Need some advice...

[fsu3noles28]

Hey guys,

I'm new to the forum and don't camp very often but my girlfriend and I are planning on camping next weekend and she would like to goto the Adirondacks. I'm looking for somewhere not tremendously far away from Rochester (South Western ADKS would be nice) but I'm open to anything as long as its really nice. Basically I'm looking for a nice place to head to with her and have some romantic sight seeing spots etc. I'm sure she will like to go for a few walks and such but I don't know how much intense hiking she will be able to do.

Its our only chance this summer to get away for the weekend and I want it to be tremendously special but have no idea where to go.

Any thoughts?

Thanks!

[kayakrski]

You might want to look into the Cranberry Lake area. There is a state campground there and there are many easy hiking destinations in the area. Tooley Pond Road has an easy trail to Tooley Pond Mtn as well as a few short(although unmarked) trails to waterfalls. I'm sure someone else will chime in on other attractions in the area.

[HappyCamper]

Nick's Lake in Old Forge is closer than a lot of places for you, it's pretty, not a ton of hiking opportunities right nearby but it sounds like that's not really an issue. (There is a trail that goes around the lake and there's also McCauley Mountain if you decide you want to try it.)
Possible bonus: you might like Nick's Lake's proximity to Old Forge: say it's rainy and you want to get inside and watch a movie or eat a meal in a restaurant, it's 5 minutes away.

Regardless of where you go, it's peak season and you might want to call ahead for availability, especially of you end up picking one of the smaller or more popular campgrounds.

Have fun!

[p ewing]

pack some bug spray, if g/f gets eaten alive, you may be bunking solo.

[Hobbitling]

Yeah, the old forge area is a good bet. there are plenty of hikes to little ponds and lakes, but not really many mountains, but Woodhull mountain is close. hike out to middle settlement lake for a nice walk to a romantic spot. all those ponds are very scenic.

Or the speculator indian lake area also has plenty of hikes, flat and mountain.

You may want to pick up the adk guide to the southern adirondacks. it gives the locations and descriptions of pretty much all the trails in the area.

P ewing is right though, bring bug spray, and dont overdo it. dont wear brand new boots on a hike, make sure they're worn in. bring plenty of water and snacks. blistered feet are as bad as bug bites.

[NicksMaint]

I concur with the Old Forge/Nicks Lake suggestion. If you are looking for a short hike and are willing to drive about 20 minutes from Old Forge. Cascade Lake is on the Moose Lake Road just outside of Eagle Bay. There is a small waterfall at the east end of the lake and a nice small sand beach on the north side where the kids camp used to be. If you were inclined to backpack, there are two nice tenting spots and all the times I have been there, never have both been taken (but I admit that I do most of my camping there in late spring or the fall).

Good luck and have a good time.

~NicksMaint

[WinterWarlock]

For a closer to home 'test', don't rule out the Finger Lakes either - there are some nice places near Ithaca, and that's barely an hour from Rochester.

Scott

[dharter]

I will second middle sttlement/ middle branch lakes. They're just outside of old forge, so it's only about a 3 hour drive from Rochester. The lakes are pretty and there are lean to's on each lake, or campsites too. At Middle branch lake lean-to there is a small row boat (last time I was there ). Middle settlement was the first backbacking I did with my girlfriend years ago, it was a nice spot, heard loons at night, awesome. I concur, bring bug spray, and no weak Off stuff, I recommend the 3m stuff or high deet count, at least 30%. If you want car camping, nick's lake might be nice, but if you want more remote but not too remote, then middle branch/settlement.