suggestions needed

[Dick]

A friend of mine and her newly adopted daughter have asked me to take them on a hike this spring. Daughter is seven, somewhat small and frail for her age, and somewhat "overly active." Neither has much hiking experience. Something as easy as Hadley Mt. would probably be too much. Can anyone think of a "goal-oriented" hike that might appeal to them that is more than a nature trail but less than a mountain? It should be no more than an hour's drive from Saratoga Springs, NY. Thanks.

[lumberzac]

I’m not sure if this would be too much for her or not, but Severance Hill, just south of Exit 28 on the Northway has some nice views of Schroon and Paradox Lakes.

http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?z=18...38&datum=nad83

[RiseAboveHiker]

What about the Boreas River out by Newcomb? You can park a car at either trailhead and hike into and along the river for about 2.1 miles.

[Kevin]

Thatcher Park

[fvrwld]

How long a hike are you thinking about? Would a pond be considered a goal?

Two easier hikes that come to my mind are Pharaoh Lake from the south and Spectacle Pond. Both are nice, short hikes along brooks that lead to beautiful destinations.

[Rik]

Inman Pond on east side of Lake George? Severance Hill is nice with a nice view as zac said. Spruce Mountain in South Corinth is pretty easy but the summit is a bit ugly and no views except from the rickety fire tower.

[Rivet]

Beebe Hill near Chatham...

http://www.localhikes.com/HikeData.asp?DispType=0&ActiveHike=2&GetHikesStateID=1&ID=5417

Bennett Hill in Helderbergs...

http://www.localhikes.com/HikeData.asp?DispType=0&ActiveHike=4&GetHikesStateID=1&ID=5277

Monument Mountain in Berkshires...

http://www.localhikes.com/HikeData.asp?DispType=0&ActiveHike=19&GetHikesStateID=1&ID=5500

Vromans Nose near Middleburg...

http://www.localhikes.com/Hikes/Vromans_Nose_0160.asp

[Boreal Chickadee]

How about the goal being a leanto? My son used to love those. Take a deck of cards along for the resting up before the hike back.

Severance is short. I took my mother up there when she was 79. Took her into Lost Pond that year also but at 3:00 she kept worrying that it was going to get dark and we wouldn't make it out the 1.5 miles.

On the east side of Schroon Lake is a 10 minute slow walk into a micro version of Putnam Pond. Such a pretty little spot for a picnic. Can't remember the name at this time.

[Dick]

Thanks, everyone, for your suggestions. Lots of good ones here. I'm familiar with many of them, but some are a little to far away. I'm especially going to look into the possibility of Severance Hill (might be stretching the upper limit in climbing and in driving distance from Saratoga), and Pharaoh Lake from the south. In the meantime, if there are any other suggestions out there, keep those cards and letters comin'!

Thanks again.

Dick

[RonandJon]

Grizzle Ocean or Berrymill Pond

Dick

I have done both of these with young kids - both have ponds and lean-tos, aren't too long, have some elevation but not too much. They are accessed off rt 73, from the NYS Putnam Pond Camp Site (Putt's Pond to the locals)

There is also a little pond - Clear Pond, maybe, which can either be accessed by land, or by boating out in Putt's Pond to a little point of land about halfway out the lake (I would have to check the ADK guide for details). It's a fairly short, relatively flat hike, with a little rise, that goes to a beautiful little pond, with a great lean-to.

I think these are in the ADK eastern guide, but I am doing this from memory. If you are interested and can't find these, let me know and I will look them up and get back to you.

There is also a great book, Paths Less Traveled, by Dennis Aprill, which is targeted pretty much towards hiking with kids. He mentions Sawyer, Coon and Severance Hill as good starter mountains. If you don't have access to this book, I can lend it to you, also. Ron

[Boreal Chickadee]

pharaoh Lake from the south- I don't now about that one Dick- the three mile walk to the lake is pretty boring on that old road and then the trail- straight with not much to see in 3 miles. The lake itself is course gorgeous which is why I put up with the trail in, but a small chld , just startin??? Might not keep her interest.

Coon Mtn (hill?) is quick and great views, but may be too far to drive.

I like Ron's idea of canoeing Putnam pond over to the inlet(outlet?) and then walking to the pond. It is a great little pond with a very nice leanto. You can also just walk around the lake to it, which isn't too far.

I think we need to get out the maps and stop doing this from memory.

[Rik]

Also with Pharoah Lake from the south the road to the trailhead is usually pretty muddy especially in spring and usually requires a 4wd to get in there early in the season. It also might be pretty wet at the beginning of the trail. I've had to wade through the water before to get to the trail.

[Dick]

True, and we found it a little sloppy even a few weeks ago. Not a good idea for them.

[steve40]

Kane mountain may be a good choice.Only 45 miles from Saratoga Springs near Caroga Lake.1 mile trail,580ft ascent.The guides say it is an excellent hike for young children.Also possible to see the Catskills on a clear day.

[Rik]

I have taken kids up Kane and they did fine. Nice little hike with tower and cabin on top. Found the summit a little bit littered but that seems to happen with many short hikes.