Newbie just saying hi

[Lookwhos]

Hey All,
I'm trying my hand at some backpacking this year so I thought this would be a good form to join. I've done quite a bit of canoe camping in Middle Saranac and I have a short trip planned with a bunch of friends for the summer to Lake Colden. I'm in good shape from cycling but I'm interested in getting in some hiking time on some easy day hikes come spring. I have a few books and trail maps but any recommendations for some easy beginner day hikes would be appreciated.

[Dick]

Welcome, Lookwhos! Here are a few suggestions and thoughts (I KNOW you'll get more from this crowd!):

Check out past threads on hiking/backpacking in this and other forums (Views From The Top; ADKhighpeaks, etc.)

Check out the "RESOURCE LINKS" Announcement on the General Adirondack Discussion page (top).

Go on some of the Adirondack Mountain Club hikes and pick some brains (see http://www.adk.org/)

Check some of the upcoming trips on this and other forums.

One person's "easy" can sometimes be another person's "difficult." Perhaps you can be more specific as to the type of hike you're looking for?

If by "spring" you mean March-May, much of that time can have winter conditions, depending upon the year, location, etc. (it has been an unusually mild winter this year - so far).

Dick

[mountainhaze.net]

Welcome. I have recently updated my site on the Adirondacks so maybe it could help you in some ways.
Bill

https://www.mountainhaze.net

[Lookwhos]

Thanks I'll check out those links... Nice site Bill!

I figure I'll start off with some easy 3-6 mile day hikes with little a elevation change and work my way up from there. I'm not even opposed to a nature trail for my first day out to tell the truth. I'm in pretty good shape but I know that you use completely different muscle groups hiking then you do cycling. My biggest obstacle is that I have flat feet Although hiking and walking doesn't seem to bother me as much as standing in one place for a long time.

[Boreal Chickadee]

Lookwhos-

What part of the Adirondacks is easiest for you to access? Based on that I'm sure we could come up with some good starter hikes. There's good low mileage hikes all over the park, so just let us know where you're coming from.

[mountainhaze.net]

Thanks for your comment Lookwhos. Where ever you go be safe and have a blast. Winter is a great time to hike.
Bill

[Lookwhos]

Lookwhos-

What part of the Adirondacks is easiest for you to access? Based on that I'm sure we could come up with some good starter hikes. There's good low mileage hikes all over the park, so just let us know where you're coming from.

I live in Southern Saratoga County so the Southern & Eastern Regions are the closest to me.

[fvrwld]

I live in Southern Saratoga County so the Southern & Eastern Regions are the closest to me.

There are a lot of nice hikes along the eastern shore of Lake George. Lapland pond, Millman Pondand Fishbrook pond are all nice. There is also Black Mountain, Buck Mountain and Shelving Rock...all have great views.

You also are not far from miles of hiking in the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness and Siamese Ponds wilderness.

[Kevin]

I figure I'll start off with some easy 3-6 mile day hikes with little a elevation change and work my way up from there. I'm not even opposed to a nature trail for my first day out to tell the truth. I'm in pretty good shape but I know that you use completely different muscle groups hiking then you do cycling. My biggest obstacle is that I have flat feet Although hiking and walking doesn't seem to bother me as much as standing in one place for a long time.

I did exactly that about 3 years ago and now I'm climbing peaks every week. Took me about a year before I could climb just about anything in the ADKs as a dayhike, otherwise I could only do shorter (10 mile or less round-trip) hikes or base camp.

There will be some shorter stuff posted on the forum when spring finally arrives, so stay tuned .

The suggestion to look into the adk club organized hikes is a good one. I hiked with them several times in my first 2 years, and would still continue to do so if a hike interests me. Like minded outdoorsie folks = good times.

[fvrwld]

The suggestion to look into the adk club organized hikes is a good one. I hiked with them several times in my first 2 years, and would still continue to do so if a hike interests me. Like minded outdoorsie folks = good times.

The Saratoga -GF chapter of the ADK has hikes in the Lake Goerge region every Wednesday evening. I don't think you even need to be a member to join in on a trip.

http://www.adk-gfs.org/outings.html

[Lookwhos]

The Saratoga -GF chapter of the ADK has hikes in the Lake Goerge region every Wednesday evening. I don't think you even need to be a member to join in on a trip.

http://www.adk-gfs.org/outings.html

Thanks... I was looking at that too so I just fired off and email to Paul (The trip leader) telling him that I would like to join a few of his Wed evening outings. I also bought a couple of books today at EMS. Little did I know that I live literally within walking distance to a couple of nature preserves and a short drive from a whole bunch of easy day hikes. I'm getting pretty psyched to get out on the trail but I also realize that I need to think things through... It is still February and I don't own any snowshoes

[Dick]

I'm getting pretty psyched to get out on the trail but I also realize that I need to think things through... It is still February and I don't own any snowshoes

Lookwhos, you can rent snowshoes from EMS, among other places.

Dick