Last week, a columnist for the Press Republican wrote a pretty entertaining piece about the High Peaks which can be found here. I was rolling my eyes when he suggested charging people to hike and paving the trails. But by the time he got to his suggestions of adding Burger King and L.L. Bean stores along the trails, I was laughing.
Doesn't sound all that different from Vermont where you climb their highest peak, Mt. Mansfield, and be greated by hordes of tourists in shorts and t-shirts who took the gondola up the other side.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Friday, October 29, 2010
Forest Rangers Activity Report - September/October
Every month or two the DEC releases a cautionary incident report for Region 5 - which includes 3/4ths of the Adirondacks and much of northeastern New York. I find them interstesting to read through and every once in a while, they have a valuable lesson. Here is their report for the months of September and October 2010.
Essex County
Town of Wilmington, Private Lands
On Wednesday, September 22, 2010, at 12:09 pm, the DEC Dispatch Center in Ray Brook received a report that a man had collapsed on the trail near the base of High Falls Gorge. DEC Forest Rangers responded to the scene and located James McCrann, 73, of Hicksville, NY, sitting on the side of the trail. Mr. McCrann was alert and conscious and was able to walk out the quarter mile to the awaiting Wilmington Volunteer Fire and Rescue Ambulance. Mr. McCrann was provide same basic care and released at his own request without any further medical treatment. Know your physical limitations and always carry food and water.
Town of North Elba, High Peaks Wilderness Area
On Saturday, October 9, 2010 at 2:50 pm, a DEC Forest Ranger and DEC Interior Caretaker on routine patrol received word of an injured hiker on Phelps Mountain. Mari Anne Raimville, 19, of Montreal, QC, had sustained a lower leg injury while descending Phelps Mountain and was unable to proceed. The Forest Ranger and Interior Caretaker responded and carried Ms. Raimville to Marcy Dam. Another Forest Ranger had responded to Marcy Dame with an UTV and transported woman on the UTV to the trailhead via the Macy Dam Truck Trail. Always carry a first aid kit, even on day hikes.
Town of Wilmington, Whiteface Mountain Intensive Use Area
On Saturday, October 9, 2010, at 5:39 pm, the DEC Dispatch Center in Ray Brook received a call from Olympic Regional Development Authority staff requested assistance from DEC Forest Rangers at the summit of Whiteface Mountain. The elevator to the summit had broken down and several persons with disabilities from the Essex County ARC were trapped on the windy summit. A DEC Forest Ranger responded and assisted ORDA staff and public volunteers carry several individuals down from the summit along the catwalks to the castle at the top of the Whiteface Memorial Highway. All the individuals were safely brought down the mountain with no further incident by 7:20 pm. Know how to obtain assistance in emergency situations. The DEC Forest Ranger emergency phone number is 518-891-0235.
Town of Keene, High Peaks Wilderness Area
On Sunday, October 10, 2010, at 1:39 pm, the DEC Dispatch Center in Ray Brook received a call from Essex County 911 reporting a hiker needing medical assistance. Doug Roy, 53, of Ottawa, Ontario, was having a medical emergency on the Rooster Comb Mountain trail. DEC Forest Rangers and members of the Keene Volunteer Fire and Rescue and Keene Valley Volunteer Fire and Rescue located Mr. Roy approximately a 1/2 mile from the trailhead. Mr. Roy was extremely weak, but still conscious. Emergency Medical Services volunteers from the fire and rescue units provided medical care. Forest Rangers and other volunteers carried Mr. Roy back to the trailhead where he was placed in an ambulance at 3:30 pm for transportation to Adirondack Medical Center for further evaluation and treatment. Be aware of your medical and physical condition and carry prescribed medications with you.
Town of Newcomb, High Peaks Wilderness Area
On Sunday, October 17, 2010, at 3:43 pm, the DEC Dispatch Center in Ray Brook received a call from a woman requesting assistance in locating her husband in the vicinity of Moose Pond. Mathew Crowell, 29, of Syracuse, NY, had been hunting in the area for several days and reported his location each morning and evening using his Spot Locator. Mr. Crowell had not reported in since 10:00 am on Saturday. Mrs. Crowell became concerned that her husband might be injured after learning of the presence of snow in the higher elevations. A DEC Forest Ranger responded and located Mr. Crowell’s car at the Moose Pond Trail Head and started to search the 6 miles of trail into Moose Pond. At 6:05pm the Forest Ranger heard a shot and found the subject in good shape, at the last spot location he had sent to his wife. According to Mr. Crowell, he had sent his wife points from the Spot Locator throughout his trip but obviously the signal didn’t get out due to the steep drainages. Always provide someone at home with your itinerary and when you expect to return. Electronic devices are useful in providing information and communicating with people outside the backcountry – be aware of their limitations.
Town of North Elba, Adirondack Loj Lands
On Sunday, October 17, 2010, at 8:00 pm, the DEC Dispatch Center in Ray Brook received a call from the Adirondack Loj reporting two hikers overdue from a hike up Mt. Jo. Alice Langlois, 44, of Atlanta, GA, and Leanne Mardngon, 44, of Montreal, Canada had left late in the afternoon to with two companions to climb the mountain. After reaching the summit Ms. Langlois and Ms. Mardngon decided to take the long trail back to the Loj while their friends took the short trail. As darkness approached the friends became concerned since neither of the women had headlamps or were prepared to spend the night in the woods. A DEC Forest Ranger responded to the call for assistance and located the subjects at 8:45pm on the long trail. They were safely returned to the Adirondack Loj by 9:30 pm. When hiking in groups keep together.
Town of Keene, Giant Mt. Wilderness
On Friday, October 22, 2010, at 7:12 pm, the DEC Dispatch Center in Ray Brook received a report of a group of hikers on the Giant Mountain trail without flashlights. A DEC Forest Ranger responded and met the group of Boy Scouts from Lee Center, NY, a short distance up the trail. The Forest Ranger provided the group with extra flashlights and escorted them down the trail without incident. All subjects were out of the woods by 8:07 pm. Always carry a flashlight or headlamp. Remember that the sun sets earlier in the fall and plan trips accordingly.
Town of Ticonderoga, Pharoah Lake Wilderness, Lost Pond
On Sunday, October 24, 2010, at 11:08 am, the DEC Dispatch Center in Ray Brook received a call from Essex County 911 reporting a hunter lost in the vicinity of Lost Pond. DEC Forest Rangers, a DEC Environmental Conservation Officer, State Police and Ticonderoga Police joined in the search for Tom Santelli, 32, of Arlington, VT. Forest Rangers located Mr. Santelli at 4:30 pm approximately ¾ of a mile off the Lost Pond Trail. He was in good condition and was escorted out of the woods. Know the area you will be hiking or hunting. Always carry a map and compass and use them.
Franklin County
Town of Harrietstown, High Peaks Wilderness Area
On Saturday, September 18, 2010, at 4:21 pm, the DEC Dispatch Center in Ray Brook received a call reporting an injured person on the summit of Ampersand Mountain. Nathan Turplin, 28, of Ithaca, NY had fallen and injured his lower leg. DEC Forest Rangers and a helicopter from the State Police Aviation Unit responded. Mr. Turplin’s leg was stabilized and he was hoisted to the helicopter. At 6:45 pm, Mr. Turplin was flown to the Adirondack Medical Center in Saranac Lake for further evaluation and treatment. Know how to obtain assistance in emergency situations. The DEC Forest Ranger emergency phone number is 518-891-0235.
Town of Saranac Lake, Saranac Lake Wild Forest
On Saturday, October 2, 2010, at 4:01 pm, the DEC Dispatch Center in Ray Brook received a request for assistance from Franklin County 911 for a subject lost in the vicinity of Lake Colby. Ryan Noel, 24, of Saranac Lake, NY was walking along the railroad tracks in the vicinity of Lake Colby when he left the tracks and became lost. DEC Forest Rangers and a helicopter from the State Police Aviation Unit responded. Mr. Noel was spotted by a forest ranger in the helicopter at 4:55 pm. Forest Rangers on the ground reached him and escorted him out of the woods. Know the area you will be hiking or hunting. Always carry a map and compass and use them.
Hamilton County
Town of Indian Lake, Blue Mountain Wild Forest
On Sunday, September 5, 2010, at 6:14 pm, the DEC Dispatch Center in Ray Brook received a call from Hamilton County 911 reporting two hikers lost on a trail off State Route 28 in the Town of Indian Lake. Sal Padronaggio, 56, and Lorraine Padronaggio, 54, both of Bohemia, NY, were unable to name the trailhead they had started at and could only describe their location as on a snowmobile trail close to a river. DEC Forest Rangers responded to the Rock Pond trail head, which met the description provided, and located the subjects’ vehicle. A Forest Ranger on an ATV drove three miles to Rock River, eventually making voice contact with the two hikers. Mr. and Mrs. Padroaggio were located approximately ½ mile from the trail. They slowly made their way back to the ATV, due to a minor leg injury Mrs. Padronaggio had obtained earlier. They then were transported out on the ATV. They arrived at the trailhead at 9:20 pm, cold and wet, but otherwise in good condition. Learn about the area you plan to hike. Always carry a map and compass and use them.
Town of Hope, Wilcox Lake Wild Forest
On Saturday September 18, 2010, at 7:24 pm, the DEC Dispatch Center in Ray Brook received a call from the DEC Sacandaga Campground reporting a camper overdue from a day of bear hunting. Arthur Foure, 49, of Selden, NY and his partner left the campground in the morning to hunt in the Wilcox Lake Wild Forest off Creek Road. The pair went separate ways to hunt a five square mile area surrounded by roads, and planned to meet up back at their vehicle at 6:15 pm. When Mr. Foure did not return by 6:30 pm, his partner returned to the campground to report him missing. A DEC Forest Ranger responded and met up with the partner, instructing him to return to the trailhead and wait for Mr. Foure, while he went the other way following the roads that surrounded the area. The Forest Ranger located the Mr. Foure at 8:25 pm along Old State Road, approximately 2.8 miles from the trailhead. He was returned to the trailhead and reunited with his hunting partner. Learn about the area you plan to hike. Always carry a map and compass and use them.
Town of Indian Lake, Jessup River Wild Forest
On Sunday, October 10, 2010, at 2:00 am, the DEC Dispatch Center in Ray Brook received a call from the DEC Lewey Lake Campground reporting 3 overdue hikers. David Ciaccia, 23, and Samantha Ciaccia, 22, both of Conshohocker PA, and Abagail Kite, 23, of Owins Mills, MD, had not returned from a day hike of Watch Hill. DEC Forest Rangers responded and searched through the night, covering most of the ground around Watch Hill while repeatedly calling out the names of the three hikers. At 8:30am, the Rangers located the subjects in good condition. They reported that it had gotten dark as they were returning to the campground and they did not have flashlights, so they lost the trail. When asked if they could hear Forest Rangers calling for them, they said they had but stated that “growing up in the city you never holler back”. Always carry a flashlight or headlamp. Remember that the sun sets earlier in the fall and plan trips accordingly. If lost, help searchers found you by staying in one place; starting a fire or make noise; and answer searchers calls.
Town of Lake Pleasant, Moose River Plains Wild Forest
On Sunday, October 17, 2010, at 1:10 pm, the DEC Dispatch Center in Ray Brook received a cell phone call with a very poor connection from a hunter reporting that one of his hunting partner had not returned from a morning hunt. Based on information provided before the phone transmission was disconnected William Parker, 50, of Jefferson, NY, and his hunting partner had reportedly been hunting along the Cedar River, near Blue Mountain, in the Town of Indian Lake. DEC Forest Rangers responded and began to search the trailheads on Route 28 & 30, but could not locate the hunter’s vehicle. Another phone call was received later in the day describing the hunting party’s location as the first lean-to on the Cedar River Flow. A Forest Ranger then began searching the Northville Lake Placid trail and located the hunting group at 3:45 pm on their return to Wakely Dam. The other hunters in the group had found Mr. Parker ten minutes earlier and were sending him out by canoe. According to Mr. Parker he had become lost in a large swamp early in the day and took most of the day to return to the Cedar River Flow. Know the area you will be hiking or hunting. Always carry a map and compass and use them.
Town of Indian Lake, West Canada Wilderness Area
On Tuesday, October 19, at 4:15 pm, DEC Forest Rangers were requested to assist in the evacuation of a hiker on Snowy Mountain. A 60 year old man from Sydney, Australia had injured is leg approximately 2 miles from the trailhead. Members of the Indian Lake Volunteer Fire Department and the Indian Lake Emergency Medical Services, along with four forest rangers, carried the injured man over several difficult stream crossings and through steep sections of the trail. The man was placed into an ambulance around midnight and transported to a hospital for further evaluation and treatment. Always carry a first aid kit, even on day hikes.
Town of Long Lake, Sargent Ponds Wild Forest
On Sunday, October 24, 2010, at 5:09 pm, the DEC Dispatch Center in Ray Brook received a call from Hamilton County 911 requesting DEC Forest Rangers assistance in the evacuation of a hiker on the Owl Mountain Trail. Jesica Burnside, 20, of Utica, NY had injured her lower right leg while returning from the summit. DEC Forest Rangers responded and located Ms. Burnside moving slowly just a short distance up the trail. She was transported to the trailhead on an ATV and turned over to Long Lake Emergency Medical Services at 6:30 pm. Back country hiking trails can be rugged and rough, wear a hiking boot or hiking shoe appropriate for the hike.
Warren County
Town of Thurman, Private Land
On Saturday, October 16, 2010, at 3:13 pm, the DEC Dispatch Center in Ray Brook received a call reporting an overdue hunter. Dillian Greeno, 23, of Hudson Falls, NY had been hunting the drainages that lead away from the hunting camp on Shanahan Road. DEC Forest Rangers responded and began searching the drainages. At 5:21 pm, Mr. Greeno was located in good condition approximately ½ mile from the camp. Know the area you will be hiking or hunting. Always carry a map and compass and use them.
Town of Bolton, Private Land
On Sunday, October 17, 2010, at 6:19 pm, the DEC Dispatch Center in Ray Brook received a call from tw hikers reporting they were lost on Cat Mountain. Ming Zhou, 27, of Dewitt, NY, and Amanda Selvam, 26, of Syracuse, NY had followed a red marked trail east but lost the trail and needed help. DEC Forest Rangers responded and began searching the trail system in the area. At 11:30pm, Mr. Zhou called the Dispatch Center and reported that they saw lights and heard the voices of the searchers. Forest Rangers located Mr. Zhou and Ms. Selvam at 11:35 pm. They were escorted to the Edgecomb Road and transported back to their vehicle by another Forest Ranger at 1:30 am. Know the area you will be hiking. Always carry a map and compass and use them.
Washington County
Town of Fort Ann, Lake George Wild Forest
On Sunday, September 5, 2010 at 3:41 pm, the DEC Dispatch Center in Ray Brook received a call from Washington County 911 reporting a group of lost hikers on the east shore of Lake George, in the vicinity of Shelving Rock. Paul Ziemba, 56, of Lancaster, PA, Cathy Ziemba, 28, of Williamsville, NY, and Karen Ziemba, 27, of Rochester, NY were on the shore of the lake and were planning to stay put until help arrived. A DEC Forest Ranger started to search the lands along the shore in the area of Shelving Rock, while another Forest Ranger searched the from the water in boat. At 5:13 pm the forest ranger in the boat located the group in good health and relayed them back to their vehicle. Know the area you will be traveling. Always carry a map and compass and use them.
Town of Dresden, Lake George Wild Forest
On Sunday, October 17, 2010, at 7:39 pm, the DEC Dispatch Center in Ray Brook received a phone call from Warren County 911 reporting two lost hikers. Peter Urban, 19, of Waterford, NY and a 17 year old female from Clifton Park, NY became lost after hiking to the summit of Black Mountain and attempting to return on the loop trial. A DEC Forest Ranger responded and contacted the two hikers directly. After determining their location based on the information provided by the hikers, the forest ranger directed them to a known location. The forest ranger hiked to the location, met them and escorted them back to their vehicle by 11:00 pm. Know the area you will be hiking. Always carry a map and compass and use them.
Friday, October 22, 2010
DEC Commissioner Fired
Yesterday, Pete Grannis, the commissioner of the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation was fired for "poor performance and insubordination". The obvious cause of the firing was a DEC memo describing the consequences of proposed budget cuts by Governer Patterson.
The controversial memo had the folliwng to say about the state of the DEC:
"Many of our programs are hanging by a thread. The public would be shocked to learn how thin we are in many areas. DEC is in the weakest position that is has been in since it was created 40 years ago."
This probably isn't a good sign for people who enjoy the Adirondacks and other state parks. Some of the DEC's responsibilities include enforcing environmental law, overseeing state forest preserve and wildlife management areas and regulating hunting, fishing and trapping within the state.
The controversial memo had the folliwng to say about the state of the DEC:
"Many of our programs are hanging by a thread. The public would be shocked to learn how thin we are in many areas. DEC is in the weakest position that is has been in since it was created 40 years ago."
This probably isn't a good sign for people who enjoy the Adirondacks and other state parks. Some of the DEC's responsibilities include enforcing environmental law, overseeing state forest preserve and wildlife management areas and regulating hunting, fishing and trapping within the state.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Bring Your Snowshoes!
Giant Mt. from the Ausable Club.The fall hiking season is officially over.
I had planned on hiking 8 high peaks this weekend and by Sunday I still had a grand total of 0. I heard of reports of 2+ feet of snow in the high peaks but I was determined to try to salvage the weekend. Worst case scenario, I'd hike halfway up one of the mountains and turn around if things looked bad.
Well, that's exactly what ended up happening. I had planned on a roughly 12 mile loop of Dial and Nippletop Mts. and Elk Pass. But halfway up Dial the snow became impassable without snow shoes. Not wanting to posthole and ruin the trail for everyone else, I decided to turn back and I wasn't the only one. I started up the mountain shortly after dawn and on my way up, there were already two groups of hikers heading back down in defeat.
I still had fun though. This was my first time in the Adirondack Mountain Reserve area. I got some good views of the snow covered peaks, some fresh air, and a close up view of the damage from the 1999 fire. And most importantly, I returned home safely.
I had planned on hiking 8 high peaks this weekend and by Sunday I still had a grand total of 0. I heard of reports of 2+ feet of snow in the high peaks but I was determined to try to salvage the weekend. Worst case scenario, I'd hike halfway up one of the mountains and turn around if things looked bad.
Well, that's exactly what ended up happening. I had planned on a roughly 12 mile loop of Dial and Nippletop Mts. and Elk Pass. But halfway up Dial the snow became impassable without snow shoes. Not wanting to posthole and ruin the trail for everyone else, I decided to turn back and I wasn't the only one. I started up the mountain shortly after dawn and on my way up, there were already two groups of hikers heading back down in defeat.
I still had fun though. This was my first time in the Adirondack Mountain Reserve area. I got some good views of the snow covered peaks, some fresh air, and a close up view of the damage from the 1999 fire. And most importantly, I returned home safely.
The lower elevations on the trail up Dial Mt.
Noonmark from one of it's shoulders.
The furthest extent of the 1999 fire. On the left of the trail is old growth, on the right of the trail is the 11 year old growth - mostly Aspen saplings.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow!
Ah, the first big snowfall of the year. I had planned on beginning a big 8 peak weekend today by hiking Nye, Street, Cascade and Porter. Then a few days there were reports that there would be 3'' of rain. I figured Indian Pass Brook would flood and I wouldn't be able to cross it to hike Nye and Street. Then a nor'easter came tumbling in and I was asked to cancel my plans altogether.
There were reports of 3 foot snow drifts and 50 mph wind gusts on 4,000' mountains in Vermont. I can only imagine what the 5,000' mountains were like in New York. This is a picture of Route 73, by the trail head to Cascade and Porter. I guess it's a good thing I was convinced not to go.
There were reports of 3 foot snow drifts and 50 mph wind gusts on 4,000' mountains in Vermont. I can only imagine what the 5,000' mountains were like in New York. This is a picture of Route 73, by the trail head to Cascade and Porter. I guess it's a good thing I was convinced not to go.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Giant, Rocky Peak Ridge
Summary
On Sepember 29th, 2010 I hiked the 3 mile Zander Scott Trail to the summit of Giant. From there I took the East Trail to Rocky Peak Ridge 1.3 miles to the summit of Rocky Peak Ridge. In total, the round trip hike was 8.6 miles with approximately 4,400' of elevation gain and took 7 hours to complete.
Weather
Partly cloudy with a high of 56 degrees. No visibility on Giant and limited visibility from Rocky Peak Ridge.
Description
I got to the trailhead off of Route 73 at around 10am. I immediatley recognized the trail as one that me and my girlfriend Laura had attempted one summer when we stayed at the Ark Trail Inn. We didn't make it very far, however, before thunderstorms cut our trip short. Looking back, that might be a good thing.
The trail crosses a small wooden bridge and a pile of boulders and then immidately starts uphill. There are a series of sharp switchbacks that climb the west side of Giant that quickly lead to great views of Chapel Pond below and many of the high peaks to the west. After about a mile of climbing, the trail comes to Giant's Washbowl, a small pond on a bit of a plateau.
The trail crosses the pond on a log, then hits another steep ridge. On the way up this ridge, there are multiple great views from bare rock ledges. This part of the trail was long and steep and I passed a couple groups of hikers resting on the open rock faces.
Eventually the trail comes to a fork where you can either choose to go over or around "The Bump" which is basically like a large pimple on the side of the mountain. I of course chose to go around the pointless bump which made for some easy, flat walking for a while.
In about another mile of climbing a sign for the turn off to Rocky Peak Ridge 0.1 miles from the summit of Giant. I made the short trip to the summit of Giant first, which was completely encased on clouds. Disppaointed that I missed out on great views of the fall leaves, I huddled behind a wind break and ate some trail mix.
On the way back down, I ran into two other hikers who decided that they wanted to hike Rocky Peak Ridge as well. So we all headed down the steep, slippery, muddy trail into the col between the two peaks. One of them had an altimeter and they said it was a 600 foot drop, then the trail climbed 800 feet up to the summit of Rocky Peak. I imagine this part of the trip would have been somewhat unpleasant but we all hiked on autopilot as we talked about other peaks we had hiked.
Rock Peak Ridge offered great views of the slides on Giant's eastern side, as well as more great views of the high peaks and views of Lake Champlain to the east. Looking back at Giant, the summit was still completely covered in clouds. We admired the view for a short while and then headed back down into the mud.
We headed back up the east side of Giant, having to grab on to trees and roots to pull ourselves up slippery rock faces. We gave each other plenty of room so if one of us fell we wouldn't all tumble down the trail.
The trip back down Giant was great. Mt. Marcy and the great range were dead ahead, their peaks covered in clouds. Just after the washbowl, I ran into an older couple that I passed on the way up. They seemed really nice so I stopped and talked with them for a while and played with their dog. After a while I could hear birds chirping again, and the trail began flattening out. A welcome, familiar feeling for hikers completing their trip.
I got back in the car at 5pm and headed home.
A view of the Great Range on the way up Giant.
Giant washbowl.
The bridge over the outlet to Giant wasbhowl.
Another view on the way up Giant.
Almost there! This is also the turnoff for Rocky Peak Ridge.
The wonderful view from the summit of Giant!
Geological survey marker on Giant.
The col in between Giant and Rocky Peak Ridge.
Moss hanging from a ledge on the trail to Rocky Peak Ridge.
Me, on top of Rocky Peak Ridge with Giant in the background.
On Sepember 29th, 2010 I hiked the 3 mile Zander Scott Trail to the summit of Giant. From there I took the East Trail to Rocky Peak Ridge 1.3 miles to the summit of Rocky Peak Ridge. In total, the round trip hike was 8.6 miles with approximately 4,400' of elevation gain and took 7 hours to complete.
Weather
Partly cloudy with a high of 56 degrees. No visibility on Giant and limited visibility from Rocky Peak Ridge.
Description
I got to the trailhead off of Route 73 at around 10am. I immediatley recognized the trail as one that me and my girlfriend Laura had attempted one summer when we stayed at the Ark Trail Inn. We didn't make it very far, however, before thunderstorms cut our trip short. Looking back, that might be a good thing.
The trail crosses a small wooden bridge and a pile of boulders and then immidately starts uphill. There are a series of sharp switchbacks that climb the west side of Giant that quickly lead to great views of Chapel Pond below and many of the high peaks to the west. After about a mile of climbing, the trail comes to Giant's Washbowl, a small pond on a bit of a plateau.
The trail crosses the pond on a log, then hits another steep ridge. On the way up this ridge, there are multiple great views from bare rock ledges. This part of the trail was long and steep and I passed a couple groups of hikers resting on the open rock faces.
Eventually the trail comes to a fork where you can either choose to go over or around "The Bump" which is basically like a large pimple on the side of the mountain. I of course chose to go around the pointless bump which made for some easy, flat walking for a while.
In about another mile of climbing a sign for the turn off to Rocky Peak Ridge 0.1 miles from the summit of Giant. I made the short trip to the summit of Giant first, which was completely encased on clouds. Disppaointed that I missed out on great views of the fall leaves, I huddled behind a wind break and ate some trail mix.
On the way back down, I ran into two other hikers who decided that they wanted to hike Rocky Peak Ridge as well. So we all headed down the steep, slippery, muddy trail into the col between the two peaks. One of them had an altimeter and they said it was a 600 foot drop, then the trail climbed 800 feet up to the summit of Rocky Peak. I imagine this part of the trip would have been somewhat unpleasant but we all hiked on autopilot as we talked about other peaks we had hiked.
Rock Peak Ridge offered great views of the slides on Giant's eastern side, as well as more great views of the high peaks and views of Lake Champlain to the east. Looking back at Giant, the summit was still completely covered in clouds. We admired the view for a short while and then headed back down into the mud.
We headed back up the east side of Giant, having to grab on to trees and roots to pull ourselves up slippery rock faces. We gave each other plenty of room so if one of us fell we wouldn't all tumble down the trail.
The trip back down Giant was great. Mt. Marcy and the great range were dead ahead, their peaks covered in clouds. Just after the washbowl, I ran into an older couple that I passed on the way up. They seemed really nice so I stopped and talked with them for a while and played with their dog. After a while I could hear birds chirping again, and the trail began flattening out. A welcome, familiar feeling for hikers completing their trip.
I got back in the car at 5pm and headed home.
A view of the Great Range on the way up Giant.
Giant washbowl.
The bridge over the outlet to Giant wasbhowl.
Another view on the way up Giant.
Almost there! This is also the turnoff for Rocky Peak Ridge.
The wonderful view from the summit of Giant!
Geological survey marker on Giant.
The col in between Giant and Rocky Peak Ridge.
Moss hanging from a ledge on the trail to Rocky Peak Ridge.
Me, on top of Rocky Peak Ridge with Giant in the background.
The view on the way back down Giant.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Big Slide (46er Peak #5)
When I had hiked Algonquin a few weeks ago, I had noticed a rather dramatic looking peak to the south in the shape of a tidal wave. I thought it would make an interesting hike and after some research I discovered that it was Big Slide, the 27th highest peak in the Adirondacks. And when I had some free time on the 26th of September, I set out to hike it.
I decided that I wanted to take the trail over The Brothers to the summit of Big Slide. The Brothers are 3 mini-peaks along the ridge to Big Slide. Depending on your perspective, they either make for great views of Keene Valley and the Great Range or they're pointless up and down (PUD). Given the fall colors, I thought it would make for a fun trip, even if I did have to park at The Garden in Keene.
"The Garden" is a parking area operated by the town of Keene for the generous cost of $7 a day. It's nothing more than a dirt road with a toll both, enough parking for a few dozen cars and two porta-potties and it's usually full on the weekend by 9am. As I pulled up, the woman in the toll both warned me to park as close as possible to the cars next to me. As I was walking to the trailhead, I heard her arguing with someone that "no, the parking lot is not full" and "yes there is enough room for you".
The trail was decidedly uphill but easy going at the start. There were hardly any rocks in the trail. Less than a mile I came to the first ledge but I was all socked in by the clouds. It was cold and wet and the sun was trying in vain to burn off the fog. The moisture in the air did make for some very vibrant colors on leaves of the trees I could see, however.
I'd come to a ledge and wonder if it was one of The Brothers, then I'd go back into the woods for awhile and come to another ledge. I couldn't really any summits through the fog but when I came to a large rock shelter, I knew I had made it to the first brother thanks to my handy guide book.
After almost two miles I came to the second brother and got my first taste of a view. Through the clouds, I could make out that there was clearly some kind of summit up ahead and there were plenty of yellow, orange and red trees in a valley below. Then I dropped down back into the woods and came to the third brother. The trail skirted some dramatic ledges but there still wasn't much for a view.
From the third and final brother, I descended back into the woods. The trail between The Brothers and Big Slide is relatively flat as it enters a very old spruce forest. Everything becomes dark and soggy, bright green moss and old man's beard abound. There's a very quaint mountain stream that carves a small niche through the moss and over the trail.
Then comes the home stretch. There are multiple steep pitches and some hikers on their way down wished me good luck. At one point the rock slabs are so steep that there's a wooden ladder of sorts. At another point I lost the trail on a rock slab by a dozen feet or so and pushed my way through a few pine trees back onto the trail, surprising a group of hikers. I probably looked like a bit of a mess. I had knitted a hat a couple days prior and excited to wear it hiking, I put it on a little early in the season and now had sweat pouring down the back of my neck.
Finally, I came to an open area where half a dozen French Canadians had gathered. I politely waited for them to make their way up a steep rock slab, one by one. It was somewhat entertaining so I had a seat and pulled out some trail mix. When it was my turn, I clapped the debris off my hands and not so expertly pulled myself up and over. And there it was, the summit.
There were already a dozen or so hikers sitting there, waiting hopefully for the clouds to part and offer us a nice view. None of them speaking English of course. I sat and listened to them slur a bunch of French sounding words together, broken up with the occasional names of Adirondack peaks in the area. After much waiting, the clouds did reveal partial views of the Great Range and the fall colors on the trees below. I imagine the views from this peak are rather spectacular on a clear day. The Great Range curves from the east to the south like the ridge of a bowl, giving you an up close view of just how long and majestic it is.
On the way back down The Brothers I got much better views. The clouds had vacated all but the highest of peaks and the wide expanse of Keene Valley was dead ahead. Beyond the valley was Giant Mountain, and from this vantage point the mountains full name of "Giant of the Valley" made perfect sense. I appears to rise a mile into the sky out of the valley. I decided it would make for a fun hike and put it on my list.
The view from a ledge on The Brothers.
I liked this cairn.
Old man's beard covering much of the old growth spruce between The Brothers and Big Slide.
A small mountain stream on Big Slide.
The view of the Great Range on the way down The Brothers.
A lone maple tree.
I decided that I wanted to take the trail over The Brothers to the summit of Big Slide. The Brothers are 3 mini-peaks along the ridge to Big Slide. Depending on your perspective, they either make for great views of Keene Valley and the Great Range or they're pointless up and down (PUD). Given the fall colors, I thought it would make for a fun trip, even if I did have to park at The Garden in Keene.
"The Garden" is a parking area operated by the town of Keene for the generous cost of $7 a day. It's nothing more than a dirt road with a toll both, enough parking for a few dozen cars and two porta-potties and it's usually full on the weekend by 9am. As I pulled up, the woman in the toll both warned me to park as close as possible to the cars next to me. As I was walking to the trailhead, I heard her arguing with someone that "no, the parking lot is not full" and "yes there is enough room for you".
The trail was decidedly uphill but easy going at the start. There were hardly any rocks in the trail. Less than a mile I came to the first ledge but I was all socked in by the clouds. It was cold and wet and the sun was trying in vain to burn off the fog. The moisture in the air did make for some very vibrant colors on leaves of the trees I could see, however.
I'd come to a ledge and wonder if it was one of The Brothers, then I'd go back into the woods for awhile and come to another ledge. I couldn't really any summits through the fog but when I came to a large rock shelter, I knew I had made it to the first brother thanks to my handy guide book.
After almost two miles I came to the second brother and got my first taste of a view. Through the clouds, I could make out that there was clearly some kind of summit up ahead and there were plenty of yellow, orange and red trees in a valley below. Then I dropped down back into the woods and came to the third brother. The trail skirted some dramatic ledges but there still wasn't much for a view.
From the third and final brother, I descended back into the woods. The trail between The Brothers and Big Slide is relatively flat as it enters a very old spruce forest. Everything becomes dark and soggy, bright green moss and old man's beard abound. There's a very quaint mountain stream that carves a small niche through the moss and over the trail.
Then comes the home stretch. There are multiple steep pitches and some hikers on their way down wished me good luck. At one point the rock slabs are so steep that there's a wooden ladder of sorts. At another point I lost the trail on a rock slab by a dozen feet or so and pushed my way through a few pine trees back onto the trail, surprising a group of hikers. I probably looked like a bit of a mess. I had knitted a hat a couple days prior and excited to wear it hiking, I put it on a little early in the season and now had sweat pouring down the back of my neck.
Finally, I came to an open area where half a dozen French Canadians had gathered. I politely waited for them to make their way up a steep rock slab, one by one. It was somewhat entertaining so I had a seat and pulled out some trail mix. When it was my turn, I clapped the debris off my hands and not so expertly pulled myself up and over. And there it was, the summit.
There were already a dozen or so hikers sitting there, waiting hopefully for the clouds to part and offer us a nice view. None of them speaking English of course. I sat and listened to them slur a bunch of French sounding words together, broken up with the occasional names of Adirondack peaks in the area. After much waiting, the clouds did reveal partial views of the Great Range and the fall colors on the trees below. I imagine the views from this peak are rather spectacular on a clear day. The Great Range curves from the east to the south like the ridge of a bowl, giving you an up close view of just how long and majestic it is.
On the way back down The Brothers I got much better views. The clouds had vacated all but the highest of peaks and the wide expanse of Keene Valley was dead ahead. Beyond the valley was Giant Mountain, and from this vantage point the mountains full name of "Giant of the Valley" made perfect sense. I appears to rise a mile into the sky out of the valley. I decided it would make for a fun hike and put it on my list.
The view from a ledge on The Brothers.
I liked this cairn.
Old man's beard covering much of the old growth spruce between The Brothers and Big Slide.
A small mountain stream on Big Slide.
The view of the Great Range on the way down The Brothers.
A lone maple tree.
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