Having grown up in the Adirondacks you would think I would have done some winter hiking in my 31 years of life. But, I’ve spent much of my time in the winter in an ice rink, as a competitive skater, and now as a coach. I love hiking in the summer and fall, but I’ve never done a winter hike. I’ve seen the many gorgeous images throughout Instagram of snow covered peaks, but, to be honest, I don’t like being cold (I know, it doesn’t make sense) so a winter hike was something that never really crossed my mind. But I’ll try anything once. With that in mind, I set off for Mount Severance.

I drove to Schroon Lake from Lake Placid on a beautiful, sunny day. I stopped into 9 Mile Coffee Co. and grabbed a coffee and walked over to the lake to enjoy the view for a few minutes before heading out for my first winter hike. There were people on the lake ice fishing, snowmobiles parked by the gazebo, and others walking around Main Street checking out the shops and restaurants. The trailhead is on the outskirts of the town, and it only took a few minutes to get there from the center of town. I brought snowshoes, but it didn’t look like I would need them, so I strapped them onto a backpack and put my microspikes on. 

The trail starts with a series of two tunnels to walk through that go under the highway. I thought that was really cool and something I’ve never seen on any of my other hikes so I was feeling really optimistic about my first winter trek. The trail starts fairly flat with a gradual incline, and as I was surrounded by snow-covered trees with the sunlight peeking through, I couldn’t help but wonder how I had never tried this before. As the incline started to increase and I was realizing that hiking in the snow is a lot more of a leg workout, I remembered why I had never tried this before. I started to take off layers as I continued to climb closer to the summit. I knew I needed to wear layers going into this because, with the sun out that day, I knew I would get warm. 

I started approaching what I assumed to be close to the summit. I could start to see through the trees a bit more, and it appeared that the end was near. I couldn’t have been happier. As I approached the summit, I got that feeling of excitement as I always do on any hike in anticipation of an awesome view. Mount Severance does not disappoint. It’s a great view overlooking Schroon Lake. To my right, I could see those tiny people ice fishing, and little snowmobilers going across the ice. If you keep going straight on the trail past the first overlook you end up on another side of the mountain overlooking Paradox and the mountains of Vermont. I enjoyed both views, but went back to the side overlooking Schroon Lake. I only came across one other hiker the whole time. Winter hikes are typically less crowded, but this was a surprise to me with the accessibility of this hike and the great view. My only complaint is that towards the bottom you can hear the traffic from the highway. But the view from the top makes up for it! 

I hiked late afternoon, and was just a bit too early for sunset, but I imagine the alpenglow over the Vermont mountains would have been beautiful. I put all my layers back on for my descent. The way down, as always, was much faster and easier, and by the time I made it back to my car I could tell there was a beautiful sunset over Schroon Lake. Happy with my first winter hiking experience, I took my spikes off, and hopped back in my car. Severance was a great little hike, and I would like to try it in the summer and/or fall for a different perspective. It’s only 2.4 miles round trip so I think it was the perfect distance for a first timer. I think this would be a great family hike in the summer or fall. If you plan on trying it out, make sure to be prepared and Leave No Trace. And don’t forget to stop by some of the local dining options in town to refuel, or find a cozy lodging accommodation to rest your head on after a day of adventuring in the Adirondack Hub.

The weekend of November 18 and 19 is going to be a special one for hunters. Gift and treasure hunters, that is. This is the weekend for both Holiday Craft Fairs, one in Schroon Lake and another two-day fair in Newcomb.
Craft fairs might be my favorite place to shop for gifts for people I love, and to find things I love.

I love wearable art

I tell my husband he lucked out, in many ways, of course! But I am not a woman who longs for expensive jewelry.
I am easily pleased with some beautifully crafted, and unique, items. My favorite is earrings, since I have less of a tendency to catch them on things (necklaces) or bang them on things (rings.) Craft fairs are my perfect hunting grounds, because my earring budget will stretch further, and I get some things that suit my unique style.

This was some of the jewelry available at Newcomb Day this summer. My favorite earrings all came from craft fairs.

The pine cones (left) are beautiful for any occasion, and the "Tree of Life" (middle) is both mythology and Adirondack-appropriate. The purple shells (right) are real Wampum, crafted by a Native American artist.
The joy of what an artisan brings to their work is reflected in its styles and colors. This isn't mass produced stuff at all. It is the opposite, where someone cared enough to make it, and then passed it on to someone who cares enough to wear it.

For a sense of style that is all our own, the special items crafters make are going to be just the flair we need for special occasions, or that accessory that becomes a favorite.
There's also the more traditional art to hang on the wall or display on a shelf, or works of art that hold or display stuff, like the pine-cone-themed objects in the header photo. That would be an easy choice for me gifting my mother-in-law, who lives elsewhere, but loves to be reminded of the Adirondacks.

I recommend a craft fair gift for anyone who loves the Adirondacks, and yet cannot be here as often as they would like. It's a great way of bringing some of that "lake and forest feel" home.

Appropriate for everyone

Some things are just the right size and shape for everyone. I like cute homemade soaps because everyone needs to wash up, and they are a wonderful quality that pampers our skin.
I once gifted a friend with one she put in her guest bathroom. But not for long. She called me, laughing, saying she would just have to go to the next craft fair with me. "I keep telling myself it's for looking, but it feels so good I'm showering with it."

Another nearly universal gift I have discovered at local craft fairs is many varieties of homemade jam. This is another instance of crafter quality making an entire planet of difference with the fresh local fruit, made with care. There are also flavors not found in grocery stores, like strawberry rhubarb or peach raspberry.

I have to be gluten-free, but have figured out I can still have jam on slices of sharp cheddar. It's actually better. All kinds of similar treats can pop up in our famers markets, which double as craft fairs, too.

Another thing about such gifts is they have to be used. From morning shower to morning toast, such gifts are enjoyed day after day, as long as they last.
On the other hand, for some things, I don't want to use them.

Too gorgeous to use

I hauled home these finds last summer from Newcomb Day, and my husband revealed a basic misunderstanding. "What nice potholders," he said. "I hope they don't get too messed up being used in the kitchen."

"They will not," I said. "Because they are not for grabbing hot pans. They are for sitting in front of the books in the bookcase and being fabric art."

It turns out these potholders are based on the art of Cicely Mary Barker, who first published her work in 1923. I am completely capitivated by these whimsical matches of accurate botany (Ms. Barker would get specimens from Kew Gardens, a botanical garden in southwest London) and models from the children in her sister's private kindergarten.
Likewise, I have some throw pillows I got from craft fairs that are too nice to stuff behind my back or let the cats sleep on. Finding one-of-a-kind things can mean not using them if that is going to spoil the interplay of color and light that drew me to them in the first place.
Here are two autumnal themes that appear in my living room in fall to add some seasonal color in places they won't get sat on.

It's all a form of art I can afford and enjoy and gift to others.
I can't wait for the next craft fair.
Choose a cozy place to stay. Indulge in some feasting. Explore all of our shopping.

 

Events are all over the calendar in the Schroon Lake Region during the next few weeks. There’s something for everyone!

 

 

Strawberries, strawberries!

If fresh, local strawberries are a favorite of yours, don’t miss the Schroon Lake-North Hudson Historical Society’s Strawberry Festival and opening day for the Museum on June 22, noon at the Museum on Main Street in Schroon Lake. Strawberry Shortcake and beverages will be available. The Hudawalski Essay winners will be announced at 2 pm.

Fresh from the farm

 

Strawberries and much, much more are also available at the Schroon Lake Farmers Market beginning on Monday, June 23. Opening from 9 am. to 1 pm., the market will operate each and every Monday through September 8 in the Town of Schroon parking lot at 15 Leland Avenue. In addition to farm produce, you’ll also find artwork and crafts, pastries and breads, cheeses, ready-to-eat soups, snacks and beverages, maple syrup and much more.

Adirondack artist in residence

An exciting part of the Adirondack Interpretive Center’s programming this summer is the new Artist in Residence program, Art Along the Trails. Frances Gaffney, Adirondack artist, will be creating her inspiring pieces throughout the summer right at the AIC. She’ll be found somewhere along the trails every Sunday working on a different piece. Feel free to stop by and chat with her. On the last Saturday of each month, she’ll be leading drawing and watercolor workshops as well. If you’d like to join a workshop check out some additional information.

BIOBLITZ!

If you’re a science nut, you’ll be especially interested in the area’s first Bioblitz. ATBI Bioblitz will take place Sunday, June 29, beginning at 8:30 am. Join area scientists and naturalists at the Adirondack Interpretive Center in Newcomb. This large event will feature educational programing and semi-guided trips into the area's forests, bogs, and lakes for a fun day of nature exploration. The goals of the Bioblitz (hosted by the Adirondack All-Taxa Biodiversity Inventory of Paul Smith's College and SUNY ESF) will be to find and identify as many species of organisms as possible in one day! The focus of the 2014 Bioblitz will be to learn about Biotic Interaction, i.e. interactions between organisms. Bee expert Sam Droege and his colleagues will be hosting a workshop on bee identification and ecology Open to the general public, families are most welcome.

The Seagle Music Colony offers a very full schedule of familiar music programming during the summer months as well. For more information, read my blog from May 20, devoted entirely to the Seagle Music Colony.

Independence Day celebration

July 4th this year will be just as spectacular as ever, with parade, fireworks and community celebrations throughout Schroon Lake. Celebrate 60 years of Schroon Lake’s festive Independence Day with us as our parade kicks off at 6 pm, followed by fireworks over the lake at dusk, around 9:30 pm.

 

Much more awaits you in Schroon Lake Region, so check out our complete events schedule and also our lodging pages so you can take full advantage of a few nights in our beautiful region. Don’t miss our spectacular public beach right in the middle of the village on Schroon Lake.

 

 

There's always something going on in Schroon Lake, but in the summer the arts come to the forefront. The region is filled with artistic talent in a wide range of media, especially music, which is one of the cornerstones of the Schroon Lake Region both historically and today.

Music, music, and more music

The Seagle Music Colony is the oldest summer music school in America, and the talent on display in their regular summer performances is amazing. Musicals and light opera are both offered on the Seagle schedule.

The shows begin in late June with Old Friends and New, Seagle's traditional season-opening night. The not-to-be-missed kickoff includes all 32 of the school's young artists. It's followed by a reception where the public can meet the singers.

Continuing throughout the summer, the performance schedule starts off with The Most Happy Fella, Frank Loesser's original romantic Broadway musical, which tells the story of an unlikely love that blooms in the Napa Valley.

The Jack & the Beanstalk children's opera takes to the stage in The Boathouse Theatre in downtown Schroon Lake for two morning shows on July 9 at 10 and 11 a.m. But that's just the beginning! Don't miss The Elixir of Love, Roscoe, The Music Man, or any other Seagle Music Colony performances this summer.

Summer kickoff

Every Memorial Day weekend, Schroon Lake throws open the doors to welcome summer during Opening Weekend-Schroon Lake. Help get summer rolling as everyone celebrates with vendors, live music, free yoga, restaurant and retail specials, and lots more. Come help celebrate the arrival of summer!

Adirondacks artists and crafters

Nothing says you care more than an authentic piece of Adirondack art. Some of our best artists and crafters converge on Schroon Lake on July 16 for the 47th annual Arts & Crafts Fair.
This event has long-standing roots in the community and it shows — 47 years and counting is a long time. It attracts more than 100 vendors to the town park, which overlooks the public beach and lake.

Profits from the event go to the Schroon Lake Association for the protection and preservation of the lake. Shop and find great crafts, and help maintain the pristine beauty of this most magnificent of lakes.

Cycle Adirondacks

In what many have described as the best ride of their lives, Cycle Adirondacks kicks off its second year of citizen cycling through the Adirondacks.

This year, Cycle Adirondacks will skirt the edge of the Schroon Lake Region during its first and second legs on August 20 and 21. There's no better way to begin or end this awesome tour of the Adirondacks than a stay in Schroon Lake, and after the long ride you'll certainly deserve it. Why not plan on spending a couple of relaxing days with us? Check out our lodging options and book early!

Green Mountain seems to be a popular name amongst Adirondack Mountains. The name Green most likely comes from the obvious look it casts over the area. Covered in the deep greens of spruce and balsam, especially on the steep slopes of the south side of the mountain, it sure does make sense that it could be named so.

It’s only a hop, skip, and a jump from Schroon Lake, and we decided to take the approach from state Route 28N. Meeting up with my hiking buddies Melissa and Jarrod at the Stony Pond trailhead, we quickly realized that Microspikes would not be optional. There wasn’t all that much left of the snow, but it had been replaced with several areas of boilerplate ice. What snow was sticking around was also solid and nearly as dicey.

It was difficult to say how much snowmobile traffic this trail gets in the winter, but it was certain that DEC trail crews and operations were helping them out with some rather impressive new bridges. We quickly passed by the short spur trail to Twentyninth Pond, which we could see through the trees. The trail gained us a small bit of elevation fairly quickly before we descended along the slippery slopes to a crossing of Deer Creek. From here it wasn’t too long until we reached the shores of Stony Pond Brook and its lovely cascading waterfalls. It is true, nature is genius. Stony Pond came soon after, with the lean-to located slightly back in the forest.

From here we continued toward Irishtown, the suburbs of Schroon Lake. We didn’t travel much further on the trail before we had to start thinking about exiting into the forest beyond. Man is part of nature; I shall immerse myself in it, once again. My perseverance in my desire to visit these lesser known peaks drives me again and again to seek out adventurous routes in hopes of finding something unique and inspiring. I almost always do.

Once we arrived between Stony Pond and Little Sherman Pond, we had to start looking for an exit strategy — the ridge between the two ponds would be it. This land bridge would gain us the steep slopes of Green Mountain, and hopefully some views along the way. The southern face of the mountain dropped right off from the ridge in a nearly sheer fashion, so we would surely get a treat at some point.

The ridge was not all that steep to climb aside from a couple of short pitches, but the south side of this peak was surely weather beaten, which gave us all of the resistance we needed: The trees were stacked like cordwood. Harsh winters and strong winds surely did its toll on the balsams, and their dead stems and branches made pincushions out of us as we proceeded up the narrow ridgeline. We did manage to find a few observation points while along our course, and even as the small window views they were, it was something. They were actually very lovely, or “cute,” as Melissa would say.

At this point is where I say, “Hey let’s find a different route down.” But nope, Jarrod beat me to it. He suggested we head down the north side of the mountain toward Center Pond. That’s a superb idea if I say so myself. Melissa didn’t get a vote.

We started down, trying to remain on the top of the wide ridge, and even though we got pulled off by thicker spruce and balsam growth we made progress in fine time. We found ourselves standing in clumps of evergreens that were small enough so we could pop out for a breather now and again. That makes it sound much worse than it was, all in all we were back into the open hardwoods in seemingly a flash.

We reached the shore of Center Pond much quicker than I think any of us anticipated, so rather than hike along the shore to the trail we opted to head right over the small knob in front of us to gain the Hewitt Pond Trail on the other side.

The final climb was steep, but it felt great to increase our heart rates, so we pushed through it in a single motion and rapidly found ourselves on the trail, the steepest of the climbing we had all day. This trail in spots was not all that easy to follow, with its sporadic markers and unloved condition. We ended up losing it on a couple of occasions, and on one of those we just gave up and started heading along the shore of Stony Pond toward where we knew the trail was. Eventually we crossed it again and managed to remain on it as it returned us to the lean-to.

We wasted no time at all in our exit from the wild forest we called home for the last 5 hours. I think we were all about ready for some nourishment; even the spine of a deer Jarrod found started to look appetizing. I would of course upscale that need for food by stopping by Paradox Brewing on the way.

“Hey honey, the forecast says severe thunderstorms this evening. What do you want to do?”

“Let’s go to Schroon Lake for dinner and ice cream.”

“Sounds good!”

This may not be how normal Friday conversations go in your house, but that’s often how things work around ours. With three kids in tow, we’ve learned that there will always be reasons to not go on an adventure. Sometimes you just have to take the plunge.

So we piled the kids into the car and set off for Schroon Lake. It’s just a short hour-long drive from where we live, which was plenty of time for the baby to fall asleep, the two older kids to start fighting, and my wife and I to have a nice conversation about the black market value of a couple of bickering children. Just kidding.

As we rolled into Schroon Lake the rain subsided and we were able to beat the dinner rush at Pitkin's Restaurant. Things were already looking up! We settled in to our table and began looking over the menus. My wife and I decide to try the Friday fried fish special, and our daughter got the hamburger. Our son, a notoriously picky eater, got the ribs. That’s right. Ribs. I almost canceled my order because I assumed that I'd just finish the ribs for him. Luckily, I didn’t because there wasn’t much left! The food at Pitkin's is phenomenal and it comes out fast, which is important if you have young kids.

After dinner we strolled Main Street checking out the cool shops like Pine Cone Mercantile. This was to prepare us for the next essential Adirondack stop: ice cream!

On the word of one of the shop owners we headed across the Schroon Lake to the Adirondack General Store to try out their soft serve ice cream and homemade ice cream sandwiches. The drive was pleasant, but we agreed that next time we should see about renting a boat to cross the lake. The Adirondack General Store's ice cream was delicious but the homemade ice cream sandwiches were out of this world.

This evening just goes to show that even when the weather isn’t ideal, Schroon Lake is still the best place to be!

If you're hanging out at the Schroon Lake beach, there's a closer ice cream destination. Stewart’s Shops are a chain of convenience stores with dozens of locations in the Adirondacks. Besides having reliable gas prices, you know the shop will be clean, well-stocked, and friendly. You can get breakfast, lunch, and dinner there plus a solid cup of coffee.

Stewart’s Shops are also always stocked full of their own specially made ice cream. Long freezers contain pints and half gallons of dozens of specialty flavors. My personal favorite is the raspberry fudge tort (which the baby also loved!). My son opted for a dish of mint cookie crumble and my daughter chose rainbow sherbet. My wife is loving the new Crazy Coconut flavor! Schroon Lake’s Stewart’s is located right next to their amazing beach, so grab a cone and dig your toes into the sand.

Schroon Lake is well equipped for your next family outing. Hit the beach, go out to eat, and check out a fun summertime event!

If we dream of a delightful destination wedding, the Schroon Lake area has all the places we'd want to get away to. Our resorts have been catering to people, and making their dreams come true, for over a hundred years. If practice makes perfect, we can claim some awesome credentials.

As seen in these wedding photos from a local studio, Bird On A Wire Photography, we'll make choosing the destination for that wedding as easy as one -- two -- three!

1. Choose a gorgeous place

Gorgeousness abounds in the Schroon Lake Region. It is easy to find a lovely setting for almost any size of gathering.

We have plenty of wilderness, but it is also accessible. From lovely Schroon Lake which is a part of its namesake town, to classic resorts and beautifully maintained public spaces, the Adirondacks have been a place where people have celebrated for a century.

There are forests and lakes and mountains, but there are also resorts and restaurants and charming old inns.

There's a wide variety of lodging, from the sweep of Elk Lake Lodge, a private resort on its own lake, to charming B&B's which are just right for an intimate family occasion. Most of them have their own amenities, like gazebos, docks, and common spaces, which are available to organize ceremonies and receptions.

There are also public spaces with plenty of room, beautiful views, and limitless sky. With nature as our canvas, we can take advantage of the beauty provided and let much of the decorating take care of itself.

Schroon Lake has a town beach with a gazebo for some lovely backdrops. The Schroon Lake Fish & Game Club has a warm, paneled meeting space in a rustic setting that is still near plenty of services.

Nearby Gore Mountain is a ski resort in winter, and a stunning facility and grounds for special occasions in the summer. The town of Minerva has beautiful parks, pavilions, and a town beach available for groups.

Even many of our campgrounds have more amenities and meeting spaces than we might think. The Medcalf Acres Riverside Resort have camping cabins and RV spaces. Scaroon Manor is a state campground with an open air theater space that was featured in the movie "Marjorie Morningstar."

The Adirondack Interpretive Center at Newcomb has easily reached trails along with meeting facilities which lets couples craft a wonderful expression of their love for each other, and their love for nature. Newcomb also has a town beach and a scenic overlook that is stunning, just right for a ceremony and picture taking.


We can shape the event in ways which have meaning to us.


A couple can make a "wild wedding" both memorable, and comfortable, for their guests, while enjoying the benefits of peaceful surroundings and a sense of privacy like no other.

2. Choose the Adirondack attitude

We aren't the place for a lot of fretting and stress. We're the place people go to get away from all that.
Destination weddings evoke the warmth and closeness of family. Summer vacations in the Schroon Lake region have brought families closer for decades, in relaxed surroundings during long lazy days.

That same sweet feeling can make for an extraordinary event that contains all the popular Adirondack elements which we welcome you to make a part of your special day.
There's:

Informality - where we can dress "Adirondack casual," even at a wedding. Let our guests feel as relaxed as we are.

Playfulness - seat the guests at picnic tables, have them line up for a buffet barbeque, do an ice cream sundae reception. The less we need to manage, the less chance of something going wrong on our big day.

We can get married barefoot if we want!

Hospitality - by gathering all the lodging and dining in one place, we can mingle when we wish, enjoy a stroll through the forest when the spirit moves us, and easily gather together again for important parts of the day's festivities.

Simplicity - as the saying goes, we can have anything we want. We just can't have everything we want.

It's much too easy to get caught up in doing everything, and then have a rushed and stressful day. When it is a very special day we should simply be enjoying.

A destination wedding pares down a lot of the guest list, the complicated organizing of shuttling groups from one place to another, and being moved from one impersonal space to another.

The Adirondack way of weddings is to remind everyone of the important thing. Which is that... we're here.

3. Choose the right support

Once we have chosen our venue and taken our deep, relaxing breaths, much of the rest of our tasks can be dismissed or delegated. Making this too complicated is just going to create problems for us.

The area has a devoted business community which knows their specialties better than we do. So we can let them handle much of the logistics and execution.
Leaving us to do what we do best.


Rocky Acres is an Adirondack B&B and sewing service willing to cheerfully fuss over a bride's gown before the ceremony and fuss over the honeymoon couple after the wedding.
Schedule a couple's massage at Schroon Lake Massage and Wellness Center.

Arrange for the bridal party to take a yoga class at True North Yoga. Get the whole wedding party team shirts at First Impressions Stitching & Sportswear.

There are local bakeries, breweries, and catering services which can give exactly the right Adirondack touch to this most wonderful day. Then, we can choose another wonderful place in the area to have our honeymoon, or wave goodbye to our guests and not even have to unpack.

Our Adirondack way is about being one with nature, letting it lead us, and not trying no to impose control over something that is, after all, bigger than we are.

Just as two people join themselves in something more important than they are separately, the Adirondacks can help us remember that centering ourselves in nature is where we can draw the deepest satisfaction, relaxation, and understanding.

Remember, we are not alone in this. We just, sometimes, want it to look that way.

Choose the perfect lodging for everyone. Explore the dining. Ask the Chamber about services for that dream wedding.

All photos by Bird on a Wire Photography.

---

In related ADK news: Put a ring on it ADK style

Say yes to Lake Placid

Betrothed on a budget

In the heart of the ADKs

Feel the love, Adirondack style

The coolest place to tie the knot

Farm to bridal table

Unique locations, fun destinations

Ice fishing in the Hub 

Across the Adirondack Hub, you’ll find quiet snow-covered forests cut open by vast wide-open flat spaces… wait, those are lakes! While our favorite paddle paradises freeze over for winter, they transform into havens for hard-water fishing, or ice fishing. Villages of shanties and tents cover many icy surfaces, making homes away from home for fishermen and women looking for the perfect bite. While the fishing is prime and it's oh-so-tempting to just stake out and wait to fill your cooler, there’s so much more to each region, from thrilling wintry attractions to cozy corners with flavors that make you forget the icy temps. 

Lake Harris 

Lake Harris is an expansive lake in Newcomb, bringing premier fishing to your next outing. Framed by the nearby High Peaks, you’ll be transported to a quiet oasis of snow and ice, with just the sounds of nearby wildlife to keep you company. In terms of fishing, you won’t leave empty-handed. The lake proudly supports a self-sustaining population of walleye after being experimentally stocked from 2004 until 2008. Other species you should keep an eye out for? Northern pike and yellow perch!

Off the ice

Away from the lake, and just down the road, take an outdoor walk through a classic Adirondack Great Camp - Great Camp Santanoni. The camp is the only publicly-owned Great Camp in the Adirondacks and boasts 13,000 acres of natural forest, farmhouses, cabins, and main lodge. The road to the camp in winter is only accessible via snowshoes and cross-country skis, so come prepared! 

Newcomb Cafe and Campground 

Just steps from the lake, the Newcomb Cafe and Campground offers cozy dining and home-cooked meals, making it the perfect place to relax and recharge. Whether you're kicking off your day or winding down with friends after a fishing trip, this spot serves up hearty portions of delicious breakfast and lunch. Open Thursday through Sunday, it’s the ideal place to fuel up for the day ahead or wrap up your outdoor adventures!

Minerva Lake

The smaller lake on this list, Minerva Lake is just as mighty as its neighbors! What it lacks in miles, it makes up for in quality and quantity of fish! While you cast, you’ll find Panfish, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, and Walleye, to name a few. With a few quaint islands at its center, you’ll be set off in your private ice fishing escape as you wait for your catch to arrive. 

Off the ice

Roughly a 20-minute drive away lies one of the biggest ski mountains in Upstate New York. Gore Mountain - sister location to Whiteface Mountain in Wilmington - offers 25 miles of downhill skiing, spanning 108 trails, 14 lifts, and a 2537′ vertical. With 4 peaks making up the mountain, you’ll find the perfect trail, from easy-going greens to double black diamonds for adrenaline junkies. Head into the lodge when you’re done for some fireside hot cocoa or stop into the Tannery Restaurant for a complete refresh. 

Sporty's Iron Duke Saloon

Looking for possibly the coolest bar in the region? Sporty's Iron Duke Saloon will transport you into a world filled with Harley Davidson memorabilia, antiques, and a bar stocked with your favorite brews after a day in the chilly temps. Their patrons rave about the grilled cheeseburger, or the "huge" turkey club, among the tasty comfort foods to choose from. When you're not feasting, feast your eyes on their extensive motorcycle collection!

Schroon Lake 

No stranger to hard water, Schroon Lake is home to one of the longest-running, classic ice fishing events in the Adirondacks. With 9 miles of ice to cover, you’ll have plenty of space to set up camp and get to fishing! Speaking of camps, when you get a glimpse of the lake, you may be surprised to find little villages of shacks and shanties sprawled across the ice, that’s just how good the bounty is here. Keep your eyes peeled for Lake Trout, Landlocked Salmon, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Smelt, Northern Pike, Black Crappie, Brown Bullhead, Rock Bass, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch.

Off the ice

After or around your fishing trip, experience something unique to Schroon Lake and the wild scenery here. Tucked away in a hidden corner of the region lies Natural Stone Bridge and Caves, an opportunity to explore an elaborate system of underground caves and natural stone structures that take you deeper into the Adirondacks' wild history. In winter, visitors have access via snowshoes only. You’ll get to see how the ice and snow react over the unique terrain, and explore over 14 miles of trails, including walks along the river, sinkholes, ledges, and even two mountain tops.

Sticks & Stones Wood Fired Bistro & Bar

If you’ve left the lake looking like an abominable snowman, we know you need a hot meal near a fireplace, stat! Sticks and Stones Wood-Fired Bistro and Bar will have you thawing out in no time, with a savory treat for your tastebuds to boot. Their menu covers all the bases for a perfect winter meal. Order the French onion soup (going first because I’m extremely biased), wings, or blackened beef tips to start you off. For the main event, choose from the pretzel burger, Cajun pasta, chicken parmesan, or their 12. Oz New York Strip. It wouldn’t be a wood-fired establishment without pizza, so build your own or order one of their specialty pies. 

Come for the fish, stay for the towns

Wherever you cast a line in the Adirondack Hub, you’ll find that the region is brimming with prime hard-water fishing, from our sprawling lakes to quaint secret hideaways, you’ll get your day’s worth of catches in no time. While you’re off the lake, experience everything each town has to offer within minutes. 

“I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order.”

John Burroughs

The Adirondack Hub is filled with endless opportunities for family fun. Whether your travels bring you to Minerva, Schroon Lake, North Hudson, or Newcomb, you are only a hop, skip, and a jump away from breathtaking hikes, visits through historical museums, art galleries, and independently owned stores, and tastes of the seemingly endless culinary creations. But after a day of adventure and activity, the peace and stillness of camping in the woods sounds all the more inviting. These three campgrounds in the Adirondack Hub offer the perfect respite for solo travelers, friends, and families alike.

Minerva Campground

Address: 68 Beach Road, Minerva, NY, 12851

Phone number: (518)-251-2869

Located next to the cool waters of Donnelly Beach, the Minerva Campground is the perfect space to unwind. There are fifty-six sites available for tent camping with car access available at every site. Non-motorized boat owners can utilize the boat launches and explore Minerva Lake! Use one of the available hot showers after playing on the basketball courts, tennis courts, the playground, or the swings. Fire up the grill and make use of the picnic tables, pavilion, or gazebo during your stay!

Not up for cooking? Head over to grab a bite—and a pint—at Sporty’s Iron Duke Saloon. Be sure to complete your stay by visiting the Minerva Historical Society Museum and explore the prints of watercolor paintings by Winslow Homer, an artist whose work was largely inspired by his frequent visits to Minerva, NY. 

Spacious Skies Adirondack Peaks

Address: 4035 Blue Ridge Rd, North Hudson, NY 12855

Phone number: (518)-532-7493

Spacious Skies Adirondack Peaks is filled with so much fun, it might as well come with a bow on top. The campground has over 100 sites available to accommodate tents and RV’s. For those who are not interested in a BYOS (Bring Your Own Shelter) camping lifestyle, Spacious Skies Adirondack Peaks has cabins, cottages, and yurts available to rent.

(Side note: I totally made up BYOS, but now I am fully committed to making it a thing.)

The amenities at Spacious Skies Adirondack Peaks turn it into its own mini-community rather than just a campground. The on-site gift shop, mini mart, and snack shop are accompanied by outdoor swimming pools, a mini-golf course, boat and bike rentals, mini-train rides, and so much more. There’s even an arcade! Scheduled daily activities including movie nights, Bingo, and ice cream socials take away the stress of having to schedule things to do, allowing you to kick back and relax.

Newcomb Cafe and Campground

Address: 5575 NY-28N, Newcomb, NY 12852

Phone number: (518) 582-8999

After a long day of travel and exploration, the last thing anyone wants to do is spend more time in a car. The Newcomb Cafe and Campground offers an opportunity to have a delicious meal and a space to enjoy some well earned R&R, all in one space.

This family owned and operated campground has sites available for tents and RV’s (BYOS!) with water and 30-amp electricity hook-ups in addition to a few cabin rentals. The campground has shower facilities and bathrooms, and the cafe has available Wi-Fi. However, the Newcomb Cafe and Campground aims to provide a “digital detox” for its visitors. During your digital-free stay, check out the campground’s fishing pond. Want to get out and about? Visit the Adirondack Interpretive Center for guided naturalist walks or indoor exhibits. The Newcomb Historical Museum is a great option for those wishing to learn more about the area, or enjoy the scenes from greens at the High Peaks Golf Course.

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No matter where your next trip to the Adirondack Hub takes you, any one of these campgrounds is the perfect ending to your day of outdoor adventures and explorations of attractions throughout the region. Whether you BYOS (okay, now I'm just forcing it...) or rent your lodging of choice, the ADK Hub should be added to your camping bucket list this summer season!

 

I never know where the mountains will take me from one week to the next, but I am almost always guaranteed an adventure of some sort or another. This week brought me to the north end of Hoffman Notch in the Schroon Lake Region. The snow-free aesthetics of our current winter are not normal, but that tends to happen from time to time. Snow is a wonderful addition to the harmony of the wintery mountains and without it we will be left with the dull ambers of the rotting leaves and the damp chill in the air around us. But we would not let that get us down as we can make the best out of almost any situation.

Driving down Blue Ridge Road, the multiple humps of the Hornet Cobbles has intrigued me for many years, and all I had to do is pull the pin and just climb them. In an early morning mental muddle we arrived in Newcomb to carpool down to the Hoffman Notch Trail. Saving fuel, money and energy is important in our pursuits.

The Hoffman Notch Trail is a gateway between the Hornet Cobbles and the massive expanse of Washburn Ridge which rests to the west, a future endeavor, for sure. The initial portion of the trail heads through private land so we could not venture off the trail until we made that obvious step into the Forest Preserve. The Hornet Cobbles consist of four distinct bumps. We first ventured to the one furthest north, called #4, the smallest of the lot. The trail brought us through the forest, past the wreckage of an old, deceased car — a Studebaker, I think.

We then crossed a wonderful structure over Sand Pond Brook and quickly came to a much more rudimentary crossing consisting of an old ladder laid down over a wet segment. From there it wasn’t too far to state land. Once we were sure we had crossed the border we started our bushwhack to Hornet Cobble #4. The terrain was nice and open but was going to get steeper. The mixed forest gave us an easy attack on the small summit, and even with challenging conditions we reached the ridgeline quickly. The ridge offered what we call a “filtered view” through the trees, but it was a nice early treat. The summit was not much further along the ridge and it was positioned atop a large boulder that we needed to scramble upon.

Next in line was Hornet Cobble #3, the third tallest of the lot and about 100 feet higher than our current position. The ridge didn’t require us to descend too much off of #4, which we were grateful for as we knew later that would not be the case. As we started to climb up the next summit, so did the balsam and spruce forest. There is not much to report on the summit of #3 except for the fact that we were standing in some pretty thick growth with barely room to turn around. We didn’t hang out and headed right for the tallest cobble.

As we descended, the forest started to open up and allowed us a nice view of our destination. We tinkered with the thought of heading over a smaller high point along the ridge that was in the way, but to avoid any unneeded thicker growth in our faces we opted to stay low to the east and evade it.

The summit of Hornet Cobble #1 came quickly, much more so than we had anticipated, and avoiding much of the thicker growth was surely a factor of our success. In fact, the final stretch was pretty open and the summit was, too. Unfortunately the open summit was also wooded, giving us seasonal views through the leafless trees.

It was now off to Hornet Cobble #2, the final summit along the ridge and quite a ways away, too. We descended off of #1 and at times it felt as if we were falling off the face of the earth. It was steep and very unstable in the area we chose, but it was fast and it delivered us in the high col at a rapid pace. The saddle was fairly flat with an elevation change that was easy and not steep at any point. We climbed the remaining 100 feet or so to the summit and with a bit of exploring we found a small window view of Hoffman Mountain to the east.

The ridge was not as thick and slow as I anticipated, so with our extra time we decided to visit a hidden pond to the southeast of the ridge to see what we could find in the lowlands. The descent was long and continuous, and in a slow forward progression we made tracks through the open hardwoods and eventually onto the shoreline of the hidden pond. The pond looked to be receding back further and further from the trees making for a wide, open shore. It was a bit of a mucky walk but a pleasant one. This was surely the payoff for the day. The scenery out from the valley and up the mountains was spectacular. Deer tracks dotted the shore, as did fallen trees with decades of being submerged.

We were now in a slight conundrum — should we climb back over the shoulder of the Hornet Cobbles or follow the drainage to the Hoffman Notch trail? We started along the creek and enjoyed a couple small waterfalls, but the shore was not all that friendly and we soon decided to climb up and over the shoulder. It wasn’t very challenging, but we were still not all that thrilled.

We eventually made the trail but in all reality it wasn’t that long, and we still had enough time to visit Big Marsh. Big Marsh is a large body of water that resides near the top of the notch. From our location it was about 1 mile away along a wet and faintly marked trail. The vistas out over the Marsh, which is truly more of a large lake, were wonderful. Texas Ridge shadowed us from across the open waters, and as the shadows of the day grew long we needed to hastily get hiking back to the trailhead. We wasted absolutely no time in our exit and only paused long enough to snap a few pictures of the boulders along the trail and the vintage logging machine park along the way. We were tired and ragged woodsman as we emerged from the forest, but excited about what we had found and excited in the thought of what other adventures we could ponder up in the Hoffman Notch Region.

There's plenty to do in the Schroon Lake Region after you've finished your hike in the Hoffman Notch Region. Go horseback riding, visit a museum or go shopping.