Hiking in Specualtor

[njbirdman]

Hello all.

A buddy and I will be heading up to Moffitt Beach for a long weekend in June and we were interested in doing some hiking around the area. (I know Black Fly season ) I've done a some research and found a few interesting destinations however can anyone recommend any additional? We don't mind driving a bit if it's worth it...

-Snowy Mountain
-T-Lake Falls/Echo Cliffs
-OK Slip Falls

Also which NatGeo maps would be best suited for that area...from what I can hardly see on the ADK site, the Speculator area seems to be an intersecting point between two different maps.

Many thanks in advance!

[Tick Magnet]

Good area to explore!

Depending on what your interests and abilities are here's a few teasers. I'm sure other forum members will chime in with some more exotic locations.

Siamese Pond Wilderness Area:
--Rock/Long Pond via Elm Lake Rd
--Chimney Mt ($ to park)

West Canada Lakes Wilderness Area:
--Spruce Lake via Perkins Clearing
--Pillsbury Mt. and/or Pillsbury Lake

Silver Lake Wilderness Area:
--Northville/Placid Trail: Woods Lake, West River Rd or Piseco Trailheads

Wilcox Lake Wild Forest:
--Wilcox Lake via Pumpkin Hollow Rd
--Bennett/Middle/Murphy Lake via Creek Rd

The best Nat Geo map is probably #744.

744 has most of the area you might be interested in. However, as other folks have noted, there are some errors in the Nat Geo series; trails in wrong location, missing trails, non-existent trails, poor topo representation, etc. IMHO, the Nat Geo maps are a good planning tool, but shouldn't be counted on for navigation.

Investing in a good guide book might not be a bad idea either. I'm a fan of the "Discover the Adirondacks" series. They have some pretty comprehensive descriptions of a wide variety of hikes to fit your abilities.

[kwc]

Good list Tick!!

mjbirdman, please note that the trail to T-Lake Falls isn't maintained any more but probably wouldn't be too much of a problem to follow.

And I concur with Tick's suggestion to snag a couple of the Discover the Adirondacks guide books ... you'll find some interesting hikes, some definitely off the beaten path, that are worth the effort.

[njbirdman]

Good area to explore!

Depending on what your interests and abilities are here's a few teasers. I'm sure other forum members will chime in with some more exotic locations.

Siamese Pond Wilderness Area:
--Rock/Long Pond via Elm Lake Rd
--Chimney Mt ($ to park)

West Canada Lakes Wilderness Area:
--Spruce Lake via Perkins Clearing
--Pillsbury Mt. and/or Pillsbury Lake

Silver Lake Wilderness Area:
--Northville/Placid Trail: Woods Lake, West River Rd or Piseco Trailheads

Wilcox Lake Wild Forest:
--Wilcox Lake via Pumpkin Hollow Rd
--Bennett/Middle/Murphy Lake via Creek Rd

The best Nat Geo map is probably #744.

744 has most of the area you might be interested in. However, as other folks have noted, there are some errors in the Nat Geo series; trails in wrong location, missing trails, non-existent trails, poor topo representation, etc. IMHO, the Nat Geo maps are a good planning tool, but shouldn't be counted on for navigation.

Investing in a good guide book might not be a bad idea either. I'm a fan of the "Discover the Adirondacks" series. They have some pretty comprehensive descriptions of a wide variety of hikes to fit your abilities.

Great, thanks! I'm going to start researching these additional spots. Map #744 seemed like the correct one for the area, thanks for the confirmation.

Good list Tick!!

mjbirdman, please note that the trail to T-Lake Falls isn't maintained any more but probably wouldn't be too much of a problem to follow.

Thank you for the tip! I don't mind bushwhacking to the falls, just want to ensure it's open and we wouldn't be trespassing.

And I concur with Tick's suggestion to snag a couple of the Discover the Adirondacks guide books ... you'll find some interesting hikes, some definitely off the beaten path, that are worth the effort.

Just ordered two of the Discover the Adirondacks books that cover the southern parts of the park. Plus it will be less awkward reading these books on the train into NYC compared to a map ...If the trains are running on Monday

[mmaute]

Auger Falls - short hike but scenic
Fawn Lake - ditto
Jockeybush Lake
I know you were looking for hikes, but if you paddle, put in in Speculator or Kunjamuck Bay and paddle the Kunjamuk up to Elm Lake - there is a short hike to a historical cave along the way if interested.
Good Luck and enjoy.

[Hard Scrabble]

Rock Pond is an easy walk.
Great views of Blue Mtn with a sandy beach on the opposite side of the trail.
Jim