~ Outings Archive 2023-2026 ~

2023

January 5, 2023   Regular   Saratoga Spa State Park Walk-About   Lenore and Jack Reber   Rating: Easy to moderate. 

Following the 5-mile trail, we will explore our local park's varied features. The trails offer ups and downs with lots of flat parts. The warm weather has melted the icy spots, so you won't need spikes. The current forecast is a bit cooler, high of 31 degrees and some sun later. Bring a cup to sample water from the five springs nearby to compliment Lenore's cookies. We will meet at the Geyser Picnic Area parking lot adjacent to the Creekside Classroom Environmental Education Center (CCEEC) at 10:00; alternative meeting places for carpooling purposes will be left to the discretion of those attending. Directions: The Geyser Picnic Area parking lot is located on the Geyser Loop Road which is located off the East-West Road of the Park. The East-West Road is the southernmost road into the Park and can be accessed from either Route 50 on the west or Route 9 on the east. From Rt 50: Travel E on the E-W Rd for .2 mi and turn L onto the Geyser Loop Rd; continue on the Geyser Loop Rd. for .6 mi, the parking lot will be on your R. From Rt 9: Travel W on the E-W Rd. for .8 mi and turn R onto Geyser Loop Rd; continue on the Geyser Loop Rd. for.4 mi, the parking lot will be on your left. Please contact the Rebers with any questions.

January 15, 2023   Bonus   Hurricane Mountain Hike   Scott Anderson and Kim Brown   Rating: Moderate/Difficult.  

Hurricane Mountain is located north of Rt. 9N between Keene and Elizabethtown. Although not a High Peak, from its bald summit at 3,694', the views are expansive in all directions - from Lake Champlain and the Green Mountains of Vermont to the east, the High Peaks to the west, Whiteface Mtn. to the northwest and Giant Mtn. due south. It also has a restored fire tower on its summit but you don’t need to climb it for great views. It is one of the mountains included in the ADK Fire Tower Challenge so if you aspire to complete the Challenge this is a great mountain to include. There are three trails to the summit, but for this hike we will take the trail starting on Rt 9N which begins 3.5 miles E of the junction of Route 9N and Route 73, south of Keene. The hike is advertised at 6.8 miles RT and an elevation gain of ~2,000'. Meet at the Warren County Municipal Center Park and Ride at 8:15 for a departure of 8:30; or the High Peaks Welcome Center, north of Exit 29, at 9:20; or the Rt. 9N trailhead at 10ish. The weather forecast for Sunday is sunny, a high of 25 and winds at 10mph. You will NOT need snowshoes but “You will need spikes!” Scott was there last Sunday and it was Microspikes all the way to the top. It can be cold up there, so please bring adequate warm clothing. Please email Scott if you plan to attend or have any questions. Hope to see you Sunday!

January 27, 2023   Regular   Spruce Mountain Lake George Snowshoe   Tim Ward   Rating: Moderate/Difficult

This hike on Spruce Mtn. in Huletts Landing on Lake George is a little different. First it's quite a workout though it's only about 4.5 miles. Second, it has great views in several places but you will have earned them. We'll start on Lake George Conservancy land and then quickly enter State land on a trail marked by Richard Hayes Phillips, the guy who placed the trail up Cat Mountain in Bolton. He's a master in building picturesque routes. After about 1.5 miles we'll reach the ridge trail junction. We'll hike this north/south trail to the top of Spruce in about 1.25 miles. The hike down will be a straight forward open woods bushwhack back to the trailhead. We're talking a total of about 4.5 miles with an ascent of 1800 feet. With nearly a foot of new snow, plan to use poles and snowshoes. No cliffs have to be scaled, but the slopes are often steep. Meet at CTL at 9:00 for departure at 9:15; or at the NYS DEC Boat Launch on NY 22 on the north side of the causeway crossing South Bay at 9:50. Please email Tim if you have any questions.

February 2, 2023   Regular   Hennig Preserve-South Trails Spike   Gail Stauble   Rating: Easy/Moderate.

The Hennig Preserve is owned by Saratoga PLAN and is located on Centerline Rd. in the Town of Providence, about 13 miles west of Saratoga Springs. There are over 10 miles of trails, including the trails in the adjacent Homestead County Forest owned by Saratoga County. Our hike will be limited to between 4-5 miles in length over generally flat terrain with some ups and downs. For those of you who are familiar with the preserve we will be hiking on the south side of the preserve and include portions of the yellow, blue (Esker) and green trails and the Homestead County Forest with views of Cadman Creek. The specific route will be determined on Wednesday. These particular trails are considered a wood's walk with no panoramic views or lakes but we will pass old stone walls, cellar holes of old homesteads and pretty streams, our pace will be leisurely. Our lunch location will be decided during the hike. Meet at the Amtrak Rail Station in Saratoga Springs at 9:15 for departure at 9:30 or at the Hennig Preserve sign at 10:00. If you have any questions please email or call. Directions: There are a number of ways to reach the Hennig Preserve but from the Amtrak Station here is the shortest: Turn right on to West Ave. from Station Lane; continue about .25 miles to NY 29 and turn right; continue on NY 29 for about 9.7 miles and turn right on to Antioch Rd (just after the East Galway sign the road makes a sharp bend back); continue on Antioch Rd to the end, about 3.5 miles, and turn right on to Wileytown Rd; continue on Wileytown for about 1 mi and turn left on to Centerline Rd; continue on Centerline Rd for about 1.25 miles to the sign on the left. For those using a GPS navigator try using 200 Centerline Rd., Middle Grove, NY (or Galway if Middle Grove doesn't work) - that will get you close.

February 8, 2023   Bonus   LeVine Preserve Spike   Gail Stauble   Rating: Easy  

This is a wonderful hike with lots of options as to the length with a maximum of 3+ miles of rolling terrain, two creeks to follow, view of an old sawmill along Cadman Creek and even a hike on an esker. Lunch will be at the old homestead (circa 1920s?) with its well-preserved foundation and hand-dug well — there is even a picnic bench. The LeVine Nature Preserve is owned and maintained by Saratoga PLAN and is just down the road from its big sister — the Hennig Preserve. There are essentially four loop trails within the 177-acre preserve plus Taber Road Trail, an old abandoned dirt town road that bisects the preserve. The specific route TBD on the day of the hike. Meet at the LeVine Preserve sign at 10:30. Directions: There are a number of ways to reach the preserve but for those of you using a GPS navigator try using 303 Centerline Rd., Middle Grove, NY (or Galway if Middle Grove doesn't work) — that will get you close. Alternatively, Gail will meet at the Saratoga Amtrak Station at 10:00 to carpool/caravan to the trailhead. From there turn R on to West Ave from Station Lane; continue about 0.25 miles to NY 29 and turn R; continue on NY 29 for 12 miles to Barkersville Road. (You should see the Waterwheel Village Store on the far right corner). Turn R here and stay on Barkersville Road for 2.7 miles. The road will take several sharp turns, but stay on Barkersville Road (Route 16) until it intersects with Glenwild Road. Turn L on Glenwild Road, and after driving 1.4 miles, turn L on Centerline Road. In approximately 0.8 miles, you will see the kiosk for the LeVine Preserve on the L side of Centerline Road. As an option, if you are familiar with getting to the Hennig Preserve just continue W on Centerline for an additional 1.3 miles to LeVine. Please contact Gail with any questions.

February 11, 2023   Bonus   Marcy Dam Ski From South Meadows   Steve Mackey   Rating: Moderate.

Licia and I have skied many times into Marcy Dam on the old truck trail from South Meadows. It is 5.5 miles (round trip) with about 500 feet of elevation gain. We plan on going this Saturday and thought we would lead it as a Canes outing. It is usually tracked from other skiers (not groomed). You want to be of at least intermediate ability. When I first did it, I thought it was kind of hard. Now that I’ve skied it many times, I consider it fairly easy. There is a very good chance that we will be able to feed wild chickadees out of our hands. (Bring some bird seed or nuts). Meet at CTL at 8:30 for an 8:45 departure; or the High Peaks Welcome Center, north of Exit 29, at about 9:35. Email Steve if you have any questions.

February 15, 2023   Regular   Gull and Spectacle Ponds Thru Hike   Eric Potter   Rating: Easy/Moderate.  

Instead of doing two separate hikes and a car ride covering the 1 mile between trailheads, we now have a new route going to both ponds in one hike, easy, only possible in midwinter. The trailheads for these two ponds are located on Adirondack Rd. approximately 2.5 miles south of Alder Meadow Rd. on the east side of Schroon Lake. From the Gull Pond trailhead we hike 0.6 miles to lovely Gull Pond, then over the pond on the ice and down a gentle wooded draw to Harrison Marsh (actually a pond with wetland margins), across the Marsh and thence south along Shanty Bottom Creek - a gorgeous easy wooded route - to connect with the Spectacle Pond trail near its midpoint. We've come about 1.7 miles so far, all flat or gently downhill. We then take the regular trail SE to Spectacle Pond and our lunch spot, a very wild spot with (we hope) stellar views of nearby Pharaoh Mountain. Then back to a couple of cars we've previously spotted at the Spectacle Pond Trailhead, for drivers to retrieve their cars from the Gull Pond trailhead, a mile away. Total distance, about 4 miles, with only small elevation gains of maybe 400 ft total. Meet at CTL at 9:15 for a 9:30 departure; or Stewarts in Schroon Lake via Exit 27 at 10:10; or the Gull Pond trailhead at 10:30. Contact Eric if you have any questions. Also, please consider offering a XCS as an Alternate (ALT) outing for those that would like to ski instead – just contact the Outings Coordinator.

February 22, 2023   Regular   Great Camp Santanoni Cross-Country Ski   Steve Mackey   Rating: Moderate.

A cross-country ski to Great Camp Santanoni. Most of us have been in here, hiking, biking, or skiing. (Good chance, we aren't going to take the boats out, this trip). It's 9 miles round trip, with a gain of 700 feet. It's not hard to ski, but it is pretty far. You want to be at least an intermediate skier. I just checked "All Trails", and the conditions are excellent right now. Let's hope that it doesn't get too warm between now and then. Meet at CTL at 8:30 for departure at 8:45; or at the Black Bear Restaurant, Northway Exit 26 at 9:15; or at the Santanoni Gate Lodge parking lot at 10:00ish. Please take advantage of the Mobil Station just off the Northway at Exit 26 to pick up something you may have forgotten or use the restroom before meeting at the Black Bear. We will also stop at the Town of Newcomb’s High Peaks Overlook Park before proceeding to the trailhead for a short pit stop. Please email Steve if you have any questions

March 3, 2023   Bonus  Potash Mountain Hike   Steve Mackey   Rating: Moderate.

Potash Mountain is located just west of NY 9N in the Town of Lake Luzerne. It isn’t a very high mountain at only 1700’ but what it lacks in height it makes up in character. It is dome shaped with southern facing cliffs, an eye catcher that can be identified from many of the higher mountains in the area with super views from the expansive open rock ledges above the cliffs. The hike, including the nature trail, is slightly less than 4 miles in total with a 1000’ gain, steep in places but the route has received a great deal of trail improvements including stone steps and stairways in the steepest sections, all built by Steve! Lunch will be at the overlook near the summit. CTL at 9:30 for departure at 9:45; or the trailhead at 10:00ish. Trailhead parking is located on the R on Potash Rd. just past its junction with Dunkley Rd., .5 mile N from where Potash Rd. intersects Rt. 9N, directly across from the entrance to Luzerne State Campground, 7 miles S of Exit 21 of the Northway or about 3 mi N of Hadley-Luzerne High School. If you have any questions please email Steve.

March 9, 2023   Regular   Hoffman Notch Snowshoe/Ski   Steve Mackey   Rating: Moderate.  

The trail basically goes from Loch Muller, just west of Schroon Lake, to the Blue Ridge Rd. near the Buffalo Farm west of North Hudson. It is 7.5 miles one way, so I figured it was a good hike to do as a key swap since it would require nearly a 50 mile drive to spot cars otherwise. A group will start from each direction, we will exchange car keys when we meet, and then drive each other’s cars, to Stewarts in Schroon Lake. If you hike from south to north, there is about a 500’ drop in elevation. Obviously, we have no idea what conditions will be, so it could be skis, snowshoes, or spikes. I might try skiing it with my very slow skis, but this shouldn't have any bearing, on whether you are thinking of attending. They are basically snowshoes with a little glide. I’m willing to go either north or south, so the rest of the group can go whichever way they feel comfortable doing. This is mainly a walk in the woods, but we follow streams almost the whole way, and we go through a marsh in the middle. During different times of year, it could be buggy, and/or muddy, so March is a nice time of year. The 46'ers cleared all the blowdown on the trail this fall, and the group that went last year really enjoyed it.

My best guess is that we want to carry snowshoes and spikes regardless if you decide to ski. We also might be able to bare boot, but it’s good to have snowshoes, worse case. I don’t think standing water or mud will be a problem and I don’t think stream crossings will be a problem. All the big streams have bridges.

Meet at CTL at 9:00 for departure at 9:15. Here we will break into the north and south bound groups. Based on our trip last year we should finish around 4:00ish and rendezvous at Stewart’s in Schroon Lake to switch cars. Email me if you have any questions or are interested in going, so we know we have enough people, and we can cancel if conditions or the weather is bad.

March 16, 2023   Regular   Lake Bonita/Lake Ann Snowshoe   Diane Selin   Rating: Easy/Moderate.

Since we expect to receive significant snow prior to this hike we’ll make this hike shorter and easier for everyone with a snowshoe of about 4 miles RT from Lake Bonita to Lake Ann. We will stop for lunch at the Lake Ann lean-to and return by retracing our route and finish with a walk around Lake Bonita. Snowshoes will be required. Terrain is considered rolling, through mixed forest and probably not more than 300 or 400 ft. of elevation gain. Meet at 10:30 at the Lake Bonita parking lot of Moreau Lake State Park located 2.0 miles west of Rt. 9 on the north side of Wilton-Corinth Road at the height of land or about 4 miles west of Northway Exit 16. Please contact Diane with any questions. Also, she would like anyone that is interested in attending to contact her. This is not a commitment on your part but a way for her to be able to contact you if circumstances change.

March 22, 2023   OK Slip Falls Hike   Steve Mackey   Rating: Moderate

OK Slip Falls is one of the highest waterfalls in the Adirondacks with over a 200' free fall. The trailhead is located on the north side of Rt 28, about 10 miles west of the hamlet of North Creek with excellent parking available on the south side, before the trailhead. From the trailhead the well marked trail takes us through a variety of woods of mixed hardwoods and evergreens. There are some ups and downs, for a total of slightly over 3 miles one-way and a gain of about 800 feet to two overlooks with great views of the falls and our lunch spot. The falls should be really full with all the snow melt, framed by beautiful ice formations. CTL at 8:30 for an 8:45 departure; or the North Creek Stewart’s at 9:30; or the trailhead at 10:00-ish.

March 30, 2023   Regular   Schumann Preserve at Pilot Knob Spike   Diane Selin   Rating: Easy/Moderate.

The Schumann Preserve at Pilot Knob is owned and maintained by the Lake George Land Conservancy (LGLC) and offers a couple of options of hikes totaling 3.7 miles. From the trailhead, located 0.7 miles north on Pilot Knob Rd. from its intersection with NY 9L, we will hike the orange trail 0.7 mile with about a 620’ gain to a Gazebo with fine views of the southern basin of Lake George. Anyone who wishes may opt for a relaxing stay and an early lunch at the Gazebo enjoying the sweeping view of the lake and mountains before returning to their car. Others will hike from the Gazebo along the blue trail another 1 mile and an additional 400’ gain to the waterfall loop trail. There we will have lunch and visit both the bottom and top of the falls before retracing our steps to the Gazebo and returning to our cars. It is anticipated that there will be snow to contend with but this is a popular hike and the trail will be hard-packed. Ice will also be encountered in sections so spikes will be required but snowshoes will not be needed. The current NOAA weather forecast for the Lake George area for Thursday is calling for a mostly sunny day with a high temp near 40 degrees. CTL at 9:15 for a 9:30 departure or meet at the trailhead at 9:50. Please contact Diane with any questions.

April 7, 2023   Bonus   Hadley Mountain Hike   Gail Stauble   Rating: Moderate.

Hadley Mountain is a popular hike to a summit with excellent views and a restored fire tower; one that is included in the ADK Fire Tower Challenge. From its large parking lot off of Tower Road it is a moderately steep climb of 1.8 miles and slightly over a 1,500 ft. gain to its mostly open and rocky summit area. Views are expansive and include the Great Sacandaga Lake, the Mohawk Valley and distant views of Vermont, the Catskills and the High Peaks. Rain is forecast for several days before the hike. However, nighttime temps are expected to fall below freezing causing parts of the trail, especially the bare rock sections, to be icy so spikes are required. Meet at the trailhead at 10:15. Please contact me with any questions.

April 20, 2023   Alternate   Vischer Ferry Hike   Lenore and Jack Reber   Rating: Easy  

To get a jump on spring, we will walk on the towpath and other trails through woods, wet meadows, and by the Mohawk River, on trails from the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries. Trails are flat and easy and will total about 5 miles. We will eat lunch along the route. Those coming from the north or south, meet at the Exit 8 Park and Ride at 9:30. Please meet there, not at the Vischer Ferry lots. Drivers may organize a meetup at the Exit 12 Park and Ride if they wish. Those coming from the west can meet us at the end of Ferry Drive in the hamlet of Vischer Ferry at 10:00. Please contact either Lenore or Jack with any questions.

April 22, 2023   Bonus   Rathbun's Sugar House Bike Ride   Steve Mackey   Rating: Moderate.

The plan is to bicycle to Rathbun's Sugar House from Fort Anne and back. Rathbun's is a popular maple sugar house serving homemade breakfasts with real maple syrup and selling maple products. It is located about 7 miles SE of the Village of Whitehall at 1208 Hatch Hill Rd. They are only open on weekends so we will plan it for a Sunday April 23rd. For a rain date, we might move it forward to Saturday April 22nd. We will have breakfast/brunch there and then ride back. It is an awesome breakfast, and you probably won’t need lunch. It’s around 12 miles each way, on rural roads with some pretty big hills. We have done this ride maybe 10 times, so we are pretty familiar with it. Licia will ride her Ebike, so that is a great option, if you own one. Sometimes we have met spouses and friends at the restaurant and loaded our bikes, so only ridden one way. That is an option, but you have to make personal arrangements. If there are a large number of us, we might leave different times, so we don’t overwhelm the restaurant. Any change in meeting/departure times will be included in an email once we determine how many bikers we have. We will meet at the Champlain Canal Park in Fort Anne. When you are driving to Fort Anne on route 149, there is a major intersection (Route 4) with a traffic light and a Cumberland Farms on the right. Go straight at the light, down a hill (Clay Hill Rd.), and the Park is on your left before you go across the bridge over the Champlain Canal. We will meet there at 8:30 AM. Email me if you are coming, or if you have any questions.

April 27, 2023   Alternate   Crab Pond Hike   Steve Mackey   Rating: Easy   Link

There is a new Warren County website that lists most of the hikes that you can do in Warren County. There are a few that I have never done or never heard of, so I thought it would be a good source of new ideas. I picked Crab Pond (not to be confused with the one near Crane Pond) for a starter and one that would be a first for the Canes. It is sort of on the way to Pharaoh Lake. It’s a 5.6 mile round trip, with almost no climb, rated as easy. I’ve never been there, and it sounds like the first turn may be a little tricky, but I’m sure we will figure it out. It’s probably a little muddy, so wear appropriate footwear. There is a good chance that wildflowers will be out and about. Meet at CTL at 9:30 for a 9:45 departure or the rear parking lot of the Town of Horicon Community Center on NY8 at 10:15 for a quick pit stop and a chance to carpool the short distance to the trailhead. The Horicon Community Center is located east of I87 off exit 25, about 2 miles on the right, across from Mill Pond. Please email if you have any questions.

May 11, 2023   Alternate   Crown Point Bird Banding Observation with Lunch at The Bridge Restaurant   Barbara Zuccaro   Rating: Easy

The Crown Point Banding Station will be opening for their 48th consecutive year on Saturday May 5th and close at noon on Saturday May 20th. This area has been designated as a Bird Conservation Area by NYS for its value to migrating songbirds and the diversity of species found here as well. They collect birds, take down information, fit them with a band, and hand them over to a visitor to hold briefly and release. Master bander Gordon Howard will explain the process and answer all questions. We will then wander among the ruins of the British and French forts before heading to the picnic tables for lunch or the Bridge Restaurant. The grounds of the historic site are open from sunrise to sunset, year-round, free of charge. Meet at CTL at 7:15 for a 7:30 departure; or at McDonalds at 1148 Wicker St., Ticonderoga at 8:30. Please email me no later than Sunday May 7th if you are attending since I need to let Gordon know our numbers on Monday May 8th and I will send you more detailed information regarding the banding station.

May 18, 2023   Regular   Peaked Mountain Hike   Steve Mackey   Rating: Moderate

This outing is being offered as a combo-outing - one for those wanting to hike to a beautiful remote pond as their destination and the other to go a bit farther, visit the pond and climb the nearby peak. From the trailhead at the northern end of Thirteenth Lake we will follow a relatively flat trail for .9 miles to Peaked Mtn. Brook. From here we will continue on the marked trail northwest along the brook for an additional gradual ascent passing several wild marshy areas. At 1.8 miles, after gaining 600 feet, we reach the shore of scenic Peaked Mtn. Pond, offering good views of the cliff faced mountain the pond was named after. This will be the destination and turnaround point for those not going to Peaked Mtn. and a good place for everyone to have lunch. For those who have chosen to go on to Peaked Mtn. it is an additional .5 miles, gaining an additional 650 feet, fairly steep in places. However, efforts are rewarded at the 2919 ft. summit with spectacular views in all directions. The total RT mileage is 5.4 miles for those going to the pond with a gain of 600 feet and 6.4 miles and a 1250 feet gain for those climbing the mountain. Note – it is that time of the year when we may see the arrival of those pesky flying insects so be prepared! Meet at CTL at 8:30 for a departure at 8:45 for both groups (please plan carpooling according to whether or not you will climb Peaked Mtn.); or at Stewart’s in North Creek at 9:25; or the Thirteenth Lake trailhead at the end of Beach Rd. at 10:00ish. Please email me with any questions.

May 25, 2023   Regular   Rooster Comb & Snow Mtns Loop Hike   Diane Selin   Rating: Moderate

We'll begin our hike at the Rooster Comb parking lot just south of the hamlet of Keene Valley off Rt. 73. The trail leads us through a beautiful forest over easy to moderate terrain with a few steep sections to the summit of Rooster Comb (2,762’) where we will have lunch. Views from the summit and nearby Valley View Lookout complete a 360-degree panorama of Mt. Marcy, the Johns Brook Valley, Giant Mtn. and the Ausable Valley. After lunch we retrace our steps to the trail to Snow Mtn. (2,370’) for more beautiful views in several directions. For our return we again retrace our steps to a connecting trail that will take us back to the parking lot, completing the loop – about 5.5 miles & 2,000’ gain for the day. CTL at 8:00 for a departure of 8:15; or the High Peaks Rest Area at 9:10; or the trailhead at 9:30ish. If you have any questions please contact me.

Jun 1, 2023   Regular   Gore Mountain Combo Hike   Kim Brown and Steve Mackey   Rating: Moderate/Difficult

Another combo outing!! Kim will lead to the waterfalls and Steve will lead for those who want to do the entire fire tower hike. Great opportunity for anyone working on their ADK Fire Tower Challenge!

Gore Mtn Waterfalls: We will follow the Schaefer Trail to where the waterfalls start at about 1 mile and continue along the falls almost all the way to the reservoir another .8 miles. We will stop somewhere between where the two ski road bridges are for lunch/snack. (Fire tower folks may or may not have lunch depending on timing at the falls.) We will go out the way we came. I went up to the waterfalls on May 10th and they were running strong, so I'm hoping we will still have some nice water running. The trail has a lot of loose leaves covering rocks etc. so very uneven or unsteady footing. Several places we will have steep steps up or down, so this hike may not be for everyone depending upon how your knees/hips are doing! Stats: 3.6 miles r/t with approx 1,250 feet gain.

Gore Mtn Fire Tower: At the 1.8 mile the trail moves away from the reservoir and stream and continues north and west. You come to the Rabbit Trail junction at 2 mi. and at 2.5 miles cross a power line as you continue a gentle ascent. The trail eventually comes to large clearing at 3.2 mi. known as Ives Dam where it crosses Roaring Brook (now a very, very small stream) and enters the woods again heading southeast. At 3.4 mi. the trail crosses Woods Out Ski Trail and proceeds again into the forest between ski trails to cross Lower Wood In Ski Trail, eventually exiting the woods before coming to a summer maintenance road and very steep sections. The trail continues on the maintenance road passing a chairlift and reaches the summit at 4.7 miles. The tower is closed as it serves as a mounting platform for communications, but views are excellent to the High Peaks and mountains of Lake George. This is a long hike with significant gain and intermittent steep sections. Stats: 9.4 miles r/t with approx 2,560 feet gain.

Meet at CTL at 8:30 for a departure at 8:45; or at Stewart's in North Creek at 9:25; or the trailhead at 9:45. The trailhead is located on the right, a short distance on Dump Rd. just off of Ski Bowl Rd. (1 mi N of Stewart’s – large DEC sign for TH). We will park at the trailhead next to the fence that leads into the Johnsburg Transfer station. Please email Kim or Steve with any questions.

Jun 9 2023   Bonus   Potash Mountain Hike   Steve Mackey   Rating: Moderate

We haven’t been up Potash since late winter, so let’s do it again in late spring. I’ve heard that the bugs aren’t a problem (but bring some bug dope and a head net just in case). We will hike the nature trail on the way in. Some of the descriptive signs were put up in November so we will check them out and make sure what they are describing is close by. We will move the signs if necessary. I know at least one that needs to be moved. The hike is around 3.5 miles with about 1,000 feet of climbing. Lunch will be at the overlook near the summit. CTL at 9:30 for departure at 9:45; or the trailhead at 10:00ish. Trailhead parking is located on the R on Potash Rd. just past its junction with Dunkley Rd., .5 mile N from where Potash Rd. intersects Rt. 9N, directly across from the entrance to Luzerne State Campground, 7 miles S of Exit 21 of the Northway or about 3 mi N of Hadley-Luzerne High School. If you have any questions please email Steve.

Jun 15, 2023   Regular   Watch Hill and the Holey Boulders Hike   Lenore and Jack Reber   Rating: Moderate  

We'll begin our hike at the Watch Hill trailhead, located on the east side of NY30, 1 mile south of the Snowy Mountain trailhead/parking lot or 7.7 miles south from its intersection with NY28 in the hamlet of Indian Lake. From the trailhead we will hike along a short section of a well marked trail to an old forest road and follow this for a bit to the foot trail that will come in on the right. This trail will take us to the ridgeline and an overlook where we will have lunch and enjoy the outstanding views of Snowy Mountain and Indian Lake, a hike of 3.5 miles RT, with around a 900 feet elevation gain. Retracing our steps to the parking lot we will walk 0.2 miles along NY30 to the unmarked trailhead for the Snowy Mountain Boulders, referred to by some as the Holey Boulders. After a 0.5 mile walk, we can explore the dozen or more huge pock-marked boulders popular with rock climbers specializing in bouldering. Don’t forget to bring your camera! Meet at CTL at 9:00 for a departure at 9:15; or the North Creek Stewart’s at 10:00; or the Indian Lake Stewart’s at 10:30; or the Watch Hill trailhead at 10:45. For those of you who are traveling from the south or west in our area, you may want to consider arranging a convenient meeting place to carpool/caravan (such as the Fulton County Visitor Center located at the intersection of NY 29 and NY 30 in Broadalbin and taking NY 30 N through Speculator and continuing N approximately 17 miles to the Watch Hill Trailhead). Please contact us with any questions.

Jun 22, 2023   Regular   Pilot Knob Ridge Hike   Scott Anderson   Rating: Moderate/Difficult

This moderate to strenuous hike is approx 4 miles long with an accumulated gain of around 1,600 feet. It starts out on the marked state trail to Buck Mt. and Inman Pond and veers SE onto an unmarked herd path. It’s pretty much up all the way to the top where we will have several overlooks, then the false summit, before getting to the top of the ridge. Views of Lake George are spectacular! We will return the way we came up. All down! Meet at CTL at 9:00 for departure at 9:15 or the trailhead at 9:45. Trailhead directions: From exit 20, I-87, follow route 9 north for .3m to NY 149. Turn right and continue on NY149 for 4.3m and turn left onto NY9L (Ridge Rd) by Stewart's for an additional 4.6m, turning right onto CR32/Pilot Knob Rd. Continue for 3.3m to the DEC parking lot/trailhead on the right. [Please note this is NOT the Schumann Preserve for the Pilot Knob Preserve/Gazebo owned by the LGLC]. Please contact Kim with any questions.

Jun 22, 2023   Alternate   Saratoga Battlefield Historical Walk-About   Denis Foley   Rating: Easy

Beginning at the Saratoga National Battlefield Visitor Center we will hike the Wilkinson Trail at a leisurely pace over gentle slopes around the northern section of the battlefield for a total distance of around 4 miles. Along the way we will make stops at various interpretive stations. We should be back at the visitor center by 1pm where we will have lunch. Tom Gibbs, who served as our outings coordinator for many years, plans to join us for lunch. After lunch, depending on the wishes of the group, we could opt to visit the Saratoga Monument, about a ten minute drive from the Battlefield. Meet at the Saratoga Battlefield Visitor Center at 10am. For information on the Wilkinson Trail and directions to the Battlefield please click on the Info link above. If you have any questions, please contact me.

Jul 6, 2023   Regular   Stewart’s Bridge Reservoir Paddle   Fran Herve   Rating: Easy/Moderate

We will paddle on Stewart's Bridge Reservoir - the impounded waters of the Sacandaga River, lying between Stewart's Dam, Hadley, downstream and the Conklingville Dam, Edinburg, upstream. Its irregular shoreline lends itself to exploring and the launch area a perfect place for lunch, swimming or just chilling out. Bald eagles have been observed in the past so bring a camera and binoculars.

Meet at the hamlet of Hadley’s train station at the intersection of Rockwell St./Stony Creek Rd. (CR1) at 9:45 or at the launch area around 10:15. For those of you opting to go directly to the launch site its access is on a marked side-road, on the left, about 4 miles west along CR4/N. Shore Rd from the train station noted above. Continue on the access road to the end at the shore of the reservoir where there's plenty of parking. Please contact me with any questions.

Jul 13, 2023   Regular   Boreas Ponds Paddle   Steve Mackey   Rating: Moderate

A new paddle for the Canes to a remote and pristine location! This paddle was scheduled last year but had to be canceled due to construction on its access road so let’s try it again. Boreas Ponds are located about 8 miles west of North Hudson, north of Blue Ridge Rd. The Boreas Ponds Tract, as it is known, was added to the Forest Preserve back in 2016. This addition to the High Peaks Wilderness made it the largest Wilderness Area in the Northeastern US. Gulf Brook Road (the road in) is currently open to the Four Corners Parking Area where we will park. From here we will have to portage our boats about a half mile to the pond, so you either need to have wheels to transport your boat, or a light weight boat, like a Hornbeck, etc. This paddle is a lot like our trip into Henderson Lake near the Tahawus trailhead, you don't want to carry a heavy boat that far. I've been into the Boreas Ponds several times, biking, skiing, and kayaking, and it is very pristine, uncrowded, and the view of the Great Range is spectacular. Hopefully, the black flies have all departed. If all goes according to plan, this is a very special place. Meet at CTL at 8:15 for an 8:30 departure or the Frontier Town parking lot, just E of Exit 29 of the Northway, at 9:15ish. Please contact me with any questions.

Jul 20, 2023   Regular   Blue Mountain Hike   Diane Selin   Rating: Moderate

The Canes typically hike Blue Mountain in the winter so why not try hiking it in the summer for a change of pace! For an added treat, plan on stopping by my camp after the hike for an ice cream social - ice cream, brownies, whipped cream and chocolate syrup - only a five minute drive from the trailhead! Blue Mountain is located NE of the hamlet of Blue Mountain Lake in Hamilton County. At 3,760 feet it is one of the taller peaks in the Adirondacks but shy of qualifying as one of the High Peaks. Nonetheless, the views from its flat summit are expansive and from the fire tower - panoramic! It is also one of the qualifying towers of the ADK Fire Tower Challenge. The trailhead is located at a large parking lot on the east side of NY30/28N, just north of Adirondack Experience, the museum above Blue Mountain Lake. From there we follow a moderately steep trail, with the steepest pitches near the top, for 2.2 miles (4.4 mi rt) with a 1,550 feet elevation gain to the flat-topped summit and its tower.

Meet at CTL at 8:15 for departure at 8:30; or the North Creek Stewart’s at 9:00; or at trailhead at 10:00. We plan on making a short pit stop at Stewart’s in Indian Lake at 9:45 before proceeding to the trailhead. Overnight option: For those of you who would like to add some fun to this adventure you may want to consider tent camping at my camp property (or stay in the camp if there are only a couple of people). Perhaps bring a kayak or canoe or just chill out - bathroom, fire pit, and gas grill available. Please contact me if you plan on staying over or have any questions.

Aug 3, 2023   Regular   Bike Ride on Harlem Valley Rail Trail   Rich and Barbara Zuccaro   Rating: Easy/Moderate   WX   Map

The Harlem Valley Rail Trail is a flat mostly paved bike trail with many good views of the surrounding hills, farms, water and flowers along the way. We will start at the parking lot at 96 Orphan Farm, Copake Falls, NY (see embedded link above for map) and take the trail south to Millerton where there is an area, Veterans Park, with picnic tables where we will stop for lunch. There is a takeout sandwich shop (Irving Farm) across the street or you can bring your own lunch. In Millerton is Harney Tea, offering many different teas for the tea lovers in the group (make sure you have some space in your bike bag if you want to take some home). There are some restrooms in Millerton. After lunch and the tea shop stop, we will head back to Copake Falls. The ride is about 13 miles in each direction for a total of 26 miles. On the way to the parking lot, there is a Stewart’s on Route 22 just south of Route 23, about 5-10 minutes from the parking lot. This is a good place for a pit stop.

We will meet at the parking lot ready to ride at 10:30. Please contact us with any questions.

Aug 9, 2023   Bonus   Crab Pond Overnight   Steve Mackey   Rating: Moderate   WX   Link

Crab Pond is a small, remote pond located a few miles NNE of Brant Lake on a trail off of the Pharaoh Lake Trail (see link above). We did that hike into Crab Pond a couple of months ago, and after I was thinking at the time, it might be a good overnight destination this summer. This is a nice opportunity to dig out some of your old backpacking gear that you haven't used in a long time. We used to go up Buck Mountain every summer for an overnight for years, so I thought we could incorporate a lot of the things we learned. First, if we leave around 4:15 PM you can have an early dinner (at home or on the road), and consequently not have to carry food and equipment to cook dinner. We used to pick wild blueberries on Buck, and have blueberry pancakes for breakfast. Instead, I'll just carry in some store bought blueberries, and do a group breakfast. So as far as equipment, you will need a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, warm clothes (maybe), snacks, bug repellent, a beverage and don’t forget a headlamp! If you have a fishing license, you are welcome to bring your fishing gear. I'll bring all the stuff for our breakfast, including coffee. We'll have a little campfire, and probably make s’mores and/or popcorn. I have some extra gear that I can lend, if you need it. Give me a heads-up if you are coming so I bring enough food. At the moment I'm planning on August 9th (Smokey Bear's Birthday). We'll move the date, if the weather is sketchy. The hike is 5.3 miles round trip, with a gain of 426 feet. From what I saw on the previous hike, it gets very little use, and we should have it all to ourselves.

We'll meet at CTL August 9th at 4:00 PM. We'll stop at the Stewart's in Chestertown, if you want a sub, pizza, hot dogs, etc. We'll probably get back to our cars around noon, the next day. Note: The destination was switched to Buck Mtn.

Aug 11 2023   Regular   Lake Abanakee Paddle   Lenore and Jack Reber   Rating: Moderate   WX

We will launch on Chain Lakes Road and paddle south under the Lake Abanakee bridge and under the Big Brook Rd. causeway, continuing our exploration of the lake. Lunch will be at a location to be determined. About 7 miles RT. Meet at CTL at 8:30 for departure at 8:45; or Stewart’s in North Creek at 9:30; or 10:00 at the launch site, located on Chain Lakes Rd., the first R turn on Rt 28 after crossing the bridge over Lake Abanakee. Lake Abanakee is suitable for all types of boats. Contact us with any questions.

Aug 17, 2023   Regular   Prospect Mountain Hike   Steve Mackey   Rating: Moderate   WX

We will hike from the Lake George Recreation Area. The round trip distance is 5.2 miles with a 1,430 ft. vertical climb. The first part of the trail is a little confusing, but you mainly keep your eye on the stream and for the first half of the hike, you are never more than a stone’s throw away from it. For some reason this trail has never been officially marked, but once you have hiked it a time or two, it is kind of a hidden gem. It's the easiest and most pleasant hike up Prospect. We threw around a few ideas to make this a loop hike, but in the end we decided to keep it simple and just do an out and back. There are a couple of muddy spots from all the rain and be prepared for mosquitoes.

Meet at the Lake George Recreation Center parking lot at 10:00 - located at the end of Transfer Road on the north side of NY 9N, slightly over ½ mile west of Exit 21 of the Northway. Please contact me with any questions.

Aug 23, 2023   Regular   Trails of the Corinth Cooperator Area Hike   Leo Demers   Rating: Moderate   WX

The Corinth Cooperator Area (aka Corinth Reservoir Recreation Area) is the watershed for the Village of Corinth and offers a variety of lengths in hikes with combinations that would allow you to hike perhaps 9 miles if desired. I am offering a hike of about 5 miles in length with a total gain of about 1200 ft. that will include visits to a few of its more popular destinations such as the Wilson Farm Historic Site, Redmond's Overlook and Wilson Pass. Along our route we will pass some Old Growth white pines. The actual route will be decided on the day of the hike. The trailhead is located on CR 10 (aka Mosher Rd. and West Mountain Rd.) about 1.5 mi. due west of the Village as the crow flies.

Meet at the trailhead at 9:45; hike begins at 10:00. Directions to the CCA trailhead: For those arriving from the S take Rt 9N N from the Saratoga Springs area and turn L on CR 10 (a short distance N of the Corinth Veterinary Clinic); remain on CR 10 for ~1.75 mi. to the TH on L. For those arriving from the N or E - from the Stewart's Shop at the corner of Main St. and Maple Ave. (both Rt 9N) continue S for a short distance and turn R on Hamilton St. (White's Ace Hardware on R); continue on Hamilton St. for ~1.25 mi. and turn R on CR 10; continue on CR 10 for ~.35 mi to TH on L. Please contact me with any questions.

Aug 31, 2023   Regular   Potash Mountain Hike and Swim   Linda Frees   Rating: Moderate   WX

Potash Mountain is located just west of NY 9N in the Town of Lake Luzerne. It isn’t a very high mountain at only 1700 feet but what it lacks in height it makes up in character. It is dome shaped with southern facing cliffs, an eye catcher that can be identified from many of the higher mountains in the area with super views from the expansive open rock ledges above the cliffs. The hike, including the nature trail, is slightly less than 4 miles in total with a 1000 feet gain, steep in places but the route has received a great deal of trail improvements including stone steps and stairways in the steepest sections. Lunch will be at the overlook near the summit. After lunch we will retrace our steps and visit the nature trail on our way down. For those that would like to add a post-hike swim we will drive about .5 miles to the Luzerne Campground and Day Use Area. Entrance to the campground and day use area is free to drivers over the age of 62 so be sure you carpool with someone that will allow you to gain free entrance.

Meet at the trailhead at 10:00. Trailhead parking is located on the R on Potash Rd. just past its junction with Dunkley Rd., .5 mile N from where Potash Rd. intersects Rt. 9N, directly across from the entrance to Luzerne State Campground, 7 miles S of Exit 21 of the Northway or about 3 mi N of Hadley-Luzerne High School. If you have any questions please contact me.

Aug 31, 2023   Alternate   Hudson River Paddle in Schuylerville   Sharon Gavitt   Rating: Easy   WX

As part of the 200th Anniversary of the Champlain Canal I am offering an easy paddle of the Hudson River in Schuylerville. We will begin and end our paddle at the Village of Schuylerville’s beach located at the SE corner of Fort Hardy Park. From the put-in the plan is to paddle downstream on the Hudson River for forty-five minutes to one hour depending on the group, return to Hardy Park and have lunch. The total estimated distance for this paddle is less than three miles. You may bring your own lunch or visit one of the food and coffee vendors within walking distance of the launch. There is very little current in this section of the Hudson so any boat is suitable to use. As an option, paddlers may continue their exploration of the Hudson after lunch by paddling upstream or walk a bit on the Champlain Canalway Trail or visit the nearby Champlain Canal Region Gateway Visitors’ Center.

Meet at 10:15 at the Village’s beach where there is parking, a pavilion and restrooms. Directions to the beach: From Broad St. (NY29/US4/NY32) in Schuylerville continue on Ferry St. (NY29) east towards Greenwich. The beach and launch area are accessed on an unnamed road on the N side of Ferry St. just before crossing the Hudson River, across from the Basin Grill. If you’re coming from Greenwich and other locations to the east it is the first road on the right after crossing the bridge over the Hudson on Rt 29. Please contact me with any questions.

Sep 7, 2023   Regular   Rock Pond Hike/Swim/Picnic   Scott Anderson   Rating: Easy/Moderate   WX

For this hike our destination is Rock Pond in the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness Area. Specifically, a large, exposed rock outcropping on its northern shore where there is an unofficial campsite. For those of you who have visited the pond you know what a beautiful location this is, affording a great view of the pond and allowing direct access to the water for those of you who would like to swim. There is lots of shade available nearby for those who would like to avoid the sun. If the weather forecast of temps in the mid to upper 80’s hold true a swim will be very appealing! We start our hike at the Putnam Pond campground day use area by first heading in a northerly direction along the east shore of Putnam Pond towards Heart Pond before heading west to Rock Pond. The trail is well marked and the terrain is considered rolling for the 2.3 miles to the outcropping. Here we will spend a leisurely lunch with plenty of time for visiting, swimming or exploring. We will retrace our route back to our cars.

Meet at CTL at 8:15 for a departure of 8:30; or at the Stewart’s in Schroon Lake via Exit 27 for a short pit stop at 9:10; or at the Putnam Pond trailhead parking lot around 9:45. Keep in mind there is a $6.00 fee for day use entry. This fee is waived during the week for those over 62 so pick your driver wisely. Please contact me with any questions.

Sep 19, 2023   Bonus   Canes Picnic at Moreau Lake   Join the fun – picnic begins at noonish, activities and start times as noted below!   WX

This year we are returning to Moreau Lake State Park after a four year absence. Planned for the day is a variety of activities and of course the picnic. We have reserved the Fernwood pavilion with lots of convenient parking and restrooms close by. Hot dogs, rolls, condiments, plates and utensils, will be provided as well as coffee and hot water for tea or hot chocolate. If you prefer something other than hot dogs, the grill will be available for you to prepare your special meal. Bring a side dish, an appetizer, salad or dessert to share and whatever you would like to drink. Main dishes (chili, baked beans…) are also welcome. There will be a $6 fee collected to cover picnic costs [pavilion, $158; food, $85; supplies, $50; with 50 attendees expected (est.)]. Please sign in and pick up a name tag. We will also be providing a collection basket for contributions to cover website and email service costs for those of you who prefer to donate at the picnic rather than by mail. Jerry will be available to collect your contribution also. Contributions are voluntary with a suggested donation of $10 per member. Greater amounts are always welcome!

Planned Activities

Leo Demers has volunteered to lead a hike of about 3 miles that will include a visit to the Moreau Overlook timed to get you back in time for lunch. This hike is rated moderate. Meet at the parking lot adjacent to the Fernwood pavilion at 9:45. If you have any questions please contact Leo at 518-654-8042 or email him at leo46er@gmail.com.

While an easy paddle of Moreau Lake is still scheduled, we don't currently have a leader. Because the paddle is easy, we plan to paddle with or without an assigned leader, but if you would like to volunteer to lead, please contact one of the picnic team members. Meet at the boat launch area, across from the warming hut, at 10:30. This is a paddle that can be done by even a novice paddler.

Diane Selin has volunteered to lead a bike ride starting from the Park’s parking lot, adjacent to the entrance kiosk, departing at 10:00. Her newly created route will be on predominantly low traffic roads with short distances on busier roads with wide shoulders. The mostly flat route is 15 miles in length. If you have any questions please contact Diane at 518-487-8410 or email her at dandeselin@gmail.com.

Last, but certainly not least, we have a special event being offered this year. Nancy Kimball, the Canes very own wildlife rehabilitator, has offered to take those of you who may not want to participate in the hike, paddle or bike on a tour of the Nature Center. During the tour she will provide a meet and greet of Justin, one of her non-releasable barred owls who is temporarily in residence there. Meet at the Fernwood pavilion at 10:30 and walk over to the Nature Center which is only 5 min. away.

For those of you that do not wish to join the organized activities please feel free to arrive early and go for a walk, a paddle, bike the park roads or just visit. BTW – there are many of you that haven’t participated in any of our outings in recent times - please use this opportunity to join your friends and catch up - we all want to know what you have been up to. Bring your stories and pictures to share! If you or someone you know may need assistance in getting to/from Moreau please contact Fran, Margie or Peter to see if we can help.

Moreau Lake State Park is located just off of exit 17 of the Adirondack Northway – at 605 Old Saratoga Road. The entrance kiosk is not staffed during the week so there is no need to stop. After going past the kiosk, keep left and proceed along the park road to the boat launch for those of you who are paddling or continue along the park road to the large parking area adjacent to the Fernwood pavilion for everyone else. Hope you can join us!

Weather: We will be monitoring the weather forecast so please check your email as the date gets closer in case there is a need to change the date. Do a sun dance for the 19th!

Wed, Sep 27, 2023   Bonus   Chester Challenge Trails   Katie Henrikson   Rating: Easy   WX

This outing consists of two easy pieces; both hikes are part of the Chester Challenge: Info link. First, we will hike Panther Mountain. This is a newly added hike to the Chester Challenge with an excellent view. It's 2.4 miles RT with 650 feet of ascent. The area is carpeted with snowmobile trails; the hiking trail goes on and off the snowmobile trails, so it requires paying attention to the signs. The trailhead is almost within sight of Stewart's at Exit 25, perhaps a good place for lunch. After lunch we will drive a short distance to hike about 2.75 miles RT with about a 250 feet gain on the Cougar Nature Trails to Cougar Hill. Parking is limited at the TH so carpooling may be necessary.

Meet at CTL at 9:15 for a departure at 9:30 or the Exit 25 Stewart's (0.5mi W of the exit on Rt. 8) at 10:00, where we will caravan to the Panther Mtn trailhead. Please contact me with any questions.

Fri, Sep 29, 2023   Bonus   Blueberry Mountain   Pete Fedorick Jr.   Rating: Moderate/Difficult   WX

A new hike for the Canes and the first official lead by me. Blueberry Mountain is frequently hiked by itself but it is probably better known as one of the mountains that you have to go over on your way to Porter and Cascade Mtns from Marcy Field or the last mountain on a through hike from the Cascade trailhead over Porter to Marcy Field. While not a very long hike it does have a significant gain - slightly more than 1900 feet over the approximately 5 mile round-trip from Marcy Field. Think of the hike as a slightly longer one of Hadley Mountain. The hike will be at a leisurely pace because I think my dad will be going, and there will be a lengthy lunch on top for Scott to take a nap. There are excellent views along the trail as well as from the summit. Apparently the trail is well marked, which will be handy since I won’t be able to do a pre-hike scout.

Meet at CTL at 8:00 for departure at 8:15; or the High Peaks Rest Area at 9:10; or at the back of the Marcy Field Parking Area at 9:45ish. Please contact me via email if you have any questions.

Oct 5, 2023   Regular   Wakely Pond - Square the Loop Hike   Rating: Easy/Moderate   Lenore and Jack Reber   WX

Join us for a hike on October 5 to Square the Loop on Cedar River Road in Indian Lake. The square is completed by hiking one mile on the road (dirt), the NP trail, an old logging road, and the trail to Wakely fire tower, for a total of 4 miles. It includes gentle ups and downs, a stream crossing, and a short semi-bushwhack. We will also take a short trail which ends with some steep and uneven footing to visit the Cedar River gorge, where the gentle Cedar River briefly becomes a raging, roaring torrent. The parking spot for this is VERY small and will take some intricate parking plans.

Meet at 8:45 at CTL for a departure of 9:00; or 10:00 at the Indian Lake Stewarts; or 10:30 at the Wakely Mountain parking lot on Cedar River Road. Please contact us with any questions.

Oct 12, 2023   Regular   Treadway Mountain Hike/Paddle   Rating: Moderate   Leo Demers   Scott Anderson   WX

Treadway is a unique mountain with large open spaces on top and great views of the surrounding mountains and of the High Peaks. The trailhead for Treadway Mtn is located at the Putnam Pond State Campground - at the far end of the parking lot adjacent to the boat launch. The campground is at the end of Putts Pond Rd (CR39), which is about 12 mi. east of Northway Exit 28 on NY74. There are two options for the ascent: The round trip hiking distance from the trailhead is around 7.8 miles with 1000 feet of gain. Alternatively, for those of you who would like to combine a paddle with a hike, the 0.9-mi RT paddle across Putnam Pond saves about 3.2 miles RT of hiking, making for a 0.9 mi paddle plus 4.6 mi hike RT. We have offered these options in the past with both groups meeting on the trail or at the summit for lunch. For those of you that would prefer just to paddle rather than hike, Putnam Pond is a nice body of water to explore. If you carpool make sure the riders are doing the same activity as you are. The campground closes on October 9th; however, access to the boat launch and parking lot is available.

Meet at CTL at 8:15 for a departure of 8:30; or at the Stewart’s in Schroon Lake via Exit 27 for a short pit stop at 9:10; or at the Putnam Pond Campground trailhead parking lot around 9:45. Please contact either one of us with any questions.

Oct 13, 2023   Bonus   Pitchoff Ridge Thru Hike   Rating: Difficult   Chris Fedorick   WX

This hike was last scheduled as a Cane's hike back in October 2016 and isn’t offered very often. We will begin our hike at the western trailhead for Pitchoff, across the road from the Cascade Mtn trailhead, and hike east along the ridge. The total hiking distance is less than 5 miles with a gain of around 1800 feet with some steep spots and lots of rock scrambles. We will first visit a glacial erratic area known as Balancing Rocks with great views towards Lake Placid and the High Peaks to the south. Continuing along the ridge our next stop will be the summit of Pitchoff Mtn at 3600 feet. There aren’t any views at the summit but as we continue along the ridge, outcroppings provide views south of the High Peaks. The next section has some ups and downs as we hike over four lesser summit knobs before beginning a steep, 1400 feet descent to the eastern trailhead.

The drive from CTL is about 1.5 hours and 80 miles. We will need at least two cars in order to drop one off at the western trailhead. Meet at CTL at 7:45 for departure at 8:00; or the High Peaks Rest Area at 8:55; or at the Cascade Mtn trailhead at 9:30. This hike is rated as difficult so please email either one of us if you plan on attending or have any questions.

Oct 19, 2023   Regular   Picnic on the AT/LT – Danby, VT   Rating: Moderate   Tim Ward   WX

A while back we had a nice day including a picnic and swim in a stream called Big Branch in Mt. Tabor near Danby, VT. We missed our opportunity to enjoy a swim in this mountain brook this year so how about just a hike and a picnic! We'll walk about two miles on the Long Trail, then take a side trail for about one mile to a picnic table recently upgraded by a few of us. I'll bring cider and a pie and others might bring something to share, otherwise please bring your own lunch. This is about a six mile walk with just a few hundred feet elevation change and contains many features with one exception: no views, but participants on a nice day will not be disappointed.

Meet at CTL 8:30 for departure at 8:45; or meet at the south end of the Price Chopper in Granville at 9:30 (located NE of the intersection of Rt 22 and 149 in back of RiteAid/Walgreens); or at the trailhead at 10:15. The Griffith Lake trailhead is located at the Big Branch parking area for the AT/LT on Brooklyn Rd/USFS 10, on the right, ~3 miles NE of the intersection of Rt 7 and Mt. Tabor Rd./Brooklyn Rd. in the hamlet of Danby/Mt. Tabor. If you are coming from the Capital District area and would like to avoid driving to CTL please meet at Panera Bread, located just off Exit 6 of the ADK Northway at 601 Troy-Schenectady Rd., at 8:30 for departure at 8:45. From there you will proceed directly to the trailhead noted above. If you have any questions please contact me.

Oct 26, 2023   Regular   Saddles State Forest Hike   Rating: Moderate   Tim Ward  WX

We'll again brave the snakes and Bigfoot in the Great Whitehall Wilderness Area otherwise called the Saddles State Forest. The Saddles State Forest comprises nearly 2,500 acres of forest land located in the Towns of Fort Ann and Whitehall between NY 4 and the east shore of South Bay. The trailhead and parking lot are located at the end of an access road south of the Village of Whitehall. This will be a two group outing as before but this time we will not be completing the entire loop, cutting back on the demands of past hikes. Everyone will hike to the summit of North Saddle Mtn. which involves about an 1000 feet ascent and about 3 miles one-way. Here we will enjoy a leisurely lunch and take in the views. The recent rains will replenish the water in Diameter Falls, across South Bay, so bring your binoculars. Hopefully, the colors will be at peak. After lunch, hikers will decide whether they would like to remain at the summit of North Saddle and return to their cars when they want or opt for some additional exploration. Those electing to explore more would return to a previous intersection and descend the ridge towards South Bay for about one-half mile, enjoying additional views, adding about a mile to the total and some additional gain (7-mile total for the 2nd group). We would then retrace our route back to our cars.

Meet at CTL at 9:00 for departure at 9:15 or the Saddles State Forest trailhead off US 4, at around 9:45. The condition of the access road has not improved much over the years and a high clearance vehicle is recommended. Directions to the trailhead: For convenience sake directions are from the intersection of NY 149 and US 4 in the Village of Fort Ann. From the intersection proceed N on US 4 for ~9 miles to the Champlain Beef Co. on your L (or 1½ miles south of the Village of Whitehall). Immediately before their entrance you will see a large DEC sign for Saddles State Forest – proceed on the dirt access road for 2/3 mi. to the parking area. Please contact me with any questions, email preferred.

Oct 27, 2023   Bonus   Hopkins Mountain Thru Hike   Rating: Moderate   Pete Fedorick Jr.   WX

We begin by dropping off hikers at the Mossy Cascade Brook trailhead and then spot cars at the Rooster Comb parking lot 2 miles north on Rt. 73. From the trailhead we will follow Mossy Cascade Brook for a good portion of the way in an “upward” direction ascending about 2,100 feet in the nearly 3 miles to the summit. After a leisurely lunch and exploring the bare, rocky top - trying to get a glimpse of just one more mountain - we backtrack approximately 0.9 miles to the junction with the Ranney Trail, bearing right and descending 1.7 miles along Hopkins Brook to our cars for a total of 5.5 miles for the day.

Meet at CTL at 7:45 for a departure at 8:00 or the High Peaks Rest Area at 8:55 or the Mossy Cascade Brook TH at 9:15ish. Please contact me if you have any questions.

Nov 2, 2023   Regular   Return to Cedar River Gorge Hike   Rating: Easy/Moderate   Lenore and Jack Reber   WX

Just last month, on our Square the Loop at Wakely Pond hike, we visited the Cedar River Gorge, where the gentle Cedar River briefly becomes a raging, roaring torrent. We had such a wonderful time that we thought we would return to the gorge before the snow flies, this time via a completely new route. From Wakely Dam, at the outlet of Cedar River Flow, we will follow a combination of old logging roads and a snowmobile trail easterly, undulating away from and then back to the river, for about 3 miles with some ups and downs for a total gain of about 650 feet, to a point where we will hike a short bushwhack to the gorge. Here, we will enjoy a leisurely lunch above the roaring water. The trail is in good condition and provides a sense of remoteness along the way. We return by retracing our route for a total of 6 miles.

Meet at CTL at 8:15 for a departure at 8:30; or 9:30 at the Indian Lake Stewart’s; or the Wakely Dam parking lot at 10:00. Please contact us with any questions.

Nov 8, 2023   Regular   Fishbrook Lean-to Loop (around Erebus Mtn – not the pond!!)   Rating: Moderate/Difficult   Kim Brown and Scott Anderson   WX

This is a new one for the Canes, not for the faint of heart - and only for those who enjoy a muddy trail, complete with rock hopping over the watery sections. Bring your sticks and heavy hiking boots, you will need them!! With all that loveliness why would one want to do this anyway? Well, haven't you ever wondered what sits between Sleeping Beauty/Bumps Pond and Black Mountain? Some of the very, very wild Lake George Forest at its best. All right, the leaves may not be in foliage either... so why go? Because we can!! Approximately 8.5 miles round trip with an overall elevation gain of about 1,800 feet. Our route is totally on marked trails. The section around Erebus Mtn is little used so it adds to the feeling of remoteness. The hike starts at Dacy Clearing with a slight grade up to an overlook and then to Bumps Pond. After leaving Bumps Pond we will continue to Fishbrook Pond visiting both lean-tos where we will have lunch at one or the other depending upon the wind/sun. Then we will continue around the back side of Erebus where we will experience most of the "gain" and very wild forest. We then return to Bumps Pond and out the way we came. *Reminder - the big game hunting season is in full swing so wear something bright (blaze orange if you have)! Please email Kim or Scott if you are interested in attending or if you have any questions.

Meet at CTL at 8:15 for a departure of 8:30, or Dacy Clearing at 9:15.

Nov 11, 2023   Bonus   Roundtop Mtn via Hadley Mtn   Rating: Moderate/Difficult   Peter Fedorick   WX

Only done once before as an official Canes hike and that was back in August of 2001 led by Pat Collier, so this is long overdue! You have a choice of hiking to Hadley's fire tower - a 4-mile round-trip with 1500 feet gain; continuing a quarter mile farther onto Hadley's lovely summit ridge with its interesting rock art and views to the north; or a more difficult bushwhack to Roundtop Mountain. Views from the large, rather flat, and open summit of Roundtop are expansive in all directions. The bushwhack to Roundtop Mtn. adds about 2.5 miles to the round-trip and 600 feet more in accumulated gain for a total of approximately 6.5 miles and 2100 feet in gain for those of you who elect to do the complete hike. If you intend to carpool please make sure that everyone in your group is on the same page.

Meet at the trailhead at 9:00 – the hike begins at 9:15! Carpool arrangements must be made on your own. Please contact me with any questions.

Nov 16, 2023   Regular   Big Crow Mtn & Nun-da-ga-o Ridge   Rating: Difficult   Diane Selin   WX

From the Crow Clearing parking area, we will hike in a clockwise direction and include a visit to Big Crow Mtn. before continuing along the ups and downs of the Soda Range, with its seemingly endless views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, to Weston Mountain. Foliage is past peak but the views are worth it in any season; who knows, the tops of the High Peaks may be crowned with snow for added beauty! From there we will descend to Lost Pond, then to the junction with the Hurricane Mtn. trail which we will follow W to the parking lot - completing a loop of about 6 miles and an accumulated gain of ~1700 feet (most trail descriptions say 1500 feet but there are lots of ups and downs that are not included in that number).

Meet at CTL at 7:30 for departure at 7:45; the High Peaks Welcome Center at 8:35; or the Keene Stewart’s at 9:05 for a short stop for those who may have forgotten something. The parking lot at the end of O’Toole Rd. is small - please do not plan on going directly to the trailhead unless you have a full car (we should be at the TH at 9:15ish). For those with less than a full car, plan on meeting at Stewart’s to carpool from one of the pull-offs on the way to the TH. This rating is rated as difficult so please email me if you plan to join me. Also, honestly assess your ability before you decide to attend. Don't hesitate to get in touch with me with any questions.

Nov 16, 2023   Alternate   Pack Forest - Ben Wood Mtn Loop Hike   Rating: Easy/Moderate   Donna & Dana Westcott   WX   Pack Forest link

Pack Forest is a 2500-acre demonstration forest maintained by SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) located just north of Warrensburg. While its primary purpose is forest research the lands are open to the public for a variety of outdoor activities. In addition to the many trails within its boundaries, it also includes an 85-acre lake. We will hike along dirt logging trails to the top of Ben Wood Mtn. where we will have a leisurely lunch, enjoying the southerly views of the Forest and surrounding hills. After lunch, we will continue our loop by way of old Route 9 for a total of six and a half miles and about 500 feet of gain. Our route will be mostly flat but there are ups and downs with a steep three-quarter mile hike up Ben Wood Mtn., gaining about 350 feet of the total on our route.

Meet at CTL at 9:00 for departure at 9:15; or the Pack Forest parking lot at 9:45. Please visit the link above for a trail map and directions. For those using a GPS try 131 Pack Forest Rd., Warrensburg, NY 12885. Don't hesitate to get in touch with us with any questions.

Nov 24, 2023   Bonus   Kalabus-Perry County Forest Hike   Rating: Easy   Lenore & Jack Reber   WX

The Kalabus-Perry County Forest is owned by Saratoga County but managed by the Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park. It is located in the towns of Wilton and Northumberland, just outside of Saratoga Springs. It consists of generally flat trails, with a few small hills, totaling about 3.5 miles. Although much of the recent snow should be gone, the temp will be cold enough that there may be some ice on the trails, so please pack your spikes.

Meet at the Wilton Mall parking lot on Route 50, one mile east of Northway Exit 15, at Dick's Sporting Goods (left of store entrance) at 10:00. Please contact us with any questions.

Nov 30, 2023   Regular   Stonewall Trail Hike   Rating: Easy/Moderate   Lenore & Jack Reber  WX   MLSP Trails Map

The Stonewall Trail is part of the trail system of Moreau Lake State Park (MLSP) situated across the Hudson River from what most people consider the main body of the park where Moreau Lake is located. The trail, appropriately named for the large number of stone walls and foundations located nearby, is 3+ miles long with about a 500-foot gain over rolling terrain. Along the way there will be views of the Hudson River and of the Spier Falls Dam from a new perspective for most of you. This will be a leisurely hike with lunch at a location to be determined on the day of the hike.

We will meet at the TH at 10:00. The trailhead is located at the end of Hawk Rd. which is a dead-end road off of Call St (CR 32/Corinth Rd.) about 4 miles east of the Village of Corinth. Directions via Corinth: From the intersection of Rt. 9N (Main St) and River St. (across from Tops) proceed E on River St., over the bridge crossing the Hudson, for .7 miles and turn R on CR32/Call St. Continue on CR32/Call St. for 3.2 miles and turn R on Hawk Rd. Continue on Hawk Rd. for .4 miles to the end of the pavement to the opened gate. Continue on the trailhead access road for .4 miles to the parking lot on the L and the TH. The dirt/stone road is a little rough but passable except by low-clearance vehicles. If you prefer, please make arrangements to park at the beginning of Hawk Road and carpool the remaining distance. Directions from Exit 18 of the Northway: From Exit 18 proceed W on Corinth Rd./CR28 for 6.4 miles and turn L on Hawk Road. Please contact us with any questions.

The Stonewall Trail hike was replaced in realtime due to ice on the access road. Instead the group hiked the trails of Hudson Pointe in Queensbury, led by Barbara Zuccaro.

Dec 7, 2023   Regular   Shelving Rock Mountain and Falls Hike   Rating: Moderate   Diane Selin   WX

These popular destinations are in the Lake George Wild Forest on the east side of the lake, with trailheads located along Shelving Rock Road (SRR). Parking is restricted along SRR to 9 numbered lots. We will start the day by spotting cars at Parking Lot #9, just before the gate to the Knapp Estate, where we will end the hike later in the day, while hikers prepare for the hike of Shelving Rock Mtn at Parking Lot #4. The 1.7-mile trail to the summit of Shelving Rock Mountain essentially follows an old carriage road, wide for most of the way, with switchbacks to ease the climb, gaining about 650 feet along the way. Over the years, trees have grown and now obstruct some of the views at the top but there are a couple of overlooks that make the hike a rewarding one. You should plan on an early lunch on top, with time to explore, before we retrace our steps back to our cars. For the second half of our hike, we will move cars to Parking Lot #1 to access the trailhead to the falls and lakeshore. The trail follows Shelving Rock Brook, passing closely to Shelving Rock Falls and on down to the lake. Once we reach the lake we continue our leisurely hike with lots of views of bays and mountains across the lake, for a total distance of 2 miles with little gain, ending our hike at Parking Lot #9 where we had previously spotted cars. While both of these hikes are on well-traveled trails the temperatures will be at or near freezing so please bring spikes to be on the safe side.

Meet at CTL at 8:45 for departure at 9:00 for an opportunity to carpool or caravan to the trailhead; or Parking Lot #4 on Shelving Rock Rd at around 9:45. Directions to the TH from CTL (distances are approximate): From CTL return to Rt 9 and turn L; continue N on Rt 9 for .75 mi and turn R on Rt 149; continue E on Rt 149 for 6 mi and turn L on Buttermilk Falls Rd; continue N on BF Rd for 3.1 mi and bear L on to Sly Pond Rd; continue N on SP Rd for 5.7 mi and bear L on to Shelving Rock Rd; continue on SR Rd for 5.9 mi to the TH at parking lot #4 on R. Please contact me if you have any questions.

Dec 14, 2023   Regular   Mount Van Hoevenberg East Trail and Baxter Mountain (Owl's Head was substituted for Baxter due to late hour)   Rating: Moderate   Steve Mackey   WX

We haven’t climbed Mount Van Hoevenberg in a while, so I thought it would be a good choice. Since it’s a fairly short hike and a long drive, we thought we would also throw in Baxter Mountain to make it worthwhile. Van Hoevenberg is a fairly new trail, with lots of rock steps and switchbacks, to make it pleasant and sustainable. It’s 3.2 miles round trip with an elevation gain of around 900 feet. It’s got a spectacular view of the High Peaks, but it can be windy. We will plan on lunch on top, but if it’s really cold, we’ll probably eat in the bobsled/luge visitor center. Baxter Mountain is on the drive home, only 15 minutes away. The trail is about 3 miles round trip, with around 800 feet of elevation gain. It again has an excellent view of the High Peaks from the summit, especially looking SW at the Johns Brook Valley, dominated by Mt. Marcy at the westernmost end. If everyone in your car just wants to climb one peak, you are welcome to do that. We will probably need spikes and might need snowshoes. Bring both with you, and we will decide at the trailhead what to wear, and to bring.

Meet at CTL at 7:45 for a departure at 8:00 or the Stewart’s in Keene at 9:15 for a pit stop and pick up items you may have forgotten or the Olympic Sports Complex (OSC) trailhead for Mt. Van Hoevenberg at 9:30ish. Trailhead parking for Mt. Van Hoevenberg is located on Bobsled Run Ln/Bob Run Rd off of NY 73. From the Stewart’s Shop in Keene continue WNW on NY 73 towards Lake Placid for ~8 miles and turn L onto Bob Run Road at the large sign for OSC. Follow signs to trailhead parking. We will caravan from the OSC to the Baxter Mtn. TH after the hike of Mt. Van Hoevenberg. Please contact me with any questions.

Dec 28, 2023   Regular   Spruce Mountain Fire Tower Hike   Rating: Moderate   Steve Mackey   WX

From the trailhead at the end of Fire Tower Road in the hamlet of South Corinth, we will hike about 3 miles RT and gain around 1,000 feet to the fire tower on top of Spruce Mtn, where we will have lunch. Spruce Mtn doesn't have any views from the summit, so you'll need to climb the tower to enjoy the panoramic vista. It is also one of the qualifying towers of the ADK Fire Tower Challenge and the tallest in the Adirondacks. The trail is void of snow but bring spikes just in case they are needed.

Meet at CTL at 9:15 for a departure of 9:30 or the trailhead at 10:00. For those of you who would like to go directly to the trailhead here are directions: From the North starting at Corinth - take 9N south for about 3 miles, turn right onto Wells Rd and continue for 2 miles. At the “T” intersection turn right onto Fire Tower Rd. to the TH. From the South starting from the intersection of Rt 9N and Wilton/Greenfield Rd (CR 36) continue north on 9N for about 4.75 miles, turn left onto Chapman St, and then a left onto Miner Rd. Proceed on Miner Rd for about 1.4 miles, and turn right onto Fire Tower Rd. to the TH. If you have any questions please email me.

2024

Jan 1, 2024   Bonus   Cat Mountain First Day Hike   Rating: Moderate   Steve Mackey   WX

Cat Mountain is part of the Cat and Thomas Mountain Preserve located west of Bolton Landing. Previously owned by the Lake George Land Conservancy the lands are now owned by the State of New York and part of the Adirondack Forest Preserve. The Lake George Land Conservancy maintains the trails of the preserve through DEC's volunteer stewardship agreement. From the Edgecomb Pond trailhead, we will follow the red trail (recently marked), with some steep sections, to the summit and panoramic views of Lake George and the surrounding mountains. After a leisurely lunch, we will return to the parking lot via the blue trail - a combination of an old logging road and a woods trail. The total RT distance is about 4.5 miles with a gain of 1050 feet. Weather will be a factor in the clothing and gear to bring. Spikes should be carried just in case there is ice. An updated forecast will be sent as the date gets closer. Note – this hike is offered as a NYS DEC First Day Hike with me as the leader. Dogs are welcome, but they need to be leashed, and obviously friendly. If you would like to register for these hikes or have any questions please email me.

Early hike: Meet at the Edgecomb Pond trailhead at 9:30. The trailhead is located off Edgecomb Pond Rd. in the Town of Bolton about 2 mi. NW of the hamlet of Bolton Landing. There are several ways to reach the trailhead - these directions are from Exit 24 of the Northway (Bolton Landing): From the exit take CR 11 (Bolton Landing-Riverbank Rd.) E for 2 mi to Valley Woods Rd. and turn R; continue on Valley Woods Rd. (passing the Thomas Mountain TH in a short distance) for 0.6 mi to Edgecomb Rd. and turn R; continue on Edgecomb Pond Rd. for ~1.5 mi to the TH parking area on the R.

Second hike: Meet at CTL at 9:30 for a 9:45 departure.

Jan 4, 2024   Regular   Blue Ledges Hike   Rating: Moderate   Steve Mackey   WX

I was looking for something “medium in difficulty”, that we hadn’t hiked in a while. I gave Peter a big list of possibilities, and he didn’t narrow it down like he usually does, so this is what I came up with. Blue Ledges, 4.8 miles, round trip, 965 feet elevation gain. Usually, this trail is rather muddy, and usually we go in the summer. (Probably no one is going to go swimming this time of year). Obviously, we don’t need to worry about mud, and obviously, we don’t need to worry about snowshoes. It probably wouldn’t hurt to throw your Micro-Spikes in your pack, just in case. We park on Northwood Club Road. Last year several of us cross-country skied the railroad that goes from North River to Tahawus. This is the first road crossing that you come to. I was thinking, if we ever get snow, to do a key swap trip with the Canes, one group starting at North River, the other at Northwood Club Road. If you might be interested, this is a good opportunity to check out one of the start/end spots. We’ll stop there, just to check it out. The weather for Thursday has a slight chance of snow, if it is more than flurries, we might move the trip to Friday, but most likely, we are going on Thursday. Right now, it looks like a high of 33, a low of 15, and cloudy.

Meet at CTL at 8:45 for a departure at 9:00; or at the Black Bear Restaurant, Northway Exit 26 at 9:30. Please take advantage of the Mobil Station just off the Northway at Exit 26 to pick up something you may have forgotten or use the restroom before meeting at the Black Bear. We should arrive at the TH at about 10:00; however, parking is limited so please meet at one of the designated meeting locations for carpooling unless you have a filled car. Please email me if you have any questions.

Jan 5, 2024   Bonus   Graphite Range Community Forest Hike   Rating: Moderate   Linda Fedorick   WX  Trail map

A new hike on new trails! The Graphite Range Community Forest (GRCF) opened to the public on December 7th, so why not join me and become some of the first to explore this beautiful forest? Located just a few minutes outside of Saratoga Springs in the Towns of Wilton and Greenfield this multi-use, community-managed forest, owned by Saratoga County and maintained by the local land trust, Saratoga PLAN (Preserving Land and Nature), offers over 5 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, trail running, snowshoeing, and XC skiing. The majority of the trails are designed with a focus on mountain biking, but hiking on them is easy. If you like switchbacks you will love these trails. I’m not sure just how many switchbacks there are but enough to make every ascent a gradual one. The trails meander like a snake throughout the 200 acres with a couple of them following the roads used to access the processed graphite during the mining back in the early 1900’s, like Old Mine Road and Upper Mine Works Road. While there aren’t any grand vistas you will enjoy views of the ruggedness of the area with lots of rock formations, two streams, and the beautiful mixed forest plus seeing some of the abandoned mining operations. Our route will cover between 4-5 miles total and an estimated gain of 1200 feet, with lunch at the old mine entrance a little past noon. The afternoon hike will be much shorter than the morning one so you may even have time to do some shopping after the hike. Peter will join us and will offer an optional mile of hiking to those who have the energy and desire. Note – this hike will be a leisurely paced one! If you are a fast hiker consider skipping this hike unless you are willing to slow down significantly. The current weather forecast calls for a sunny day with increasing clouds and temps in the low-30s. However, with all the wet weather and freezing temps during the night there may be some ice to contend with so bring spikes!

Meet at the GRCF parking lot on the West side of Route 9 at 9:45; located about 3.3 miles North of its intersection with Rt 50; or 3.0 miles South of the intersection of Ballard Rd (CR33) and Rt 9 (Ballard Rd is at Exit 16 of the Northway). Please contact me with any questions.

Jan 11, 2024   Regular   Potash Mountain Snowshoe   Rating: Moderate   Steve Mackey   WX

With the weather a little sketchy this week I thought I would schedule something close to the Saratoga-Glens Falls area and Potash fits the bill, always a good backup. For those of you who aren’t familiar with it, Potash Mountain is located just west of NY 9N in the Town of Lake Luzerne. It isn’t a very high mountain at only 1700 feet but what it lacks in height it makes up in character. It is dome-shaped with southern-facing cliffs, an eye-catcher that can be identified from many of the higher mountains in the area with super views from the expansive open rock ledges above the cliffs. The hike, including the nature trail, is slightly less than 4 miles in total with a 1000-foot gain, steep in places but the route has received a great deal of trail improvements including stone steps and stairways in the steepest sections. Lunch will be at the overlook near the summit. It is scheduled as a snowshoe but a mixed bag of snow and rain is predicted for Tuesday followed by rain and warm temps on Wednesday so the snowpack may be affected. Thursday’s weather calls for a partly cloudy day with temps in the low to mid-30s. Plan to bring snowshoes and we will determine what to wear at the trailhead. Regardless, bring spikes. If it is necessary to move the hike to Friday an email will be sent out.

Meet at CTL at 9:30 for departure at 9:45; or the trailhead at 10:00ish. Trailhead parking is located on the R on Potash Rd just past its junction with Dunkley Rd, 0.5 mile N from where Potash Rd intersects Rt. 9N, directly across from the entrance to Luzerne State Campground, 7 miles S of Exit 21 of the Northway or about 3 mi N of Hadley-Luzerne High School. If you have any questions please email me.

Jan 18, 2024   Regular   Kalabus-Perry County Forest Hike   Rating: Easy/Moderate   Lenore and Jack Reber   WX   Kalabus-Perry (County Forest) Link

After two failed attempts to come up with a new hike for the Canes and time running out for a timely posting to the schedule, we decided to offer a hike that anyone could participate in. The Kalabus-Perry County Forest is owned by Saratoga County but managed by the Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park. It is located in the Towns of Wilton and Northumberland, just outside Saratoga Springs. It consists of generally flat trails, with a few small hills, totaling about 3.5 miles. We are currently receiving some long-awaited snow from Mother Nature but the total amount won’t be known until the end of the day on Tuesday. We anticipate that there will be enough to require the use of snowshoes but bring your spikes just in case and we will decide on what is needed at the trailhead. Our route will be determined on the day of the hike but should include all of the trails and a side trip to the ponds. Lunch will be along the way.

Meet at the Wilton Mall parking lot on Route 50, one mile east of Northway Exit 15, at Dick's Sporting Goods (left of store entrance) at 10:00. Please contact us with any questions.

Jan 22, 2024   Bonus   Boreas Ponds Ski   Rating: Moderate/Difficult   Steve Mackey   WX

We were driving up near Newcomb on Sunday, and it was full-blown winter, with plenty of snow on the ground. That means it should be good cross-country skiing in the general area. My first choice is to ski into Boreas Ponds. It’s a 14-mile round-trip ski, so it is pretty far. The terrain is rolling hills. As long as it isn’t icy, the hills are reasonable to navigate. It appears that the weather is going to be cold, so snow conditions should be good. There is a great lean-to by the ponds, we’ll have lunch there. The long-range forecast has reasonable temperatures, but a cold start. Be sure to bring some backup clothing, in case you get sweaty on the way in. Several Canes have done this trip with me before so it isn’t ridiculously hard, but you want to be at least an intermediate skier, and in pretty good shape. If for some reason the conditions aren’t great or we have to break trail, we will continue driving a little farther and ski into Great Camp Santanoni.

Meet at CTL at 8:30 for a departure at 8:45. Email me if you have any questions.

Feb 1, 2024   Regular   Round Mountain Snowshoe   Rating: Moderate/Difficult   Diane Selin and Steve Mackey   WX

Round Mountain has always taken a backseat to its nearest neighbor, Noonmark Mtn. It is curious as to why that is because the summit is dotted with open rock overlooks and great mountain vistas. Although it has been climbed privately by some of the Canes and included as an option when Noonmark is scheduled, it has not been completed; perhaps because it adds a bit more than hikers want to do at the end of the day. We have teamed up to change that and are offering it as a stand-alone hike. The plan is to climb it as an out-and-back hike via the Weston Trail starting from the AMR/St. Huberts parking lot off of NY 73. This route totals about 4.2 miles with a gain of around 1800 feet. There is a possibility that it will become a loop by continuing off the summit to the Old Dix Trail and returning to the parking lot but that would be decided on the day of the hike. That option would add about .5 miles distance but no additional gain. It is anticipated that this will be a snowshoe but that will depend on Mother Nature. A determination will be made at the trailhead on what will be required so bring your spikes as well, a given during the winter anyway.

Meet at CTL at 8:15 for an 8:30 departure or the High Peaks Rest Area at 9:20ish or the AMR/St. Huberts parking lot at 10:00ish. Please contact either one of us if you have any questions.

Feb 5, 2024   Bonus   Catamount Mountain Hike   Rating: Difficult   Steve Mackey   WX

Fellow Cane, Diane Selin, is working on her Lake Placid 9’er challenge and wanted to hike Catamount Mountain on Monday so maybe you would like to join us? Catamount Mtn. is located in the Town of Black Brook, Clinton County, about 5 miles north of the hamlet of Wilmington. At just under 3,170 feet in elevation it isn’t a High Peak but don’t underestimate it when it comes to climbing it, especially this time of the year. The views from its false summit are super nice, only to be surpassed by the views from the actual one. The weather on Monday is going to be sunny with temps in the mid to upper 20s so we should be able to see some of the mountains of Vermont, views of the lakes to the north and west, and a unique view of Esther and Whiteface to the south. Some of us are thinking that it might be a good place to watch the eclipse, so this is a good opportunity to check it out. It’s kind of medium difficulty distance-wise, but has lots of open rock, which could make it very difficult. It’s around 4.5 miles round trip with around 1,500 elevation gain (although the DEC sign at the trailhead indicates a 2,362 foot gain). This time of year it may not be doable. Ideally, you want bare rock or a fair amount of snow. We don’t know exactly what we will find until we get there. It probably wouldn’t hurt to bring crampons, if you own them - also, spikes and snowshoes. I’m going to bring a rope too. We probably will climb Bear Den (near Whiteface as a plan B), it is another of the LP 9.

Meet at CTL at 7:45 for a departure at 8:00. Please contact me if you would like to join us or have any questions.

Feb 8, 2024   Regular   Wolf Pond Snowshoe   Rating: Moderate   Gail Stauble     WX

Wolf Pond is a small pond located in the Town of North Hudson, with its trailhead located ~12 miles W of Exit 29 of the Northway on the north side of Blue Ridge Road, immediately before crossing the Boreas River. The total round-trip distance is about 5 miles with an elevation gain of around 600 feet, evenly spread out along the winding route. It is anticipated that conditions will allow us to walk onto the pond for great views of some of the High Peaks and surrounding mountains. There is a nice lean-to at the pond where we can sit and have lunch. BTW – a little birdie told me that it is Peter’s birthday so maybe bring some treats to share and celebrate. Perhaps someone will bring some firewood for a small campfire.

Meet at CTL at 8:45 for a 9:00 departure or at the trailhead at 10:00ish. We will stop at the Sunoco gas station, diagonally across from Exit 29, for a short pit stop and an opportunity for you to pick up something you forgot at about 9:45. Please contact me with any questions. Feel free to offer a ski as an Alternate on this date.

Feb 15, 2024   Regular   Godwin Preserve and Pole Hill Pond Preserve Hike   Rating: Moderate   Leo Demers and Kim Brown   WX  Godwin Preserve Link

The Isabel La Roche Godwin Preserve (GP) is a beautiful property of forests and vernal pools in the uplands of Bolton Landing. It was purchased by the Lake George Land Conservancy (LGLC) in June 2016 and its nearly 2 miles of hiking trails were officially opened to the public in July of the same year. It is part of a large, unfragmented forest that adjoins Pole Hill Pond Preserve (PHPP) which allows visitors to visit both preserves from two trailheads. The PHPP property was purchased by LGLC in 2000 and subsequently sold to NYS in 2004. It is now part of the Adirondack Forest Preserve; however, its 4 miles of trails are maintained by LGLC. While the two preserves can be accessed from Rt 9N, the parking lot is tiny and not regularly plowed so we will begin our hike at the GP parking lot off of Padanarum Rd (see directions below). From the trailhead we will proceed on a well-marked trail on the GP to the PHPP, taking a spur trail to a viewpoint on the way. There is some gain to the viewpoint but nothing a Cane can’t handle. After a short visit, we return to the intersection and continue to Pole Hill Pond (PHP), less than a half-mile farther. The Pond is quite beautiful in all seasons so we will stop for a short visit before continuing our hike to Walnut Ridge, also part of the PHPP. The hike to Walnut Ridge is steep in sections, gaining around 600 feet in 0.7 miles, with several ledges with views. We’ll select the best one for our leisurely lunch. After lunch, we will retrace our steps back to our cars. The total estimated hike distance is 4 miles with around a 700-foot gain. It is not known what the snow conditions will be on hike day; however, bring both snowshoes and spikes and we will determine what will be required at the trailhead.

Meet at CTL at 9:00 for a departure at 9:15. The parking lot on Padanarum Rd is small so we are encouraging carpooling but if you plan on going directly to the trailhead please let us know - we should be at the TH at around 9:50ish. Directions to the trailhead on Padanarum Rd from the Northway (I-87): Note – the traditional route from CTL uses Exit 24 of the Northway; however, Riverbank Rd/CR 11 is closed East of Valley View Rd until further notice due to construction. The following directions are provided as one of several alternatives. Take Exit 22, Lake George, Bolton Landing, US 9, NY 9N, - keep Left for about 1 mile, and turn Left onto Lake Shore Dr/NY 9N. Continue on NY 9N for 10.9 miles, through the Hamlet of Bolton Landing, and turn Left onto Bolton Landing-Riverbank Rd/CR 11. Continue a short distance and turn Right onto North Bolton Rd/CR 41. Continue for 1.7 miles and keep Right onto Padanarum Rd. Continue for another 1.9 miles to a "Y" where Trout Falls Road breaks off to the Left and Padanarum continues to the Right. Continue on Padanarum Rd for 0.2 miles to the parking lot on the Right. If you are coming from another location please contact either one of us for directions or if you have any questions.

Feb 21, 2024   Bonus   Gull and Spectacle Ponds Snowshoe   Rating: Easy/Moderate   Eric Potter   WX

Instead of doing two separate hikes and a car ride covering the 1 mile between trailheads, we now have a route going to both ponds in one hike, easy, only possible in midwinter. The trailheads for these two ponds are located on Adirondack Rd. approximately 2.5 miles south of Alder Meadow Rd. on the east side of Schroon Lake. From the Gull Pond trailhead, we hike 0.6 miles to lovely Gull Pond, then over the pond on the ice and down a gentle wooded draw to Harrison Marsh (actually a pond with wetland margins), across the Marsh and thence south along Shanty Bottom Creek - a gorgeous easy wooded route - to connect with the Spectacle Pond trail near its midpoint. We've come about 1.7 miles so far, all flat or gently downhill. We then take the regular trail SE to Spectacle Pond and our lunch spot, a very wild spot with (we hope) stellar views of nearby Pharaoh Mountain. Then back to a couple of cars we've previously spotted at the Spectacle Pond Trailhead, for drivers to retrieve their cars from the Gull Pond trailhead, a mile away. Total distance, about 4 miles, with only small elevation gains of 400 ft total. Note – this is a SNOWSHOE!

Meet at CTL at 9:15 for a 9:30 departure, or Stewarts in Schroon Lake via Exit 27 at 10:10, or at the Gull Pond trailhead at 10:30. Email me if you have any questions.

Mar 1, 2024   Bonus   Trails of Moreau Lake State Park Hike   Rating: Moderate   Lenore and Jack Reber   WX

For our hike at MLSP, we will start at the Spring Trailhead, located on the south side of Spier Falls Road, at the big bend in the Hudson River, about 1 mile upstream from the Spier Falls Dam. From here we will hike the Western Ridge Trail to the ridge where we will decide on the specific route from a variety of trails available, based on the wishes of the participants. The options will result in the total distance to be between 4 and 5.2 miles and gains of between 900 and 1200 feet. The current weather forecast for Friday calls for a sunny day with temps in the mid-40s. Snow should not be a concern but please bring spikes!

Meet at the MLSP office parking lot at 9:30 to caravan/carpool or at the Spring Trailhead parking lot at 10:00 (see above for location). MLSP is located off Exit 17 of the Adirondack Northway at 605 Old Saratoga Road. Please contact us with any questions.

Mar 8, 2024   Bonus   Cat and Thomas Mountains Hike   Rating: Moderate/Difficult   Steve Mackey   WX

Cat and Thomas Mountains are located in a land preserve named after them, about 2 miles west of the hamlet of Bolton Landing. Previously owned by the Lake George Land Conservancy (LGLC), the lands are now owned by the State of New York and part of the Adirondack Forest Preserve. LGLC maintains the trails of the preserve through DEC's volunteer stewardship agreement. The plan for the day is to offer a lollipop loop hike to Cat Mountain only and, for those who would like to add some adventure to the hike, a thru-hike that would include Thomas Mtn. Those hikers electing the Cat-only hike would be on their own after we reach the summit of Cat Mtn and would need to carpool with those who have the same plan. In any case, both groups would start together. From the Edgecomb Pond trailhead we will follow the red trail, with some steep sections, to the summit of Cat Mountain and panoramic views of Lake George and the surrounding mountains. At this point, we will have hiked about 2 miles and gained approximately 1000 feet. This will be an early lunch for the Cat-only hikers and time for snacks for the thru-hikers. The Cat-only hikers will return to Edgecomb Pond via the blue-marked trail for an additional 2 miles and about 150 feet gain (Note: Do not use the trail map shown on the LGLC website – it has not been updated to show the current red-marked trail). The thru-hikers will continue to Thomas Mountain by first taking the blue-marked trail 0.5 miles to the junction with the Richard Hayes Phillips Trail (yellow markers). From there we continue on the yellow-marked trail in a northerly direction, approximately 3 miles and an additional gain of about 700 feet, with lots of ups and downs, to the summit of Thomas Mtn — lunch will be on the way. The overlook at Thomas Mtn provides a 180° view of Lake George and the surrounding mountains. After enjoying a well-earned break we will descend on the yellow-marked trail to the blue-marked trail and continue to our previously spotted cars at the Valley Woods Road parking lot, a distance of 1.5 miles. Our route will total about 7 miles and a gain of about 1700 feet. Unfortunately, I will not be able to scout the route, but we can expect icy sections and perhaps some remaining snow on the trail between Cat and Thomas since it is little used. Snowshoes will not be needed, but bring spikes, and your boots should be waterproof!

Meet at CTL at 8:30 for a departure of 8:45 or the Edgecomb Trailhead parking lot at 9:15 where hikers will be dropped off and cars will be spotted at the Valley View TH parking lot. There are several ways to reach the trailhead — these directions are from Exit 24 of the Northway (Bolton Landing): From the exit take CR 11 (Bolton Landing-Riverbank Rd.) E for 2 mi to Valley Woods Rd and turn R; continue on Valley Woods Rd (passing the Thomas Mountain TH in a short distance) for 0.6 mi to Edgecomb Pond Rd and turn R; continue on Edgecomb Pond Rd for about 1.5 mi to the TH parking area on the R. Please email me if you have any questions.

Mar 14, 2024   Alt   Vischer Ferry Hike on the Mohawk Towpath   Rating: Easy   Sharon Gavitt   WX

The Vischer Ferry Nature Preserve and Historical Park consists of about 700 acres of wetlands and floodplains forming the southern border of the Town of Clifton Park between Riverview Road and the Mohawk River. For our hike, we will enjoy a route on the Mohawk Towpath along the remnants of the Erie Canal on a hard-packed, level gravel path, shared by walkers and bicyclists. The total distance is about 4.5 miles starting at the Ferry Drive entrance to the historic Whipple Bridge and back. I recently scouted the path and found it to be dry but those conditions could change so wear appropriate footwear. There are historic features along our route and an excellent bird-watching area. The beavers have been busy chewing away at the trees and if we are lucky we will spot them at work! A tailgate lunch at the Ferry Drive entrance is planned with the option of visiting the nearby Vischer Ferry General Store to buy lunch or a drink, about a 5-minute walk.

Meet at the Ferry Drive Gateway Entrance parking lot at the end of Ferry Drive in the hamlet of Vischer Ferry at 10:00. There are several ways to get there - these are from exit 8 of the Northway. From exit 8 take Crescent Rd. (CR92) W for 2.5 miles (the road changes to CR90 but it is still Crescent Rd) and bear R onto Riverview Rd. In a short distance turn L onto Ferry Drive and continue to the end. Please contact me if you have any questions.

Mar 14, 2024   Regular   Daniels Road Overlook Hike   Rating: Moderate   Lenore and Jack Reber   WX

The 523-acre Daniels Road State Forest is located just to the north of the City of Saratoga Springs in the Town of Greenfield. These lands were formerly leased to the Saratoga Mountain Bike Association (SMBA) by the Nature Conservancy and Finch Pruyn but were officially purchased by NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). SMBA maintains the trails within the State Forest per agreement with DEC. The lands are mostly mixed forest and feature mountain bike trails throughout the property. The trails range from easy to difficult and provide hiking opportunities as well – trails are mostly undulating with some small hills. This will be our third Canes visit to the State Forest and a new route. Our Overlook hike is a 5+ mile hike of short ups and downs with rocks, roots, runoff, and fingers of bedrock on the mountain bike trails. This is the southern tip of the Adirondack Mountains and has great rock formations and lovely little streams and ponds. The mountain bikers have added a few interesting surprises also. Snow and ice should not be an issue but bring your spikes just in case. Also, there may be sections of the trail that are wet from recent rain and snow melt so your hiking boots should be waterproof.

Meet at the Skidmore North Woods Falstaff parking lot on Perimeter Rd. to carpool or caravan to the trailhead at 9:30 for departure at 9:45 – please refer to the embedded link to the Skidmore interactive map for the location of the Falstaff lot (Select Parking from the menu and click on Falstaff’s Lot). Alternatively, meet at the official trailhead/kiosk at the end of a dirt/gravel access road just east of the Skidmore riding center on the north side of Daniels Road at 9:45ish (Note – NOT at the small parking area opposite where Clinton St. intersects Daniels Rd.). Directions to the trailhead access road (one of several ways): Daniels Rd joins Rt 9N on the west and Rt 9 (aka Maple Ave) on the east, just north of the City of Saratoga Springs. If you are arriving from Rt 9N take Daniels Rd E for 2.5 miles to the large DEC State Forest sign; if you are arriving from Rt 9 take Daniels Rd. W for 1.2 miles to the same sign. On the east side of the DEC sign proceed N on the dirt/gravel access road 0.5 miles to the trailhead parking lot. Note that this access road contains a few speed bumps so drive slowly. Please contact us with any questions. DEC trail map   Skidmore campus map

Mar 21, 2024   Regular   LeVine Preserve Hike   Rating: Easy/Moderate   Gail Stauble   WX

This is a wonderful hike with 3 miles of rolling terrain, two creeks to follow, a view of an old sawmill along Cadman Creek, and even a hike on an esker. Lunch will be at the old homestead (Circa 1920s?) with its well-preserved foundation and hand-dug well – there is even a picnic table. The LeVine Nature Preserve is owned and maintained by Saratoga PLAN and is just down the road from its big sister - the Hennig Preserve. There are essentially four loop trails within the 177-acre preserve plus Taber Road Trail, an old abandoned dirt town road that bisects the preserve.

Meet at the LeVine Preserve sign at 10:30. Directions: There are several ways to reach the preserve but for those of you using a GPS navigator try using 303 Centerline Rd., Middle Grove, NY (or Galway if Middle Grove doesn’t work) - that will get you close. Alternatively, I will meet at the Saratoga Amtrak Station at 10:00 to carpool/caravan to the trailhead. From there turn R onto West Ave from Station Lane; continue about .25 miles to NY 29 and turn R; continue on NY 29 for 12 miles to Barkersville Road (CR 16) - you will see the Waterwheel Village Store on the NW corner. Turn R here and stay on Barkersville Road for 2.7 miles. The road will take several sharp turns, but stay on Barkersville Road until it intersects with Glenwild Road. Turn L on Glenwild Road, and after driving 1.4 miles, turn L on Centerline Road. In approximately 0.8 miles, you will see the kiosk for the LeVine Preserve on the S side of Centerline Road. Alternatively, if you are familiar with getting to the Hennig Preserve just continue W on Centerline an additional 1.3 miles to LeVine. Please contact me with any questions. Trail map

Mar 29, 2024   Bonus   Rooster Comb & Snow Mtns Loop Snowshoe   Rating: Moderate/Difficult   Peter Fedorick   WX

The Keene area did not receive nearly the same amount of snow that our area did so I decided to take advantage of the nice day Friday and schedule a hike of Rooster Comb and Snow Mtns. The trail to Rooster Comb is broken so it should be clear sailing at least to there. We begin our hike at the Rooster Comb parking lot just south of the hamlet of Keene Valley off Rt. 73. The trail leads us through a beautiful forest over easy to moderate terrain with a few steep sections to the summit of Rooster Comb (2,762’) where we will have lunch. Views from the summit and nearby Valley View Lookout complete a 360-degree panorama of Mt. Marcy, the Johns Brook Valley, Giant Mtn. and the Ausable Valley. After lunch, we retrace our steps to the trail to Snow Mtn. (2,370’) for more beautiful views in several directions. As an option, hikers who do not wish to visit Snow Mtn. may return to the parking lot from the junction mentioned – make sure you are carpooling with those with the same plans. For our return we again retrace our steps to a connecting trail that will take us back to the parking lot, completing the loop – about 5.6 miles and a 2,000-foot gain for the day. Please bring snowshoes and spikes – we will determine the appropriate gear at the trailhead.

Meet at CTL at 8:00 for a departure of 8:15; or the High Peaks Rest Area at 9:10; or at the trailhead at 9:30ish. If you have any questions please contact me.