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Published by
518-891-2600 (Phone)
Adirondack Publishing Co. P.O. Box 318, 54 Broadway Saranac Lake, NY 12983
Guide Editor: Andy Flynn Guide Design: Andy Flynn General Manager: Donna Leonard Production: Tori Martinez
Adirondack Daily Enterprise / Adirondack Vacation Guide • Winter/Spring 2020-21
Advertising: Susan Moore Lindsay Munn Carol Swirsky
www. AdirondackGuide.com
Cover: Winter woods on Mount Baker Photo by Lou Reuter Design by Tori Martinez Photo (this page): Lou Reuter ç Copyright 2020
Table of Contents
4 ... Welcome to a ‘DIY Winter’ 6-7 ... High Peaks recreation map 8 ... Learn more with these tourism resources 10 ... COVID-19 prevention tips for outdoor recreation 12 ... Saranac Lake 6er hiking challenge 13 ... Emergency contacts 14 ... Lake Placid 9’er hiking challenge 16 ... This may be your year for ice fishing 18 ... Ski areas have special COVID rules 19 ... Tupper Lake Triad hiking challenge 20 ... Touring historic Great Camp Santanoni 22 ... Adirondack Park map 22 ... Take the Love Your ADK Pledge 24 ... Nordic skating a hip sport in the Adirondacks
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Welcome to a ‘DIY Winter’
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Adirondack Daily Enterprise / Adirondack Vacation Guide • Winter/Spring 2020-21
elcome to New York state’s Adirondack Park — and quite possibly the strangest winter vacation you’ll ever experience. This is not your typical winter. We’re still in a pandemic. Social distancing mandates are in place so people don’t catch or spread the novel coronavirus. That means packing hand sanitizer and face masks and washing your hands with soap and water as often as possible. It also means you need to get more creative when it comes to building a vacation itinerary. Many special events throughout the region have been canceled this winter, and the ones that are still being held will be altered to make sure people are safe. Like the fall and summer, many people will be headed to the mountain to seek the outdoor life away from the virus. That means even more
preparation to make sure you’re ready for the unpredictable weather conditions. And for people who wear glasses, some are considering contact lenses so masks don’t fog up their sight. You may need to spend extra time shopping or eating out while staffers navigate public health practices so nobody gets COVID-19 — and fewer people will be seated at restaurants. We’re going to call this the “DIY Winter” because in order to create a fun and safe vacation itinerary, you’re going to have to “do it yourself” for the most part. There are indoor destinations. Some museums will be open. Some movie theaters. Plenty of shops. But, by and large, it will be a winter filled with low-risk outdoor recreation: skiing, snowshoeing, ice climbing, ice fishing, snowmobiling, etc. Whatever this winter brings, we hope you stay healthy and happy and come back to the Adirondacks when things are back to normal.
Wright Peak Photo by Antonio Olivero
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Adirondack Daily Enterprise / Adirondack Vacation Guide • Winter/Spring 2020-21
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Adirondack Daily Enterprise / Adirondack Vacation Guide • Winter/Spring 2020-21
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Adirondack Daily Enterprise / Adirondack Vacation Guide • Winter/Spring 2020-21
Learn more
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with these tourism resources With the COVID-19 pandemic, many special events have been canceled this winter in the Adirondack Park. Before making a trip, we suggest checking out these tourism resources to find contact information about
your favorite attraction or special event. The attractions that have opened are currently operating under COVID-19 mandates, including social distancing practices, and are requiring visitors to wear face coverings.
¯ Adirondack Regional Tourism Council: https://visitadirondacks.com.
¯ Indian Lake Chamber of Commerce: 6301 Route 30, Indian Lake, 518-648-5112, www.indian-lake.com. Inlet Information Office: 160 Route 28 at Arrowhead Park, Inlet, 315-357-5501, www.inletny.com. ¯ Adirondacks Speculator Region Chamber of Commerce: 2960 Route 30, Speculator, 518-5484521, www.speculatorchamber.com.
Adirondack Daily Enterprise / Adirondack Vacation Guide • Winter/Spring 2020-21
Clinton County ¯ Adirondack Coast Visitors Bureau: 7061 Route 9, Plattsburgh, 877-242-6752. http://goadirondack.com. Essex County ¯ Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism and Lake Placid Convention/Visitors Bureau: 518523-2445, with offices in Lake Placid (2608 Main St.) and Crown Point (814 Bridge Road), www.lakeplacid.com. ¯ Whiteface Mountain Regional Visitors Bureau: 5753 Route 86, Wilmington, 888-9448332, www.whitefaceregion.com. ¯ Lake Champlain Region: 866-843-5253, www.lakechamplainregion.com. ¯ Ticonderoga Area Chamber of Commerce: 94 Montcalm St., Suite 1, Ticonderoga, 518-5856619, https://ticonderogany.com. ¯ Town of Newcomb: 5639 Route 28N, Newcomb, 518-582-3211, www.discovernewcomb.com. ¯ Schroon Lake Chamber of Commerce: 1075 Route 9, Schroon Lake, 518-532-7675, www.schroonlakechamber.org. Franklin County ¯ Saranac Lake Area Chamber of Commerce: 39 Main St., Saranac Lake, 518-891-1990, www.saranaclake.com. ¯ Tupper Lake Chamber of Commerce: 121 Park St., Tupper Lake, 518-359-3328, www.tupperlake.com. ¯ Malone Chamber of Commerce: 497 East Main St., Malone, 518-483-3760, www.visitmalone.com. Fulton County ¯ Fulton County Tourism/Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce: 2 North Main St., Gloversville, 800-676-3858, www.44lakes.com. ¯ Northville Civic Association: 518-863-7199, www.villageofnorthville.com. Hamilton County ¯ Hamilton County Department of Economic Development & Tourism: 102 County View Dr., Lake Pleasant, 800-648-5239, www.adirondackexperience.com. ¯ Town of Long Lake Parks, Recreation and Tourism: 1130 Deerland Road, Long Lake, 518624-3077, https://mylonglake.com.
Herkimer County Town of Webb Visitor Information Center: 3140 Route 28, Old Forge, 315-369-6983, www.oldforgeny.com. Lewis County ¯ Lewis County Chamber of Commerce: 7576 South State St., Lowville, 315-376-2213, https://adirondackstughill.com. St. Lawrence County ¯ St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce: 101 Main St., first floor, Canton, 877-228-7810, www.visitstlc.com. Saratoga County ¯ Saratoga Convention & Tourism Bureau: 60 Railroad Place, Suite 301, Saratoga Springs, 518584-1531, www.discoversaratoga.org. Warren County ¯ Warren County Tourism Department: 1340 Route 9, Lake George, 800-958-4748, www.visitlakegeorge.com. ¯ Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce: 2176 Route 9, Lake George, 518-6685755, www.lakegeorgechamber.com. ¯ Bolton Landing Chamber of Commerce: 4928 Lakeshore Dr., Bolton Landing, 518-6443831, www.boltonchamber.com. ¯ North Warren Chamber of Commerce: 3 Dynamite Hill Road, Chestertown, 518-494-2722, northwarren.com. ¯ Gore Mountain Region Chamber of Commerce: 228 Main St., North Creek, 518-2512612. ¯ Lake Luzerne Regional Chamber of Commerce: 37 Main St., Lake Luzerne, 518-6963500, online at https://lakeluzernechamber.org. ¯ Warrensburg Chamber of Commerce: 518623-2161, https://warrensburgchamber.com. Washington County ¯ Washington County Tourism: 383 Broadway, Fort Edward, 888-203-8622, https://washingtoncounty.fun.
WINTER
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IS ON THE WAY! Be prepared with dependable home fuel delivery
Get Ready For Winter with a complete cleaning of your oil burner for efficient operation
24 Hour Emergency Service
268 STATION STREET, LAKE PLACID, NY 12946
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Image by the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism
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Adirondack Daily Enterprise / Adirondack Vacation Guide • Winter/Spring 2020-21
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Be safe in the outdoors DEC offers COVID-19 prevention tips for outdoor recreation
While enjoying the outdoors, the state Department of Environmental Conservation reminds people to please continue to follow the guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the New York State Department of Health for preventing the spread of colds, flu and COVID-19: ¯ Stay home if you are sick, or showing or feeling any COVID-19 symptoms, such as fever, coughing and/or troubled breathing. ¯ Practice social distancing. Keep at least 6 feet of distance between you and others even when outdoors. ¯ Wear a mask when you cannot maintain social distancing. ¯ Avoid close contact, such as shaking hands, hugging, kissing, or sharing equipment like binoculars. ¯ Wash hands often or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol when soap/water are not available.
Adirondack Daily Enterprise / Adirondack Vacation Guide • Winter/Spring 2020-21
Jay Mountain
Photo by Antonio Olivero
Photo by Andy Flynn
The Siegert/Titas family from Cape Cod, Massachusetts takes a run down the Lake Placid Toboggan Chute Feb. 16, 2019 during the annual Lions Club races.
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Adirondack Daily Enterprise / Adirondack Vacation Guide • Winter/Spring 2020-21
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Photo by Antonio Olivero
Saranac Lake 6er hiking challenge
Adirondack Daily Enterprise / Adirondack Vacation Guide • Winter/Spring 2020-21
Haystack and McKenzie mountains are required for the Saranac Lake 6er Challenge. There are four patches for the Saranac Lake 6er hiking challenge: Summer, Winter, Ultra Summer and Ultra Winter. Ultra hikers leave from Berkeley Green in downtown Saranac Lake, complete all six mountains in 24 hours and finish at Berkeley Green, where they can ring the bell in the pavilion. Winter hikes are completed between Dec. 21 and March 21. All hikes must have been completed after May 25, 2013. Hikers who finish the six peaks have the privilege of ringing the bell at Berkeley Green. Anyone interested needs to complete the online registration form at www.saranaclake.com/activities/outdoor/saranac-lake-6. Each finisher will be sent a certificate with an official member number, 6er patch and sticker. All numbers are awarded in the order of completed applications received. Names will also be added to the official Saranac Lake 6er member roster. Allow for up to 12 weeks for processing. Learn more at www.saranaclake.com. Baker Mountain (2,457 feet) Distance: 0.9 mile to the summit Ascent: 884 feet Trailhead: From downtown Saranac Lake, head north on Broadway (state Route 86) and turn right on Bloomingdale Avenue (state Route 3), then turn right on Pine Street after about a half mile. Cross the railroad tracks and turn left on Forest Hill Avenue and follow it as it wraps around Moody Pond. The trailhead is on the left in about a half mile. St. Regis Mountain (2,874 feet) Distance: 3.3 miles to the summit Ascent:1,266 feet Trailhead: From downtown Saranac Lake head west on state Route 86, toward Paul Smiths. At Paul
Smith’s College, turn right on state Route 30, take the first left on Keese Mill Road. Follow Keese Mill Road for almost 3 miles to the trailhead parking on the left.
Haystack Mountain (2,874 feet) Distance: 3.3 miles to the summit Ascent: 1,240 feet Trailhead: From downtown Saranac Lake, take state Route 86 east toward Lake Placid. Continue for about 5 miles and look for the large parking area on the left. This is also the parking area for McKenzie Mountain. Scarface Mountain (3,058 feet) Distance: 3.8 miles to the summit Ascent: 1,480 feet Trailhead: From the intersection of state Route 3 and state Route 86 in Saranac Lake, follow Route 86 toward Lake Placid. Continue into Ray Brook, take a right onto Ray Brook Road (just before Maplefields), and look for the parking lot about 0.1 mile on the left. Ampersand Mountain (3,352 feet) Distance: 2.7 miles to the summit Elevation Gain: 1,775 feet Trailhead: From downtown Saranac Lake, turn right onto state Route 3, heading west toward Tupper Lake. The parking area is on the right after about 8 miles. The trailhead is across the road on the left. McKenzie Mountain (3,861 feet) Distance: 5.3 miles to the summit Ascent: 2,340 feet Trailhead: From downtown Saranac Lake, take state Route 86 east toward Lake Placid. Continue for about 5 miles and look for the large parking area on the left. This is also the parking area for Haystack Mountain.
Emergency contacts
Photo by ORDA
Skiing at Whiteface Mountain
Antiques Gently Used Goods Unique Finds Furniture
General emergencies: Call 911 Backcountry emergencies: 518-891-0235 The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation operates a dispatch center at the DEC Region 5 office in Ray Brook 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It should only be contacted to report backcountry emergencies (lost or injured people and wildfires). Non-emergencies: The New York State Police Troop B, 518-897-2000, Clinton, Franklin, Essex, St. Lawrence, Hamilton counties; Troop D, 315366-6000, Lewis, Herkimer, Oneida, counties; Troop G, 518-783-3211, Fulton, Hamilton, Saratoga, Warren, Washington counties.
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Adirondack Daily Enterprise / Adirondack Vacation Guide • Winter/Spring 2020-21
St. Bernard’s Catholic Parish
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Photo by Lou Reuter
Mountains in the Lake Placid area are seen here from Mount Baker in Saranac Lake.
Adirondack Daily Enterprise / Adirondack Vacation Guide • Winter/Spring 2020-21
Lake Placid 9’er hiking challenge
There are four patches for the Lake Placid 9’er hiking challenge: Summer, Winter, Ultra Summer and Ultra Winter. Ultra hikers must complete all nine mountains in 24 hours. Winter hikes are completed between Dec. 21 and March 20 (starting after Dec. 21, 2018). All summer hikes must have been completed after July 1, 2018. Once completed, download the registration form at https://lakeplacid9er.com and mail it with a $10.00 registration fee to: Lake Placid 9’er, P.O. Box 1310, Lake Placid, NY 12946. Make checks out to “Lake Placid 9’er.” Each finisher will be sent an official Lake Placid 9’er patch, sticker and registration number. Allow two to three weeks for processing. Download a free Lake Placid 9’er map from MR Maps at https://lakeplacid9er.com. Cobble Hill, Lake Placid: 2.2 miles round-trip, 2,332 feet elevation Trailhead: From Lake Placid, follow Route 86 toward center of town. Take right at town hall onto Mirror Lake Drive. Follow past Northwood Road to entrance of Northwood School. Trailhead is 200 yards on left. Mount Jo, Lake Placid: 2.6 miles round-trip, 2,876 feet elevation Trailhead: From Lake Placid, go east on state Route 73 to Adirondack Loj Road. Parking lot is at High Peaks Information Center. There is a $10/day parking fee. Baxter Mountain, Keene: 2.4 miles round-trip, 2,440 feet elevation Trailhead: From Lake Placid, take state Route 73 west past Keene. Take left on Route 9N toward Elizabethtown. Continue about 2 miles to the top of hill. Trailhead is on the right. Mount Van Hoevenberg, Lake Placid: 4.4 miles round-trip, 2,940 feet elevation
Trailhead: From Lake Placid, take state Route 73 east to Adirondack Loj Road. After 4 miles, take left on Meadow Lane. Trailhead is 0.25 miles on left. New Mount Van Hoevenberg “East Trail” begins at the Olympic Sports Complex off state Route 73. Big Crow Mountain, Keene: 1.4 miles round-trip, 2,815 feet elevation Trailhead: From Lake Placid, take state Route 73 east. At 200 yards past the intersection with Route 9N in Keene, turn left on Hurricane Road at Keene Town Hall. At just over 2 miles, bear left on O’Toole Lane for 1.2 miles to end at Crow Clearing. Trail is on the left. Bear Den Mountain, Wilmington: 4.5 miles round-trip, 2,650 feet elevation Trailhead: From Lake Placid, follow state Route 86 to Whiteface Mountain Ski Center. Turn left into center. Follow road around to the right and the Bear Den Lot. Pitchoff Mountain, Lake Placid: 5.2 miles roundtrip, 3,500 feet elevation Trailhead: From Lake Placid, take state Route 73 to the Pitchoff West Trail, 7.5 miles. Pitchoff East Trail is 2.7 miles farther on Route 73. Trailheads on left, parking on right. Catamount Mountain, Wilmington: 3.6 miles round-trip, 3,169 feet elevation Trailhead: From Wilmington, take Whiteface Veterans’ Memorial Highway. Just before the toll house, bear right toward Franklin Falls. Continue 3.3 miles to Roseman Road. Take a right. Follow Roseman Road for 0.8 mile. Turn right on Plank Road. Follow 2.2 miles to parking area on left. Hurricane Mountain, Keene: 6.8 miles roundtrip, 3,678 feet elevation Trailhead: From Lake Placid, take state Route 73 past Keene. Turn left on Route 9N after 15.5 miles. Parking area is 3.5 miles on right. Trailhead is on left.
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Adirondack Daily Enterprise / Adirondack Vacation Guide • Winter/Spring 2020-21
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This may be your year for ice fishing
(The following information was provided by the state Department of Environmental Conservation.) Anglers in New York state can stay busy all winter by targeting some of their favorite fish species through the ice. If you’ve never been ice fishing before and would like to test the waters — learn how to ice fish. It’s a safe and fun activity during the coronavirus pandemic. For an overview of ice fishing, visit online at https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/119684.html. Popular species While most freshwater fish can be caught through the ice, only certain species are in season through the winter. Some popular species to target through the ice in New York are yellow perch, northern pike, walleye, lake trout, brown trout, Atlantic landlocked salmon and black crappie. Ice fishing regulations Ice fishing is permitted on many waters in New York state, but not all. View fishing regulations online at https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/31416.html.
Adirondack Daily Enterprise / Adirondack Vacation Guide • Winter/Spring 2020-21
Ice shanties Ice shanties must be marked on the outside with the owner’s name and address in letters at least 3 inches high. Shanties must be removed from all waters by March 15 to prevent them from falling through the ice and becoming hazards to navigation. Baitfish Baitfish are commonly used when ice fishing. Make sure your baitfish are certified disease free when you purchase them. Never dump unused baitfish or water from your bait bucket into a lake or pond. Undesirable aquatic invasive species might be mixed in with your bait or bait water. View New York baitfish regulations at https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/47282.html. Ice safety Safe ice should be your number one consideration when ice fishing. A minimum of three to four inches of solid ice is the general rule for safety. Ice thickness, however, is not uniform on any body of water. The guidelines presented here are based on new, clear ice on non-running waters. Since ice thickness can vary on a lake, check the ice periodically to stay safe.
Photo by Lou Reuter
Fish caught on Lake Colby
Photo by Lou Reuter
2020 Lake Colby Classic ice fishing tourney
Ice thickness/permissable load ¯ 2 inches or less — stay off ¯ 4 inches — ice fishing or other activities on foot ¯ 5 inches — snowmobile or ATV ¯ 8-12 inches — car or small pickup ¯ 12-15 inches — medium truck Note: This guide is based on new, clear ice on nonrunning waters. Slush ice is about 50% weaker. Clear ice over running water is about 20% weaker. Double the recommendations for white ice. Many ice anglers do not like to fish on less than five inches of ice, and do not like to drive a pick-up truck on less than 15 inches of ice. Use common sense. Be cautious in areas where “bubblers” are used to protect docks. They can produce thin, unsafe ice some distance away. Be especially alert in areas near shore, over moving bodies of water, and where streams enter and exit lakes and ponds. Remember, use the buddy system while ice fishing — it saves lives. Where to ice fish For locations to ice fish in the Adirondack region, visit the following pages on the DEC website: Clinton County: https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/32337.html Essex County: https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/32342.html Franklin County: https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/32350.html Hamilton County: https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/32354.html Herkimer County: https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/119544.html St. Lawrence County: https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/119552.html Warren County: https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/32368.html
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Photo by Justin A. Levine
Ice fishing on Lake Simon in Tupper Lake during the 2016 Northern Challenge Fishing Derby
Adirondack Daily Enterprise / Adirondack Vacation Guide • Winter/Spring 2020-21
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Ski areas have special COVID rules
Adirondack Daily Enterprise / Adirondack Vacation Guide • Winter/Spring 2020-21
Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Oct. 18 that ski resorts can reopen with 50% indoor capacity and with strict health and safety protocols under state-issued guidance starting Nov. 6. “Scientists have told us the virus is going to become more aggressive in the fall, and right now, we are all feeling COVID-fatigue, but our micro-cluster strategy is a smart, data-driven and less disruptive strategy to get us through this season. And so far, the data shows the micro-cluster strategy is working to bring infection rates down in our red zone areas,” Cuomo said. “Beginning next month, Ski resorts will be allowed to reopen with limited indoor capacity, which will allow New Yorkers to have some outdoor activity this winter without having to quarantine when they come back.” State guidance on the reopening of ski resorts includes the following precautions: ¯ Masks required at all times, except when eating/drinking or skiing. ¯ Social distancing between parties required at all times. ¯ Restrict gondolas/lifts to members of the same party. ¯ Limit ski lessons to no more than 10 people. ¯ Thorough cleaning and disinfection of shared and rented equipment. ¯ Shuttles, food & beverage, retail service must conform to State-issued guidance. ¯ Reduce outdoor capacity on mountain by 25% during “peak” days or if multiple trails are closed due to unseasonable conditions. SKI NY statement on COVID-19 The safety and health of guests and those who work at our member ski areas are a priority of Ski Areas of New York, Inc. They know there are many questions about what measures ski areas are taking in regards to the coronavirus. Measures include: ¯ Monitoring updates on COVID-19 from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, New York state government and the World Health Organization). Based on this, SKI/NY will recommend to its member ski areas on what action may need to be taken that is necessary for the continued safety
Photos by Aaron Cerbone
Enjoying Mount Pisgah in Saranac Lake
of ski area staff and guests. ¯ Encouraging ski areas to instruct any of their staff who feel ill to remain at home. ¯ Encouraging ski areas to provide hand sanitizers and wipes in all dining and bar areas of the facility as well as their rental facilities. ¯ Encouraging ski areas to wipe down any rental equipment after use with disinfecting wipes (such as Clorox Wipes as recommended). ¯ Suggesting ski areas to work with their guests who may have questions about the facility and cleanliness policy. ¯ In addition, Gov. Cuomo has issued an executive order banning gatherings of more than 500 and limiting those under 500 to 50% of capacity. Therefore, most New York ski areas will continue to operate, but there may be certain base facilities and services that will be closed or limited. Check the website of the ski area you are planning to travel to. Skiers can locate their ski area at https://www.iskiny.com/ski-newyork/mountains.
Snowboarding at Mount Pisgah in Saranac Lake in January 2020
Photos by Aaron Cerbone
Earn a winter patch for the Tupper Lake Triad hiking challenge Dec. 20 to March 20
There are two patches for the Tupper Lake Triad hiking challenge: Summer (between March 21 and Dec. 19) and Winter (between Dec. 20 and March 20). Once completed, download the Tupper Lake Triad registration form and mail it with a $5.00 registration fee to: TL Triad, 121 Park St., Tupper Lake, NY 12986. Make checks payable to “ROOST.” Learn more online at www.tupperlaketriad.com. Mount Arab There is a fire tower on the peak of Mount Arab, near the hamlet of Piercefield. Distance: 1 mile to the summit Elevation: 2,545 feet Ascent: 764 feet Trailhead: From the intersection of state routes 3 and 30 in the village of Tupper Lake, follow Route 3 toward Piercefield. In about 7.25 miles, turn left on Conifer Road and follow it for almost 2 miles to Mount Arab Road, on the left. Drive about 1 mile. The trailhead is on the left; parking is on the right.
Goodman Mountain Distance: 1.7 miles to the summit Elevation: 2,178 feet Ascent: 581 feet Trailhead: From the intersection of state routes 3 and 30 in the village of Tupper Lake, follow Route 30 toward Long Lake. Drive just under 10 miles to Lumberjack Spring on the left. Lumberjack Spring is not marked, but a trailhead post is located there.
Shaheen’s S haheen’s Adirondack Adirondack Inn Inn Meticulously upgraded AAA smoke-free Eco-Conscious property. Free WiFi, Premium Cable/HBO, Microwave/ Fridge, In-room Keurig. Handicap Accessible Units. EV Charging Stations. Walk to Wild Center. Direct snowmobile access. Embrace winter and enjoy Tupper Lake’s groomed X-C ski trail network or ski local backwoods trails. Ice fishing, snowshoeing, indoor ice skating, or sledding nearby. Winter plug-in. We look forward to your visit. 314 Park Street • Tupper Lake, NY 12986 (518) 359-3384 • (800) 474-2445 www.shaheensadirondackinn.com stay@shaheensadirondackinn.com
Real Estate; Estate Planning; Business Law; Elder Law and Trusts; Probate Matters 51 Lake Street, Tupper Lake, NY 12986 Office Number: (518) 359-5036 Fax 518-359-7875 Email: kirk@adklaw.com Website: www.adklaw.com
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Adirondack Daily Enterprise / Adirondack Vacation Guide • Winter/Spring 2020-21
Coney Mountain Distance: 1.1 miles to the summit Elevation: 2,280 feet Ascent: 548 feet Trailhead: From the intersection of state routes 3 and 30 in the village of Tupper Lake, follow Route 30 toward Long Lake. Drive just under 12 miles to trailhead on the left. A state DEC sign marks the location.
KIRK GAGNIER ATTORNEY
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Photo by Justin A. Levine
Neilson Snye of Tupper Lake skis past the site of a historic barn that burned down in 2004 at the Camp Santanoni Historic Area in Newcomb on Presidents Day in 2017.
Adirondack Daily Enterprise / Adirondack Vacation Guide • Winter/Spring 2020-21
Touring historic Great Camp Santanoni
(Editor’s note: This story originally ran in the Adirondack Daily Enterprise and Lake Placid News after Presidents Week in February 2017.) By JUSTIN A. LEVINE NEWCOMB — After two straight days of sunshine and above-freezing temperatures, my friend and I decided we better get out skiing again before the snow is completely gone. So on Monday, Feb. 20, we drove down to Newcomb and donned our cross-country skis for the 10-mile round-trip out to the historic Great Camp Santanoni. It was another bluebird day, but the temperature was a few degrees below freezing so we weren’t dealing with a slushy trail when we started out. The great camp was built more than 100 years ago, and even though a lot of the original buildings are now gone, the complex is largely intact. We had decided to go down there last weekend because the state Department of Environmental Conservation and Adirondack Architectural Heritage (AARCH) were hosting the second of three open weekends at the camp this winter. The camp was built by Robert Pruyn of New York City as a summer home and retreat. The Pruyns entertained rich and famous people of the time, including Theodore Roosevelt, and at one time was made up of nearly 13,000 acres of land. Although many of the buildings are gone, there are three main components to the great camp property that still provide a glimpse of its glory. The Gate House is just off of state Route 28N in Newcomb and is a formidable building that truly conveys the potency of the classic Adirondack Great Camp. Although the camp is situated in the midst of the Vanderwhacker Wild Forest and butts up against the High Peaks, the three building complexes and the road that connect them have been classified as a Historic Preservation area. You’re allowed to ski, snowshoe or hike into the camp any time, but during the open weekends, AARCH has people on site to discuss the history of the camp and, perhaps more importantly, keep a pot of coffee boiling away on top of the woodstove. My friend Neilson Snye, of Tupper Lake, and I began skiing on the crusty trail, which is actually a road, so it’s plenty wide enough to handle skiers and
snowshoers at the same time. But the previous two days of above-freezing temperatures and below-freezing nights ensured that the last tracks of the previous day were set in stone. It was unfortunate that several people had gone in without skis or snowshoes and had left postholes all along the trail and ski track. With the crusty conditions, the skiing was tougher than it should have been for a trail that is, in general, quite easy and forgiving. Despite the trail conditions, we quickly made our way about a mile in to the site of the former farm. The great camp had a fully functional farm and was one of the early leaders in “scientific farming,” according to the DEC. The farm site is the second of the three building complexes, and there are a couple of houses as well as the foundation of a barn that burned down in 2004. During the open weekends, several of the buildings are open to the public to explore, with picnic tables out for lounging. There are also informational placards that provide a brief overview of the surrounding history. With the sun shining bright and only a few other people on the trail, we hung out at the farm for just a few minutes before heading back into the shady woods to continue our trip. From the farm, it’s about another 4 miles out to the main camp. Along the way, you pass through largely open hardwoods, crossing field-stone bridges and catching glimpses of the High Peaks. The trail itself climbs very gradually to about the 3mile mark, and then descends down toward the camp on the shore of Newcomb Lake. Since the trail was icy and pockmarked with boot prints, we took it easy on the downhills. But in better conditions, even the most novice skier shouldn’t have any problem navigating the wide and clearly defined trail. After an easy descent, you cross a bridge which offers the first open views since the farm site. From there, it’s just another couple of minutes to the main complex. The doors were open to the camp’s great room and we took off our skis and wandered in, taking in the grandiosity of the mammoth stone fireplace and exposed wood beams. There’s no wallpaper, just birch
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bark lining the entire room. We walked around the building and went back outside. With the recent spate of people falling through the ice, we never even considered going out onto Newcomb Lake. There were other sets of skis stuck in the snow and Neilson and I walked down to the little Artist’s Cabin, with its field-stone front wall looking out over the lake and the smell of fresh coffee filling the small room. There were quite a few other people there, looking through pamphlets on the history of the camp or just enjoying the steamy warmth of a packed room. There was tea, hot chocolate and coffee on the woodstove. After talking with a couple of people, Neilson and I put our skis back on and started the trek back to the parking lot.
The temperature had come up, but the shade of the 21 woods kept the trail hard. We ran into a considerable number of people heading into the camp, but the trail still never felt busy or crowded. One gentleman was out of control coming down one of the hills, but it was a leisurely out of control and it took him a full minute to go past me once I had stepped off to the side of the trail. He was going maybe a mile per hour. The sun was dappling through the trees enough that we were hat-less and glove-less while skiing, the kind of spring skiing day that you just have to soak up and enjoy. We had a pretty uneventful trip out to the great camp, and with this past week’s weather, I just hope it’s not the last chance we have to get out. But if it is, at least we ended the season with a wonderful trip to a remarkable place.
Photo by Justin A. Levine
People enjoy a break at the Camp Santanoni Historic Area in February 2017.
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We have We h ave been been sserving e r v i n g tthe h e ADK ADK c community o m mu n i t y for for m more o re tthan h a n 48 48 y years. e a rs. S Stop t o p iin n t o explore to ex p l o re tthe h e sstore t o re and a n d find f ind a all ll k kinds inds o off things things y you o u didn’t didn’t e even ve n know k n ow you yo u n needed! eeded!
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Black Fridays Nov. 27 - 29, 2020 Draw Your Own Discount Nov. 12 - 30 & Dec. 1, 2020 12 Days of Gifting Dec. 13 -24, 2020 Hossome Holiday Sale Saturday, Dec. 17, 2020
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Take the Love Your ADK Pledge
On Earth Day, April 22, the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism announced the launch of the Love Your ADK pledge and website, a collaborative effort to inspire the ethical, sustainable and proper use of recreational resources. By taking the Love Your Adirondacks Pledge and practicing Leave No Trace ethics you can help ensure that the forests, waterways and communities of the Adirondacks remain beautiful and unique for generations to come. The Love Your ADK pledge has been created in partnership with ROOST, the Adirondack Mountain Club, Adirondack Council and the state Department of Environmental Conservation. Sign the pledge online at the following website: www.loveyouradk.org/pledge.
I pledge to: ¯ Love the Adirondacks in a way that is mindful of others; ¯ Only share thoughtful messages on social media that encourage good stewardship; ¯ View wildlife from afar and be considerate of their home; ¯ Embrace the hiker ethos and get my boots dirty by walking through the mud; ¯ Always explore responsibly and prepare for any experience; ¯Do my duty to properly dispose of trash as well as pet and human waste; ¯ Keep woods and waters clean by checking my gear and equipment for invasive species; and ¯ Support, practice, and inspire others to follow the Leave No Trace Seven Principles.
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Image by the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism
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Nordic skating a hip sport in the Adirondacks
(Editor’s note: This story first ran in the Adirondack Daily Enterprise in February 2019.) By GRIFFIN KELLY LAKE PLACID — I fell. After a good half-hour of ice skating, I was only a couple hundred feet away from the shores of Mirror Lake when I bailed and busted my knee. My partner in crime, Jesse Adcock, took photos as I gripped my leg and winced in pain. With that out of the way, let’s get into my continuing battle against seasonal affective disorder and first Nordic skating experience. I may have donned skates once in the past, but I was hugging the wall the whole time while my ex-girlfriend smirked and giggled. For this outing, I would need the help of a professional — John Dimon, former competitive speedskater and owner of the Human Power Planet Earth bike shop in Saranac Lake. We opted out of hockey and figure skates and went with blades for a form of ice skating that’s been gaining popularity — Nordic. Where regular skating generally has people going in circles around an ice rink or speedskating oval, Nordic is mostly done on waterbodies (“wild ice”), and, like its skiing cousin, is focused more on distance than quick loops. Nordic blades are also massive. I felt like I was slowly gliding on two cutlasses a pirate would keep in his or her belt. The unique thing about Nordic blades, though, is that they clip onto cross-country ski boots. So if you’re an avid Nordic skier, you don’t have to buy a new pair of boots, just a set of blades. Dan Spada of Tupper Lake started Nordic skiing a little over 10 years ago. He skated as a kid but fell out of it for a while until he started taking his children skating at the Rideau Canal in Ottawa. One day, among the dozens of skaters, he noticed a man with long skates and ski boots. “What are those, and where did you get them?” he asked. After purchasing his first pair of Nordic skates, Spada said his first skate was a revelation. “It’s a totally different motion and glide,” he said. “Suddenly I had this glide of 20 or 30 feet in one kick. It didn’t dawn on me until I got out on big ice, the long distances you could travel.” With an expert at my side, nothing to grab onto and the frozen lake water beneath me, I took my first strides on the ice. Well, they were more like tiny steps — really tiny steps. At the same time, a father taught his child how to skate. I felt like that kid — unsure
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Photo by Jesse Adcock
Former competitive speedskater John Dimon, right, teaches Griffin Kelly how to Nordic skate on Mirror Lake in Lake Placid in December 2018. and slightly nervous — only I was 5 feet taller. Mirror Lake is an easy spot for Tri-Lakers to frequent, but there are countless patches of wild ice to skate in the Adirondacks. Spada’s vision of vast waterbodies, winding creeks and risky yet beautiful wild ice fills me with a sense of adventure. And perhaps I can experience it for myself as soon as I get over the baby-deer-trying-to-walk phase of my training.
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