New to Adks, Winter Trips Suggestions?

[Shay9]

So I've made the mistake of dragging out some old gear, and between filling in the gaps with the winter clearance sales and testing out some layers on some day hikes here, I've been trying to figure out a good area for a trip.

I'm hoping for a 2 or 3 night trip, 20-30 miles, loops preferred. I've been reading about the French Louis loop around Cedar and West lakes, and something like that sounds ideal. Any suggestions would be most welcome.

It'll be me and a 45lb hound dog, who's had lots of experience with winter hikes, though no overnights yet. I've got a good amount of experience winter camping in dryer high desert areas, and I've got the -20 down bag, bivy, and layers. I've got some snowshoes on the way which I've had very little experience with. Is a 2-3 night solo trip in this cold is overzealous?

A few questions: I know campfires aren't permitted in the eastern High Peaks area, are they elsewhere? Do most lean-to sites have established fire pits? How's the water situation? Will I be smashing my way into a frozen creek for water to filter/boil, or is boiling snow the best bet?

The last time I was in the Adirondacks was when I was 14 years old for a 70 mile canoe trip through around the Tupper Lake area, and I never forgot it. Looking forward to getting to know more of the Adirondacks this summer. For right now I mostly want to get out there.

[Justin]

I'm hoping for a 2 or 3 night trip, 20-30 miles, loops preferred. I've been reading about the French Louis loop around Cedar and West lakes, and something like that sounds ideal. Any suggestions would be most welcome.

I've got some snowshoes on the way which I've had very little experience with. Is a 2-3 night solo trip in this cold is overzealous?

A few questions: I know campfires aren't permitted in the eastern High Peaks area, are they elsewhere? Do most lean-to sites have established fire pits? How's the water situation? Will I be smashing my way into a frozen creek for water to filter/boil, or is boiling snow the best bet?

Hi Shay9, welcome.
Be advised, the dirt roads to access the French Louie Loop are not plowed in winter, which would add many miles of road to cover before you even reach the trailhead.
Maybe take a look at areas such as the Lake George Wild Forest, Wilcox Lake Wild Forest, Ferris Lake Wild Forest, Pharaoh Lake Wilderness, Siamese Ponds Wilderness, or the Ha-De-Ron-Dah Wilderness where you can find several loop possibilities.
2-3 nights is really not that overzealous, but being that you have little experience you may wish to keep the trip a bit shorter, just in case.
The campfire ban is only for the eastern High Peaks region, or where you see a "No Campfire" disk.
Most lean-tos do have a fire pit.
Water can often be accessible in running streams, or you can bring a hatchet or small axe to chop through the ice, or you can always melt snow.
Hope that helps.
Good luck and be safe.

[Shay9]

I appreciate it, that's exactly what I was looking for. Happy trails.