~ Current Schedule ~
How scheduling works:
One of the Canes, who will be the leader of the outing, decides he or she will hike or paddle or bike or ski and works with our Outings Coordinator to describe the outing, which then is posted on this web page. The posting constitutes an invitation to other Canes to join in the outing, subject to two essential conditions: that by joining in the outing a participant represents he or she is physically fit for the particular outing and accepts all risks inherent in the outing activities including risk of injury. New participants are requested to fill out an Acknowledgement of Risk Agreement and submit it to the outing's leader but accepts all risks whether this Agreement is submitted or not. A leader is not a professional guide but merely the volunteer Cane who has invited other Canes to join in the outing. Adverse weather may result in cancellation or postponement; check the schedule for updates.
Practices and traditions: Our traditions go back 45 years. Advance signup is not required. However, prior to attending your first outing, read the information on our Practices and Acknowledgement of Risk pages. Download and sign the Acknowledgement of Risk Agreement form and submit it to the leader of your first Canes outing. At the end of this Schedule is information that may be useful regarding meeting places, outing types, difficulty and useful links.
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Scheduled outings: Canes enjoy a variety of outings. Easy-rated hikes are generally listed as ALT to allow for a more strenuous Regular outing on the same date. Bonus outings on other days are also encouraged. If you would like to volunteer to lead an outing please contact Leo Demers, Outings Coordinator. Moderate hike ideas for warm days? Stay hydrated and catch the westerly breeze on the mountains on the east side of Lake George: Black, Erebus and/or Fishbrook Pond, Sleeping Beauty, Buck from Shelving Rock Rd, Pilot Knob Ridge.
Aug 27, 2026 Regular Henderson Lake paddle Rating: Moderate Steve Mackey Email Steve Fran Herve 518 477-0932 Email Fran WX
Henderson Lake, 1.75 miles long, is a very scenic lake in the High Peaks Wilderness. There is a 1/2 mile carry (the stone surface is wide and mostly flat) from the Upper Works parking, so you will need a carrier unless your canoe is extra light. The rewards are great, with spectacular views of some of the High Peaks and lots of shoreline to explore. We will first explore the north end of the lake, then stop for lunch at the lean-to at the NW corner before continuing to the south end and exploring the inlet and its marsh.
Meet at CTL at 8:15 for an 8:30 departure, or the Black Bear Restaurant in Pottersville (off Exit 25) at 9:00, or the Upper Works trailhead parking at 10ish. Directions to Upper Works from Northway Exit 29 (North Hudson): Head west on Blue Ridge Rd (CR 84) for 17.6 miles. Turn right onto Tahawus Rd (CR 25) and go 6.4 miles. Bear left at the sign for High Peaks Trails onto Upper Works Rd (just before a bridge over the Hudson), and follow it for about 3.4 miles (passing the McIntyre Furnace) to the parking area at the end of the road. Contact Steve or Fran with any questions.
Sep 3, 2026 No outing yet scheduled
Sep 10, 2026 Canes Picnic at Fernwood Pavilion, Moreau Lake State Park Join the fun! First hot dog at noonish!
Once again we are returning to Moreau Lake State Park for our popular Annual Picnic. Planned for the day are 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. When you arrive, please sign in and pick up a name tag. A $5 fee will be collected to cover picnic costs (pavilion rental, food, and misc. supplies). Larry Litwin has again volunteered to tend the grill.
Morning activities include a hike led by Barbara and Rich Zuccaro and a bike ride led by Steve and Licia Mackey. We are hoping for a volunteer to lead a paddle, perhaps on the Hudson from the DEC Sherman Island boat launch on Spier Falls Rd.
Moreau Lake Park hike: Join Barbara and Rich Zuccaro for a hike up the light blue trail to the Overlook, a 1.4 mile, 820 foot elevation gain, and then coming down the pink, lime green and light blue trails for a RT total of 3 miles. We would consider it a moderate hike taking about 2-1/4 hrs. The light blue trail is a steady climb with some rocks. Meet at the Fernwood Pavilion at 9:15 with a start time of 9:30 and return around 11:45 for the picnic.
Moreau Lake-Gansevoort bike ride: Join Steve and Licia Mackey for a 22-mile road ride starting and ending at Moreau Lake State Park. The route heads east from the park through the quiet country roads around Fortsville, Reynolds Corners, Clarks Corner and Gansevoort before looping back to Moreau. The ride has about 920 feet of climbing, with mostly rolling terrain and no particularly long climbs. We’ll ride at a comfortable Crooked Canes pace, regrouping as needed. Bring your bike, helmet, water and whatever snacks you might want along the way. Meet at the Fernwood Pavilion at 9:15 for a 9:30 departure. The ride is estimated at 2-1/2 hrs, so we'll be back at around noon for the picnic.
For those of you who don't wish to join the organized activities, feel free to arrive early and go for a walk or a paddle, or bike the park roads, or just visit. Please use this opportunity to join your friends and catch up — we all want to know what you've been up to. Bring your stories and pictures to share! If you or someone you know may need assistance getting to/from Moreau, don't hesitate to get in touch with Fran or Margie, to see if we can help. Also, if you know a Cane that no longer receives or reads their email or visits our website, please let them know.
Website expenses -- no donations needed! Our web guy, Jerry White, says, "Thanks to the generosity of Canes in prior years, I am happy to say that we have sufficient funds remaining to cover our website and email expenses for another year."
Directions: Moreau Lake State Park is located just off 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, proceed straight on the park road about 0.7 miles to the large parking area adjacent to the Fernwood Pavilion. Hope you can join us! And do a sun dance for the 10th!
Picnic Committee (email links):
Margie Litwin
Fran Herve
Leo Demers
Pete Fedoric Jr
A note from the Web Guy: This is our 26th annual picnic (if I recall Peter's count last year), a testiment to the resilience of the Crooked Canes and dedication of the many volunteers who have kept us thriving. Thanks to the Picnic Committee members, to all our volunteer outing leaders who lead us to new and favorite places week after week, and to Leo Demers, our Outings Coordinator. We all need a change of scenery from time to time, and when Leo takes a vacation or wants some down-time, it would help the Canes if he had someone to fill in for him. Please consider volunteering as a co-coordinator and speak to Leo at the picnic.
* * *Sep 17, 2026 No outing yet scheduled
Sep 24, 2026 No outing yet scheduled
Misc Info
Meeting place: Carol Thomas Lane "CTL" unless specified otherwise in the outing description. More info on CTL, meeting places and times.
Outing types: Outing types are listed as Regular, Alternate (ALT) or Bonus. More info on outing types.
Difficulty: Outing difficulty ratings are shown as "Easy," "Moderate," "Difficult", or a hybrid. These are subjective ratings, and even an "Easy" outing will require attendees to be fit and aware of their physical limitations. More details about difficulty are typically shown in the outing description. Distance and elevation gain shown are generally derived from GPS readings, which are approximate. More info about ratings.
Lead an outing: If you would like to volunteer to lead an outing, please contact an Outings Coordinator. Here's a more detailed information guide. The earlier you respond, the more time your fellow Canes will have to plan to attend your outing.
Air quality, ticks, hunting season, interactive map, and other info: Wild fires in Canada and the western US can cause hazy skies and may also affect ground-level air quality. Check regional air quality for today and links to other useful info.
Seeking a Co-Coordinator: Leo Demers, our Outings Coordinator, is seeking a Co-Coordinator to share the responsibilities, which involve coordinating outings with leaders. This is an opportunity for a Cane to give something back to the Crooked Canes and assure we continue to thrive. Contact Leo to volunteer and/or ask questions.