Sticking close to the road

While birding is often done by exploring trails and waterways by foot, boat, and at this time of year, skis and snowshoes, good birding can also be found directly along our winding mountain roads, requiring little effort to leave them. That can be helpful to folks who may not want to expend a lot of energy by hiking far, or for those of us who always seem to find ourselves in a pinch for time.

Such sites are also particularly nice during winter, when access to some of our birding hikes and paddles is difficult to come by thanks to the piles of snow which have been building up for the past few months. Those sites will eventually become more readily available when the snow melts, but in the meantime here are a few places worth checking out that do not require a long trek from the road.

The Adirondack Interpretive Center in Newcomb

The Newcomb AIC is well-known for its 3.6 mile trail system, which winds through mixed deciduous forests as it skirts Sucker Brook, Rich Lake, and Belden Lake. During spring and summer the trails and woods boast a long list of birds including American Redstarts, Northern Parulas, Veeries, Swainson’s Thrushes, and Blue-headed Vireos, as well as Bald Eagles, Ospreys, and Common Loons on the lakes.

Not only does the AIC offer a great diversity of species, but it does so within easy walking distance of the center, or without walking at all. Many species can be found along the short entrance road or from the building itself. That is advantageous during winter if you don’t want to don the necessary snowshoes to explore the trails. And while the diversity of species is much lower during winter as we wait for most of the above species to return to the Adirondacks, the center’s bird feeders are usually busy with the likes of Black-capped Chickadees and Red-breasted Nuthatches, among others.

In addition, the feeders sometimes attract sought-after species like Evening Grosbeaks and Common Redpolls during the cold months, making the AIC an excellent stop on a trip through Newcomb. Birders should know that the building is only open during winter on weekends from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. — during which time they can lounge inside with hot cocoa and watch the birds from the windows. But they can visit to explore the trails at any time and an evening stop along the road may be greeted by a calling Barred or Great Horned Owl.

The Route 28N corridor through Minerva

Route 28N in the town of Minerva passes through some splendid boreal forest habitat as it cuts through Vanderwhacker Mountain Wild Forest. While birders need to be mindful of cars moving along the road at a fast clip, a series of trailheads and pull-offs allow birders space to pull off the road and investigate the forest. The key at any time of year, particularly winter, is to make sure you are far enough off the road.

Since many of the pull-offs are trailheads or roads, interested birders can wander far on 28N as they explore. And so birders can stick to the road or they can bring along their skis or snowshoes to adventure farther afield if conditions allow them to do so. During the warm months the trails and woods are full of warblers, vireos, and many other birds. During the winter that list is pared down considerably but the boreal nature of the forest offers the likes of Black-backed Woodpeckers and Boreal Chickadees year-round. Both Red and White-winged Crossbills can also be found, particularly Red, depending on available food as well. As a result, birders should have their ears open for the flight calls of crossbills overhead.

Specifically, birders can explore places like the Roosevelt Truck Trail (reached on a small road 3.7 miles south of Blue Ridge Road or 1.6 miles north of where the Boreas River crosses beneath Route 28N), a 2.5-mile trail that leads through beautiful boreal woods for Black-backed Woodpecker, Canada (Gray) Jay, and Boreal Chickadee. Birders can also stop at the bridge over the Boreas River, where Moose Pond Way enters from the west. This presents excellent birding during the warm months when access to the road is easier. The river also marks the trailheads (there are two) for Hewitt Eddy (5.3 miles from Blue Ridge Road and another 0.8 mile further south), both of which allow for a short, easy hike off of 28N.

Route 28N continues on, passing trailheads for places likes Hewitt Pond, Rankin Pond, and Stony Pond before reaching Northwoods Club Road on the way to Minerva. And each trailhead offers the chance to explore Vanderwhacker Mountain Wild Forest on foot or skis, or to simply stop and bird from your car along the road. It’s your choice.

Schroon Lake

While many birders — including me — prefer to head out into the woods in search of their feathered quarry, we would be remiss if we didn’t pay attention when we are in our small Adirondack towns where many species of interest can be found.

Schroon Lake is one such example. While the Schroon Lake Town Park is well known for the Fish Crows it attracts during the warm months, the trees and park may also draw in migrant songbirds come spring just as the lake itself hosts migrating ducks before it ices up in the autumn. Keeping with our theme, much of this can be covered from the roadside or a short walk across the lawns of the park to view the lake from near the beach.

During winter our towns are often some of the best places to bird thanks in large part to the food we provide for birds. For instance, Common Redpolls have moved south this year and their numbers have recently been building. The same is true of Evening Grosbeaks. So anyone passing through a town like Schroon Lake should pay attention to bird feeders as they drive.

In addition, ornamental fruit trees in parks and gardens often attract other winter specialties — Bohemian Waxwings and Pine Grosbeaks — and both species have also traveled south this winter in search of food. Birders should check out Schroon Lake and any other nearby towns for fruit-laden trees, monitoring them for such colorful inhabitants. After all, these northern visitors move around regularly from food source to food source meaning vigilance is key in tracking them down.

With winter birding here and spring birding soon to come birders should plan their outdoor adventure today by checking out our lodging and dining pages!

I know, you’re puzzled. What is this Adirondack Hub thing? It’s not a restaurant. It’s not a car repair shop, though that would be a fun use of a pun. So what is it? It’s basecamp. It’s your gateway to fun, to epic wilderness, unique access to the High Peaks, and beautiful, friendly small towns that get you away from the hustle and bustle of your normal life. That’s a lot, right? That's just the tip of the giant glacier that created the Adirondacks in the first place. Keep going for the sights and sounds of highlights from the Adirondack Hub.

The Hub is quaint towns

The Hub is not just one place. It's a collection of small towns that are rich in Adirondack history, abundant with outdoor recreational activities, unique shops, and locally-owned and operated restaurants, bars, and bakeries. Each town is different and has something special to offer.

Schroon Lake has a large lake full of boating opportunities and a family-friendly beach close to a historic and quaint downtown. Summer bustles with activities for the whole family.

Minerva celebrates its history and the role the Adirondacks play in that history through the Minerva Historical Society, which highlights the Adirondack art of the painter Winslow Homer. The campground by the town beach is a perfectly pine-scented paradise, too!

Newcomb is home to the preserved Great Camp Santanoni, accessible by foot, bike, or horse-drawn wagon, as well as the Adirondack Interpretive Center, which celebrates natural history and features a great, mostly easy-to-moderate loop trail system.

In North Hudson, proximity to the High Peaks, combined with the cool brews at Paradox Brewery and the campground at Frontier Town make for a rich, rustic getaway.

The Hub is High Peaks

Whether you're in the area for a walk in the woods, a moderate day hike, or an epic High Peak adventure, the Hub is all about great trails. From here, you'll find the Southern Access to the famous High Peaks, including Dix Mountain, Grace, Santanoni, and Panther peaks, and the highest of all, Mount Marcy. There are so many trails in the area you could visit year after year and never repeat a hike. With so much wilderness around the towns you can base your adventures from, you won't find crowds. Instead, you'll find fresh air, clean woods and trails, and endless views.

The Hub is lakes, lakes, forests, rivers, and more lakes

Want to explore expanses of wilderness that reach as far as the eye can see, and then some? It's here. The Adirondack Hub is full of beautiful, serene, and inspiring wilderness areas that are perfect for a weeklong backcountry campout or an afternoon paddle. The Pharaoh Lake Wilderness encompasses more than 46,000 acres of lakes, ponds, and forest and features more than 70 miles of hiking trails. The trails are also great for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter, too.

Paddlers of all speeds — and all kinds of crafts — are drawn to the waters of the Hub, from the wild wonders of the Hudson River and the high-energy fun of Schroon Lake, to the tranquil beauty of the Opalescent River. No gear? No problem! Hire a guide, join a rafting outfitter for a guided float, or rent gear for a family paddle. Exploring the Hub by water is a wonderful way to see the Adirondacks from a very special perspective and with the chance of seeing and hearing wild birds and mammals, you're bound to fall in love.

The Hub is your new Adirondack basecamp

With so much to do, inns and campgrounds to settle in at, and restaurants to whet your appetite, the Adirondack Hub is a beautiful region perfect for immersing yourself in natural beauty and classic Adirondack hospitality. It's the ideal basecamp for adventure, exploration, and fresh air fun.

Valentine's Day is mid-week in 2018, which means there's still time for you to plan for that romantic weekend getaway!

Which should include treats, right? Sweets to the sweet. While I would love to enact a real Valentine's Day, my husband is not free today, so I am bringing my brother. We do care about each other, even though an outside observer wouldn't be likely to mistake us for a couple. Unless they were named The Bickersons.

Here's a guide to some of the area's finest goodies.

Fresh-baked breakfast

If you are planning a fun winter outing, you might want to stop by the edge of town for Deau's Mt Severance Country Store for coffee and a breakfast treat. They had four fresh choices this morning, baked on the premises. Pair it up with their many different flavors of coffee. There's sure to be a combination that will hit the spot.

Heading out for a snowshoe trek? Be sure to get some sandwiches to pack along from their fine deli, and don't forget to bring water.

Adirondack General Store is a great place to go when you want to take your time over breakfast. This was our first trip to this famous spot on the other side of the lake, but it will certainly not be our last. It has a little bit of everything for your Adirondack needs, and a deli, country store, and restaurant for breakfast and lunch.

I found my Western omelette, red-skinned home fries, and gluten-free bagel with the raspberry jam absolutely delicious. The coffee was so wonderful we both drank more than we had planned. But we regret nothing.

Troy had the Adirondack breakfast with chocolate chip pancakes and local bacon from Oscar's Smokehouse. He's picky, but for the whole rest of the day he would stare off into the distance and say things like, "I could have had banana AND chocolate chip pancakes. The bacon was great, but now I'm wondering if sausage would have been better. Wasn't that coffee something else?"

This is also a reliable place for goodies. As seen above, a small sampling of their past offerings, an ever-changing selection of Morning Glory muffins, lemon meringue and apple custard pies, pumpkin and peach-berry pies, and apple cider donuts. If this is going to be important to your Valentine plans, get in touch and see what will be around the time you wish to come.

It's different all the time, but I can feel confident it will be good.

My brother? Still talking about that breakfast.

Midday Marvels

A fine loaf is certainly a treat, but North Woods Bread Company makes more than bread at their location in the Pine Cone Mercantile. When stopping by for some of their fine coffee, there also the opportunity to assemble a gift basket.

There's chocolate.

There are muffins and cookies, like these exquisite lemon shortbread sandwich cookies.

And all sorts of beautiful, decorative, items for your sweetheart, including nature-themed cards.

Pitkin's Restaurant is another dessert destination, with excellent coffee, too. Seen below, their famous Peanut Butter Pie.

Troy declared himself ready to marry it. "This is someone who understands the perfect peanut butter pie!"
If that's not enough, there are different desserts up on the board on any given day, from cheesecakes to rice pudding, all homemade.

Festive evening

Sticks and Stones Bistro & Bar takes Valentine's Day seriously. Seen below from previous year's celebrations, there are heart-shaped pizzas, red velvet martinis, and decadent chocolate chip sandwich cookies.

My heart feels warmer already.

What jumped out at me on the special dessert menu was the lava cake. When our server suggested ice cream, we quickly agreed, since we were sharing.
And then, it came with caramel and chocolate sauce.

Highly recommended.

Flanagan's Pub & Grill has a different dessert menu all the time, with one to three choices depending on "what chef feels like making that day." As seen in these pictures from previous Flanagan's festivities, chef has a very creative streak, and a generous nature.

The day I asked it was chocolate cake and a blueberry-lemon mascarpone cake, which has a creamy filling between the cream cake layers. But we managed to not sit down and have some, since Troy has no restraint and there was the very real possibility someone would explode.

But we were tempted.

So don't worry about Valentine's Day if you come here. Our many choices will have you covered.

Choose some romantic lodging. Explore all of our dining. Choose a favorite activity.

 

By Kathryn Behuniak

My husband is always anxious to get out onto the water and paddle. For the last several years, I was focused on completing my quest to hike all 46 of the Adirondacks’ High Peaks. Now that I’ve met that goal, I’m ready to row! I’m not a complete newbie to paddling. We’ve owned recreational kayaks for over a decade. We’ve paddled many different ponds and areas in the Central Adirondacks, and generally prefer “the pond less traveled." In other words, the more remote, the better. Our latest adventure met that criteria nicely.

Open For Business

Within the last two years, sections of the Park that were previously inaccessible to the general public have opened up through the cooperative effort of the State of New York and the Nature Conservancy. Among those are the Essex Chain of Lakes and a section of the Hudson River from Newcomb to Indian Lake. On Father’s Day weekend the weather was absolutely perfect for paddling. It was absolutely perfect for just about anything in the Adirondacks, but since it was Father’s Day weekend, The Hubby got to pick the adventure! He wanted to explore a section of the Hudson River called Blackwell Stillwater.

In order to get back to the remote put-in, we had to drive about five miles or so from Route 28N on the Goodnow Flow Road. Near the end of this road, we turned left. If you turn right onto Woody’s Road, you follow the Flow around to the parking area for the Essex Chain. We’ll explore that on another perfect day. Today we went left and just past the dam, there’s a dirt road on the left. The road’s in pretty decent condition and we drove it until we saw a small parking area on the left – and an outhouse on the right. We parked here, unloaded our double kayak and began the trek to the put-in. It’s about a third of a mile from the sign-in kiosk, which is just beyond the parking area, down a dirt road to the river. It’s mostly downhill, but we were still wishing we had the little carrier with wheels for the boat!

It took us about 15 minutes, with a few rest breaks, to get to the sign for the Hudson. The “downriver” put-in is to the right. Before we committed to that, I walked down an overgrown, grassy trail to the left to see about putting in “upriver” of the bridge. We were thinking of heading toward the Goodnow River first, and then paddling downstream. There didn’t appear to be enough clearing to launch our boat, so we opted for the downriver spot. But first we walked onto the bridge. The sturdy iron bridge is for members of the Polaris Club to access their camps which are on the far side. Unfortunately for the owners of the hunting camps, their leases expire in 2018 due to the State’s acquisition of the land. Until then, they have exclusive use of the land over the bridge and we respected their rights.

We spent few minutes soaking in the tranquility of the scene before getting our life jackets on and putting our oars in the water. The put-in was a short hop through the woods from the dirt road and in no time we were off. My concern when we decided to check out this section of the river was that we would have to work hard paddling upstream on the way back. That wasn’t really an issue. This section of the Hudson isn’t named “Stillwater” for nothing. The River is so wide at this stretch that the current is very dispersed. As a result, we didn’t have great difficulty on the return trip, but we also didn’t enjoy a “free ride” when going with the current! It was a nice, leisurely paddle.

A Peaceful Paddle

Initially we passed several hunting camps on the left as we headed downriver, but before long they were out of sight and we were truly alone. We marveled at the fact that there were no clearings along the banks and imagined what it was like for the first settlers who traveled by water with nowhere to pull off for the night. The only paths we saw were those that appeared to be made by some beavers, otters or other critters making their way through the woods to the water.

After about an hour, we heard the sound of rapids. I was anxious that we didn't inadvertently end up heading for Indian Lake and was ready to turn around. The Hubby wanted to explore the area “just a little closer” to the rapids, and I reluctantly agreed. We were in a double kayak – I didn’t have much choice! Fortunately, there are decent-sized boulders to the left of the rapids which helped insure we were not hurtling towards certain death through the terrifying rapids. Yes, I may be prone to a little exaggeration, but the barrier rocks did go a long way to calming my fear that we would somehow end up in this small section of rapids.

Once The Hubby’s curiosity was sated, we turned to paddle back upriver. We crossed toward the opposite bank where there was a small area out of the flow of the river and just sat listening to the birds and for any signs of other wildlife. We grabbed a snack and began paddling. Staring us right in the face was a spectacular view of several High Peaks. Our view appeared to be the McIntyre Range (Marshall, Iroquois and Algonquin - if my identification was correct. The current was not overwhelming and we enjoyed the mountainous vista as we slowly made our way back toward the bridge. For the first time since we put our boat in the water, about two hours earlier, we actually saw other people. Two guys passed us heading downstream. They had the types of kayaks that are made for shooting the rapids and judging from the GoPro camera affixed to the front of the trailing kayak, that was their plan.

Our trip was not as adventurous, but I’m certain we enjoyed our paddle just as much. As we approached the iron bridge we could see several people fishing and one or two soaking up the sun on the large rocks on the camp side. We talked about trying our luck and paddling through the rapids under the bridge to head upstream toward the Goodnow River, but that conversation ended when we realized if we were unsuccessful, at least half a dozen people would witness us capsizing. The Goodnow could wait until another day… and maybe we would start the trip by putting in on the north side of the bridge. That way we could explore the Goodnow first and then, if we were feeling daring, paddle through the rapids under the bridge and ultimately take out on the downriver side of the bridge.

We were tired but not exhausted after about 2.5 hours of paddling and floating. There were still no other cars in the lot, so the two adventure kayakers must have begun their trip at the Lake Harris boat launch in Newcomb. That would have guaranteed them a few sets of rapids before we passed them further along in their trip.

Take advantage of this paddling opportunity now. Once the word gets out about this pristine area of the Hudson, it’s possible you won’t enjoy the same solitude we did. A stop for lunch at the High Peaks Kitchen and Campground on Route 28N in Newcomb rounded out a wonderful afternoon in the Adirondacks.

If you frequently follow our Schroon Lake region blogs, you may have read my Schroon Lake Summer Bucket List, where I confessed having never been to Schroon Lake. Last week I was lucky enough to spend an afternoon in the wonderfully quaint town of Schroon, and I challenge you to do the same!

Shopping

A friend told me I had to visit Pine Cone Mercantile, so it was my first stop when I got to town. The store was wonderfully and sophisticatedly decorated with an Adirondack flare, modern and chic home furnishings, and handcrafted goods. It was easy to lose track of time as I shopped. The store is run by Lisa Marks, who greets her customers with arms wide open and makes it feel like you're entering her living room rather than her store. In the back of the shop, Lisa’s husband is hard at work running North Woods Bread Co. Fresh breads are baked daily, and a selection of delectable baked goods (gluten free options too!) sits on the counter. The shop also has a new addition where they sell local farm fresh vegetables, meats, and cheeses.

Lunch

Next I stopped at Pitkins for lunch. The bustling diner-like atmosphere gave off a perfect small town feel. I ordered an egg salad sandwich with a side of homemade coleslaw and enjoyed an afternoon lunch to myself, something I seldom do. I left pleasantly full, and recommend you to stop in too!

Lake time

Before heading home, I stopped by the Schroon Lake Marina to rent a kayak and spend some time on the lake. The sky was overcast and winds made for a challenging paddle and a rocky boat. It was so fun to spend some time on the water and see a wilder version of Schroon Lake. After some time, the sun came out and the lake seemed to both settle and come alive. Turtles were sunbathing on rocks and beautifully colored birds were flying all around. I took some time to just float and enjoy the sun.

My takeaway? Time spent in Schroon Lake is a must if you are planning a trip to the Adirondacks. Time didn't allow me to fully complete my bucket list, so I'll be back. The small town feel coupled with chic shops and stunning views is the perfect basecamp for your next Adirondack getaway. The summer season is starting to pick up in the Adirondacks, and now is the perfect time to book your Schroon Lake stay.

 

This is my favorite time of year, (if you don’t count summer).

Seriously, one might find it odd, but I actually enjoy what some here call “stick season,” that stretch of leafless, snowless time that exists between the brilliant reds and oranges of fall foliage and the exhilarating snow-covered white of winter.

It’s a break of an unpredictable amount of time during which one can hike or trail run without the typical summer hiking traffic, any insects, or those pesky leaves mucking up your view.

We have been the recipients of extended warm weather in the Adirondacks this fall, and though I’m sure it will soon come to an end (there was some accumulated snow just days ago in the mountains), I’ve certainly enjoyed the extra snowless trail time.

One of my favorite regions to hike is in, and around, Schroon Lake. I love the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness, with its varied terrain. I had decided to go to one of the Crane Pond trailheads for a short hike the other day, but before I left my yard, a shot rang out.

The Shot Heard Round My Yard

The shot was from property adjacent to ours, a tract of land that is leased each fall by a hunting club. It is deer hunting season in our region, and it truly isn’t unusual to hear a gunshot -- sometimes it is merely target shooting.

However, it reminded me that I should don my bright, high-visibility colored jacket and hat, just to be safe. Like cyclists and cars share the road in summer, hikers and hunters must share the woods in fall and winter. And I again perused the website to select a more popular area, as hunters would likely steer clear of a higher trafficked hiking trail.

That was when I ran across the listing for the Adirondack Interpretive Center (AIC) in Newcomb. I hadn’t been there in years! The Center, as I remembered, had a network of trails with interpretive signs, and as a bonus, is one of the places in which there is no hunting allowed.

So I decided to head to the AIC for my hike.

Season Mixing

Where I live on Lake Champlain is at about 100 feet above sea level in elevation, and Newcomb is 1,946, according to the Internet. It was about 50 degrees out when I left the Lake Champlain Region. So, in a bold season-mixing move, I decided to get to Newcomb via my motorcycle, and to bring my microspikes with me in case the trails were at all icy.

Microspikes are a stick season (not to mention winter) hiking must. Temperatures at this time of year can fluctuate and differ dramatically as one goes up in elevation. Having traction for your boots can make an otherwise dangerously slippery icy trail like… well, like a walk in the park.

The ride west along the Blue Ridge Road between North Hudson and Newcomb is one of the most beautiful scenic rides in the region. I admit that the temperatures did decrease as I got closer to Newcomb, but I was sufficiently bundled up in layers (that included my high-visibility jacket) for the trip. When I arrived in Newcomb, I continued through town on 28N, and finally saw the sign for the AIC on the right. I parked alongside two other cars in the parking lot, and as I took off my outer layers, guessed that it was closer to the mid-40s Fahrenheit there.

I headed into the Center building, which is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Lucky for me, it was Thursday at about 2 p.m., so I had time to explore. Upon entering the building I was immediately greeted by Kristin, the assistant program manager at the Center.

The AIC main building’s full name is the Center for Nature Interpretation in the Adirondacks, and the whole AIC is managed by the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF). Inside the Center, there is a room set up for lectures and meetings; they host a number of learning opportunities for groups, and welcome a number of school groups this time of year.

There are several interpretive displays, and a lobby with views of the forest and bird feeders outside the windows and a chalkboard with the names of the current types of birds one might see. (Right now, common raven, black-capped chickadee, red-breasted nuthatch, downy woodpecker, blue jay, blue-headed vireo and the northern flicker.) I recognized a chickadee in the feeder while I was there. Kristin showed me one big exhibit room that is currently being renovated to include a three-dimensional and several interactive displays on the natural and cultural history of the Adirondack Park. I was particularly drawn to the display with several animal pelts in the lobby, including a friendly-looking bear.

A Walk in the Adirondack Park

Kristin provided me with trail maps - one for summer and one for winter - adding to my season-mixing theme. She also gave me some additional guides to mammal ecology and botany for use along the trails. She agreed with me that microspikes or other traction devices are helpful once it is cold enough for the trails to become icy. It was cool on this day, but not cold enough to need extra traction.

Armed with my maps and guides, I set out to check out the network of fairly short trail loops. I began with the Sucker Brook Trail, a one-mile loop. Most of the trails are wheelchair accessible, and as such are nice, wide, cleared trails that include some bridges and wooden boardwalks that are wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs, as well as skis and snowshoes once there is snowfall.

Given the small number of cars in the parking lot, I realized that it wouldn’t be crowded, but the only people that I saw during my walk were in the distance, taking in the view from one of the bridges on the other side of the Sucker Brook trail. I never did catch up with them, so they must have been traveling at least at a snail’s pace.

There were two bridges and a section or two of boardwalks on this loop. I thoroughly enjoyed this easy jaunt through largely untouched forest. There were a number of downed trees that had weathered but not yet decayed, with cool spiraling designs in the remaining logs.

The Sucker Brook Trail winter map indicated that it is of moderate difficulty, and a “challenging” ski. Some of the hilly terrain would definitely be an advanced trek on skis, for sure, but was quite a nice walk, and would be equally great on snowshoes or microspikes.

I decided to check out the Rich Lake Trail, as the .6 miles at my glacial walking rate would be just the right amount of time before the Center closed. This trail has a couple of decks overlooking the lake, complete with benches. There were also canoe access points for people paddling from other parts of the lake.

The walk was nice, and quiet, with the exception of some birds (I identified the sound of a chickadee, but couldn’t pinpoint other sounds -- I’m no ornithologist) and a squirrel who was chattering away, obviously quite annoyed that I was interrupting his day.

The AIC trails aren’t for those seeking a 46er peak-bagging experience, but it is a perfect place to take a family or for a leisurely stroll in the woods. The AIC is a new favorite stick season destination for me, but I might return this winter, too, to try my skis out on the loops marked “challenging”!

 

NOTABLE: The AIC offers snowshoes to visitors at no cost! In addition to the trails, the AIC hosts a regular schedule of programs - keep up with them on the events page!

 

-Kim Rielly is the director of communications for the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism.

It was a beautiful day for the Adirondack Interpretive Center’s (AIC) “Migration Celebration.” I led a morning bird walk on two of the AIC’s four trails. After the walk, Wendy Hall, from the Adirondack Wildlife Refuge and Rehabilitation Center, gave a presentation on raptors, bringing along several of the Center’s birds.

The Bird Walk: Rich Lake Trail

The AIC offers 3.6 miles of well-maintained, scenic trails and a picnic area for the public. The bird walk began on the Rich Lake Trail, which is a loop trail just over half a mile long. Rich Lake was still frozen and the trail was snow and ice covered, so we proceeded slowly! There are several lovely bridges along the trails.

Many birds were heard and observed along the trail. A Fox Sparrow migrant was the loudest singer near the AIC building!

The biggest surprise was finding a Northern Cardinal singing away in heavily forested habitat! It was likely attracted to the AIC bird feeders, which were still up.

Winter Wrens recently arrived and were quite vocal along the trail.

We had lovely views of a recently arrived Hermit Thrush near the AIC building.

The Adirondack Interpretive Center (AIC)

A brief break was held inside the Adirondack Interpretive Center building before hiking the second trail. Wonderful breakfast foods and drinks were laid out for participants by the AIC staff.

The AIC is part of the State University of New York’s Environmental Science and Forestry campus in Newcomb. The AIC building has large glass windows that offer lovely views of the surrounding forest and bird feeders. The building also offers an array of exhibits, props, and publications that allow you to explore the natural and cultural history of the Adirondacks.

The AIC offers public programs, events, speaker series, courses and other activities throughout the year to the public as well as school groups. So keep an eye on the AIC’s schedule of events!

The Bird Walk: Sucker Brook Trail

After a break in the AIC building, the bird walk continued on the mile-long Sucker Brook Trail. The trail borders both sides of the outlet of Rich Lake to a location where it flows into Belden Lake. Belden Lake’s outlet flows into Lake Harris, which in turn flows into the Hudson River. The outlet was free of ice and swiftly moving.

There are two large bridges that cross the Rich Lake outlet.

We had another view of a Hermit Thrush as it foraged on the ground. The presence of the thrush got a strong reaction from a Winter Wren, which briefly showed itself on a downed tree.

Golden-crowned Kinglets and Brown Creepers vocalized. We had nice views of a Ruby-crowned Kinglet – in this habitat, a migrant. They nest in both high and low elevation boreal habitat in the Adirondacks. Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers drummed and called. A Northern Flicker, the only ground-foraging woodpecker species in the Adirondacks, was active near the AIC building. Northern Flickers and American Robins show up in the spring when the snow melts and they have access to the ground.

In addition to the loud, migrant Fox Sparrow, several other sparrow species were found: Song, Swamp, and White-throated Sparrows, and Dark-eyed Juncos.

Flocks of Red-winged Blackbirds and Common Grackles vocalized.

Migration is in full swing!

Raptor Presentation by Wendy Hall

After we returned from hiking the Sucker Brook Trail, Wendy Hall, and staff from the Adirondack Wildlife Refuge and Rehabilitation Center in Wilmington, gave a presentation on raptors. She brought along many of the Center’s resident raptors. A Barn Owl delighted the children (& adults) in the audience. This species nests south of the Adirondacks and has become quite rare in New York State.

An American Kestrel, the smallest falcon species in the Adirondacks, was quite vocal and animated.

Children enjoyed seeing the Northern Saw-whet Owl, the smallest owl species in the Adirondacks.

Wendy discussed the amount of food it requires to feed all of the sick and injured animals that are cared for at the Center. She makes long drives to pick up fish for species such as Bald Eagles. A constant supply of small mammals is needed for many of the raptors. Animals that can be, are released after rehabilitation. Those too injured to be released continue to be cared for at the Center.

It was an enjoyable presentation by caring rehabilitators, the unsung heroes for sick or injured wildlife.

The Migration Celebration morning events were fun and interesting.

Visiting the Adirondack Interpretive Center

A visit to the Adirondack Interpretive Center in Newcomb is always an educational experience. The naturalists are friendly and eager to share their knowledge of the Adirondack flora and fauna with visitors.

From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the AIC is open 7 days a week from 9 am to 5pm. From Labor Day to Memorial Day, the AIC is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 4 pm. The trails are always open 7 days a week during daylight hours.

If you plan to visit, there are many comfortable lodging and restaurant options nearby!

In the midst of the forever-wild Adirondacks, there is a grand entrance to The Fitness Trail, located in Newcomb, New York, just off of Route 28N. It's a great tune-up trail for your body and mind to prepare for the winter running season.

If the trailhead is not plowed you can take the turn into the nearby boat launch to find a parking spot.

The Fitness Trailhead parking lot might not be plowed.

Tune-up for Winter

No matter how conditioned and in running shape you may be, winter trail-running involves ever-changing and unpredictable terrain because essentially, you’re running on a trail with footing you can't see.

While its beauty may be undeniable, questions arise: how deep is the snow, is it packed, is there a rock jutting out or a bulging root just beneath the surface of this freshly-fallen blanket? Being early in the season, it’s the terrain underneath this natural crystalline magic that we’ll be running on today.

For me, The Fitness Trail is short and sweet but throws at you just about every type of terrain you can encounter even on an extended run — which is why I refer to it as a tune-up.

It's a reminder to me and my body that running with an informed intelligence of the terrain in tandem with proper footwear can tip the overall experience in your favor for enjoyment, exercise, and safety for both the novice or expert trail runner.

Upon exiting my vehicle, the first thing I do is inspect the conditions — underneath this powder in the parking area is a thin layer of ice. Now, to a point, our body’s design allows for the many deviations in terrain like uneven surfaces, loose rock, the many twists and turns, and slippage. But with a simple addition of equipment like a traction cleat you can reinforce and enhance natural body preparedness into super-human confidence with no bulkiness to hamper your natural stride.

This is the bottom of the traction cleat.

There are many different brands of traction cleats that slip on and off fairly easily and have ample elasticity to slip over your favorite running or hiking shoes. Today, the snow is not deep, so I opt for my summer running shoes, but I have hiking/running shoes on standby in my trunk just in case. I prefer the type of traction cleat that includes velcro strips for adjusting and tightening. In this in-between time of year, these will suffice, but snowshoe weather is quickly approaching.

Suit up and gear up

The proper apparel, clothing, and equipment make for a safe and enjoyable adventure, my backpack is always filled with backup; dry socks, gloves, lip balm, water, beef jerky, cell phone, etc. Teeming with visitors and locals alike in summer and fall, you may find you have the trail all to yourself — as I do today.

Warm-ups and being focused and ready are taken seriously on The Fitness Trail.

These signboards demonstrate the warm-up exercises.

You want your body and mind hitting on all cylinders. These exercise tablets with instructions remind me of the importance to stretch, and prepare the body and mind, so I decided to err on the side of caution and walk the first part of the trail informing myself of trail conditions before full gallop.

You’ll come to a side road at the start of the trail, slow up, and remember to look both ways before crossing.

Meltwater can turn to ice and lurk beneath the snow.

Pictured above on the right, meltwater creates small rivulets underneath the surface of the snow. I saw it mid-stride and was able to miss it, but as I have forewarned, what you see is not always what you get when winter trail running. To the left in my overcompensation to miss the water, I hit a small patch of ice — only my traction cleat kept me from falling.

Warming up

The blur of beauty as I pick up the pace.

The traction cleat gives you just enough bite into the terrain without hindering your stride. Next test... We’ve all seen the road signs warning us, “Bridge Freezes First.”

My traction cleats keep me upright and running over an icy bridge.

Footbridges are no exception. Here, in full stride, I felt my footfalls shimmy and slip on contact, a sheet of ice under the snow. Luckily my underconfidence told me to slip on my cleats which kept just enough positive traction with the icy surface.

The trail opens up to views of Lake Harris shortly after the footbridge.

Here the cleats bite in and liftsup the snow almost taking the terrain with me.

My second trip around the loop and I can eat hills like candy! I'm going out of my way to find obstacles and hurdles to jump over. Beast mode, anyone?

I elect to jump over fallen tree debris rather than run around it.

After this tune-up, I know the conditions are not ever going to be perfect, but my clothing and apparel decisions and my equipment choices give me a distinct terrain advantage and confidence, but never overconfident.

I run back to my vehicle and set the GPS to discover one of the many trails for an extended run just down the road!

No need to let the Adirondack winter keep you from the trails! Plan to take a run here in the gorgeous Schroon Lake Region, then reward yourself with delightful dining and comfy lodging.

Great Camp Santanoni Winter Weekends

If you didn’t know, the Adirondacks are littered with Great Camps. Yes, the same Great Camps that sparkled and dazzled the lives of the ultra-rich in the gilded age can be found right here, tucked away along secluded private drives (sometimes miles long) and most found with their own private lake access. While some camps have been the victim of natural deaths (fire is not a friend to wooden palaces) there are still a few that have been generously restored and kept pristine all these years. One of the last standing camps is Great Camp Santanoni. Located in Newcomb, this Great Camp has been open to the public and ready for visitors summer after summer. What about winter? While you can snowshoe and cross-country ski your way through the property on any snowy day, this season Great Camp Santanoni is hosting special Winter Weekends. Offering full tours inside the buildings, hot cocoa and lemonade, and locally provided snowshoes by the AIC, you’ll be welcomed to the property to see how an Adirondack Great Camp functioned during the winter months!

Over the lake and through the woods

To start this blog, I traveled from the equally snowy Vermont to kick off Santanoni’s Winter Weekend, bright and early. This included an hour trek down I-87, which happens to be my favorite highway, if you can have a favorite highway. Rolling past snow-capped mountain ranges and stopping for a few snack and bathroom breaks, we made it to Great Camp Santanoni at 11 a.m.

 Searching for the gatehouse

I brought along my mom for this excursion, as I’d need as much confidence as I could muster. Snowshoeing was on the agenda for the day. While I lived in the Adirondacks for a good chunk of my life, the only time I’ve snowshoed was in gym class, and our yearly climb up Coney Mountain in winter. Although I was a bit out of practice, I was excited to make the hike. A chance to walk through a Great Camp and see older historic buildings, I couldn’t pass it up! 

Strap in

After parking and layering up, we made our way to the gatehouse, where we’d get our snowshoes. Coming up to the gatehouse, I was a little nervous as it looked like someone's actual home. Knocking on the door, we were greeted by a friendly attendant who had been tending to a small fire inside the front room with music playing. The perfect winter scene in my eyes. He led us back outside and onto the other side of the covered drive to the shed, where we were able to choose our desired size snowshoes. After saying our goodbyes, we helped each other strap in and made our way to the trail.

Friendly skiers abound

The trail to the main buildings of the camp is long, but that doesn’t stop fellow skiers and snowshoers from getting out there! I have to say I had forgotten the kindness of local ski-junkies, as we made our way (slowly) up the trail, we were greeted by every skier. The perfect conditions and the friendly folks, reminded me that we were supposed to be there, loud crunching snowshoes and all. 

Crunching along the path

While we had planned to get to the main buildings, our course changed as our lack of expertise got the better of us. Both my mom and I were struggling with worn leg muscles, and we were ready to head back by the time we reached the one-mile mark. I will say that this trail is gorgeous, and perfect for conversation. Its sloping character and gentle turns make it easy to get lost in looking up at the tree tops and just gabbing with your snowshoe or ski buddies, before we knew it we were two hours into our trek.

Lunch at the Newcomb Cafe

After dropping off our snowshoes at the lovely gate lodge with our favorite attendant, it was time to head home, but first, lunch! We made our way a half mile down the road to the Newcomb Café. While it was a little late for breakfast, we settled on chili and french fries, the perfect reward for a chilly morning of snowshoeing. Of course the food was delicious, the service was incredible, and the atmosphere was just what we needed to relax after a morning adventure!

A weekend to remember

Our trip to Great Camp Santanoni was one that created amazing memories for my mom and I, and I’m sure it’ll sparkle on your list of winter challenges to take on this season. Luckily, there’s still a few more special Winter Weekends to get to. Make the trek January 18-20, February 15-17, and March 15-16, 2024. Don’t miss it!

The Adirondack Hub region is a cyclist's dream, with scenic byways, gravel forest roads, and breathtaking vistas. The Hub region includes the towns of Newcomb, North Hudson, Minerva, and Schroon Lake, and there are several reasons why someone should consider visiting this area for a biking trip:

1. Diverse Terrain: The Hub region offers a wide range of biking terrain suitable for cyclists of all skill levels. Whether you're a beginner looking for leisurely rides on flat, paved paths or an experienced rider seeking challenging mountain trails, you'll find options to suit your preferences.
    
2. Abundant Trails: The Hub region is home to an extensive network of biking trails, both on-road and off-road. You can explore the scenic byways and backcountry roads that wind through the area, ensuring variety in your biking experiences.
    
3. Scenic Beauty: Schroon Lake is located in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains, known for its stunning natural beauty. Biking in this region offers breathtaking views of pristine lakes, lush forests, and majestic mountain ranges. The picturesque landscapes provide a serene and tranquil backdrop for your biking adventures.

A valuable resource to use to find a curated route in the region is the "Find A Ride" section on the Bike Adirondacks website. Bike Adirondacks (BikeADK) is an Adirondack-owned and operated bicycle-powered company that hosts charity-driven events and sells apparel and merchandise. The next event on the BikeADK calendar is the highly sought-after gravel event called The Handlebarley.  

The Handlebarley

The Handlebarley cycling event is taking place on September 16-17, 2023. This two-day extravaganza is one of the highlights of the Adirondack cycling calendar, and BikeADK is at the helm of this fantastic event. The Handlebarley is in its third year and will feature two incredible fall days of gravel riding in the southern Adirondacks. You can sign up to ride just Saturday, just Sunday, or make it a full weekend. Either way, you're in for some incredible gravel riding, and riders will enjoy some of the most stunning scenery in the Adirondacks. The event officially kicks off late Saturday afternoon with a 20-mile out-and-back route from Paradox Brewery to stunning Elk Lake Lodge. Once there, you will take a tour of the property before cruising back to the brewery for a well-earned pint of delicious Paradox craft beer. Sunday's route is the main event and will be just as inspired. In addition to the thrill of the ride, Handlebarley offers a festival atmosphere with food, music, and camaraderie. It's an opportunity to connect with fellow cyclists, share stories, and be part of a community dedicated to making the world a better place through cycling. This year's Handlebarley event benefits the Penfield Homestead Museum, which includes the 1827 home of Allen Penfield, barns, a church, a parsonage, and ruins of the Crown Point Iron Co., where electricity in the form of an electromagnet was first used in industry. 

At the heart of BikeADK's ethos is the belief that cycling can be a force for good. Beyond the Handlebarley, BikeADK hosts a full calendar of charity-driven events that combine the thrill of cycling with the joy of contributing to meaningful causes. These events unite the cycling community and raise funds for various charitable organizations, making every pedal stroke count. Owner Doug Haney says, "As a bicycle tourism company, it's important that every BikeADK event supports a charitable organization or nonprofit. So much of what we can showcase on our rides is because they care for our communities and the landscape." 

ADK Apparel and Merchandise

BikeADK has a wide range of merchandise to show off your love for cycling and the Adirondacks. The company releases a limited edition cycling jersey that is only available the year it is released. The current design is a beautiful pastel sunset with Adirondack chairs on a dock and a loon gliding on the lake, an iconic Adirondack scene. Their t-shirts and sweatshirts also change frequently, so it's worth checking their website to see what they have available. This year, BikeADK's iconic logo - a bike with moose antlers in place of handlebars - morphs into tree roots for a fun, grounded design. BikeADK also sells merchandise from the Barkeater Trails Alliance (BETA), a non-profit organization that builds and maintains trails for ski touring and mountain biking in the greater Adirondack High Peaks region. Proceeds from the sale of Barkeater Trails Alliance (BETA) gear supports their mission to build, maintain, and advocate for backcountry trails for ski touring and mountain biking in the greater High Peaks region of the Adirondacks.