hiking
FIVE GREAT Adventures in the Adirondacks Hike these trails to test your metal By Nat Stone Photos by Matt Stone and Ron Arnold
“Coming down the trail on the far side of Algonquin Peak, darkness closed in. We were forced to pitch our tent on a steep rock slab on the mountain. Up at dawn, we packed everything very quickly, and continued down the trail towards Lake Colden. By noon, it was one of those merciless, still, scorching summer days. The mountains towering over us blocked every puff of wind, but soon we came to the rocky rim of Avalanche Lake. Not waiting for an invitation, I plunged into its deep, fresh waters. It was divine.” (From a backpacking log entry) Looking for new hiking adventures? Want some real backpacking in real mountains? You’ll find paradise right now in the Adirondacks – an ancient range of extinct volcanoes, studded with bare, windswept peaks and covered from end to end with a rolling green carpet of forests. A scant 290 kilometres southeast of our capital city, New York State’s Adirondacks are a favoured haunt
for many Ottawa hikers – wild, yet accessible. It’s a place for adventure in small or large doses. The Adirondacks offer many peaks from which to choose. If you want a laid-back day hike, look at the Adirondack Mountain Club’s Guide to Adirondack Trails: High Peaks Region for suggestions (www.adk.org). If you’re seeking more challenge, try one of the
43 peaks that rise over 1,250 metres. Some of these 43 peaks have groomed trails to the top, while others don’t. Only one has a paved road. But let’s look at just five of them – my top all-time favourites that guarantee adventure. If you’re seeking high altitude adventure in spectacular mountains, try the Adirondacks. They’re amazing!
