A winter recreation hotspot with history in Newcomb

Upper Works, located at the end of a long mountain road in Newcomb, serves as the premier southern gateway to the High Peaks Wilderness Area and a testament to the region's industrial heritage. Originally the site of the 19th-century MacIntyre Iron Works, this area was once a bustling mining village known as Adirondac, which supported a massive iron ore extraction operation until the mid-1850s. Today, the site is preserved, and the historical ruins offer a rare glimpse into the Adirondacks’ transition from an industrial resource to a protected wilderness. Everyone can enjoy this place in the winter, from beginner snowshoers to experienced cross-country skiers. Come along to learn about some of the experiences you can have at Upper Works in Newcomb, New York.

Beginner snowshoeing and XC skiing at the trailhead

If you’re interested in Adirondack history, and want to try out snowshoeing or xc skiing, hanging out near this historical trailhead is a must. After a long drive in, you’ll pass by the historic blast furnace of MacIntyre Iron Works. Stop here to learn about the 19th-century industrial relic. Continuing on, you’ll park at the recently renovated MacNaughton Cottage, once the basecamp for Theodore Roosevelt’s attempted climb of Mount Marcy (cut short because of President William McKinley’s dire condition). You can learn about Teddy’s tales along the interpretive trails at Upper Works, all while snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. Explore the remnants of the 19th-century village of Adirondac, which once served as a bustling center for the MacIntyre Iron Works. It’s a unique way to learn about the site's dual-mining history, transitioning from early iron extraction to the later 20th-century titanium mining operations that shaped the local landscape. 

Intermediate XC skiing and winter hiking to Flowed Lands

The Calamity Brook Trail is oft-troddened by hikers looking to summit a High Peak. However, it is a classic cross-country ski for those with experience, and a lengthy intermediate winter hike. The trail leads hikers and skiers approximately five miles toward Flowed Lands, following the drainage of Calamity Brook. A vast opening provides unobstructed winter views of Mount Colden. Bring a beer and some pizza wrapped in foil from Paradox Brewery for a hang out at the lean-to next to the trail’s mid-point at Flowed Lands.

Intermediate winter hiking to Mount Adams

Located just south of the primary Upper Works parking lot, Mount Adams provides a concentrated vertical challenge. This winter hike is on the tougher end of an intermediate hike, with lots of elevation gain packed into a relatively short window of mileage (1,800 feet over the course of 5 miles). Along the way, you’ll pass the actual cabin that fire tower observers used while they were resting up for their day’s work. The summit features a historic 47-foot fire tower, originally used for forest fire surveillance, which remains open for ascending. From the cab, visitors are rewarded with a 360-degree panorama that includes a direct view of the heart of the High Peaks, and south towards the southern Adirondacks. Take care while on the fire tower, and don’t wear your spikes up the stairs. A very dedicated group of volunteers take care of this historical gem, and spikes on the wooden steps can degrade them quite easily.

Expert winter hiking to Mount Marshall

Mount Marshall is a remote objective intended for experienced winter hikers only, often hiked from Upper Works. Successful completion of this peak requires advanced winter hiking skills and prior experience with winter 46er summits. A critical safety concern is the presence of unbridged water crossings along Herbert Brook, which can be extremely hazardous if ice is thin or snow-covered. Hikers must be prepared for all winter conditions, and have the right gear for the season. Furthermore, the lack of official trail markers means that expert navigation is required to follow the herd paths through deep, drifting snow.

With all of that being said, a trip up Mount Marshall can be rewarding. The unexpectedly-stellar views from a couple viewpoints really makes this trip special, and you’ll be hard-pressed to run into many other hikers on your hike up. This is the perfect summit for those who have the knowledge, experience, and gear necessary to spend a tough day in the mountains. Because of the long drive in, and the need to be out all day for this peak, consider finding lodging in Newcomb or nearby towns to get a headstart to your day.

A trip to Upper Works isn’t complete without experiencing the amenities the Adirondack Hub has to offer. A drive over to Paradox Brewery post-trip for excellent craft brews and delicious food is a must, and stocking up on supplies for the drive home at Frontier Town Gateway is always a great idea. Plan your trip to the Adirondack Hub to experience Upper Works in the winter!