few more to enjoy the view of still-frozen Schroon Lake to the southeast. There is apparently another vista that allows views to the northeast; but I didn't find it. As I was definitely hiking solo now, I decided to descend back down the trail; which took closer to 20 minutes to get back to the register.

The sign at the trailhead said that the summit is 1.2 miles from that point (2.4 round trip) and that the ascent is 813'. I used my smartphone app for the hike, and it reported that I had hiked 2.93 miles and gained 1,279' in elevation. (I think the difference reflects my switching on the app at the car, rather than at the trailhead sign.) Regardless, since I didn't get to do the marathon bike, I'm taking credit for the longer hike.

Learn more about the hike up Mount Severance, and check out all of the Schroon Lake Region hikes! 

 

 

 

Schroon Lake, New York, has long been known for the incredible gathering of artistic talent during the summer months. Artists from far and wide gather at some of our most amazing music and art colonies here.

IN LOVE WITH SHAKESPEARE

So you thought William Shakespeare died decades ago eh? Well, deep in the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains Shakespeare is alive and well. The Adirondack Shakespeare Company is a mainstay in the cultural scene of Schroon Lake and the entire Adirondack Park. They are not just a summer program either. The company works year round and stages productions in the Spring, Summer and Fall of the year.

The summer of 2014 for the Shakespeare Company is alive with 3 full productions of The Tempest, the original children's production of David and Goliath, as well as the conclusion of The Kingship Cycle. The company not only performs in Schroon Lake, but tours all over the Adirondack Park and then some! The Schroon Lake home of the company is the spectacular amphitheatre, Scaroon Manor, former home of an important area resort and now a part of the New York State Campground system. In its former life, the amphitheater hosted many famous entertainers, including the filming in 1957 of the movie Marjorie Morningstar, starring Natalie Wood and Gene Kelly. Visitors are lucky indeed to have the opportunity to see live productions there in the amphitheater.

The Shakespeare production schedule is extremely ambitious with far too many dates to list here. There are productions in the Scaroon Manor Amphitheatre, The Boathouse Theatre in Schroon Lake, and many venues in the surrounding towns. The Schroon Lake event calendar lists current shows being performed this summer.

Seagle Music Colony

Another mainstay in Schroon Lake is the Seagle Music Colony, a summer music camp for vocalists. It is the longest running summer vocal training program in the United States, with students performing on the Seagle stage and around the Park during the summer months. Earlier this summer I wrote a blog all about Seagle. Many of the Seagle events are listed in that blog. Also check the Schroon Lake events calendar.

Schroon Lake Arts Council

The Arts Council is dedicated to cultivating and promoting the visual arts in the community. On Mondays they sponsor a weekly jam night (free) at The Boathouse Theatre beginning at 7 pm. Every Tuesday evening brings a different contemporary music concert, also at The Boathouse, with $15 adult and $5 student admissions.

Folk Music Fest

On August 10th, for the 25th year in a row, Schroon Lake welcomes the Adirondack Folk Music Festival. From noon on, enjoy the best of Adirondack folk music talent. Well known regional musicians such as Roy Hurd, Jamcrackers, Boxcar Lilies and many more will headline this years schedule. An all day fun day of awesome Adirondack folk music not to be missed, and the best part - it's FREE!

Events in the Schroon Lake Region will keep you busy all through the summer months, so take a look at the calendar and plan to take in some awesome culture while visiting the Adirondacks.

For many people, it's not summer until Memorial Day Weekend. Nowhere is this more true than in the Schroon Lake Region.
When spring starts to happen, it happens fast, as everyone gets ready for the boating, fishing, paddling, hiking, and events that make Schroon Lake such a magnet in the summer.

The water

Many activities center around Schroon Lake's namesake lake, which has plenty of room for everyone. It's a busy time at the Schroon Marina, where boats are unwrapped and readied for a full season of fun.

No watercraft? No problem! The marina rents all kinds, from fast for waterskiing, to slow for those Stand Up Paddleboard fans. Multi-day rentals with all the fixings can make those boating dreams come true for a real, old-fashioned, "vacation on the lake."

For smaller watercraft, there's a lovely bunch of ponds and smaller lakes, too. For a totally tranquil experience, choose one of our water bodies in an area designated "no motors" and experience having much of nature to yourselves.

One such choice is Balfour Lake, a long narrow lake with plenty of pretty shoreline and shelter from wind conditions.

Paddling enthusiasts, and their doggies, are already out on the water. Our canoe and kayak page should give you plenty of ideas.

This is also when our attractions, like Natural Stone Bridge and Caves, open for the season. If you love your water lively along rocks or carving underground caves, this is a must-see. Enjoy the scenery, explore their on-site hiking paths, and bring home a souvenir from their extraordinary rock shop.

The beach

The shore of lovely Schroon Lake offers a marvelous swimming beach.

The Schroon Lake beach and boat culture dates back to the turn of the last century. The setting is nestled in the mountains with a lake big enough to match the abundant outdoors, with plenty of room for the ones who want a lot of liveliness, and also the ones who just want to sink into the peace and quiet.

The beach is part of a shoreline park for fishing, picnics, ice cream, or a full pub lunch, all just steps away from the quaint downtown.

The waterfront park is also the site of music, art and craft shows, and performances by Seagle Music Colony. Seen above, the Boathouse Theater, the white building on the shore.

The Strand Theatre opens up Memorial Day Weekend to offer a rare experience, that of enjoying a century-old Art Deco movie palace of yesteryear. Look for feature films, musical concerts and a summer Shakespeare series.

Plan a performance outing with our arts and theater offerings.

The nature

Shhhhh. This is a wonderful time of year to go hiking. Get a jump on the season, have the woods to yourself, and enjoy this green-gold time of year when the tiny buds let lots of sunlight fall in the forest, waking up those spring wildflowers.

It is a time of surprising vistas, as the branches are not blocked by leaves or snow. You really get the feel of the mountains, even in the woods.

The charming Boreas River Trail is a four-season hike, being flat and with lovely scenery, but in spring the river is lively with snowmelt and really shows off.

Since the spring weather is just right to keep us cool even if we are working up an appetite, consider a full day exploring the 15 miles of trails in the Hoffman Notch Wilderness area. Hoffman Notch Trail is a north/south run of 7.4 miles from end to end.

Big Pond Trail extends 5.7 miles from the trailhead to the Hoffman Notch Trail approximately 1.2 miles north of the Hoffman Notch Trailhead South. There is no bridge over East Branch Trout Brook, and there will be unbridged stream crossings throughout.

Mount Severance has wonderful views for not much of a climb. Kids (and adults) will love the tunnels that allow you to cross beneath the Northway!

The trees are budding out, the sun is gaining strength, and the lakes and rivers are calming down into that sweet summer blue.
Come on in. It's always fine!

Start with a lovely place to stay. Indulge in our dining. Check out all of our fun happenings on the events calendar.

The next big Broadway star or opera diva could be right here in the Adirondacks this summer. The legendary Seagle Music Colony in Schroon Lake is celebrating its 104th birthday this year and it’s as vibrant as ever, bringing world-class young performers to the Adirondacks.

Considered by many to be among the finest, if not the finest, summer vocal training program in the nation, the Seagle Music Colony was founded in 1915 by Oscar Seagle, a world famous and popular baritone. Seagle's first studio was on Lake George, but after only a few years he purchased property in Schroon Lake. Today, young singers audition each year to join the colony, still tucked away in the dense woods of Charley Hill, just minutes from downtown Schroon Lake. The theater that productions are staged in was Seagle's original studio and retains many of the picturesque original features, while also serving as a modern space for professional productions. With a view of the lake below, Seagle's location is an idyllic spot for an enchanting summer performance.

Much more than a performance venue, Seagle is a music training program for which thirty-two college age singers are selected each year. These emerging artists live and study at Seagle for the summer, performing in concerts and professional stage productions. They receive private voice lessons, and participate in acting classes and coaching from world-class faculty. Alumni of Seagle go on to perform across the globe, from the nearby Glimmerglass Opera in Cooperstown to as far off as the German Opera in Berlin, as well as on Broadway. The 2019 artists come from all over the United States, as well as Russia and China.

The 2019 season starts on June 22 with an "Old Friends & New" concert, an introduction to the 2019 artists followed by a meet-and-greet reception. As with previous summers, the summer stage productions are a mix of musical theater and opera, from beloved classics to new and exciting works. The 2019 season features Andew Lloyd Webber's Evita, the dramatic story of Argentinian first lady Eva Peron; Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro, a delightful comic opera; The Manchurian Candidate by Puts and Campbell; and Rodgers and Hammerstein's classic romantic tale Oklahoma! 

The inclusion of The Manchurian Candidate, a political thriller based on a 1959 novel about brainwashing and corruption, demonstrates what General Director Tony Kostecki says is Seagle's "focus in recent years to invigorate the art form by helping develop new operas and musical and by producing new or recently premiered works in our summer season. This opera...has a powerful and intense story and will be a great learning experience for our performers and a joy for our audiences." The Seagle production of the opera will be the New York premiere, and librettist Campbell will be at Seagle to work with performers.

The 2019 season will also feature special events and performances, including the annual Gala, alumni concert, a children’s opera, a celebration of the music of Cole Porter, and vespers concerts, a traditional celebration of sacred choral music. No matter what your musical tastes are, you're sure to find something to enjoy. Some productions, the children's opera Monkey & Francine in the City of Tigers and Hot! The Music of Cole Porter, will tour the Adirondacks, a long-time Seagle tradition of bringing exceptional music to communities throughout the park.

For emerging artists, Seagle Music Colony provides a fantastic opportunity for training, with audiences enjoying the talents of up and coming artists, artists we might someday see on Broadway or at the great opera houses of the world. The success of Seagle, which continues to grow and improve every year, promises to keep Adirondack audiences enthralled for many years to come.

The Schroon Lake region, known for its gorgeous scenery and a tradition of arts, features many great attractions, outdoor adventures, and towns to explore. We hope you'll join us this summer!

Discover Your Perfect Spring Getaway: Unique Lodging Options in the Adirondack Hub

As winter fades and the Adirondacks awaken with fresh greenery and crisp mountain air, spring becomes the perfect season for relaxation and rejuvenation. The Adirondack Hub offers a variety of distinctive lodging options where you can unwind, reconnect with nature, and experience the beauty of the region as it bursts into bloom. Whether you're planning a family vacation, a romantic escape, or a solo retreat, these seven lodging options provide the perfect basecamp for embracing the serenity and adventure of springtime in the Adirondacks.

Morningside Camps and Cottages

For those seeking a quintessential Adirondack experience, Morningside Camps and Cottages in Minerva is a delightful choice. Overlooking the tranquil Minerva Lake, this property features unique cabins that blend rustic charm with modern comforts. Guests can indulge in activities such as paddling through the glassy waters, birdwatching as nature reawakens, or simply enjoying a peaceful morning on the porch with a cup of coffee. The gentle warmth of spring and the return of vibrant wildlife make this a particularly special time to visit.

Blue Ridge Motel

Situated between Schroon Lake and North Hudson, the Blue Ridge Motel has been welcoming guests for over 69 years. This cozy, rustic lodging option offers a variety of rooms to accommodate different needs. Guests appreciate the Adirondack-style décor and the pet-friendly atmosphere, making it a comfortable home away from home. The on-site gift shop is the perfect spot to pick up a treasure or two to take home and remember your rejuvenating visit. Visit the nearby Paradox Brewery or the sparkling Blue Ridge Falls.

Lodge at Schroon Lake

The Lodge at Schroon Lake is a sprawling 36-acre resort situated on the west shore of Schroon Lake. With 116 rooms, including standalone cabins, chalets, and upscale glamping sites, this resort caters to diverse preferences. Guests can partake in various outdoor activities, family-friendly events, and enjoy delectable dining options on-site. Springtime brings longer, sunnier days, perfect for enjoying the peaceful waters of the lake, scenic drives through budding forests, and evenings spent under the clear Adirondack sky around the warmth of a fire. Nearby, explore Schroon Lake's picturesque Main Street and sample local flavors.

Rocky Acres Inn

For a more intimate experience, the Rocky Acres Inn B&B offers a cozy retreat in the heart of the Adirondacks. Guests can enjoy comfortable rooms, warm hospitality, and a hearty breakfast to start their day. Spring is an ideal time to visit, as the nearby rivers swell with snowmelt, making for excellent fishing, and the surrounding woodlands come alive with the sights and sounds of the new season. To get extra cozy, try one of Rocky Acres' sweet cabins, which pack a great Adirondack punch in a petite size.

Inn at Santanoni

Located near the historic Santanoni Preserve, the Inn at Santanoni offers guests a serene retreat steeped in history and charm. This cozy inn, available as a full house only, making it perfect for families looking to get away, provides comfortable rooms adorned with rustic décor, reflecting the rich heritage of the Adirondacks. Guests can enjoy easy access to the nearby hiking trails and wildlife viewing at the Adirondack Interpretive Center, as well as tours of the nearby Great Camp Santanoni. Spring is the perfect time to immerse yourself in the region's cultural and natural wonders, with crisp air and fewer crowds.

Maple Leaf Adirondack Lodge

Maple Leaf Adirondack Lodge in Schroon Lake offers a variety of accommodations, from cozy rooms to spacious cabins. Each lodging option combines rustic charm with modern conveniences, ensuring guests feel at home. Pet-friendly, this is a great, classic Adirondack motel to bring the family pooch along, too! The lodge's proximity to the village of Schroon Lake — it's just a few minutes down the road  allows for easy access to a number of activities, while nearby hiking trails offer opportunities for springtime exploration. Guests can breathe in the fresh mountain air, watch the forests come back to life, and enjoy the simple pleasures of a peaceful Adirondack retreat.

Rowe's Adirondack Cabins of Schroon Lake

Rowe's Adirondack Cabins provide guests with a traditional cabin experience amidst the beauty of Schroon Lake. Each cabin is equipped with essential amenities, offering a comfortable and rustic stay. The property's location allows guests to enjoy various outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and boating. Spring is a particularly wonderful time to visit, as the lake reflects the bright blue skies, and the forests echo with the sounds of returning songbirds.

Springtime in the Adirondack Hub

The Adirondack Hub region, encompassing the towns of Schroon Lake, Minerva, Newcomb, and North Hudson, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. Spring offers a unique charm—trails lined with fresh blooms, waterfalls flowing at their fullest, and wildlife stirring after the long winter. Whether you're hiking through rugged terrains, paddling on serene waters, or simply soaking in the natural beauty, the Adirondack Hub provides a perfect backdrop for renewal and relaxation.

When planning your visit to the Adirondack Hub, consider the unique lodging options available to enhance your experience. Each of these accommodations offers a distinctive ambiance, catering to various preferences and ensuring a memorable stay. Whether you're seeking a rustic cabin, a lakeside resort, or a cozy bed and breakfast, the Adirondack Hub has something for everyone.

 

 

 

If you love scenic biking loops through cute little towns, past mighty rivers, and into deep forest, Teddy's Trail is an 80 mile bike loop you must try.
Fall's crisp temperatures and colorful foliage add enjoyment to this loop.

This is a fine ride in any biking season. It offers low traffic, wide shoulders, plenty of places to take a break, roadside amenities, and stunning nature scenes with plenty of water.
The name commemorates the September, 1901 journey taken by Vice President Theodore Roosevelt. He was hiking on Mount Marcy when he was notified that the health of President McKinley, who had been shot two weeks earlier but was expected to survive, had suddenly taken a turn for the worse. Roosevelt made his way back in the middle of the night and used horse transportation to catch the train at North Creek, where he learned that McKinley had died.

Be on the lookout for wild asters this time of year. These were shot in Newcomb; the Hudson River can be seen beyond it.

Get the spirit

Just like Teddy Roosevelt, you should start in Newcomb. At the time of the worldshaking news, Roosevelt was visiting friends there. This president was well-known for his love of the great outdoors, and he would go on to establish the National Forest Service in 1905. He is considered an important Founding Father of the conservation and environmental movement.
In an amazing coincidence, I stopped by the lovely Hoot Owl Lodge and chatted with two ladies on a family getaway. They were happy to share what a wonderful time they were having at this B&B (seen below in the kitchen.) They are the great-great grandchildren of a man Teddy Roosevelt was visiting with at the time of his famous ride.

These ladies love Newcomb!
Another great reason to start in Newcomb is the road heading south. It gives you a fairly flat start that climbs as it nears Minerva, then drops in a steep downhill section through the Vanderwhacker Mountain Wild Forest. Almost 19 miles later you arrive at Mammy & Pop's General Store, which has a deli for sandwiches or hot food, treats, and cold beverages for a picnic down the road.

You will cross the Boreas River. This stretch has some wonderful, short hikes just off the road, as well as roadside scenery. Another 8 miles brings us to the town of North Creek.

Mighty Hudson River

The bridge over the Hudson River as we enter North Creek offers some spectacular views and photographic opportunities.

Reaching this section gives you a gradual climb of 504 feet. North Creek has a walkable downtown full of interesting shops and dining spots, making it a great place to explore and have lunch.
If it is a fall weekend, Gore Mountain Ski Resort will be running their scenic gondola ride. This is only a 3.1 mile side trip past some towering granite cliffs.

It makes for a lovely change of pace. There's dining at the different resort venues, too.

Upon leaving the area, you will be heading north, toward Indian Lake.

Moose country

Indian Lake is the home of a wonderful fall event, The Great Adirondack Moose Festival. Yes, it includes a moose calling contest. They might even answer!
This 17.4 mile North Creek to Indian Lake segment starts out flat, but soon becomes a steep climb of 1,253 feet.
This part of the route runs along the Hudson River, with constantly changing views of the mountains, boulders, and forest. These are the same views which enchanted painters and philosophers, who flocked here in the early years of Adirondack development.

Hudson River rafting is a three-season activity. Here, we see some rafters enjoying lots of turning fall foliage.

The 21.8 miles between Indian Lake and Long Lake Is the longest stretch between towns, with the most variation in terrain. You will gain 1,060 feet and lose 951 feet, but it is a series of climbs, a steep drop, a long flat stretch, and then another set of climbs and drops. The last 3 miles is mostly flat, following the shoreline of Long Lake.
Long Lake has services roadside, too, with dining and shopping right around the three-way stop. The Long Lake to Newcomb section has a series of climbs and dips, with an elevation of 489 feet, but the last section is a long and delightful coast into town.

On the way back to Newcomb you will cross Big Brook, which has wonderful wetlands and shorelines for photography.
It makes for a long and lovely day, or a leisurely tour with more stops. The speed doesn't matter when you ride this wonderful loop. It's gorgeous at any speed.

Wherever you may roam, you need a place to stay. Explore more of the dining. Remember, all of our bike routes make wonderful scenic drives, too.

When I step into rustic furniture maker Barry Gregson’s woodshop studio on the bottom floor of his house, I am immediately met with tree limbs packed tightly along the walls from floor to ceiling. I look up in awe to notice that even the ceiling serves as a storage space for tree parts that will be sanded and sculpted into perfection by the legendary Barry Gregson. I call him legendary because he is a legendary rustic furniture maker, one of the most prominent in the Adirondacks, but he would be too humble to describe himself as such. He would, however, sit with you for hours, telling stories of his modest beginnings as a child in the Adirondacks learning to harvest wood to carve into toys like owl-shaped kites and a boomerang with uncanny precision.

I had the opportunity to talk with Barry in the place he feels most at home, according to his partner Darlene. So I sat with Barry and his son Matt in their studio on Charley Hill in Schroon Lake where both father and son spend hours sanding all kinds of Adirondack trees into rungs and other parts for his famous rustic chairs and rockers.

In the studio

As I sit and discuss with Barry his trajectory into world-renowned fame as a rustic furniture maker, his son Matt sits on a stool sanding the branch of an apple tree into a chair rung. Barry and his son are most known for making wooden chairs and other furniture, but their talents also extend to stone masonry.

In fact, that’s how Barry got his start back in 1981. He was working on a stone fireplace when a friend asked him to build a set of chairs. Because Barry loves working with natural materials, he took the challenge. He describes his first chair as “rickety, terrible, not much to look at or much to sit in back then.” Since 1981, he has created well over 4,000 chairs and has provided furniture for such prominent places as the Lake Placid Lodge, Sticks and Stones Wood Fired Bistro and Bar, and even Disney World in Japan.

Barry hand crafts his furniture by following the grain of the wood, which is all salvaged by him and his sons in the surrounding Adirondack forest. His materials include branches, tree roots, saplings, and even dead bushes. He explains that the trees are best, their hardest, when they are dead.

The history of each tool that goes into making his iconic chairs and rockers is as deep and storied as the Adirondack forest. On average, a chair can take anywhere from 50 to 70 hours, depending how ornate a piece is. This means one chair usually takes three days to make, with 10-hour days of labor that is. His main tool is his shaving horse that dates back 500 years, when in Europe it was used to make long bows. He explains, “I sit here for eight hours a day sometimes. [Using] a Cooper straw knife that I sanded blunt so I don’t cut my finger. It’s sharp enough to cut through the bark.”

Barry’s other favorite and trusty tool is a 100-year old Erik Anton Berg chisel from Sweden. Every chair he makes sees this chisel. The tool is dense and perfectly constructed to be gripped. Barry glows when he pulls the chisel down from his tool wall to show me the logo and signature shark embossed on the tool’s smooth steel surface. His chisel and shaver may be old, but they are indispensable to his craftsmanship.

Barry’s process of making chairs doesn’t begin in his studio, though. It begins with the Adirondackers who once used the land to plant the trees and bushes he now forages. All of Barry’s materials come from the Adirondack woods. He looks for the abandoned apple orchards and homesteads no longer in use. He and his family will spend 3-4 weeks out of the year, usually around Thanksgiving, collecting wood in these places, among others. In total, they walk a few hundred miles collecting “bent uprights” and other parts. He also offers to pay tree farms for their unwanted saplings.

Barry has an intimate and expansive knowledge of the different wood he works with. He loves apple wood because “it’s one of the prettiest.” He tells me, “I harvest apple wood a year ahead of time and we put it out in the forest and let the rain hit it in the fall, then we let the snow sit on it and melt on it when the bark starts to decay it gives [the wood] an incredible color.”

Barry peels a layer of bark on an apple branch, letting me touch the smooth, rust colored layer of cambium now exposed. He will use the apple wood for a chair’s rungs or sacrum.

He collects most of his wood two years in advance because it needs to be bone dry before he can use it. Some of the wood in his studio has been there for up to ten years. Barry is indiscriminate when it comes to his love of all the varieties of wood found in the forest. He loves cherry “because it gets so nice and dark when the light hits it.” He also loves curly maple and bird’s eye. The most unique, though, he explains is “dead, twisted lilac because it’s as hard as rosewood, with a lot of character to it.”  The dead bushes that have been lying in the dirt for 20-30 years get rock hard so they’re interesting to him and very time intensive to work with. A chandelier made of dead lilac hangs magnificently in his dining room.

From the beginning

Behind every artist is a dreamer at heart, and in the Adirondacks there is no shortage of inspiration to kickstart dreams. Barry grew up in a family that used the world around them to make things. Born in Chestertown, just outside of Schroon Lake, he traveled much of his childhood throughout New York, attending six different schools, because his father designed Boy Scout camps. Around 1958-59, Barry remembers that when he was seven years old, his father used a bandsaw to make him a bow. I can hear a child’s enthusiasm in his voice as he tells me this story. From that moment on after his father gave him that gift, Barry used the woods around him to make things. Being just a child, he naturally started with toys.

He made a boomerang out of bent wood and then came boats with sails. He tells me with genuine glee that he lived like a rich kid making all these toys. He made kites out of reeds and thread that were so light it took just a puff of wind to fly them. He is still excited by how light his kites were. He designed them to look like owls so they looked like birds flying.

Barry jokingly looks to his son Matthew and says, “I want to make an airplane out of light birch bark and reeds that can fly, but Matt says I am wasting my time.”

Matt replies, “I think you could do better with guitars, electric guitars. It’ll make more money.”

Barry, mesmerized by the vision of a wooden, flying airplane responds, “I do love good sounding guitars, I’ve done some inlay with abalone I found on the beach on the west coast.”

I too can’t move past his vision of the airplane. Now I am mesmerized and tell him that I hope to see that one day.

He explains to me his plan to build this airplane by using birch bark, a little cork, and some feathers in its propellers. The airplane would be so light weight it could spin forever with rubber bands. It’s obvious that this dream, with such clear vision for execution, has been building for a while.

He first got into airplanes because his relatives lived in Seattle, where his mother is from. His family on that side worked for Boeing and in the 60s he went there for the Seattle World’s Fair.  Before then, all he had to fly is what he describes as “these little 10 cent balsam planes and I was quite delighted.” However, in Seattle he saw that his cousins were making toy planes with dyhydro air foil. These planes were flying a quarter of a mile. Meanwhile, their dad was designing wind tunnels for Boeing before the company adopted computer automation.

Matt interrupts our reverie, reminding us, “But it won’t pay the bills like the guitars will.”

Barry laughs and responds, “But I believe it can be done. I think with the childhood I had in the Adirondacks, playing in the woods, I think I’m doing what I am supposed to be doing and I still get a kick out of it, still really love making chairs, when I find a good upright I’m like oh man look at that beauty.”

Barry is largely self taught and has immersed himself in formal techniques by reading a ton and learning from other masters. He describes his art as always evolving and himself as always learning. He also has two patents for his chairs. I am most certain Barry is a generous teacher to those who arrived on the scene after him.

Rustic Furniture Fair

Barry Gregson is part of an artistic movement that has grown to include over 300 rustic furniture makers in the Adirondacks alone. Each designer is different, using the unique materials around them as Barry does. Craig Gilborn, friend of Barry’s and author of Adirondack Furniture and the Rustic Tradition, founded the first Rustic Furniture Fair that has evolved into one of the best of its kind in the world. You can check out Barry’s work and his contemporaries at this annual fair hosted in Blue Mountain Lake.

And of course, Barry’s work is rightfully immortalized in the permanent collection at Adirondack Experience, The Museum on Blue Mountain Lake.

Fortunately, his chairs are built to last. He predicts that they should be around for at least 200 years to sit on. You can find Barry’s immaculate 20 foot dining table at Camp Old School in Paul Smiths and one of his “best, most fancy” rooties (a chair made from a lot of tree roots) with a set of bar stools in the pub at the Lake Placid Lodge.

Stop in any store with rustic furniture and Adirondacks crafts or talk to any artisan in the area, they’ll smile at the drop of Barry Gregson’s name. At Pine Cone Mercantile right on Main Street in Schroon Lake, I overheard, “Oh, yeah, Barry, he’s a legend.”

You can also check out the stone retaining wall right downtown where the summer square dances are held. This too was created by Barry.

As I leave Barry’s studio, I peer out the window to see two stoic mountain peaks that feel within arm’s reach. I understand why Barry sees the Adirondacks as a giant untamed workshop, as a place where the natural world around you is not just a thing of beauty to be gawked at, but a space full of raw material to be shaped into elegant chairs and toys that can fly.

I say thank you to Barry for generously sharing his time and studio with me. I can’t resist mentioning how incredibly humbled I am by his talent and his ability to turn the materials around him into such works of art, such things of beauty. He shrugs and says, “Well that’s my craft, everyone’s got a craft. Look at you, you write. I think that’s impressive.”

Barry’s humbleness is a testament to the best in the Adirondacks. It’s why so many travelers keep coming back. There’s so much history, so much nature, and so much talent in the country’s largest state-protected park. Tucked within these six million acres, there are living legends among us.

You can check out Barry's work year-round in Schroon Lake. Start planning your trip today. There's plenty to do here! Choose your ideal lodging and your ideal adventure. 

A great motivator to get kids to enjoy hiking is to present a destination. While the view from a mountain peak is a great motivator, it might be too much for younger children. But getting to a pond or a river works just as well.
These hikes have other advantages for tiny feet. They have minimal elevation change, possibly smoother trails, and are short enough to let us reach the goal before a child loses interest.
Here are some top picks to try.

Super easy

Take the Hewitt Eddy Trail for a scenic, 2.4 mile round trip.
For smaller children, there's a much shorter and smoother option for reaching the riverbank. As seen below, the regular trail can be muddy and rocky (left) while the alternate trail (right) has only a few challenging stretches as it drops to river level.

To reach this super-easy option, cross the road across from the trailhead sign. This is a short seasonal road leading to some primitive camping sites. Walk down this road until we come to a pretty little meadow on the left. A simple stump marks the start of this side trail.

Following this trail down the riverbank leads to a fine view of the Boreas River. If we have a tiny hiker, this walk up the road, exploring the meadow, and getting down to the riverbank might be enough of an outing to both wear them out and keep their interest.

However, this might ramp up some enthusiasm for "more more!" If so, you can more confidently take them on the Hewitt Eddy Trail, and you don't even have to get to the end, as much of the trail follows the riverbank here, too.

Another delightful short hike, just a bit south, is Rankin Pond. This trail has a lot of lovely variations along its length and a photogenic pond at the end.

Fast trip to falls

Just a few miles from North Hudson, along the very scenic Blue Ridge Road, is the Blue Ridge Falls set of little trails. There's a small parking area.
The first glimpse of the river and the falls appears within minutes.

The trails wind along the river, some closer, some more in the forest, but while the ones near the rocky shore can be lumpy with tree roots and rocks, some of the forest trails are broad and lovely.

Most of the trails have the music of the roaring falls nearby to make a delightful sensory feast. Most of the trails are cushioned by fallen pine needles.
Be careful near the river; it is moving at a fast rate and there's a lot of mass in that much water.

The sun and shadows offer a lot of contrast, and parts of the river are dark with overhanging trees.

Have a break, a snack, and a browse at the nearby Adirondack Buffalo Company. Yes, real buffalo.

Road to adventure

I really like the Cheney Pond Trail, which is near the middle of Blue Ridge Road. This is another easy trail because it used to be an access road, so even though it is only a mile round trip, it's an even faster mile than it would be along a typical Adirondack hiking path.

While this makes for easy, sunny, walking, do not try to drive down what remains, even with a rugged vehicle and high clearance. There's a caved-in culvert and some big rocks that will probably make you regret the decision. And...there's no place to turn around.

For walking, it's excellent. There's a gradual descent, lots of wildflowers because there's plenty of sun in the center, and varied forest compositions to observe along the way.
There's a stretch at the end where we can start glimpsing Cheney Pond. There's also a fantastic picnic spot when we are almost at the shore, so pack some sandwiches and cookies for fine waterfront dining with a view.

Cheney Pond itself is very scenic, with a distant mountain range, varied shoreline, and some big, very rugged, rocks scattered along the entire shoreline.

If everyone is ready for more, the Tahawus mines are only 5 miles away, near the intersection of Blue Ridge Road and Route 28N, reached along Route 25. The mines themselves are closed, but the old works makes for some fascinating, level, walking.
Choose a fun place to stay. Tame that appetite with our dining choices. Explore more of our fine hiking.

Minerva is a little-known town in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains near Gore Mountain and is a nature lovers' paradise. The town is named after Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom, and after reading this blog, you will feel wise that you know about this hidden gem. The Hudson River forms the southwesterly boundary of the town, with 15 miles of its course forming the town boundary. About 15 miles of the Boreas River is also within the town. These 30 miles of pristine river are surrounded by state land, which makes up 64.5% of all the land in the town. With so much state land available, it's no surprise that Minerva has some fabulous hiking opportunities. 

1. Blue Ledges

Distance: 5 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 597 feet
How to get there: From the intersection of Route 9 and Hoffman Road in Schroon Lake, follow Hoffman Road (CR24). Continue on CR24, which eventually turns into Irishtown Road. Take a right onto O’Neill Road, just over 11 miles from Route 9, and a left onto Longs Hill Road (CR24A). This will bring you to Route 28N in Minerva in roughly 2 miles. Take a right onto Route 28N for 2.5 miles to Northwoods Club Road on the left. Follow Northwoods Club Road for 6.5 miles to the Blue Ridge Trailhead parking on the right. 

This hike leads to a horseshoe bend on the Hudson River with towering views of Blue Ledges, iconic cliffs that rise 200 feet overhead. During the rafting season, Blue Ledges is a mid-day stop (usually between 11-2) for many of the area's whitewater rafting companies that operate on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. The scene is very energetic. You can see rafts in every color go down the river, which look like a bunch of Skittles. If you want a more tranquil hike, avoid Blue Ledges on those days or avoid a mid-day arrival to the Hudson River. 

2. Moxham Mountain

Distance: 5.5 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 1152 feet
How to get there: Take NY 28N out of North Creek toward Minerva. That major rock mountain on your left as you're driving along NY 28N is Moxham Mountain. In Minerva, turn left on 14th Road. Follow 14th Road to the end of the pavement and another 0.2 miles along the dirt road to the small parking area on the left or right. The trail starts from the parking area on the left. 

This hike ebbs and flows from rocky and rooty terrain to short climbs and descents, so the trail is engaging but not daunting. After the first half mile, you will reach the first of a dozen overlooks that become more frequent from here. These rock ledges make perfect stops along the way. The last lookout point before the summit has amazing views of the wetlands and ponds of the Siamese Ponds Wilderness and Gore Mountain. The final climb to the summit is a steep quarter of a mile, but the view of the Hudson River is worth it. In addition to the beautiful view, look for the geological survey marker embedded in the summit. If you look closely, you will notice the mountain is labeled as "Maxam" instead of Moxham.

3. Vanderwhacker Mountain

Distance: 5 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 1686 feet
How to get there: From North Creek, take NY 28N West for 16 miles.  Immediately after the highway crosses the Boreas River, there is an unmarked gravel road on the left.  Take this road for 2.6 miles to the point where it splits.  The dirt access road to the trailhead is rough in spots, so it is best driven with a high-clearance vehicle (like a pickup truck) or slowly with a low-lying car. Alternatively, park off NY 28N at the pull-off on the right just before the bridge. This adds 2.6 miles to the trailhead. 

The trail is marked with red disks and begins with a gradual elevation change as you cross small creeks and pass around wetlands. At around 1.5 miles from the trailhead, old fire observers' cabins come into view. From here, the trail increases in difficulty and requires a steady climb of 1,200 feet throughout 1.3 miles. After that, the elevation is more moderate as you approach the fire tower. Once at the top, climb the stairs to the top of the fire tower and take in the striking panoramic views. 

After your hike, don't miss out on the opportunity to go for a swim or have a picnic at Donnelly Beach. Quench your thirst with the locals at Sporty’s Iron Duke Saloon, a classic biker bar, or grab a snack at Sullivan’s Store in Olmstedville.  

Love Your ADK

The Adirondacks are a special place with millions of acres of pristine forests. It is up to us to keep it that way. Please help protect the Adirondacks and be prepared when you hike by following Leave-No-Trace ethics consider taking the Love Your Adirondacks Pledge to help ensure that the forests, waterways, and local communities remain beautiful and unique for generations to come.

Leave-No-Trace Principles

1) Plan and prepare
2) Stay on hiking trails and camp at designated areas
3) Dispose of human waste and trash properly (pack it in, pack it out)
4) Leave what you find
5) Minimize campfires
6) Respect wildlife
7) Respect other hikers and manage your pet